The wind has been howling across Kansas for the past two days and the local meteorologists tell us it will last two more days. This a yearly occurrence on the high plains, and every time I wonder how those early pioneer women living in a sod dugout or basic log cabin kept their sanity. What was it like to keep a cooking fire going with wind whistling through the cracks in the wall? Did they just give up on washing and cleaning? Keeping children busy in a tiny cold cabin with a freezing wind chill out side must have been “stressful”.
The present world is not easy either; videos of horrific carnage by terrorists here and abroad, pandemics, climate disasters but I have much for which to be grateful.
Here is my partial list–
- Abundance of sewing needles–Every time I misplace the needles I am using, I remember the story I read ages ago about an early settler breaking her only needle! When everything was hand sewn, needles were a precious commodity. Waiting for weeks for a replacement–I can’t imagine!
- Vaccines–I just had my flu and covid vaccines this week so this is on my mind. Go to an old cemetery and look at the ages on the grave markers. Many deaths occurred from illnesses and conditions that we prevent with vaccines. In the past few years I have had vaccines for the flu, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, covid and diphtheria; any of those could have changed my life.
- Medical advances–I am recovering from a common surgery. I feel great now, issue resolved. But what happened when my great-great grandparents was experiencing these issues?
- Communication technology–My children live on the east and west coast. Before FaceTime, texting and “no-long distance charges” phone calls, written letters would have been my only option. True, I treasure letters written my parents and grandparents, but frankly if I had to depend on letters from some of my family, I would have no idea what was going on in their lives.
- Fabric Options–Beautiful colors, striking prints, lovely texture, plush synthetics–my grandmothers would have been in awe of the choices I have. I can visit local shops or shop on line. It is expensive and perhaps that is a good thing. Perhaps it slows down the over buying and production that is filling the land fills. I have gone almost a year with buying any–I had that much in my stash! Our ancestors would not believe how fabric wealthy we are.
Any thing on the list above would have been a miracle for the women listening to the wind in a sod dugout years ago.
I have many, many things for which to be grateful, but I will end this list with this–I am so grateful for my fellow Quilters at First and for everyone at First United Methodist that supports us in our Quilts Etc Sale!
Much goes into this sale, but every part is a joint effort and frankly fun! I love seeing our shelves and cupboards fill with completed projects. I love seeing the variety of projects–each quilter has a special talent. Some do intricate appliqué, some hand quilt, others make three dimensional art while others use scraps and a few try patterns no one else would touch. Deciding on the best way to display our quilts and hand crafts is a creative challenge. Trying to improve on our marketing and sales is a challenge; this year we have the “Square” to make credit card use much more simple. I hope you make it to our celebration of our years work.
Quilters never stop sewing –see what showed up this week.
Strip quilting is a fun method of using up scraps. Left over strips of fabric are sew to a base of muslin or paper, trimmed to the desired size and arranged in a interesting pattern, Shirley played with dark and low volume strips to create this eye catching 61″ x 76″ quilt. It is machine quilted with a cotton batting. $200
A table topper that is definitely gives an autumn vibe– 28″ x 32″. $55
Halloween is just around the corner– and Susan finished her jack o’ lantern table runner
If you look closely, the machine quilting is also jack o’ lanterns. 18″ x 67″. $60
Diane had made an entire pumpkin patch with all sorts of fabric and yarn. They range in price from $8 to $15
Vicki made three holiday table runners–each very different from the others! The poinsettia one is 16″ x 41″, the tree in a field of snow is 16″ x 47″ and the Merry Christmas on is 17″ x 42″. Each one is $40
These snow people are for the entire winter, not just Christmas. The embroidered scene is framed with an explosion of forrest green and glittery gold. 16″ x 40″. $60
This view out of window into a snowy woods would be perfect hanging in a stair well or on the back of the sofa. $100. SOLD
Holiday baskets for your Christmas cards, napkins or cookies for the neighbors. They untie at the corners to lie flat in storage. $25 each
Lots of little items showed up also–Christmas tree coasters, Chief potholders, microwave bowls, and tea towels. I can’t wait for you to see everything!
A week from today! We would love to see you!
Quilts, Etc. 