A hand written note attached to this quilt provides an insight into the quilt’s story. The note tells us that the quilt was made in 1932 by Irva Wagner with ‘a few stitches added by her future husband Eugene R. Douglas 1932’. A sentimental note was added to this information wishing ‘Good Health to who ever uses them. I.R.D. 1992’ At the top of the note there is reference to a Dark Red Quilt from Mother Wagner’s early years.

One can presume that the note was written when the quilts were being passed down through the family. On this tiny scrap of paper much information is revealed – the maker’s maiden name, her future husband’s name and the year the quilt was made. The addition of the note, stating that a few stitches were added by her future husband indicate that Irva was stitching this beautiful quilt for her approaching marriage and her new life ahead.

The quilt is hand stitched from many small scraps. The fabrics include shirtings, plaids, ginghams, feed sacks and dimities. The soft palette used certainly suits the quilt’s name – Ocean Waves. Shades of blues, pinks, beiges, reds, mauves and a touch of orange and black were selected from scraps, some dating back to the turn of the century. Placed next to a crisp white background, the quilt evokes a Summer’s day spent looking over the ocean with the constant ebb and flow of the waves. The quilt is beautifully hand quilted.

With the prospect of a long, hot, dry Summer ahead, I am happy to have Irva’s Ocean Waves quilt in my collection to remind me of the cool ocean breezes coming in from our bay.

Thank you for visiting and hope the weather is kind to you all whether it be Winter or Summer in your part of the world. Janette – The Plain Needlewoman