August 7, 2008
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Quilting Without Needles or Thread
Tuesday is my morning out. I go to a quilting class (?) at a local senior center. I say questionable because it appears that none of the sweet ladies there know how to quilt, including the appointed leader of the group. So funny. I was hoping to get help in perfecting my points but will have to face the fact that hoping is about as far as I will get for now. Anyways, this week the director of the senior center guided our little group to the Arts room where were shown a recent donation of fabric and quilting books. These were not ‘trash’ as one would expect. However, the fabric does need to be folded, sorted, color coded and organized. The books still need to be catalogued into the center’s library. But who am I to ‘dis’ a real gem of a gift.
There are also three sewing machines in the Art room for our use. Two are nondescript models snatched from a fate closely linked to a dumpster and the other is a genuine, pedal powered Singer in its original cabinet. All are alleged to have been serviced and in workable condition. The ladies were not impressed and I was downright frightened.
We were invited to take advantage of coffee or tea from the courtesy trolley but even I know better than to challenge two octogenarians with canes and an attitude by trespassing into their territory. It was the men’s coffee hour and only Mae West on a Hover Round could have wrangled a cup of joe out of the depths of that cloistered corner and back into our Art room unmolested. Hmmm, maybe I should reconsider my choice of words.
Almost shyly one of the ladies pulled two ‘squares’ from her bag. Square one was, well I don’t know the name of the pattern (I was there to learn, remember?), appliquéd stop sign shapes whipped stitched together and carefully applied the background. I wanted to cry when she quietly asked, “Can you tell me how I did this? I can’t remember anymore and I’d like to make more.” The other square was all diamond shapes set together like a starburst on the foundation. It was obvious that this dear lady was not going to be able to help me improve my points.
So, quietly, gently, on a beautiful Tuesday morning we spoke of yesterdays and tomorrows; children born and children buried; hopes cherished and hurts hoarded; fears conquered and dreams abandoned; the uncertainty of life and the sureness of death. And we spoke of aloneness. Even though surrounded by their fellow seniors and friends… these beautiful ladies spoke of how aloneness was defined by the loss of family and loved ones.
In the end not one stitch was sewn, not one pattern traced, not one color chosen. But I know without a doubt that comfort was given and received. And life was precious if only for one more day.
Comments (18)
Before she started with the weirder things, I remember my grandmother in her sewing room, lost and confused in that room that had been for her greatest talent.
This was a really beautiful post. Thank you for sharing it.
I am dealing with similar stuff, a lady functional enough in some areas to want to live in her own home alone, but disfunctional in enough areas that it is obviously impossilble. It is rough. Thanks for a lovely post.
This is wonderful... Glad you got to go spend quality time.
Lovely post!
My mother says, "en mente ocupada no entran preocupaciones". If one occupies one's mind in things, worries will not enter. Sometimes I think this is true as I hear of her latest project (usually dealing with crocheting, painting, and/or stitching, etc.). She is a fairly new retiree. Sometimes though when I visit my parents or when I talk to her on the phone I have a faint suspicion that there are times when following her own rule is hard, especially now that she has more time to think.
@MooncatBlue - Thanks for the recommendation.
Some times the meeting it's self is what matters- sorry you couldn't get any pointers.
Beautifully written! You made me feel like I was there. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Do you think you will go back?
Thanks for such a heartwarming post!!!!!
Beautiful!
@angeltears2431 - Yes, I received no pointers on my points... lol Hopefully the moderator of the group will have advice on how to set my points so that fewer of them are offset in the finished piece.
@DanishDoll - Absolutely!!
I know there's a group that meets in my library I think either once a week or month. They appear to be doing actual quilting! You should call them and see.
That is a great post.
I think you accomplished more than you would have if you actually sewed. What you really need is a good treadle machine. LOL I really long to have one, then I can sew without electricity.
I love to quilt but haven't made one for quite a few years. I miss it but rarely find the time anymore. I wonder what I'm filling my days with? I hope it's something useful! LOL!!
Oh man, I did made a quilt with my Grandma when I visit her as well as other arts and craft things. I am not really good, neither do I suck especally with someone watching me. I wish I could help you on your quilting skills but I dunno. Anyways I hope you become pro soon.
Good luck!
Beautiful post!
To your ? - Dexter is a series (based on the books by Jeff Lindsay) about a very disturbed young man - serial killer, who works for the police as a blood spatter expert. That said, he is trying to remember how he was made into what he is. He was very young when his step father (cop) removed him from a horrible crime scene, adopted him, and taught him to not get caught and how to act human, and use his 'skills' to get rid of other serial killers. Sounds gruesome to some I suppose, but its all the twists and psychological stuff that holds me glued to the screen. It's on showtime, which we dont have, but the video is released next week for this last season. Counting down...
This brings back memories of working with the elderly,we did a lot of puzzles! None of them sewed,
This is a lovely post!
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