Tanya's grandmother is making a patchwork quilt. She collects scraps from the family's clothing (worn clothing and new fabric) to assemble it. Tanya is fascinated with the stories Grandma tells related to the cloth. Her mother takes some time to listen and starts to help with the quilt. When Grandma gets sick, Tanya helps her mother work on the quilt. Grandma finishes it when she recovers.

This is a story of remembrances, family memories and keeping alive old ways of doing things. Tanya's Mama points out that they can buy a quilt for Tanya, but that's before she learns what making a quilt is all about. The process is a joyful family experience, and the quilt becomes a keepsake and a work of art. Even Grandma's old, worn quilt becomes a part of the new one.

When I was a young girl, I didn't know about quiltmaking. My aunt gave me a blanket that I still have today, but it wasn't a pieced quilt. I was introduced to quilts by my sister, who started quilting after her marriage. She gave me a quilt for my graduation and a baby quilt for my first child. I started making my first quilt after having Matthew and put it away because I was frustrated with balancing a child and sewing. Eventually, I decided to alternate pieced squares and large pieces of fabric. I felt like I was cheating, but it turned out beautiful and gave me the confidence to try one for each of my kids. Since then I have become hooked. I am in the process of making my fifth and sixth blankets (3rd queen size) and have more ideas than I can possibly do. In other words, I have become a quilter for life.

Quilting is an old practice that may not be necessary anymore, but I am glad to see the art reviving, because it is a rewarding experience, and there are so many beautiful works to see. If you ever get a chance, go to see a quilting show. It is much like being in an art museum.

related-quilting, grandmothers, family life, sharing, African Americans
RL=2nd-3rd, read aloud with preK-2nd