The Quest

This post is a continuation of remembrances about Jennie Rachel Gay Robinson (see Part I and Part II ). Jennie’s grandchildren remember her quilts, tablecloths, and affinity for cast iron skillets. She left both completed quilts and quilt tops, each pieced together and hand-sewn. Some still remain unfinished, others have been transformed into their final form by more modern-day quilting methods. My mother's well-used Jennie quilt, often found at picnics. This tulip quilt by Jennie now lives in a trunk in my bedroom. It's one she completed herself, so is too delicate for use. Jennie quilted this top and my mom had it finished for me for high school graduation. I stopped using it regularly some years ago because it can no longer be safely laundered due to the delicate condition of some of the fabric pieces. Other sections are standing up quite nicely! “Grandmother made [a tablecloth] for each of her children when they were married,” Aunt Sharon explains. Often, those...