Thursday, August 30, 2018

Gift Project

Last week I received an amazing box of fabric that was gifted to me by the family of one of my former quilting students. She recently passed away and her family thought I might like to have some of her fabric stash. This was such an unexpected surprise and I felt honoured to receive this gift.
Helen was such a lovely person and always a delight to have in my quilting classes. She had an infectious giggle and although she didn't say much in class, she always had a twinkle in her eye and a desire to learn new things. You can see her right in the middle of the group at a beginner's quilting class I taught in 2010 at the senior's centre. 



Here is the collection of fabric I received. It has been unpacked and resorted several times. A few pieces have been cut into and shared with friends for their special projects. That makes me so happy and would make Helen even happier!😊



Also in the box was a tablerunner kit from a store in Erin that has been closed for several years. I just had to open the kit and start on it right away. All other projects got pushed aside while I sewed the 4 courthouse steps blocks, added borders and started pin basting the tablerunner.

I have been listening to this song while quilting this project and thinking about the ways in which a person's energy continues on after they die through all the things they leave behind ...  quilts, fabrics, children, memories, and wonderful stories.

12 comments:

Kate said...

So sorry for the loss of your friend. But what a great way for the family to share memories of Helen by passing on some of her stash to share her memory.

Needled Mom said...

That was a wonderful gift from the family. Helen sounds like a great gal and that infectious laugh is always a good sign. The Courthouse Steps turned out so well.

Sherry said...

This was a sweet post and it was thoughtful of her family to share her fabric with you.

Sally Ann said...

hi Kathy
What a wonderful testament to our dear friend Helen..She was a amazing women and mentor for me with her knowledge of quilting and of life..she will be missed!!

Denise :) said...

What a lovely, thoughtful gift from her family. And what a sweet way to remember her -- working on that table runner. I've thought about all the quilting stuff I have and what should be done with it after I've gone ... I'd really like it to be gifted to someone who'd appreciate it. I'm sure Helen would be pleased with her family's choice. :)

Louise said...

Beautiful song! Thank you for sharing it, and the memories of your friend Helen. I'm sure she'd approve of what you're doing with her fabric. My condolences on your loss, Kathy.

audrey said...

What a wonderful memory of your friend! I love the idea that some of her fabric is being passed on in such a sweet, thoughtful way.

Jenny said...

How nice that Helen's family thought of you and passed on her stash. So nice that you are sharing it with other friends too, that's what quilting is all about.

Nann said...

What a generous gift from Helen's family. You'll have pleasant memories with each piece you use.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

What a wonderful gift - and what makes it even more wonderful that you have cut up and used the fabric instead of storing it away. Great song too - I hadn't heard it before.

KaHolly said...

A great gift from the hearts of Helen's family, a gift that will keep on giving, no matter how you look at it. Thank you for sharing the song.

Barb said...

sorry for your loss. What a lovely gift of fabric. You'll remember her every time you use it in a special project.
love love your court house step LC blocks can't wait to see it quilting.