Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A shared treasure

The above quilt is one my neighbor just gave me. She is a darling lady, 83 years old, and her father was a doctor. A patient of the good doctor gave him this quilt instead of payment sometime in the 1950's. (Can you imagine trying this with your doctor these days?) Does anyone have an idea how old this quilt is? Or the pattern name? I believe it maybe 1930's? What do you think, all you quilt historians out there? My neighbor lady is in the process of worrying about her estate. Her son (only child) does not want any of that (old stuff) she has in her house. Her home is completed furnished in antiques from France and Germany. She has more amazing old quilts, but she does not quilt herself...she is a needle pointer. She just knew I love quilts and said she wanted to give me this one. Wow!
This is the block. Hand appliqued and hand quilted.
A close up of the border quilting...the lines are very dark where the quilter marked them. The quilt had never been washed until today, and she said she washed it so she could give the quilt to me. Wish she hadn't, but it is so sweet and soft.
More spools...my basket is getting about 1/2 full, and you know when the basket is full, that is how big the quilt will be!


Skip the next part if you are not interested...not quilting stuff.
****************************Nursing Notes*************


*************************************************************************

Thanks for reading the nurse's notes...I love my patients, and this was I can remember some of them better in the future.


Have a terrific day! I so enjoy talking to you all!!


Julie

29 comments:

Amelia said...

Oh, Julie, that first quilt is gorgeous...certainly lots of hard work and many hours went into the making of it.

Loved your nursing notes too!

Ali Honey said...

A quilt with a History - fabulous. It was quite a payment to the doc really when you think what it is worth,( We should all try that and see what they say!)

I really hearing about your patients. It puts my every day worries into perpective.
The cement one is scary I know someone who was given that option.
As for the robber - it's all wrong isn't it. He can probably claim insurance or compensation.

Barb said...

Oh my goodness....you are sooooo lucky to be the receipent of that quilt, it is awesome!

Terry said...

I always enjoy reading your nurses notes. After John's accident I can relate to these people in a way I never could have before. Thanks for sharing their stories! :0)

Karen said...

Your gift from the neighbor is a good one. And, no, I can't imagine a doctor today taking a quilt in payment. I do have a friend that traded a diamond ring to her divorce attorney for some of the money she owed him.

~Laurie~ said...

First - I love reading about your nursing stories. You are incredible to carry on as you do - I don't think I would be able to handle your job emotionally. You see so much life and death drama! I agree about the dog bitten man - seems a shame they couldn't have just arrested him and moved him to the prison. He'll probably sue the homeowners for damages!

About the quilt - OH MY - it is just beautiful - how wonderful that your neighbor has given it to you - you and she must have a great relationship. I can only imagine the quilter working on it day after day - loving it as it was finished. What a treasure!

Vicki W said...

That quilt is a real treasure! That man in the ER deserves to meet those dogs again.

Nancy said...

I am glad that the quilt is going not only to someone who appreciates the work that went into it but also for its historic value. That woman's son has no idea of what he is missing - his mother's life history and the artistic creations. This happens all too often in today's world.

At least you can honestly say that your job is not boring!

Quilter Kathy said...

What a lovely gift! I haven't seen the block pattern before. I think you should write the history of this quilt on a label for the back. it's such a shame when family members don't appreciate these treasures! So glad she gave this treasure to a good home!
Enjoy reading about your patients :)

Stephanie Hughes said...

Julie, You experiences with your patients is completely understandable. Writing about them lets others know how much we as nurses love our patients and how we get attached.

As far as your quilt goes, are you lucky or what! You must have been very special to this family for them to give you such a wonderful gift. I have no idea about the quilt but there are many who are certified to appraise them so you can insure them. At Paducah they had a certified

Chookyblue...... said...

what a lovely quilt to receive and someone receives it who will treasure it.......fancy nursing someone from Oz........

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

I love that quilt and the history behind it--what a treasure you have received! I can not believe that "guy" what a jerk--sure hope the cops get him!!! I also enjoy your nurse stories--thanks for sharing them with us!
hugs, Di

Pat said...

That quilt is such a treasure! I"m glad the neighbor gave it to you. She knows it will be well-loved. As for the nursing stories, I read them all and each time, I am touched, once again, with the super-caring person you are. As for the robber, it makes me sick that the dogs might be destroyed and he will go free. Something very wrong there.....

A Garden of Threads said...

Oh my what a wonderful gift to treasure. Do not know the block name sorry. The barter system was a neat way to made a payment, to bad it would not work today. Have a wonderful day.

AnnieO said...

The quilt is so pretty! I'm glad you got it and hope your neighbor finds someone to leave all her beautiful things to that will be appreciated.

I like your nurse's notes!

Fiona said...

What a fabulous quilt - no wonder the doctor couldn't refuse!

Sharon said...

Lucky you receiving this quilt. She believes you will give it a good home. Take the time to write out what you know about the quilt and what you find out about it and keep it with the top. I bought 2 old quilts and I lost the paper with the makers name and dates and locations. Darn!

Sue-Anne said...

How bizarre is that, I am reading your blog here in S E Australia and you are talking about a couple from Melbourne and Tassie that you nursed and you are on the other side of the world!

Your new quilt is beautiful. What a lovely neighbour to think of you. You must be a good neighbour to her too.

Libby said...

What a thoughtful and delicious gift from your neighbor. I hope someone is able to give you some background to when it was stitched.

I do hope those dogs are not punished for doing their job - I will keep my paws crossed for them. The good news is that karma is not denied . . . . and that guy will get his someday *S*

Cement injections *yikes* What will they think of next?

Kaaren said...

Gosh, Julie...I just love reading your posts.

The quilt is beautiful. How lucky you are to have received it as a gift from your neighbor and what a shame that her son isn't interested in her "old" stuff. Please tell her that you know someone who is...ME! *wink*

Love your nursing stories. And you're absolutely right about documenting them on your blog to read and remember at a later date.

Lori said...

What a precious gift the neighbor gave you!! I'm sure it's nice for her to know it will be treasured and loved.

House of Mouse said...

Wow...Wow and wow...what a lovely quilt, but most of all what a thoughtful gift from your neighbor. She absolutely gave it to the right person...someone who will love and treasure it and pass it on when it's time.

The dogs could have done the world a favor and finished the guy off...what a jerk. I also enjoy reading your nursing notes.

Debi said...

Very beautiful quilt, wow what a gift. I really enjoy your nursing notes also.

Susan said...

What a treasure you have. You must be a good neighbor for her to give it to you. Many hours of pleasure were had making that quilt.

Carole said...

What a precious gift! Lucky you! Thanks for sharing!

ladydi said...

Your neighbor is very wise to give her heirloom to someone who will treasure it as much as she does. It is beautiful! I work for five doctors, and I actually think some of them would be delighted to accept something with lasting value for payment. Money disappears so quickly, but a quilt can last for generations.

ladydi said...

p.s. I always enjoy your nursing notes, and I'm sure we're all gratified to know that many nurses truly care about their patients.

The Calico Quilter said...

What a lovely applique quilt. I can't figure out the pattern, though. The flower looks like an iris, but the leaves aren't iris leaves. It seems like 1940's to me. Beautiful handwork. It would be a good idea to add a label on the back with its history.

I like to read your nursing notes. So sad sometimes, but I wait and pray for happy endings! The dog bite guy was incredible - what a waste of nursing skill! And the poor lady from Australia. It makes you just ache for her and her husband, faithfully waiting and hoping. He deserves a miracle. These stories put our medical problems in perspective.

GeeGee said...

Hi, I just found your blog through stash manicure and enjoying viewing all your lovely quilts. You are lucky indeed to receive the beautiful quilt from your neighbor. I have never seen that pattern but after studying it very closely, it looks to be an orchid flower, probably why she used orchid fabric. I am not an expert but it looks older than the 30's because of all the solid fabric used.
I started a Dear Jane quilt many years ago and I need to get back to it but oh, so many ufo's. My goal this year has been to complete them but health issues have slowed me down.
Your blog is very inspiring so will be visiting often. Keep up the good work!

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