Sunday, November 9, 2008

Stitching Magic

This is my sister's first quilt -- her original design, hand-quilted and made as a gift for me!  

My two sisters and I were born in a 32- month span and the quilter is the youngest.  Having grown up in the shadow of a couple of over-achievers (one of whom is also a neurotic borderline OCD), she is not as confident about her abilities and creativity as I would like her to be. So, this quilt was to lie quietly in my collection and never be allowed to let others see my sister shine the way I see her.  

Without telling her -- after all, she gave the quilt to me. I can do with it as I wish -- I entered it in the county fair.  And of course, she took first prize (We have a very small county -- she won $3). And now I have posted it to the internet for the entire world to see.

We go to any quilting show within 100 miles of home and we see some excellent hand-quilting, but we also see some less skillful work, too.  She never sees her own work as being anywhere near equal to that of others.  

When she was little, I always envied her fantastic imagination.  I was always totally logical and practical and was never able to reach that magical kingdom that she lived in.  When I see her quilt stitches become slightly uneven or wander a bit off the intended line, I wonder what treasure did her mind find at that moment and where did that new trail take her.  So, I trace her stitching with my finger and try to follow her into the magic places I pray she still finds.  

I hope anyone who examines the hand-quilting of another wonders about what that person was thinking and experiencing with each stitch made and follow them into their world.  Every quilt is full of stories.








6 comments:

  1. The quilt is beautiful - the blue sashing makes the blocks really stand out. I can't hand quilt large quilts any more because of arthritis but I wish I could. There's just something about the rhythm of the stitching that relaxes you completely. I hope your sister continues to quilt - I don't think anyone ever thinks their work is as good as others. :) blessings, marlene

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  2. Yes, it is a very pretty quilt. My hand quilting is kind of like WV roads, very curvy and uneven. I always say its the thought and love put into a quilt that matters. I have never had the nerve to enter mine into our quilt show or county fair, mine doesn't compare to all the beautiful ones entered.

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  3. Hi Carol! You won the dog collar! Email me at AGiveawayADay@gmail.com to claim your prize. :)

    ~Liz
    www.AGiveawayADay.blogspot.com

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  4. Carol, you've been tagged. Go to my site, copy the rules and then list 6 random facts about you on your blog.

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  5. The quilt is lovely, Carol. Your sister is certainly gifted.

    Good luck to you with moving. We've been here over 30 yers and I shudder at what it would take to get us moved.

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  6. you are so right -every quilt does tell a story ;) and sadly soo many people do not appreciate that especailly these days.

    What a wonderful story you shared about this beautiful gift your sister made for you - perhaps the whole time she was making it she was thinking of your all's younger years of growning up together ;) oh how lucky you 3 sisters are to have had one another. I always wished for a sister growin up.... and now am so greatful my 2 girls have each other. ;)

    and small town fair or not - only $3!!! for 1st place!!! really? Do the judges know anyhting about quilting, you can't even buy a spool of thread for that much! What a shame the award was not a little more.... Like $300 cash or even gift card to a local quilt store!

    Thanks for sharing - does your sister have any clue you entered it? or posted about for all of us?

    Love from Texas! ~bonnie

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