Blankets and Memories by Katy Kavanagh

Madras, paisley, gingham, floral, sedate, and colorful. Close your eyes and picture your favorite childhood outfit, the curtains in your bedroom, the upholstery on the living room couch you sat on while opening Christmas presents each year. On the eve of leaving home for College, I was in the attic packing and reminiscing over the textile remnants of my life. In a moment of inspiration, deciding to take these memories with me in the form of my first quilt. I literally see the fabric of my life each time I open this log cabin quilt. The dress I made in 9th Grade Home Economics that I “mistakenly” hemmed too short, resulting in a “C”. Miniskirts were the rage, but not according to the nuns in my Catholic School. I see my favorite culottes, the first “pants” women were allowed to wear in public schools-as long as they fit loosely and did not look like pants. It is an eclectic blend of fabric colors and patterns from our traditional antique -filled New England home; to the fabrics I wore celebrating the hippie spirit and Earth Day. I have never made another quilt, but this treasure has followed me on my life’s journey and is still rich with memories.