Heart to Heart
Celebration Quilts
Virginia's Hope Butterfly
This quilt top was made by Claudia's mother, Virginia, during the
depression. The pretty pastel fabrics are very indicative of that era.  
The hope butterfly pattern was an extremely popular appliqué motif,
especially with the heavy blanket stitch around each one.   The base
of each block is plain muslin feed sack material, which is strong
evidence that it was made during the depression years.  
See
Depression Era Quilts for more general information.

Virginia never finished this piece.  When Claudia found it in the
cedar chest after Virginia's death, all it lacked was about
15 stitches
of the outline around the blocks and it still had the threaded needle
stuck in it.  Claudia has a vague recollection of her mama telling her
that she had made it as a young girl, but never finished it because
she did not enjoy making it.  However, her color selection, pattern
placement and the quality of her stitching is very good.

Although Virginia's mother was an accomplished quilter, Virginia did
not take to it.  Instead, Virginia was quite accomplished at
embroidery, crewel, crochet and knitting - not to mention an
incredible cook and mama!!  She made beautiful afghans, sweaters
and scarves for her family.  

Her family is blessed with many memories of her homemade feasts
where she would be sure to make some of the favorite dishes of
each child or grandchild around the table.  She had a way of making
each one feel special and loved.

Below, take a look at the close up of one of the feed sacks from this
Hope Butterfly quilt top.  It is a sugar sack and you can still see the
"Domino Cane Sugar" stamped on it.
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