Do you know what I like best about this quilting experience? It isn’t the finished project– sometimes a bit of a let down, or fabric purchasing–I have almost broken myself of that habit, or having an outlet for creativity that is practical….it is being with my quilting friends on Wednesday! Wednesday from 11 am to 4 pm I am part of a group that still likes and cares for me ..the authentic me.
We are fairly homogenous; same age group, same ethnicity, same religious backgrounds, all mothers and most grandmothers, but when there are twelve women together there will be big and little differences. We don’t all agree politically. Each of the twelve have different strengths and weaknesses. The role quilting plays in our everyday life varies. Roles shift within the group. But we joke we want to be on the same floor, in the same assisted living complex when we are older so we can take care of each other.
You would be surprised at all the topics we cover in a short five hours! Yesterday we * shared latest streamed series we had watched and gave a quick review of each. * discussed current books we are reading or listening to –audio books are preferred by quilters so one can quilt while”reading”. * results of latest medical appointments, up coming doctor visits and questions about health–our children don’t want to hear about this and our husbands are tired of hearing about it. * Taylor Swift’s chances of making it to the Super Bowl this Sunday and her re-recorded songs. * the British Royal Family’s medical crisis and the retired nurses diagnosed the type of cancer King Charles most likely has * the challenge of wearing flannel pjs bottom when sleeping on flannel sheets in the winter. * funny self deprecating storied about losing things–keys, glasses, phones. * and some topics and discussions that will not be shared outside the four walls of our locked quilting room.
BUT, quilting does happen! Sometimes it takes another quilter’s brain to solve a frustrating road block. Yesterday, I could not figure out the repetitive pattern needed to put quilt blocks into rows. Diane and Shirley saw the solution immediately. Another quilter finally realized the small detail in a printed pattern that made all the difference in the construction of a block that a quilter was trying to make to no avail. A few weeks ago, we all pitched in and curated blues for a quilt to be gifted. Many sets of eyes could see which blues were too green or grey, which prints were too big, or if there was a balance between darks, lights and medium. Not sure about adding a border to your quilt–take it in Wednesday and ask. We will have an opinion which we all know doesn’t need to be followed.
The second best part about my quilting buddies? The affirmation they give. When I show my husband (who is a wonderful, loving, generous man) my quilts, I usually get one of three comments. 1. That is interesting. (he sort of likes it). 2. That is a bit busy. (he doesn’t like it) or 3. That should bring a lot of money at your sale. (High praise). But he never says ”ohh, I love the color combination” or “the stripes made that so fun”. or “Wow, that was complicated but you did a great job”. My quilting pals do. We love “show and tell”. No matter the project, there will be praise. Even if most of think the colors clash, we will compliment the quilting or the pattern. If the binding is a bit wavy, we assure each other it won’t be noticed. Praise is important no matter your age or ability.
But the very best part about my quilting group. We care. We share the heartaches of losing persons, we share the joy of milestones reached by grandchildren, we share the uncomfortableness of change, we share frustrations of relationships, we share the excitement of trips and vacations and we “check-in” with each other.
Of course we have our moments–eye rolls, lips pressed together so we won’t say anything, and hurt feelings. We have passed the stage of superficial interaction. We are a quilting family. No matter your passions, I hope you find your tribe.
*************************************************************************************
New projects just finished!
A Christmas wall hanging—28″ x 46″. It has a hanging sleeve attached which makes super easy to use. Look at the machine quilting.
The Christmas theme was continued with tree and snowflakes. $75
Three different sets of six placemats. Each set is reversible. They are machine quilted and hand bound. Speaking from experience, these placemats will last through many, many washings. Approx. 14″ x 18″. Each set is $60.
Soft unique baby bibs. They are extra thick and have a Velcro closing at the neck. Watch for more in the coming weeks. I already have dibs on an aqua pieced one for a great niece or nephew arriving this summer. The smaller ones, all the yellow ones and the top red, white and blue one are $8 each and the larger one is $10.
Nothing like an “feed sack” tea towel –the embroidery makes them gift worthy. $8 each
A scrappy lap quilt or throw–40″ x 50″. Machine quilted with a cotton/poly blend.
The pieced backing is all black and white prints. $125
Thanking you for checking in and reading this post. My sincere hope is that you have a supportive, up-lifting ”village” in your life.
Quilts, Etc. 