Five Lessons From A Quilt
“Books, like quilts, are made, one word at a time, one stitch at a time.”
See the quilt in the photo? I began that quilt for myself 20 years ago. When did I finish it? Last week! Finally! After years of making lap quilts, baby quilts, and bed quilts for those near and dear to me, I decided 20 years ago that it was my turn, I deserved a quilt to wrap around me on cold winter nights as I sat by the fire. Living on the west coast, there is not much I miss from Quebec weather, certainly not the humid summers and slushy winters – but I do miss autumn days. I miss raking huge piles of leaves and listening to the crackle of brittle leaves as I fall back onto the pile. Photos of autumn landscapes still remind me of the spectacular displays of colours we would see on our drives north into the Laurentians.
I yearned for a quilt design that would keep those memories alive while keeping me warm. I visited several quilt shops collecting fabrics that spoke to me. I modified a quilt pattern to meet my desired specifications. The quilt took a few days to sew together. The quilt squares did not all align but I didn’t think that would matter. And then I began hand-sewing my quilt. Are any of you quilters who still hand stitch your quilts? If so, you’ll know what I mean when I share that there is such a comfort in sitting quietly stitching a quilt that you know will be well loved. My quilt was coming along nicely until about a foot in from the edge – the material began to bunch! I ironed the quilt, re-set the pins, slightly stretched the material but no matter what I did I could not solve the problem. Those quilt squares that had not aligned were now causing me grief. Finally, in frustration, I folded up the quilt and relegated it to the bottom drawer of my dresser, the home of unfinished projects.
In the intervening years I have pulled it out a few times, admired the colours and the pattern, and then tucked it away again, knowing I did not have the patience to pull out far too many stitches to correct the problem. But last week, as I searched through the drawer of unfinished projects and saw my long-forgotten quilt, I thought - I have all the time in the world these days; it’s now or never!
I heated the iron and gently began flattening out the squares, admiring the leaf patterns as I moved pins around. Surprisingly, the quilt responded, smoothing out as the iron passed over. Only a few stubborn spots fought back, continuing to bunch up. I decided to continue stitching the squares lying flat, hoping for a solution to the trouble spots as they approached. I had never picked up quilting again 20 years ago because sitting over a sewing machine aggravated an old neck injury, but I now realized that stitching by hand did not bother my neck. I had also forgotten the joy of sitting curled up on the couch with the heaviness of a quilt resting across my lap, quietly stitching. And there is something about quilts and cats - our fat cat Milo, not a snuggler, made himself comfortable on the quilt the moment I began stitching. So there I sat by the fire, watching episodes of A Suitable Boy (which you have to watch if you have not done so already!), while I quilted. I continued moving pins and stretching the material slightly as I stitched. On the third episode of A Suitable Boy, I began to wonder when I would run into the trouble spots. I laid out the quilt and looked for them - but couldn’t find them! It seems my patience and gentle manipulating of the fabric had eased the bunching material into submission. A project that I had put off for 20 years, took me 10 hours to finish!
I have been thinking a lot about this cherished quilt that now keeps me warm as I sit outside for a distanced visit with our girls. There is a lesson here - actually, this quilt has taught me several life lessons.
1. Some things seem impossible until they are done
There are so many things in life that I never did because I didn’t think I could. But every time I have tried to do the impossible I have succeeded!
2. Fix small mistakes before they become big mistakes
If only…famous last words! But if only I had unpicked those quilt squares that did not align properly I would have saved myself so much work! I’ve done the same in life, hesitating to speak up on something inconsequential that then grew and grew into a monumental problem. Best to fix those small mistakes early!
3. Go slow
I am much better at going slow these days; age and the times we are living in have both fostered that skill. Maybe that’s why fixing this quilt seemed so effortless, patience and going slow have reaped big rewards.
4. Finish what you start
I love new projects! I love planning, designing, and creating – but finishing – not so much. My drawer of unfinished projects is calling though; it’s time to attach the sleeve to the knitted cable sweater, frame the sampler I embroidered, and attach the zipper to the pillow that has been keeping my quilt company these last 20 years.
5. Remember what you loved to do
I received this advice when I made the decision to begin working less and wondered what I would do with my time. A friend asked what I used to love doing when I was younger, sharing that often these pastimes can be renewed passions. I had forgotten about quilting, cross-stitch, sewing, and hardanger. In my drawer of unfinished projects, I found a box of bits and pieces I have collected over the years, planning one day to create a visual life story of me, incorporating cross-stitch, appliqué, and other textile mediums. This project always felt a bit overwhelming. Now I am thinking that if my quilt has taught me anything, it is that I have the time and patience to pick up projects that feels impossible, projects I am now determined to complete!