This quilt touched my heart.
 

I stopped at an estate/moving sale. The home owner was holding a beautiful quilt. I admired it and she started telling the story of the quilt. It was made by her grandmother. Her father owned it next. The quilt had been hers for 63 years, She said she had it out on a rocker for a few years and then became a cat owner. She didn't want anything to happen to it so it was wrapped in a sheet and stored in her closet. She only had it out a few times. She said she was trying to sell it by no one seemed interested. She was open to offers. She was sorry that she only knew the history back to 1902. I made an offer. She accepted. She said the quilt was part of her history and she loved it but couldn't take everything. She looked so sad. Her tears rolled as she put it in a bag. I was crying, other customers were crying. I asked if she was sure and she took my hand and said that just by seeing the way I held it she knew it would be loved. I promised her it would. It already is. There are a few yellow spots. No holes or tears. The triangle are about an inch tall. I can't imaging how long it took for her grandmother to piece it and the quilting is amazing. I am still sad for her. But I am thrilled to own this beautiful piece of art.

That's one of the most gorgeous quilts I've seen in a very long time. I can't stop looking at it. I love antique quilts more than any other.
The story was indeed sad, but she knew you would treasure it. Thanks for posting this.
PS. I can't even half imagine all that work. WOW

what a nice story to go with it, and it is beautiful!

It is a beautiful quilt.

I feel sad for the previous owner - but I am reasonably sure that her heart is eased a bit by knowing that the new owner (you) will care for it.

Gorgeous quilt! I feel bad for the woman.

beautiful quilt!

Can you make a label with the family name and that story on it and attach it to the quilt, so its history will never be lost? It's such a beautiful quilt.

That's a beautiful quilt! I've never seen anything quite like it, and surely can't imagine all that work--just cutting all the pieces, let alone the rest. I'm sad for her loss but glad for your gain. I know you'll treasure it.

That is a beautiful quilt, but sad story. Personally I would have left something else behind and taken the quilt...it surely would not take up that much room. I know you will care for it as it has been until now, glad you got it.

Okay, that made me all teary. What a wonderful story and a beautiful quilt.

Such a touching story, and you have a beautiful quilt with memories attached.

What a lucky quilt that is to end up with you as its new owner.

Beautiful!. I know you said it is hand quilted, but the lady was truly gifted with her quilting, she must have measured each row, all of the squares look perfect in the picture, it looks like someone used a grid and machine quilted it. I can only imagine the time spent just doing the quilting, let alone all of that beautiful piecing.

Beautiful quilt and a very touching story.

I can only imagine what a difficult decision it was for her to let go of it...hopefully she was able to retain other items of equal or more important in her move. I'm sure it is a comfort to her knowing that a quilter will care for and enjoy the beautiful piece.

I am sure the lady found comfort knowing this treasure was going to be loved.

Someone had to have been guiding you to the quilt. Such a sad story. Too bad she didn't have anyone in her family to give it to. Lucky you found it. I like the idea of recording the story. Congratulations you got a beauty. BrendaK

That's just heartbreaking for that lovely lady. What a treasure you have. Enjoy!

Dunster read my mind. Get that family history onto a label with your name and date of purchase so that it's history is never lost. You did very well on saving that beautiful quilt.

Beautiful quilt & an even more beautiful story. I am sure she knew that you would love & take care of it.

I'm tearing up, too. Any chance of presenting the lady with a nice picture of it?

I feel her loss but I'm so happy for her, the quilt and the quilting community! You are the perfect (now) owner of a work of art that will be treasured. Good for you!

Did you get a picture of her with her quilt? Of course not. We never think about those things until it's too late. But wouldn't it be nice to make a label, a very large label with the story of the quilt and the names of those involved. You could still probably get that information. That would make the quilt ever so much more valuable. Quilt shows like to display such things and viewers like to read the stories connected with them. As we all enjoyed reading your story.

Wonderful quilt and wonderful pattern. Wonderful that it has a new home and is appreciated!

Oh my gosh....what a wonderful story and quilt. Each and everyone of us would have given her more than something for the quilt. No family or friends to leave such a precious quilt to? Makes me want to go tag all of my quilts as to who they should go to.

Beautiful quilt and beautiful history. I am sure you will love it as much as the previous owner and she knew that it would be treasured by it's new owner. Wonderful story.

What a beautiful treasure. Lucky you. Is there a label on it to tell who her grandmother was?

A stunning quilt and such a beautiful story. As sad as this woman was, I'm sure she was also at peace knowing it is now in the hands of someone who will treasure it as it should be and not cover their car with it or some other such awful thing.

My hubby suggested that yesterday. I framed a small pic with a little note. I am putting it in her mailbox tomorrow.

You have an heirloom now. The piecing design is complex and I am sure the quilt was originally made as something special, not an everyday quilt. Do try to document what you know of the quilt. It is a real treasure.

Amazing! I can't get over the wonderful condition it's in when you consider it's at least 115 years old! And what skill! I'm sure knowing the quilt went to someone who could appreciate it has made swallowing the bitter pill of parting with that heirloom a little easier. It's beautiful and deserves to be appreciated.

Special quilt.

Since we understand all the work it takes to make a quilt of this caliber quilter's cherish what has been made by the generations before us!

You did her a favor, and I think it is a win/win situation. She needed to find you, and the quilt will bring you much happiness.

Oh my goodness what a beautiful quilt and touching story.

A beautiful quilt and lots of wonderful work went into it. Her Grandmother was very talented. You were so lucky to be right there at the time. So sad for the Lady to have to part with it.

Beautiful quilt.

You truly have a treasure.

A beautiful quilt and story to go with it. Congratulations on such a lovely find. Were the medallions appliqued onto the background or pieced into it? I too, like the idea of a label detailing the history and a framed picture of the quilt for the donor.