I have been following the quilters' forum for over a year trying to learn how to be a good quilter like all of you here.

I enjoy hand piecing and hand quilting doll quilts and have all of Kathleen Tracy's books, some patterns and squares.

Because I am self-taught I have stayed in hiding hoping one day to make the perfect quilt but finally came to realize that may never be. Sometimes it's all about the journey and I do learn something new each time.

Now the beginning of my quilting story...we did a survey job for an older couple (81 years old) and when I stepped up on her porch I saw the sewing machine set up and ask her what she was sewing and she brought out some log cabin squares. That was the beginning. She has been giving me quilting lessons since and lets me quilt with her on a queen size quilt on a frame that belonged to her grandmother but has been added on to to hold a bigger quilt than full size. Before this I didn't use a thimble, hoop or frame. I do use my thimble now but am still fighting with my hoop.

Sadly she is dying of lung cancer and I can see her slowly fading away and it makes me sad.

She has given me a winter assignment and I am making a table runner with her fabrics and making my own templates.
Really I think she just wants me to have a part of her and I am working on this instead of my Christmas gifts so she can see a little of my work before the snow arrives.

Her granddaughter who lives out West has contacted my daughter (they played softball together in high school) to say 'thank you' but really I am getting something out of this quilting journey myself.

Now I'm going to hit the 'send' and wipe the tears from my eyes.

Welcome, and what a wonderful story, made me have tears myself.

What a touching story. I can't wait to see your first project. Welcome from Georgia.

Hello and welcome from MO.

Hello eyes, welcome from Mass. It is amazing what joy you feel when you give as you are. Bless you.

What a wonderful experience for both of you!

Your story made me catch my breath. What a lovely gift.....from both of you. Welcome from the Sunshine state.

Hello, welcome from Oklahoma!!!

Welcome from NE Ohio, and I want to say thank you also, for putting meaning into her life and giving her purpose to go on. THANK YOU.







:thumbup:

To find someone to share your love of crafts with, is truly a blessing for you both.

Hello from Southern Louisiana.

Hello form Porter Ok . Glad you joined us pull up a chair & visit. Learn all you can she is from a era that knew how to quilt and her info & visit will be a great Memory and you will think of her every time you quilt . God Bless You & Her.

It's wonderful that she wants to pass on the things she has learned in her life to start you on yours. so many people want to keep their wisdom to themselves. Good for you for giving her a will to go on.

Hi and welcome to the board from Iowa. You are so blessed to have this teacher and friend.

welcome from OK..and thank you for sharing your wonderful story....take pix of you and your quilting mentor...you can use it later for a label on your table runner!

Hello from MN. and this is what it is all about. Her memories will be with you always.

Welcome from NC! I like the picture idea for the label.

welcome from va nice story

Welcome from Kansas. A touching story.

Welcome from MIddle Tennessee.

What a wonderful way to honor her!
Welcome from W TX!

What a lovely story...you must keep going with your quilting, seems like it's your destiny. Cool idea to take a pic for your label and maybe start a quilting journal, with pics of your work and your quilting mentor. Welcome to the quilting board....you will find this to be an excellent resource and make friendships and have a laugh along the way.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!

Hello, and welcome from Michigan!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!

Hello, Lurker! Another warm welcome from Middle Tennessee.

Welcome from Iowa. It was generous of you to share you story.

hi from michigan!!!

Well, bless your heart and isn't it a glorious thing that you happened upon this lady at a perfect time for both of you.
Oh, and welcome from WV.

How fortunate you are ! That is awesome. Also you just gave others, mostly me, confirmation that we need to stick with our quilting and not be discouraged ! Oh to find a friend like you have is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm glad for you....now, I've got to wipe my eyes !

Bless her heart! She is so very generous to be teaching you.

Welcome, What a wonderful, wonderful person you are!

Welcome fellow quilter from Pennsylvania

Hello and welcome to QB, from western Nevada!

Welcome from Texas.

Welcome from Minnesota and happy quilting :)

Oh hugs to you both Linda. You are helping your friend feel useful at this horrible time in her life. And just be sure she knows how very much her help and teaching means to you. Let her know you will never forget her.
Sending you prayers and hugs for your dear friend.

Kat

oops duplitcate, sorry

Kat

welcome from se TX

You sent a very touching story. God bless as you work with this project and a precious lady.

Hello from San Gabriel, California