Just Sew It

In the past year, I have been wanting to learn a little history about my grandparents’ arrival to Canada. During a trip to the east coast, my parents had the opportunity to visit Pier 21. Pier 21 was the gateway to Canada for many many newcomers in the early part of the century. My grandparents from both sides arrived there. They all came by boat between the ages of 19 and 24. We have found information on what boat they took, etc. but that’s about it. I’d like to get a little more information but it is difficult. I wish my Baba kept a diary.

I have also discovered that my great-grandma (my baba’s mother) came to New York before she was married and had children. She arrived in Ellis Island and worked in New York rolling cigars (I think). I am now looking for her records and I wish I could get a photo of her. I don’t think that will happen. But I would like to learn just a little about her. She was very brave to do that at that time.

I did try to ask my Baba some questions before she passed but her english has always been poor and she was even more difficult to understand in the last couple of years of her life.

This is why I like to scrapbook. To keep records of the family. I’m not huge on the scrapbooking scene anymore but I will probably do a little to keep up the history behind our family. I think I’d like to create a historic scrapbook.

Quilting has brought up these feelings too. I love to create something I can give so people can cherish or pass on their quilt to someone if they prefer. I plan on creating labels of each quilt I make so if in 50 years if it’s still around they will know the history.