It rained today.

Rain fell at a constant pace, not quite a pour but more than a light sprinkle. The sky turned to a dull shade of gray frequently associated with the skies of the United Kingdom. The sunny warmth of yesterday was long gone, so I spent my afternoon in the Charleston Museum.

I apologize for the questionable quality of this photograph; it is hard to take a sharp picture when the objects of choice sit behind glass. The Charleston Museum has a textile gallery which currently features an exhibit titled "Quintessential Quilts." The display includes many completed quilts, but I was drawn to this small introductory display case. I liked the  mix of shapes, patterns, and levels of completion, but I think the real reason that I admired this case was the two round pieces shown at the bottom. 

As a child, my parents' bed was topped with a family quilt. I cannot remember now if that particular quilt was made by my mother or by her mother, as we have quilts from both of them, but I know it was made by one of the two. The quilt features a similar pattern to these pieces shown here, and I will always find comfort in that design. Some patches have a dark green background with sheep scattered on top - my favorite pieces. Sick, scared, or simply not wanting to be alone, childhood Rachel found sleeping to be easier when snuggled under her parent's quilt.