Rose Wreath Pattern

 The Rose Wreath pattern has been around for a long time. The pattern was embroidered onto the fabric square and then the squares were sown together to make the quilt. Then the quilting began. These quilts take a lot of time as most of the squares have detailed embroidery with different colors, which means changing the thread often.

The Rose Wreath pattern has a secret and somber meaning. During the days of the Underground Railroad, it usually meant that someone had passed

away during the journey to freedom. It was an African tradition to lay a wreath on the grave of the deceased.

My grandmother made this quilt when she was 13. I remember her saying it was the first quilt she made after her mother passed away, leaving her, the oldest, to look after her father and two siblings. I find it interesting she chose the Rose Wreath pattern. She always treasured this quilt and said it reminded her of her mother. I am sure it helped her work through her grief as a teenager. I am always amazed at the intricate quilting patterns in this quilt. You can really see how much quilting was done in the close up pattern. The designs on the border, and the saw tooth edging are all signs of the great love and care that went into this quilt. This is one of my most prized posessions. This quilt was made in 1930.