A few days ago, someone brought a quilt into the office that was made by his great-aunt. She made it in 1939 when she was 15 years old, living in the small town of Ajo, Arizona.
Fifteen years old!
She made it in honor of her high school football team, the Red Raiders.
It’s clearly been well-cared for and the workmanship is excellent, but it was the attention to detail that impressed me the most.
See for yourself: 
All of the faces, shoelaces, names, and outlining is hand embroidery.
Nice kick!
The only one who sported a number, this was the quilt maker’s brother.
Note the mustache!
Can’t leave out the ref and water boy.
I love how the ref is flipping a coin!
Oh dear. Checking his fly?
The Majorette is quite lovely, don’t you think?
We even get a twirling baton! (Nice boots!)
Aw, poor Russell got tackled.
The stars and tweeting bird… that’s priceless.
As we admired the quilt, several of us wondered if any 15-year-old today would be able (or willing) to make something like this. Rather doubt it.
But keep in mind, this was 1939. No T.V., internet, Instagram, Tumblr or Twitter. Plus, she’s living in Ajo, Arizona. Have you ever been to Ajo?
However before we get too critical of our youth of today, how many of us are working on a project of this magnitude?
Maybe we should move to Ajo?
Sorry Ajo, I couldn’t resist. 😉
That is spectacular!
Isn’t it though?! I was blown away by the quality of detailing. This girl had talent!
I never attempted an ordinary quilt let alone something so detailed!
That’s gorgeous, what a keepsake!
Yes, it certainly is! The co-worker who brought it in was taking it to a special town event this weekend, where it was going to hang as an exhibit. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was put in a museum one day.
Wow! Now that is a skill. The Majorette and Ref are my favs, but what details.
quilting done by today’s 15 year olds? Sure. I bet there’s a app for that.
I’m sure there is! 😀
That Majorette is something else, isn’t she? Love her red lips and dark hair. 🙂
And very ‘of the time’ in her look.
What a beautiful piece of art. I have been to Ajo. I spent two weeks there one morning.
Bravo! I was waiting for someone to make that joke! 😀
Football played with leather helmets before face masks led to a lot of stars and tweeting birds. We traveled through Ajo in April on our way back to Tucson from Organ Pipe N.M. I thought that its town square with restored railroad station was one of the finest I have ever seen.
For so long these mining towns were just that – mining towns. But some of them are doing a good job trying preserve their history and give a sense of civic pride.
Come to think of it, so does this quilt!
I feel like I have just been given a ticket back in time. This is a perfect example of how a quilt can preserve history! Thank you for sharing it:)
You’re very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
It was a real treat to see, that’s for sure! 🙂
Lovely piece of work.
I can imagine, but it’s work. Thank you so much for posting the fabulous photos and the story. I feel inspired.
What a treasure. We’re talking Smithsonian quality. And that it’s in such good condition is a marvel. Someone loved it well.
Yes, it looked used, but lovingly and carefully so. Definitely museum worthy!