Submitted January 16, 2012 QUILTS BY VERA STACEY Quilting, the stitiching together of layers of padding and fabric  has changed often over many centuries. Basically, a quilt is a cloth sandwich, with a top, which is usually the decorated part, a back, and a filler in the middle. The quilts in the photo were made by Vera Stacey from Point May on the Burin Peninsula, NL. Quilts like these were originally born of the necessity of providing warm covers for beds. Many years ago. Newfoundlanders often used quilts as hangings for doors and windows to keep out the cold. Vera Stacey, like most NL women her age, lived during difficult times when money was scarce or imported fabric was limited. Vera became creative in her use of material on hand, and made numerous quilts to keep her family warm during the cold Newfoundland winters. Vera's quilts contained old skirts, dresses and shirts once worn be her children. Even discarded window curtains were used as a quilt top. Vera often choose to use old patched blankets as fillers for her quilts. At the age of 88, Vera continues her quilt-making on a smaller scale. In keeping with a Newfoundland custom, Vera made quilts to give her grandchildren as they start life as adults. For Vera, quilts are far more than just a way to keep warm at night. Her quilts have become a literal patchwork of family history and stories. These quilts represent old patches and old garments  but more importantly old memories. Quilting for Vera Stacey is certainly a form of relaxtion and it represents a true Nefoundland tradition.   Submitted By: NULL