Although neither my mother nor grandmothers were quilters; as a child I slept under a wonderful Double Wedding Ring quilt. The quilt was made by my maternal great-grandmother, Catherine Ellen Fowler Clark Carty in Ansley Nebraska when she was in her late 60s. It was hand quilted by my grandfather’s first cousin, Edna Casteel in Sand Hills Nebraska. It’s rumored that this was one of two identical Double Wedding Ring quilts made by my great-grandmother during the 30s.
Growing up, I loved this quilt and often asked my mom if I could have it when I left home. The answer was always the same… the quilt had already been promised to my sister. I fell in love with scrap quilts as a child and started making quilts when I was in my 20s. When I started collecting vintage quilts, I often thought about this quilt. Years later, I couldn’t believe it when my sister asked if I remembered the “pink” quilt and was thrilled when she offered to give it to me. She warned me that the quilt wasn’t in very good condition, but I didn’t care!!
My first step was to take the quilt to a quilt conservator and have it professionally cleaned. The pink background and the yellow and purple squares are found in many quilts from the 1930s. However, when I looked closer, I noticed there was a green print (often the same green print) in the center of each arc. A yellow piece was placed on each side of the green piece, and then scraps were used for the rest of the arc. A bit of red is sprinkled throughout the quilt.
The quilt was used and loved for many years. It’s fabrics are faded and worn; the batting is showing in a few places and the binding is frayed along one side. After all this quilt has been through, I’m amazed that it still exists.
Great-grandma Carty
Needless to say… I still love this quilt and it holds a special place in my heart. Quilting gives me a strong connection to my great-grandmother… not only are we both quilters, but we also share a name!
