11 - November 21

Topic: It was made by hand.

     I've always wanted to learn how to quilt.  There is something about a task that has been around for as long as women sewed that appeals to me for some reason.  Using up left over old clothing to make into a blanket to keep warm on winter's nights, the thrift in me finds appealing.  The last stage for clothing in the recycling path of life: they either become a rag or a quilt.
     But in today's day, clothing goes to second hand stores, to the Good Will, to the homeless.  Not that bad of an alternative (especially for coats - can you imagine a quilt made from your ski-jacket?), and certainly needed by various groups.  And yet, there is something in me that longs to make a quilt.
     I think this will be the year.  I've done a  bit of sewing already (a button back on, a ripped hem), so I'm sure I can manage this.  Besides, it's just squares and straight sewing, isn't it?  Maybe I should take a beginner class to be sure.
     You see, as much as I want to make a quilt for myself, I also want to make one for my sister's children.  I never had children of my own and there is something about leaving behind something that will last long after you're gone that is a longing within me. And, if I make the quilt right - with a pattern on the top that the person connects to coupled with a soft flannel under that is cozy and warm, maybe the quilt will go with them everywhere they go in life.  I think that's the difference between something bought at the store and something made by hands that love them and pick things just for them.  Maybe, they will be ready to pass on when they graduate.  Wouldn't that be a lovely graduation gift for them?  Maybe earlier.
     There's a quilting store near me - perhaps I should stop in and see what kind of classes they offer, the costs, and such.  After all, I need to start small!  A table-runner, perhaps. And other small projects until I find the pattern for each of them.  I'd like to make myself 2 different bedroom ensembles - one for summer, one for winter.  I'd like to make gifts for friends - something for them to remember me after I'm gone.

 My one niece is pretty artistic, loves to dance and sing and flutter about the world.  The quilt on the side reminds me of her, but I'd have to do it in her favourite colours - aqua and pink.  Don't you think that would be pretty?  I can imagine her going to university and taking it with her, adorning her bed, snuggling under it and studying, pulling it over her head when she has her first break-up.  And all the while, she knows when she pulls it around her that I love her.

And this one would be for my other niece - she's a little scientist.  Right now she's too young to understand the Fibonacci spiral, but when she does, she'd see that she has her own that will go with her wherever she wants. There are many amazing things about mathematics, of which this is one, and how it plays out in the world around us can be truly awe-inspiring.  These colours would be perfect for her. Purples - the only colour that appears in the natural world for the sake of beauty.


     So, that is my dream.  A dream that I know is possible to come true.  Even in our day of instant gratification; if you want something, go to the store and buy it; if it breaks, throw it out and get another; I am determined to make something that does not happen instantly and will last long after I'm gone.
     Now, to find that store and start simple ...