Granny and her cousin Emma Kate
“I always kept a quilt on hand, and then when I’d set down to rest, you know, I take my work up and work on the quilt. And you know I never lost anything by giving things away. My husband said I gave a good living away. He didn’t believe in working and giving it away, but I never lost anything by giving folks something. I never went hungry. I’ve give ’em to my children, my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren, and my nieces, and to my friends.”
—Clemmie Pugh – “A People and Their Quilts” written by John Rice Irwin
Even though I’m not a quilter I have really enjoyed reading “A People and Their Quilts” by John Rice Irwin. I’ve been sharing the book in my Friday reading series for the last several weeks.
The portion of the book I am currently reading is interviews the author conducted with various quilters.
Many of the quilters speak of giving away the quilts they make. Each story reminds me of Granny and the way she makes things and then gives them away to family and friends.
About two years ago I took Granny to see her cousin Emma Kate (see photo above). We thought we were going to Emma Kate’s birthday party but Granny got the days confused and we missed the party.
Even though it was the wrong day, Granny and Emma Kate really enjoyed getting to visit with each other and before we left Emma Kate was wearing Granny’s pretty spring coat that she made.
All Emma Kate had to say was that she thought it was pretty and Granny insisted she take it. Granny said “Oh now you just put it right on. It’ll keep you warm and I’ve got another one at home.”
Ever since I read the interview with Clemmie Pugh I haven’t been able to get her off my mind. Her life story and her generous nature. Her statement “I never lost anything by giving folks something” has been going round and round in my head. I really admire people like Clemmie and Granny who selflessly give and I aim to be more like them.
Last night’s video: Discussing One of My Favorite Things: The Way People Talk in Appalachia.
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That makes me think of the verse: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
To give without a thought of receiving anything in return to me is this verse above and Granny and Clemmy Pugh. Lessons we should all take note on.
Thank you for the nice reminder!
I love that story. I have to say, I am a giver. I love it. Just seeing the smile and appreciation is enough for me. I can see Granny doing that. (we love you Granny) if more people were givers the world would be alot better.
I make and give away things. I’ve had people say that I should sell what I make, and I say no one wants to pay what it’s worth, so I’d rather make things and give them away. It brings me so much joy.
I’m a lifelong quilter. Over the years I had made so many quilts. They were all folded and refolded every few months and filled y closets. My thought was that when I pass over that my daughter can distribute them to friends and family. Then one day I realized that it would be so much better to find others that could enjoy them. I took 48 quilts to a nursing home in Denton, Texas. I spoke with the administrator and ask if I could give them to the residents. He was more than willing to allow me to do that. I brought all the quilts into the large lobby. They announced to the residents that if they would like to have a handmade quilt to come to the lobby. What a joyful experience for me! They arrived in various modes of transportation, wheel chairs, walkers, nurses helping some. Each resident selected a quilt of the colors they enjoyed most, I then wrote their name on the quilt and signed my name. Quilts can last more than a lifetime so I know that my quilts be bring warmth and comfort to many people for many years. It was a beautiful day. Anne Cole
I love this!!!! I was a quilter and yes, I gave almost every one away! I made 2 baby quilts someone ordered. You cannot give away too much in my mind. as long as I have food and shelter, I am blessed. I love your Mom and pray for her daily. I have enjoyed your quilt history so much. I have watched several videos this past week or so but on my tv and cannot comment. I’ve watched the twins also! As a twin, I love watching them! God bless you and yours.❤❤
What a sweet reunion, especially that Granny has recovered enough to enjoy the visit. Her Spring coat reminds me of Joseph’s coat of many colors in the Bible. I have a denim jacket with different bright colored swirls embroidered on it. I call it my coat of many colors. I admit I am envious of Granny’s knitting talents. I loved the baby outfits she made for Katie and Cory’s babies. So cute! God has given her many talents, and of course Granny with her big heart would share them unselfishly. What a lesson for us all.
Tipper I agree with you in admiring Granny and Clemmie for being unselfish givers. That’s what Jesus taught us to do.
Have a good evening and bright day tomorrow.
My wife’s Mom was a quilter. She was determined to make each child and each grandchild a “wedding ring” quilt during her lifetime.
We treasure each one as we remember her!!
Tipper, I told a coworker about that exact quote yesterday. It is very pointant and meaningful to me too! One I’ll never forget and will pass on to others. I of course, love your blog and videos. The readings are one of my favorite parts! Thank you for introducing us to all these wonderful people and their lives through these readings!!
So Beautiful!!!, in every way !!!! Something for us all to think about , treasure & implement !!!
Love to you all !!!
I love the photo of those two beautiful generous women. I too come from a quilting family but no matter how hard they tried I couldn’t get the hang of quilting. My mama made special quilts for each of us. She developed Alzheimer’s but continued until all her grandkids had a special one. When she passed away I found a tissue box filled with tissues folded into quilt blocks. She hadn’t forgotten her love of quilting.
My sister quilts as well as my granddaughter who is teaching our 12 year old great granddaughter. The quilt that was made with my baby dresses fell apart but there’s enough blocks good enough to frame for the 7 grands to each have one. I’m just so thankful this talent is living on in my family.
Thanks for another great memory and prayers for all if you as you soon begin a new wonderful chapter in your lives. A special prayer for Granny.
I’ve been behind on the Friday reading, but will get caught up soon. The picture of Granny and her cousin will be a treasure for both their families. Two beautiful ladies! My mom, like Granny, was a giver too.
That is such a beautiful mindset and way to live.
My mom was a quilter. She made, and gave away, many beautiful quilts, wall hangings, purses and table runners. I was always thrilled when she gifted me something she had lovingly made. Mom passed away in 2020 and I’ll always treasure those beautiful gifts.
I think we would all love to adopt Miss Granny. The picture of her with her cousin is beautiful and they favor so much! What a sweet gift she gave. My mother’s sisters never had much, but it was unusual to leave their houses without being given something. I was able to piece and quilt with my mother in law and others. It is such a soothing activity and a special time together. All her grandchildren have a quilt she made for them that several of us were able to quilt on. It is wonderful to hear so many happy to give. Sometimes I get dragged down by the cruelty and selfishness. We worked on the quilt blocks for the sun bonnet and the butterfly, doing the outline stitching, while my father in law was in the Veteran’s Hospital. Is it applique stitching?
What a wonderful thing Granny did for her cousin, and I am not surprised at all. She’s a giver that is for sure and she will be blessed many times over for all she has done for others. One of the greatest joys in my life has been to give. Whether it has been food, clothes, the giving of my time, just anything, always does my heart good, and I have never expected anything in return.
Tipper, that interview with Clemmie Pugh was remarkable. I have also been thinking about the statement she made about she had never lost anything by giving folks something says a whole lot. I think we all could learn a lesson from both Clemmie and Granny, and I know our younger generation coming up could also.
Tipper, I literally read your post right after I read an email I get from Max Lucado. Here’s part of what Max said: “Let Christ do what he longs to do. For as you receive his love, you’ll find it easier to give yours away.” I thought that this really connected with your post today and Granny’s beautiful giving spirit.
We set aside a portion of our income above tithes and offerings to our church to use to bless others. Sometimes it’s at the grocery store when someone doesn’t have enough money for all they’ve picked up. Other times at the pharmacy when the cost is more than they have. Several times at a doctor’s office someone wouldn’t have the co-pay required for their visit and were told to reschedule when they had the money. Food and medications are needed – not just wants. I used to love to be at the Kmart layaway window when people came to get their children’s Christmas gifts out of layaway. When the balance was still high you could see the panic in their faces. I could step up with 50 or 100 dollars and say, “God blessed me with this because He knew you would need it today.” That way I can tell them to thank God – not me.
As a quilter I give away quilts too. That way you don’t feel like they are just sitting there not getting used. And then I can make another one. In the last 4 months I given away 4 baby quilts. All for girls.
Granny & I are like kindred spirits when it comes to giving. I do the same thing when someone sees something I have & they like it. Since my husband passed away in Sept. 2023, I’ve been cleaning out my house & downsizing by selling, donating, & throwing away things that I don’t want & need anymore. Just day before yesterday a dear friend was helping me sort out some things for donations & she mentioned that she really like some pottery pieces that I was sorting out & asked if she could buy some from me. I asked her what she wanted to pay for them (knowing in my heart I would not take her money). She wasn’t sure since neither of us knew what they were worth. So then I asked if there were any other pieces that she was interested in. She picked out 4 pieces & I told her she could have them for her home. She & I both parted very happy that day. Things like that make my heart sing as I think it does the same for Granny.
In our family, quilts are a part of our heritage. My Grandma quilted and she taught her daughter (my mother), me and my son. Yes, son. When he was 12 we were staying for a couple of days at my mother’s house for our son to have outpatient surgery. Grandma was there for a few days staying too. I had wanted to make a small quilt to hang on the wall in my spare bedroom to match the quilt and shams I had with blue and light burgundy heart squares. I took it with us at Grandma’s bidding so we could work on it while we were all there. So, it ended up being finished that weekend, and my Grandma, my mother, me, and my son all quilted on that wall hanging. Brad wanted to learn and Grandma taught him on that wall quilt. I have it still today and hope it outlives me so I can give it to Brad. Love and prayers to Granny and Little Mamas and all of you too.
Well, there you go Tipper, bringing back those treasured memories….May you be richly blessed for the good you do for all of us.
Good morning friends of Appalachia, God bless you and your family, God bless me and my family
Good morning Tipper and bunch,
Beautiful photo of two very lovely ladies. Thank you for sharing. In our house we have a saying: You can’t out give God. It’s true ya know! I would like to thank you for all of yourself that you give away to us everyday. You and your family go above and beyond. You are making a difference that will live on to the end of time as this world knows it. Thank you bunches ❣️ I finished my second quilt this yr 2023 yesterday. I picked out my material for the next one. It’s called A trip around the world. I’m excited to get started. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Again, thank you much for all you do.
As a quilter I totally agree! I’ve given away far more quilts than I’ve kept. I hope when I’m gone my friends and family bring them to decorate the church instead of flowers!
There’s a great quote in the novel “The Red Heart” by James Alexander Thom in which the main character is pondering how her people became more selfish once they stopped making their own clothing and decorative things and started using premade cloth, needles, beads, etc. from the traders. I can’t remember how it goes, but the upshot of it is that when they were making their own things from start to finish, they were happier to give them to others. Once they stopped making and started buying, they became far less generous with their possessions.
I too am a giver! When I die, I want it said “she gave everything she ever had away and although she may have left the world poor, she was a wealthy and rich woman indeed!” You see I never had anything a’ tall until the LORD JESUS gave it to me. The way I see it, I’ve never had to beg for bread or gone without what I needed. That’s God’s kindness and promise HES kept to me. I take care of stray cats, help ladies in prison get basic necessities, help folks in forensic hospitals the same and am always willing to take phone calls to listen, encourage and build up those long forgotten behind institution walls. I help and give and NEVER count the cost. If you have to count the cost, YOUVE PAID WAY TOO MUCH and it ain’t help any longer! It’s just not important to me to live up to somebody else’s expectations. If I see a need, I fill it if I can. I got no need of fancy cars, clothes, a big house and useless diamond rings. I’ve got plenty enough of junky possessions already… I got a friend who’s a millionaire, he’s tighter than Dick’s hatband, wears WHATEVER somebody will give him, buys and eats substandard food mostly nutrient poor cardboard processed stuff and he even drinks tap water cause a bottle costs too much! He fed his poor old dog white rice as a treat (which it would not touch.) I said how about some ALPO chunks on it? Yesterday he lost a lot in the stock market. Lol. I bet had to clutch the pearls! The good Lord giveth and He Taketh away. He DESERVES a petty existence if you ask me and he ain’t taking not a penny with him as his brother and sister will live it up on his dime…. Makes no sense whatsoever…we all leave this world the way we came in—NAKED and ALONE…how many have I pronounced deceased, wrapped and sent on down the road to glory land???? I wish I had 20$ for each one. I’d be fairly well set.
Good morning Tipper. Your Mama is so sweet for making and giving her beautiful creations away. What a wonderful story about giving her cousin her crochet coat—she literally gave away the coat off her back! Everyone who receives her gifts are tickled pink, but I am betting your Mama gets even more pleasure from gifting them. Have a super day everyone!
When we give with love in the offer, it’s God speaking through us.
I’ve learned to also appreciate and give love with everything I receive. Whenever I eat I give a prayer of thanks for the food (no matter the amount or what it is) , and then I ask that everyone in the world is blessed with as much bountiful and good food as they desire so their body is whole.
When I dress for the day, I give thanks for my clothing and ask that everyone in the world has all the clothing they need to be comfortable.
No matter what it is that I get to use today, I will give praise for it and ask that all in the world has as good or better. Now, I’m off to do the laundry. I ask The Father for everyone in the world to have whatever they need to be clean.
I am so grateful to share my love with the world! The Father then blesses me with Joy because I have shared Him. My load is lighter and my life is brighter.
So Tipper, Matt, Chitter, Chatter, and Austin, and Granny, I send gratitude to The Father for all you share and ask that it is returned to you ten fold.
Caye-enjoyed reading your comment today.
Thank you Brenda. I was inspired to share it in the hopes that folks realize there’s more than one way to give and be generous.
Apart from Granny’s many talents, genuine kindness just pours from her face. Three of my grandparents had passed before I was born, and I loved my maternal Granny more than words can say. She was a woman of many talents as well and as kind a person as anyone I’ve known in my life. I lost her when I was 13-years-old, and I will tell you frankly that I’ve adopted your mother as my Granny. My grandmother was different in that she was born in 1883, a different generation, and with Civil War experiences throughout her immediate family, but her kindness and her talents and selflessness remain her legacy, just like your Granny will always be remembered for. Please tell Granny she has a 70-year-old granddaughter way up north who loves her so dearly.
What a great picture of Granny (and her cousin). She looks so beautiful and that jacket is so pretty! I sucked in air (gasped) when I read she gave it away. I have been learning about giving lately and I quickly realized how happy Granny must have been to have seen her cousin so happy when she gave it to her. It really does feel good to bless another person by giving. Love to you all from SC.❤️
Just wondering- Granny’s Spring Jacket – is it her own pattern she created or does she follow someone else’s pattern?
Would she share the information how to crochet it?
I think her jackets are beautiful and sweet : D
KW-thank you! She found the pattern in the book Crochet in Color written by Kathy Merrick 🙂
I made a beautiful double wedding ring quilt, every stitch is hand sewn and will fit a king sized bed, I’ve also made a butterfly quilt but it isn’t quilted yet and won’t be by me, it’s large and I just don’t have a place to put a quilting rack up. I’ve made wall hanging’s and baby quilts, you may rest but it’s still a big job, however I love quilts.
And yes, I have given people the clothes off of my back, I gave a friend a jacket I was wearing because she liked it, the people I have given to may never give me anything, I don’t expect anything but I’ve been repaid ten times over by someone or something else, I love to share things with other people.
Blessings to all
Both of my grandmother’s were free hearted, but both came out of the Great Depression and were very frugal and frowned upon any sort of neglect, waste, or idleness. I also remember the first time one of them said, “I’ve got something I want you to have”. There wasn’t any need to for an explanation as to why she was giving me ___________. My mother \has arrived at this point in her life. She will be 81 this month. She lives alone, still drives, and is in great shape for her age, but she realizes (she gave me some post life instructions just last week) time is growing short and that she has lived her three score and ten. The sentiment to pass along tangible things is not only instinctive in my case, but something that was passed/taught to me either by observation and sometimes pure instruction from friends and loved ones as they prepared to leave this life. It is a blessing to be on either end of this custom.
My grandmother on my mother’s side was born in 1913. Not only did she make very beautiful quilts, she had some beauties that her grandmother had made back in the days of yore. When I was a very young boy I can remember my grandmother and some of her sisters making quilts at my grandmother’s house. There were hooks in the ceiling of her bedroom from which would hang the “quilting frame” which was neatly tied together with scraps of cloth and stored underneath her bed. I also recall a stack of quilts that sat upon a wooden pallet. This was in a spare bedroom that stayed “shutoff” from the rest of the house. There was a bed, a chest of drawers, a dresser, night table beside the bed, and this pile of quilts that almost reached to the very top of the 8′ ceilings in that room. For the first five or six years of my life this giant thing was a mystery to me It was covered with an older cotton bedspread. I am sure this was not only to protect the quilts, but also to hide them. These quilts were closely guarded. They represented very hard work, artistic expression, warmth on a cold night or a place to lay on the grass on a sunny day and whether they realized while making them or not, each one told a story (i.e. one quilt has brown patches of tightly woven wool that came from the discarded britches of my G-G- granddaddy). My grandmother was the “keeper of the quilts”. She had five other sisters and two brothers. All the girls had a hand in some of the quilts as did her mother (my great grandmother). From time to time neighbors helped with the quilting too. All of these quilts are beautiful. When my grandmother passed, my mother became the keeper of the quilts. My wife and I got one from my grandmother as a wedding present nearly 40 years ago. My grandmother told us not to be like her and keep these quilts covered up in a backroom (she once caught one of my uncles after he put a quilt in a birddog’s houses), but take to care of, use, and enjoy it. We did. My mother will be 81 this month and is in good shape. She talks about divesting the quilt treasure, but so far has not (She did give one to my son and daughter when they got married). Quilts are as special as the people that made them. It is OK to be a little stingy with them, but giving them to loved ones is very special kind of gift and a rare thing. I know most of the younger generations are clueless to the work, time, and love that goes into making one. We try and pass along this part to potential recipients. LOL . I suppose these quilts are getting to the point that they belong in a museum. LOL
Just gave a younger family member some blue/green mason jars and a quilt made by a grt-aunt.
This got me to thinking, and I realize I have never given anything away without getting paid for it. They payment would be in seeing the joy and happiness in the person I gave it too. Many years, my Daddy would make small children’s rockers to give to the young ladies at our church when they had their first child. They were very plain, but now some these same ladies tell me they have kept these rockers throughout the years and remember Daddy when they look at them. He died 33 years ago.
I want to go back to yesterday and tell something on my wife that has brought me a lot of laughter and happiness when I think of her. Like many said, we did not not make a big deal out of our birthdays, Valentine’s Day and such. About 5 years ago we got our present dog (half walker hound and Labrador) and she immediately feel in love with him. Not long before his first birthday (on Father’s Day) he swallowed some string and things from a dog toy that blocked his intestines and had to have surgery, for several weeks it was touch and go as to where he would live. On his birthday she brought him a large cup cake home from the Walmart bakery and gave it to him after only giving me a card on my birthday-Feb. 20th. I teased her unmercifully about this, telling her she loved the dog more than me. The next year on my birthday, she brought me a cup cake. I would tease her about this until she passed away -she knew it was all in fun. After she died, the dog would hardly eat for awhile, he was grieving just like the rest of us. For a long time he would be looking for her anytime he heard the back door open.
Things given in anonymity without expectation of renumeration or payment in kind are love at its purest!
That was lovely. Also, it doesn’t surprise me that Granny gave her coat away. She is a giver!
That is a beautiful sentiment. I have found a few people like this in life and cherish each one of them.
My maternal Grandma quilted. With seven children and many of us grandkids, she had plenty of people to bless with them. My Mama liked to knit, and she would make blankets to give us all.