Antique Quilted Ball

I found this quilted ball in an antique store. I was so intrigued by it. Its strips of quilted material hand stitched by what appear to be old, tattered materials, possible clothing no longer being worn and other worn household materials? Maybe from a time where nothing was wasted, when everything was put to use? I wonder about the stories behind each piece. And when the quilt was too worn to be used as a quilt, why was it then made into a ball? Was its new life to be a play thing? Answers I may never know. It sits on my sewing desk as a reminder of times past and beckons me to be thrifty and creative, to be diligent and resourceful and to work with my hands. If you know the history or stories behind such quilted balls, please share.

PARTING SHOT: The kids are growing watermelon! The Jubilee is so cute, and the Sugar Baby is just about ready. This is our first year to garden. We got a late start and the watermelon kind of took over; so we don't have much to show for our efforts. But we did have a large basil plant that we've harvested and stored. And we will be planting lettuce, spinach, onions and cabbage soon.