At a recent meeting of a quilt organization I belong to (Michigan Quilt Network), we had a speaker, Kelly Smith, who authored a book entitled, Open Your Heart With Quilting-Mastering Life through Love of the Patches. I found when reading Kelly's book that we shared a mutual appreciation for another book, Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach. In introducing Kelly, I cited a favorite entry that contains a statement about the creative process attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. It says,

"the women who works with her hands only is a laborer; the woman who works with her hands and her head is a craftswoman; the woman who works with her hands, her head, and her heart is an artist."

Kelly talked about how she came to write her book and what she learned about why people quilt. The presentation was followed by a special show and tell where members brought in quilts that they had made to commemorate a special event or person in their lives or for someone they knew. As each person came forward to share their narrative and show their quilts we were touched by heartwarming and emotional stories about life experiences, some happy and some sad. It seemed that although many of us entered the room as strangers we were going to leave with new friendships and understandings for our passion about quilting. It was also clear to me that I was in a room full of artists as each quilt contains a piece of the heart from the person who made it.

Happy Stitching,

Karen Gibson

You might have noticed that Pam’s voice has been quiet for a little while. Pam had a serious medical emergency and is now on the mend. She has asked me to fill in for her until she is ready to start “blogging” again. Since I am new to this, it will take me awhile to get up to speed and capture some pictures and stories to share with you. To get things started, I’d like to share a favorite quote:

"Friends are like a quilt with lots of different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns of fabric. But the end result brings you warmth and comfort in a support system that makes your life richer and fuller " —Suzanne Dale Ezell

I ran across this quote in a book of Daily Devotions for Women. I always liked the analogy it makes between friends and a quilt, even more so because I recognize how many friends I have made since I became involved with quilting. Nowadays I am also more keenly aware of the importance of friends, especially since several of my friends are facing serious illnesses. I have seen the support system in action and know the positive impact it has on friends as they recover. It is more inspiring than the best show and tell at quilt guild and even more uplifting. When someone has been absent from our guild for awhile, it is wonderful to see the warm hugs, smiles and encouragement they receive upon their return. Quilters are just wonderful people!

Happy Stitching,
Karen Gibson