Seriously, they do. Between guild swaps, my birthday, and thank-you’s, this week I received 3 of the most delightful gifts! I’m awed (and humbled!!!) by the talent and generosity of my sweet friends!
First up- Front Range Modern Quilt Guild pin cushion swap! I could hardly believe my eyes when I tore away the tissue paper to reveal this ridiculously adorable mason jar turned sewist’s dream. I actually missed the meeting because I had a class to teach that morning, so someone brought me the cute brown bag from my anonymous partner.
I actually don’t even know it’s from yet!! I need to find out so I can shower them with thanks for rocking this cushion and making me feel so guilty for not giving a cushion that is nearly as cute or functional. (Thankfully our Pres. got mine, and she has a sense of humor so hopefully isn’t mortified by my wierd attempt at modernizing an antique doily with over-zealous embroidery. I’m too embarrassed to even post a pic).
As if this weren’t enough to make my day, the bag also included a gift from another guild friend, thanking me for spending what I’m sure was less than 10 minutes editing some quilt photos for her…why do I feel like I got the better end of the deal here???
I know, insane, right? Stephanie’s a free motion Jedi…check her out at Spontaneous Threads, and don’t miss her recent quilt that just won the Tangerine Tango Challenge, AND is going to be featured in the 2012 Modern Quilt Guild Showcase at Fall Market. Ahhhh! Talk about inspiring! Maaaaybe in 10 years, if I practice every day, I might be able to make something a fraction as impressive as her quilts (and pouches, apparently).
Lastly, and this wasn’t from a quilter per se, but a crafter extrordinare nonetheless- my sweet friend Brooke of TeeterTotterTot, who is the ultimate Etsy hound, surprised me with this 1930s quilt history gem for my birthday.
It’s a book, a catalog really, of quilt patterns- all the classics- with little tid bits and tips for all the “modern ladies” of 1933- things like gluing fine sandpaper to the backs of their templates (don’t forget- they cut EVERY single piece out with scissors!), and pulling a thread out to find the grain of the fabric.
The intro entitled “A Heritage of the Past” really struck a chord for me…I feel like it could have been written today, and honestly, it nearly brought me to tears…I can’t deny that despite the modern fabrics and designs that I love, I am a traditionalist at the core.
“To the women of Colonial America we owe a deep debt of gratitude for the advancement in the art of quilt making. When materials were lacking they combed the fibers, spun them into yarn, loomed their own materials, and dyed them over the open hearth to obtain the desired color effect. No task was too great to prevent them from obtaining the materials and colors needed to complete their quilts. Each new design was greeted with a chorus of enthusiastic approval, and gifted hands fell busily to work completing them. To have created a new design was the proudest achievement of the year. Little did they realize that the designs they were creating formed one of the strongest fibers in the fabric that makes up the spirit of America. Just as truth needs no alteration, simplicity is beauty in itself, and the simple designs they created are just as beautiful today as they were in the 17th century….Join the happy throng of women who are finding companionship, peace, contentment, and above all the joy of creating with their own hands a fresh, new quilt of lasting daintiness.”
Ok, maybe the daintiness part cracked me up a bit, but the rest was moving, truly.
I know, I know, giving is better than receiving…unless you’re receiving gifts like this. Then it just rocks. Thank you sweet friends for inspiring me with your talents and kindness!
XO
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