First, I did survive vending at the Kaleidoscope of Quilts in Sylvania this past Friday and Saturday. There were times I wasn't sure I'd be able to walk on my own accord....but I made it! Setting up a booth entails hauling tons of stuff and I was short a few tanks and military personnel.
There were two huge highlights for me. The first was being able to see lots of friends and receiving so many loving hugs.
The second....this is the part where I'm setting the record straight....and a wee bit of the background story.
When my Mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told she had 4-6 months to live in February, I was beside myself....naturally. My girlfriend, Diane, asked if there was anything she could do to help. The very first thing that came to mind was "Momma's Quilt." She had selected the fabric (from my stash) and the pattern and I was going to make her a quilt for her birthday, May 25. I asked Diane if she could ask some of our mutual friends if they would be willing to help with the quilt for my mother. Within an hour of sending the e-mail....she had lots of help. In 3....yes THREE days...."Momma's Quilt" was made. I asked Diane to leave off the binding so I could do the stitching thus having a part in making the quilt.
Diane wanted to enter the quilt in the Kaleidoscope of Quilts as a group quilt but somehow the label does not indicate who the real winners of the First Place ribbon belongs to.
"Momma's Quilt" hung in the back left corner at the show, a perfect place because I felt as though it was somehow sacred space....like Momma was there with me. She was able to enjoy her quilt for almost 8 weeks before she passed. I don't think I could express my gratitude enough for the gift these ladies gave to me....the ability to give my Mother her birthday present.
In my mind, these ladies are truely the:
With huge smiles of gratitutde,
Kelly
There were two huge highlights for me. The first was being able to see lots of friends and receiving so many loving hugs.
The second....this is the part where I'm setting the record straight....and a wee bit of the background story.
When my Mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was told she had 4-6 months to live in February, I was beside myself....naturally. My girlfriend, Diane, asked if there was anything she could do to help. The very first thing that came to mind was "Momma's Quilt." She had selected the fabric (from my stash) and the pattern and I was going to make her a quilt for her birthday, May 25. I asked Diane if she could ask some of our mutual friends if they would be willing to help with the quilt for my mother. Within an hour of sending the e-mail....she had lots of help. In 3....yes THREE days...."Momma's Quilt" was made. I asked Diane to leave off the binding so I could do the stitching thus having a part in making the quilt.
Diane wanted to enter the quilt in the Kaleidoscope of Quilts as a group quilt but somehow the label does not indicate who the real winners of the First Place ribbon belongs to.
The TRUE WINNERS of the First Place Ribbon belong to the following amazing ladies:
Diane Giveins (she made the beautiful label too)
Sandy Dallas
Marty Deer
Carol Eiben
Linda Hill
Joan Jaffray
Nancy Lee White
Peggy Mlynek
Ellen Snyder
Lynda Torres
and Dale Burnett who did a beautiful job long arm quilting "Momma's Quilt."
"Momma's Quilt" hung in the back left corner at the show, a perfect place because I felt as though it was somehow sacred space....like Momma was there with me. She was able to enjoy her quilt for almost 8 weeks before she passed. I don't think I could express my gratitude enough for the gift these ladies gave to me....the ability to give my Mother her birthday present.
In my mind, these ladies are truely the:
With huge smiles of gratitutde,
Kelly
Kelly, you are such an amazing person! Your momma left us all blessed with her daughter! Grace be upon you and all you do and what wonderful friends!
ReplyDeleteGuess there was more than one reason for you to be at the show.. Sounds like it was a good weekend!!! Lots of work, but a huge reward.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazeing gift for your Mother ..... It looks absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou have remarkably, wonderful friends. The quilt is lovely!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt with precious memories . . . quilters have the biggest heart. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story Kelly. I made my BFF a quilt for Christmas one year, and I was so glad I did. She passed 9 months later, and I would have felt soooo badly if I had procrastinated on making it for her. Love the quilt. It certainly is a winner.
ReplyDeleteThe booth looks great. I am glad you survived it.
ReplyDeleteI am also glad that "Momma's Quilt" was there to comfort you.
What a wonderful, wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your very personal story about your mums quilt.
ReplyDeleteAlso well done doing the show on your own
Hugs
Tears in my eyes again, the quilt is beautiful as are the friends.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post, Kelly. You know there is nothing we wouldn't do for you and we were all blessed to have been asked and to know you. I was so glad I had a chance to meet your Mom. Your binding was award winning, by the way - teach me to do that!! You threw together an amazing booth. It was great to have you at the show. Hope you are enjoying some much deserved rest???!!
ReplyDeleteWhat great friends you have. Such a nice story - glad that your mom was able to enjoy her quilt and now that you can enjoy it as well. Hope the show went well for you - they are a lot of work!
ReplyDelete(Giant bear hug) thank you for sharing even more of your Momma with us!
ReplyDeleteI love the 'Golden Tapestry' in the background of your booth by anita goodesign! hard to believe that is a beginner project!! LOL
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are tearing up. What a beautiful quilt, which I'm sure your mother loved. How special that it took a lst too! Definitely a winning quilt! Bless the quilters that took needle, thread and fabric to give such beauty, hugs and smiles.
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.co
Tears here too. It is just lovely and I'm so glad that she was able to enjoy it a bit. Quilters are wonderful people, always there to lend a hand.
ReplyDeleteYes, even after our phone conversation this morning and now reading this I teared up. That just touches my heart so! and your mom picked out the perfect fabrics. Love the colors!!!!
ReplyDeleteOH, such a sweet post. Yes, I know those ladies will always have a special place in your heart. The quilt is beautiful. Glad you survived the show.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bunch of friends. The quilt is beautiful and I am sure your mom loved it.
ReplyDeletePam
What a great bunch of friends. The quilt is beautiful and I am sure your mom loved it.
ReplyDeletePam
What a fantastic post, which truly shows the meaning of friendship. - but it takes a wonderful person to get wonderful friends!
ReplyDeleteThat is just sooo sweet, what a beautiful quilt
ReplyDelete