Abby Ireland cherishes “Blankie” as her trusted source of comfort for many years. The story of “Blankie” originates from the moment Abby’s loving parents wrapped her in it at her birth. Cute custom stitching adorns each corner, marking it as Abby’s own. Her grandma, despite battling Parkinson’s and having frail, shaky hands, stitched these designs with love. Although two Bs were mistakenly stitched backwards, it serves as a reminder to Abby of her grandma’s triumph over her struggles and her unwavering love. The faded white dots and fraying edges bear witness to the countless moments of shared laughter and tears. “Blankie” stands as a living artifact, reminding those around us that the love and care poured into crafting an object can leave a lasting impact on someone’s lifetime.
This object is part of the “Personal Growth” section of the Artifacts of Experience exhibition designed by University of Cincinnati students in the “Introduction to Public History” course in 2023.
We encourage you to explore the other objects in our collection.
Transcript
Ramsey Newton [RN]: Hi, thank you for agreeing to this interview, I would like to talk to you today about your blanket? Could you tell me a little bit about it?
Abby Ireland [AI]: Yes, my blankie is one of the most precious things I own. It was handcrafted by my grandmother when I was born and has been with me ever since. My GG, that it was what we call her, brought it to the hospital, and I was wrapped in it and brought home in this blanket.
[RN]: Can you tell me about your GG?
[AI]: Yes, my GG struggles with Parkinsons and started making the blanket at my baby shower. Her hands are super shaky, frail, and so there are a couple of mistakes along the blanket. I would not call them mistakes; they just show me how much effort and love my GG put into this for me. There are two Bs stitched backwards, and this is what reminds me of how hard my GG put into work to make this. It may not be perfect on the outside, but it is perfect for me because she tried her best. It is incredible to remember that my GG’s hands made it.
[RN]: Can you tell me how your connection with the blanket has changed since you have gotten older?
[AI]: Yes, as I have grown older, the blanket has become even more significant to me. It is a link to my GG. Whenever I wrap myself in it or hold it close to my face, I feel a sense of her presence and the love she had for me. It is hard to be far away from her in college. It is a source of comfort, not just physically, but emotionally as well.
