There are myriads of reasons I started quilting. I have crafted/created almost as long as I can remember. From making clothes for my stuffed animals when I was really little, to sewing my own clothes. I remember my parents had a book series from Time Life that was a number of different crafts with projects in each one, and I lived for those books to show up. I am positive I tried at least one thing out of every single book.
I made my first quilt in 1976 thanks to the Bicentennial, and while it left a lot to be desired, I was hooked. I like sewing. I like the process. I like “painting with fabric” and no matter what my weight or dress size was, the quilt would always “fit”.
When I got divorced in the early 90’s, it turns out that all my friends were actually my husband’s friends, and I only knew one or two people in the Dallas area outside of the people from work. I was shocked and realized that somehow, I needed to build a collection of people around me who would value me, and I found that in quilt guilds. In the 90’s quilting guilds were HUGE. Several hundred members and they were vibrant and active groups. I remember one of the Plano Quilt Guild retreats had over 100 people at the retreat. There was always something in common since we were all quilters and it was a way to find something constant in life regardless of where I worked or what my relationship status was.
Fast forward to now, I am embarking on a new phase in life, as I have left my technical job behind and I am focusing on the design work and long arm quilting work that I want to be doing. The thread in my life is the wonderful collection of friends I have through quilting who were there through the gnashing of teeth over whether or not the timing was right, who are now open to shenanigans during the day time since I do not have employment that is dictated by someone else. These women have kept me grounded. They have been my support when I could not stand on my own. They have kept my sense of humor intact, even when they have to hand it to me on a plate because I can’t keep up with what is happening to me.
This past weekend, I spent 4 days sewing with friends at our monthly sew days activity, working on a new design, then on Monday I joined a new group who meets during the week. Everyone, whether new friend or old friend, has been glad to see me (the ones who weren’t glad to see me either kept it to themselves or hid in the other room, and I appreciate that as well).
I look forward to many more of these days, I swear we could solve all the world’s problems with an ear to listen, a hug when needed and a stack of bright, colorful fabrics. Oh, and donuts. There should be donuts.