As quilters, we truly never know the influence we may have on folks. Sometimes, it’s when we give them a quilt, they experience the love and caring freely given by a friend, or even a stranger, as in the quilts for West or the QOVs so many of us make.
Years and years ago . . I’m thinking 1980-ish, I was a big chicken. Oh, heck . . that was yesterday. Honestly, I’ve been a big chicken forever. But, I was a chicken back then too. We lived next door to some good friends. Their daughter was in high school and when my “then husband” was out of town, which was several nights a week, my neighbor’s daughter would come over and spend the night with me.
The other night, I was on someone else’s Facebook page and ran across the girl so I sent her a friend request and we begin chatting. Here’s part of our conversation.
I started sewing in January, having so much fun. Teaching myself to machine quilt,
piecing and free motion quilting. You were my inspiration years ago.
Then she mentioned this:
Mud Face, Vic’s Vapor Rub and Soccer.
See . . I’ve had my Vick’s Vapo Rub habit for many years. My bad habits seem to last forever and my good habits .. not sure there have been any good habits so no need to go there. Soccer was my evil dachshund. That dog was mean as a snake. He would bite me if I crossed him.
Mud Face was this huge wooden statue and we’d close the bedroom door, lock it and stick Mud Face under the door handle so no one could open the door. Yep, I was a chicken! I had totally forgotten about Mud Face!
We never know when the quilting seed is being planted, or how long it will take it to sprout. Sometimes, the seed lands on fallow ground and is never cultivated but when the seed does find a glimmer of hope and sprouts, it sure makes us old time quilters happy. I’m thrilled that my friend has started quilting and I am sending her my books. She should enjoy looking through those and hopefully will find just a little more inspiration from my work.
Rosie Davis says
Judy, I read your posts everyday & once in a while you come across as hard-nosed & I don’t mean that unkindly. I pay attention to what you’re saying & reap lots of benefits from your words. This post, for some reason touched my heart. I treasure my memories of people that have touched my life.
Cyber memories are now a part of this old woman’s life as well. You & your posts (especially the chickens) are a special part of those memories being built. Hope to meet you some day.
By the way, I would love to buy your borders book. If I send it to you, would you please sign it for me? I will pay postage.
Have a wonderful day!
Bcinindy says
You have had a wonderful influence on my quilting.
PS – I hope Speck is out of the doghouse
Paula says
You are so right about planting seeds.
A lady came to the quilt shop about 3 weeks ago, had been thru a bad divorce and friends told her to start quilting and join a quilt group. She did with us that day. I guess we touched her. Her exhusband was killed last week in a helicopter crash, he was the pilot and a first responder.
We will be there for her.
Paula in KY
Diane Wright says
I love my quilting and my quilting friends. I have planted at least one seed and she is a prolific quilter now. I don’t produce many quilts but I love every bit of the process. Love your blog and I think you are great! How do you get it all done? Such ambition!!!
linda Steller says
Aw, I love finding people from my past on Facebook. Such memories. And, to know you created another quilter — that’s really special.
Winona Thompson says
Aww! Judy, I loved this post. It is always good to catch up with people who were once a big part of our life. And to find out how you influenced her, wonderful! I spent a couple of months with our daughter and her 2 children when she was going through a rough patch. Of course I took my hand quilting along with me. My little granddaughter, then 2, was so fascinated with the stitches. The memory of her running her little fingers over my stitches, then looking up at me with a big smile is forever written on my heart. I am happy you have reconnected.
Vivian Oaks says
Nice!! Isn’t it nice when memories bring so much more?
AngieG9 says
It’s always nice to find out you have inspired someone. For what it’s worth, you have inspired me a great deal. I have never designed a new pattern in my life and am in total awe of anyone who can do that. I guess in that regard I’m a total fowoller, but I really respect and admire anyone who can look at pieces of fabric and see a new pattern emerge from it. Kudos Judy.
Susan says
What a great reconnection! Thanks for sharing that.
Lynne in Hawaii says
That is a great reconnection story. It is wonderful to know when we have touched and influenced someone’s life for good, especially when we are just living our lives to the best of our abilities. Obviously, you live a good life and have influenced many for good. Thanks for all you do for your blog family.
Ranch Wife says
I think you’ve been an inspiration to more people than you know, but what a great story. You are so right – you never know how you are going to touch someone’s life. Thanks for sharing your sweet story. There are more quilters in this world because of you.