Repatching the Old Quilt ~~ A Lesson in Sustainable Living

The old quilt is 32 years old this month and has lessons for all of us in its carefully repatched squares. None of them are straight or perfect. The fabrics don't match and are of varying textures. Originally, the fabrics were from dresses I wore as a child. Some fabrics were from my Great Grandmother's dresses and those of my Mother's. The backing and sections of materials separating the fabrics are salvaged fabric. The inner layer, an old wool blanket and heavy cotton sheet came from the linen closet of my Great-Grandmother's house. I continue to repair and repatch it every fall as I am doing now, each square a reminder of an occasion and person in my life. It stays on my bed, whatever the season. It is light enough in summer and warm enough in winter. I wash it frequently ~~ not by hand, but by tossing it in the washing machine. I hang it outside on the laundry line to dry. It always smells good. And strangely, year by year it seems to become a little stronger. Sometimes, more colorful. Just a little bit more like me . When I am done with it, (and I am hoping for another 60 years use!) I will carefully pass it down to someone else who will appreciate the different colors and textures and continue to mend, patch and repair it every fall.