Saturday, July 4, 2009

Abuela's Quilt


I haven't posted in a while because my Abuela (grandmother) was very ill and she passed away a few days ago. She lived in Denver and I made the trip on June 19th, stayed for a week, and am going back in a few days. I'm at home creating a video and eulogy that I'll deliver for her funeral. My Abuela was an amazing woman, who wanted to be a star since she was a little girl in Cuba. She became a dancer, and travelled all over South America in a dance troupe. In her honor, I thought it fitting that I post my favorite of the few quilts I've made since I made it for my beloved Abuela. It's a log cabin pattern inspired by a spanish dancer's shawl. Since my Abuela's dance repertoire included flamenco, the shawl was my inspiration. I love the way the fields and furrows layout gives the quilt movement, like an embroidered shawl wrapped around a swaying dancer. A flamenco dancer stamps the ground to represent the earth, and reaches her hands up, to represent the heavens, so I used black for the earth, and white for the heavens. The flowers are so typically spanish, representing the pretty embroidery on a shawl. I'm so happy I made this quilt for her. I'll always think of my Abuela, the beautiful spanish dancer, and the quilt I made her.

6 comments:

  1. awwwh it is gorgeous! you are such a good quilter. I am sure the picture doesn't do the quilt enough justice. I am so sorry for your loss too, but I am so glad Jason and Fiona will get to come with you guys....$hearts& Emily

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  2. Thanx Emily. I'm glad they're coming, too. I wish you all could be there but I know someone has to hold down the fort. That's why Llauren can't come--she has to take care of my mom while Olga and I go. We'll still do the vintage sheet quilt this summer. Hugz!

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear of your grandmother's passing. The quilt you made for her is beautiful and I love the story behind it!

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  4. Your quilt is gorgeous and such inspiration to go with it. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for visiting my blog--loved your puns!

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  5. i am so sorry to hear about your loss, but am glad you were able to spend time with her before she passed. your quilt is beautiful and i love the meaning behind it and im sure she did too

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  6. Hi Nancy ~ Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute to your beloved Abuela. The quilt you made in her honor has all the beauty, snap, and style of flamenco.

    I hope it will bring you as much comfort in the coming days. Thank you again for sharing.

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