Stitching a Legacy Together
By Kim Leifheit
Owner of Old Porch Primitives
Owner of Old Porch Primitives
Oh, the joys of an old quilt. There is something quite special about an old quilt. Especially if it is passed down through generations or is a cherished handmade quilt. Quilts can hold memories and tell stories. They can be a connection to the past. I was introduced to my first sewing machine at the age of 13 and my mother was delighted that I followed her love of sewing.
Most of my sewing projects are created using various vintage fabrics, quilts, buttons, lace etc. My first love is hand stitched stitchery’s/samplers. I also love designing and creating pillows, primitive dolls, quilted items, and this time of year pumpkins, scarecrows and more.
I remember going on vacations to my Grandmother’s home in snowy cold Wisconsin and wrapping up on the front porch in one of her old quilts. My sisters and I would share a bed, snuggled under an old quilt. When I was graduating from high school, I told her that I wanted to have a quilt for my graduation present. Imagine my surprise when I was gifted, with what I thought at the time, was this very ugly polyester/knit quilt for graduation. Although I didn’t appreciate this gift back then, my love of quilts has grown over time.
I have had a passion for collecting quilts for a quite a while. I am not sure exactly when my love of quilts started, but it was at an early age. I love the sense of history quilts carry, as each has a story to tell. Quilts have been a part of our history for centuries and they provide warmth, comfort and perhaps a link to our past. They remind us of those who came before us.
When I touch an old quilt, I think, who made it? Was it made to keep warm during a cold winter? Was it a gift for a newly married couple or a new baby? Where did the fabric come from? Was it made from old clothing, like a husbands old shirts? How many women’s hands were used to sew all the intricate stitching that composes so many antique quilts?
Knowing that someone spent hours, days, or even months creating a quilt by hand adds an extra sense of appreciation. Because of this, there is something extremely comforting about an old quilt. It holds with it memories of a simpler time
when life was less complicated and our cares were few. The worn, faded and tattered fabrics tell of the love and care that one person felt for another.
The time and effort that went in to making an old quilt is something that is becoming less appreciated and valued by many with the convenience and styles of modern bedding. Old quilts however, possess a certain charm and comfort that can’t be duplicated by their modern counterparts.
Whether used for warmth, or simply a display piece, the comfort of an old quilt is truly special.
If you are thinking of starting your own collections, here are some suggestions on things you might want to consider. Quilts can be pricey, but I have been lucky to find many at estate sales, thrift stores and local auctions.
Most of my sewing projects are created using various vintage fabrics, quilts, buttons, lace etc. My first love is hand stitched stitchery’s/samplers. I also love designing and creating pillows, primitive dolls, quilted items, and this time of year pumpkins, scarecrows and more.
I remember going on vacations to my Grandmother’s home in snowy cold Wisconsin and wrapping up on the front porch in one of her old quilts. My sisters and I would share a bed, snuggled under an old quilt. When I was graduating from high school, I told her that I wanted to have a quilt for my graduation present. Imagine my surprise when I was gifted, with what I thought at the time, was this very ugly polyester/knit quilt for graduation. Although I didn’t appreciate this gift back then, my love of quilts has grown over time.
I have had a passion for collecting quilts for a quite a while. I am not sure exactly when my love of quilts started, but it was at an early age. I love the sense of history quilts carry, as each has a story to tell. Quilts have been a part of our history for centuries and they provide warmth, comfort and perhaps a link to our past. They remind us of those who came before us.
When I touch an old quilt, I think, who made it? Was it made to keep warm during a cold winter? Was it a gift for a newly married couple or a new baby? Where did the fabric come from? Was it made from old clothing, like a husbands old shirts? How many women’s hands were used to sew all the intricate stitching that composes so many antique quilts?
Knowing that someone spent hours, days, or even months creating a quilt by hand adds an extra sense of appreciation. Because of this, there is something extremely comforting about an old quilt. It holds with it memories of a simpler time
when life was less complicated and our cares were few. The worn, faded and tattered fabrics tell of the love and care that one person felt for another.
The time and effort that went in to making an old quilt is something that is becoming less appreciated and valued by many with the convenience and styles of modern bedding. Old quilts however, possess a certain charm and comfort that can’t be duplicated by their modern counterparts.
Whether used for warmth, or simply a display piece, the comfort of an old quilt is truly special.
If you are thinking of starting your own collections, here are some suggestions on things you might want to consider. Quilts can be pricey, but I have been lucky to find many at estate sales, thrift stores and local auctions.
You'll find lots of quilts and unique ways that quilts can be repurposed at Old Porch Primitives Social Media pages later in this article.
First, do a little research and educate yourself. Learn about different styles, patterns, and fabrics. There are many books, pamphlets and online resources available. Explore books and magazines that are dedicated to quilt history and designs. Then, set a budget and determine how much you are willing to invest in your collection. A few holes, stains in an old quilt really doesn’t matter, especially if you are using it for display. These quilts are usually more affordable. Then, network with others, and join online groups, quilt guilds, or attend quilt shows. Explore local antique shows. Enjoy the process of starting your collection and have fun looking and learning.
I am no expert on quilts, but collect what I love. My collections seem to be displayed by color. I have many red and greens which come out a Christmas. Pinks and greens come out in the spring, Red, white, and blues come out in the summer. Rusts, greens, and yellows come out in the fall.
As you start to purchase quilts, you can enjoy the many ways to display them. Displaying quilts can showcase your personal style and add a special charm to any space in your home. Drape them over the back of a sofa, fold them up on the end of a bed or ottoman. I love folding them in a primitive cabinet. I will hang them over my outside porch railing or porch swing for a short time when I am having a get-together with family and friends.
There is nothing better than cozying up on my porch swing with an old quilt and a good book. You have to be careful when putting your quilt outside or in the sun for too long – over time the fabric could fade. However you display it, an old quilt will most certainly be a conversation piece. My favorite is an old ladder that I have in a corner of my living room. It makes a great display piece for seasonal quilts.
First, do a little research and educate yourself. Learn about different styles, patterns, and fabrics. There are many books, pamphlets and online resources available. Explore books and magazines that are dedicated to quilt history and designs. Then, set a budget and determine how much you are willing to invest in your collection. A few holes, stains in an old quilt really doesn’t matter, especially if you are using it for display. These quilts are usually more affordable. Then, network with others, and join online groups, quilt guilds, or attend quilt shows. Explore local antique shows. Enjoy the process of starting your collection and have fun looking and learning.
I am no expert on quilts, but collect what I love. My collections seem to be displayed by color. I have many red and greens which come out a Christmas. Pinks and greens come out in the spring, Red, white, and blues come out in the summer. Rusts, greens, and yellows come out in the fall.
As you start to purchase quilts, you can enjoy the many ways to display them. Displaying quilts can showcase your personal style and add a special charm to any space in your home. Drape them over the back of a sofa, fold them up on the end of a bed or ottoman. I love folding them in a primitive cabinet. I will hang them over my outside porch railing or porch swing for a short time when I am having a get-together with family and friends.
There is nothing better than cozying up on my porch swing with an old quilt and a good book. You have to be careful when putting your quilt outside or in the sun for too long – over time the fabric could fade. However you display it, an old quilt will most certainly be a conversation piece. My favorite is an old ladder that I have in a corner of my living room. It makes a great display piece for seasonal quilts.
Along with buying quilts for my own personal collection, I love to find beautiful quilts for others to enjoy also. I have many wonderful quilts available for sale on my Old Porch Primitives facebook and instagram page and also in my Ebay store. Looking for something special for a gift or something to add to your collection, please check out my sites. I also enjoy finding old, torn, tattered quilts that others may find unusable. An old tattered quilt piece can bring warmth, nostalgia and character to your home. Instead of seeing it as worn out, see it as a piece of history that has been repurposed and given new life. I love to embrace its imperfections by turning an old quilt piece into a treasured keepsake. Whether it be cutting it down, to make a table mat or runner, making a pillow, or hand stitching a saying on to it.
I still display my grandmother’s quilt. Fifty plus years later, I still have that ugly polyester/knit quilt. It kept my kids warm when they were little, went on camping trips with the family and continues to hold a spot under a more beautiful quilt in my spare bedroom.
My grandmother’s quilt, worn and ugly as it may be, holds a special place in my heart. I am reminded of my childhood and wonderful visits and talks with her. Even though grandmothers quilt is around 50 years old, the colors are still vibrant, the fabrics are not worn. It is a testament to the love and care that went in to making it.
In conclusion...an old quilt can represent a connection to family, tradition and history. Whether used for warmth or just a keepsake, the comfort of an old quilt is truly wonderful. I love that I am able to follow my dream/passion of being a creative artist full time and I would encourage others to do what they enjoy.
I still display my grandmother’s quilt. Fifty plus years later, I still have that ugly polyester/knit quilt. It kept my kids warm when they were little, went on camping trips with the family and continues to hold a spot under a more beautiful quilt in my spare bedroom.
My grandmother’s quilt, worn and ugly as it may be, holds a special place in my heart. I am reminded of my childhood and wonderful visits and talks with her. Even though grandmothers quilt is around 50 years old, the colors are still vibrant, the fabrics are not worn. It is a testament to the love and care that went in to making it.
In conclusion...an old quilt can represent a connection to family, tradition and history. Whether used for warmth or just a keepsake, the comfort of an old quilt is truly wonderful. I love that I am able to follow my dream/passion of being a creative artist full time and I would encourage others to do what they enjoy.
From pillows, quilts, quilt pockets...and so much more, below is a small sample of Kim's talented handiwork that you'll find on her social media pages for display and often for sale!
You can visit Old Porch Primitives by clicking the following links -
Facebook
Instagram
Ebay
You can visit Old Porch Primitives by clicking the following links -
Ebay
|
|
About Kim Leifheit
|
Kim was born and raised in farm country in central Illinois. She's been married to her wonderful husband for 43 years. They have two sons and two beautiful daughter-in laws.
Kim's husband is a self employed carpenter and recently built their home on five acres of land on a quiet gravel road. Together they enjoy traveling, camping, flower gardening, working on wood projects and spending quiet time on their little farmstead. Kim collects vintage/antique quilts, specifically red and white quilts, crocks, and jugs and loves early American/primitive decorating. She enjoys scouring estate sales, local thrift/antiques stores and auctions in hopes of finding the perfect primitive item for herself and her customers. In 2005, Kim was asked to design a Santa for Country Marketplace magazine. Kim's Santa was featured on their October 2005 cover. For many years Kim sold items at local antique/home décor stores, but now she enjoys being at home and selling to her online customers and friends. In addition to finding Old Porch Primitives at an occasional local craft market, you can find Kim's awesome items by clicking the links below - Ebay |