Ode to My Grandmother

Today’s black herstory month post can be an ode to my grandmother, whom lovingly made quilts her entire life. Her quilts accompanied a tradition of rag quilting she discovered into the waning days of slavery plus they adorn all of our beds with all the love of a strong matriarch whom taught us all to value training and ourselves. (Did we mention that most of my Aunts are teachers, each of my cousins PhDs? and yes, with one exclusion, our generation and theirs are all females, therefore it is additionally a legacy of matriarchs and matriarchy.)

Whenever my grandfather passed away as a result of hospital negligence, my grandmother began a quilt for many of her kiddies and all of her grandchildren. Every single of us she bequeathed a last tale before permitting go of the globe to become listed on my grandfather within the next. Mine hangs above my sleep being a powerful symbol that grandma continues to be viewing over me personally.

I have constantly desired to be a far better quilter to honor her artistry. My mom prevents needle and thread as toil, her memories are of big fingers pressing needle through material to offer to somebody else, to keep the farm afloat. [Read more…]