Tuesday, February 7, 2012

My Bear's Paw Quilt







I recently moved my white iron bed out into The Nest, to make way for another bed in the house. Well, no way was I going to get rid of that great old bed, so I went on a tear moving stuff around in my backyard studio until I figured out how to make it fit in. Realizing some time back that I didn't need to have an entire classroom set up in The Nest helped me to figure it out....so away went all those tables and chairs. (At one time, I had four tables and sixteen chairs in here.) Now, as you can see, there is a big bed in here. I rarely get a nap, but this bed surely makes me want to take one!

This vintage bed is high off the floor because it has a modern mattress and box springs on it. It used to have the springs 'built in," but nowadays has slats instead. I have to have a step stool to get on it. You know what that means....most quilts, coverlets or spreads will be too short. So far, I haven't found or taken the time to make a bedskirt for it. Who knows when that will happen, so I had to decide how to dress that bed so I could store lots of stuff underneath it. Enter the picture, my Bear's Paw Quilt. It fits perfectly. I was in the process of making this quilt when I moved to Arkansas in 1981. It's BIG. I really didn't know what I was doing....hence, it's size.
Perfect for a very high, old white bed. I love the way it looks out here in my Nest.

I actually made this quilt for my favorite son. He kindly let me know that he probably wouldn't take care of it like I'd want him to, after I gave him washing instructions, so it has remained here at my house. He has slept under it many times, though, when he visits from California, and I consider it HIS quilt. Maybe he'll actually take it home at some point, well, after I've finished playing with it, you know....a few more years from now.

This quilt has another entirely different story and has lived quite an exciting life. I finished it in 1981. In 1984, it appeared in a quilting book, "First Prize Quilts," by Dimetra Makris, published by Simon and Schuster. (There weren't many of those in 1984!!! Notice it's in black and white!) After the book was published, I had the quilt hanging in the local quilt shop as I was teaching quilting there. The night before my class, the shop caught on fire and burned to the ground. Early in the a.m., that old navy man of mine went down to the site to see what had happened. He asked the fire chief if he could enter the remains of the shop to see if my quilt could be found. "Good luck," was what he was told. One of his co-workers told me that he offered to buy my quilt for $5 when the old navy man spread it out on the parking lot to assess the damage. It was all in one piece, but black as pitch and so wet, it weighed a ton! Can you believe it survived? We couldn't. It seems they sprayed so much water on the building, the quilt had fallen off the wall and was in a very wet heap at the bottom of a pile of rubble when the old navy man found it.

I was heartbroken when I saw it. But we both thought it could be cleaned, so I took it to the local cleaner. A couple of days later, I received a call from the cleaner saying that it was hopeless, did I want them to throw the quilt away. Heck no! So, I brought it home and washed it....over and over and over and over. Many times. Eventually, it came as clean as you see it now. Everyone thinks it is an antique. (Well, NOW, I guess it is, but back then it was still new, but looked old after the fire.) Wasn't it great of the old navy man to want to rescue that quilt?

In 1995, I was asked to let Oxmoor House and Leisure Arts, publish the quilt again. Here is the book...."Grandma's Quilting Bee." And, I've photographed two of the pages so you can see it. Looks pretty darn good to have survived a fire, doesn't it?

So, this quilt was published BEFORE a fire and then again, AFTER the fire. I'm almost willing to bet there haven't been many quilts that fit that description! I hope you enjoy seeing it, especially out in my Nest! Next time, I will be showing you my two new vintage quilts, found at a local flea market, and now here in the Nest, on this bed...just for you. Meantime, take care, pat

22 comments:

http://thankfullga447 said...

The quilts and room look great, beautiful.

Jane S. said...

That bed with that quilt...I could happily sleep there! :)

Unknown said...

Wow Pat it is a beautiful quilt.....and in such a pretty room....

Sherry said...

Pat! I had no idea this was the quilt that was in the fire!!! I can't imagine how you must have felt; I would have been inconsolable. The amount of work you put into saving it must have been right up there with the amount of work you put into making it! I'm so impressed and inspired that you did both. It's a beautiful quilt in my favorite traditional pattern.

Sherry

Maya Sara Matthew said...

Hello Pat, its been ages since I commented, although I do follow your blog and read all you post. What an absolutely fascinating story, can't imagine that quilt survived a fire and multiple washs restored it, it looks so pristine and new.

Julie Fukuda said...

That is such an amazing story for an amazing quilt. Both my super large quilts have gone to daughters with large high beds. It is so good you could find a place to display yours.

Julie Fukuda said...

That is such an amazing story for an amazing quilt. Both my super large quilts have gone to daughters with large high beds. It is so good you could find a place to display yours.

Linda said...

I think we started quilting about the same time Pat. It is very lovely--so glad you didn't give up on it (and that your husband didn't even think about selling it!) I'm handpiecing 4" bowtie blocks, which will never reach the size of that quilt! Yes, still freezing in Maine.

Vivian said...

Pat, I love the look of your sewing room. I have a wrought iron bed to put in Kelsey's room. I want to decorate the room shabby chic or on the Romantic side.

Amazing story about your quilt. Just beautiful.

Christy said...

Hi, Pat! You would never in a million years know what happened to that quilt from looking at it. You really should write the history of the quilt on a small panel and attach it. Down through the years, people should know what disaster that poor quilt avoided, how it has survived and that it's even written about in books! Or did you already do that?
Christy
botm2@yahoo.com

The Feathered Nest said...

My goodness sweet Pat....what a wonderful story about your quilt! It is so beautiful, I can see why it has been published, before AND after the fire! What a miracle that you were able to finally get it clean. I love things that have been washed and washed though ~ I bet it is wonderful to sleep under! I also love that you call your studio The Nest...how perfect.
I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit and I'm sure you'll make gorgeous handmade pins!!! hugs and love, Dawn

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Pat, I just read with great interest your post about putting the bed in the nest and the quilts. Made me want to come take a little nap there.

jim Gatling said...

I love this quilt and the story of it rises from the ashes. Oh, I'm making you a little something you requested. Hope it turns out okay.
Love ya!!! JIM

Claudine said...

Il est magnifique ! Et quelle magnifique histoire ! Gros bisous

meredith said...

This is beautiful!! What a story!! WOW!! Do you have a tutorial on this or a way to get the pattern? I've recently been drawn to the B.P.block & I like how large yours is! p.s. I think after surviving a fire it can definitely survive your son's care! :) LOL

Pat said...

Meredith, you'll find my email on my profile page of this blog. Send me your mailing address and I'll send you a copy of the pattern with some instructions. Thanks for your interest in my work. Have a nice weekend. Pat

Barbara Nimmo said...

Your Bears Paw Quilt is absolutely stunning! The craftsmanship and attention to detail are truly commendable. The way you've combined colors and patterns creates a beautiful and cozy aesthetic. It's evident that you have a passion for quilting.
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Jennifer Walsh said...

Your blog on 'My Bear's Paw Quilt' is a testament to the artistry and dedication embedded in each stitch. The craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through. As I admire the quilt's timeless beauty, the thought of 'how old is dolores in encanto' adds a layer of curiosity, akin to unraveling the ageless stories behind each patch.

A Bit of Heaven

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An original designed wall quilt with my vision of heaven on earth.