MaryLee "Mair" Rustand's Quilt Story: 

The 38 Year journey for this Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt was started by our very own “Granny Dujmovich”.  In 1970 Granny started this quilt on its long Thirty-Eight Year Journey. Since Granny was very busy with life, work, and taking time to enjoy her daughters and grandchildren, the quilt was set aside from time to time.

In 1978, following back surgery; she picked up the quilt to once again attempt to complete the long hand journey, one stitch at a time.  After an unsuccessful search for the right fabric, the quilt was packed away again for another day, left behind in storage during a move and later forgotten.

In April of 2007 Grandson, Greg Rustand, and other members of our family, all went to clean out Granny’s storage unit. We came across a few bags of what appeared to be fabric scraps at first glance. But a closer look revealed the beginnings of a quilt.

The completed blocks were separated from the center beginnings, fabrics were organized and a travel sewing case was set up so that the quilt flower blocks could travel with Mair everywhere. Fabric to finish the quilt was purchased in Alaska, Washington and Oklahoma by Greg and Mair. Making this quilt one of the most traveled quilts in the long journey of time towards completion. 

While Mair was working on the quilt, she was also picking up pieces of Granny’s past through the paper templates from various sources. The paper templates hold the seam allowance perfectly. All hand work, in excess of 335,760 hand stitches, was completed with the same needle found in the spool of thread that Granny used in 1978

Granny’s Great-Granddaughters, Keri and Jennifer help with design decisions, regarding borders, backing, design layout and the special story telling label. Family friend, Nikki Crisp, known to many as the Country Quilter in the Whatcom County area, helped with the quilting design, actually quilting the flower centers, and leaving the white sashing between the flowers and the borders to Mair to quilt.

As the Quilt reaches the end of its initial 38 year Journey, so begins another trip through the “Future Generations” of our family. The quilt rests on Granny’s bed at the home of Greg and MaryLee “Mair” Rustand. The quilt will move through future generations. It is this quilters’ wish that those of you who have the opportunity to spend time with the Grandmother’s Flower Garden Quilt, will also feel the love of all of those who help it reach your hands.  Every stitch in the past is a stitch of love through time for the future, which includes you.  Enjoy with Love.

Teresa Maltman's Quilt Story:

I made this quilted wall hanging for my father-and mother-in-law's 50th wedding anniversary. This is a memory quilt with a few photos of them from the years and other 'kinck-knacks' that have special meaning to them.

The coffee pot and cups are representative of one of their 'togetherness' rituals. They get up and have coffee together every morning just to sit and visit. The 'china' pattern on the coffee pot & cup, dinner plate and vase were made to resemble Mom's favorite pattern, Old Country Rose by Royal Albert. The patriotic items are for Dad as his birthday is July 4th and he is quite the patriot. Of course, no representation of their lives would be complete without God so there is a Family Bible on the shelf as well.

 I presented the quilt to Mom and Dad at the big party the family had for them.  They loved it!  It was a wonderfully fun project and their enjoyment of it made it that much better.

I got the pattern from a book of 'bookshelf' patterns but I haven't been able to find it recently. The hardest part of the project was getting the pictures of Mom and Dad without them knowing.

Cora Well's (Manus, Brazil) Quilt Story:

Both my grandmother and my husband's grandmother were quilters. I had made a few tied quilts in the early years of our marriage. I learned my quilting skills in a quilt shop in western Pa. before moving to Brazil in 1991.

I am happy to tell you that they arrived home safely and it was a real joy to present them with these quilts.... made with love and prayer!

The Sequel:

Both of the boys were sent back to Iraq for a second tour of duty, though at separate times.  Once again, quilting, crying, and prayer all went together.

Keith and his wife (Tonya) planned their wedding while he was in Iraq for a second tour.  Thus, my quilting needle became busy once again and this is their wedding quilt.  I took the pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting , Dec. 2002.  It was called sunrise, sunset in the magazine.  I named their wedding quilt "Wish Upon a Star"

When Eric was sent back again, I once again began a new quilt.  This one is designed to be hung on my wall for patriotic days, such as the 4th of July, Veterans Day, etc.  It will be a constant reminder that I am a very blessed mother. It is called "They Served With Honor" in honor of both sons. I started with 2 printed panels that have scripture verses on them and put a US Flag proudly in the middle. 

I am very thankful that both boys are once again home, safe, without injuries.    I know that God heard my prayers. Now as I continue quilting, I pray for other mothers, their sons and daughters that are there, fighting for my freedom. Thank you for allowing me to share the stories of these quilts. God bless America!!

Tamara's (Georgia) Quilt Story:

Scrappy quilts have always been my favorites. Bright & bold colors draw my attention pulling me to them. When I was three or four my grandmother gave my sister and I a beautiful scrappy quilt. It made me feel so special knowing she hand stitched every piece just for me! (In the photo I am the one on the left.) I loved the feel of the heavy covers keeping us warm against the cold winter nights of Northern Michigan. I am sad to say I don't know what happened to that quilt but I can say it had a lasting effect. Every time I think of it I smile!

It is because of this quilt that I wanted to collect them. When I acquired my first one many years later I was elated! We still have this quilt and yes, we do lovingly use it. One day as I was examining it for any needed repairs it dawned on me that I could make one! I could make a quilt! But how? Who would teach me? Where did I need to go? So many questions!

I immediately sought out the local quilt shop and made fast friends with the owner and staff. I took my first class in 1996 making a scrappy 9 patch for my then 11 year old son. In the photo he's standing on a chair to hold it up. Believe it or not he still has this beloved quilt and refuses to give it up & he's now 22! Needless to say it's been loved to pieces!! Can you guess who my next quilt is for!

Since then I have made over 35 quilts, it is my goal to give one to each of my 25, yes I did say 25, nieces and nephews. They range in age from newborn to 23 years old. So far I am half way there. Only 12 more to go!)