Spring Ramblings - Quilter's Edition

by Anita Benedict

  Another week flew past. In less than a month I will be back to working for the summer. In my last ramblings I spoke of quilting on a quilt my mom had started as a teen. She had purchased a kit and hand sewn each tiny square in the Triple Irish Chain pattern. The stitches were perfect and even.

   In her 50's she finally found time to embroider green oak leaves in the plain squares and I still have some of the thread, purchased at Kmart.

   Sewing ladies oohed and aahed over the stitching and age of the quilt when I took it to Atlantic Fabrics to get quilt backing. And the wonderful ladies at Noel New Horizons put it all together and into frames to quilt.

   Now in my 50's, I am finally able to finish what she started, with a lot of help from friends. As I quilted this past Wednesday with Gloria on one side and I on the other, I reflected on the quilts I have pieced and quilted over the years. It was lovely to have Gail and Corrine join in the stitching. The work of all these ladies make it even more special. I hope to keep track of all who quilt it.

   Quilting is not hard, but is definitely becoming a lost art as a younger generation are either not invited or not interested in being a part of this art form.

   We really don't need to make quilts because we can buy ready made blankets, even quilts, at a greatly reduced cost. But a quilt for me is more than a blanket. It is a memory. A memory of cutting and piecing, matching colours and sewing each piece. 

   Memory quilts using clothing worn, or scrap material left from other sewing projects brings back memories of a maternity shirt made or a dress mom would have worn. I remember a quilt I made while I had chicken pox. I remember quilting alongside my mom.

   I have tatty quilts that while faded and frayed, are still warm and feel like a hug from the women of the past. To be gifted a quilt at one time was a great honour, so much work with you in mind. Are they still that special?

   They are a lot of work, but they teach patience, and appreciation. So once again, if you feel like quilting, join us on Wednesday anytime after 9:30 at the Noel New Horizons where you can learn from some very talented quilters.