Quilting: A Philosophical Journey-A Connection
Marie is a new bride. She married Joe just about 6 months ago, and is living in the honeymoon phase of her new marriage. Life is really good right now, and she feels as if all her dreams are coming true. However, she just doesn’t feel like she has connected well with Joe’s mother. She sees Joe’s mother, Jane, as a very strong, intelligent, compassionate, and giving woman. And she raised the guy of her dreams! Joe’s parents also appear to have a fantastic marriage. Something Marie aspires to have for both her and for Joe. So, how would no one want to connect closely with someone like that? Marie starts to look for things that she has in common with her new mother-in-law. It truly is a struggle for this young woman, and she really is struggling. One of the things she knows about Jane is that she loves, loves, loves to quilt. Marie has no idea, in any way, how to even sew with a needle and thread or a machine. But, she decides to ask Jane if she would teach her how to quilt. She is hoping that this action will bring her closer to this amazing woman. Of course, as a typical supportive quilter, Jane was completely on board and was really excited about it all. During the time she was spending with Jane learning to quilt, Marie found her own love in quilting. However and more importantly, the connection between Marie and Jane has grown into a lasting relationship that started with a marriage into the family, then into quilting, and finally into a friendship that will last a lifetime.
Yep, we all have someone that we know that just simply starting quilting to make a connection with their grandmother, their mom or dad, a potential new friend, a new family member, or even as a social outlet. Learning something new with someone is always a relationship builder. However, quilting is a unique type of craft. For many centuries, quilts have brought together communities of people. We have seen quilting bees, quilting guilds, quilting expos and shows were thousands may attend, and we see just a couple of people doing what they love together. No matter the size of the group, quilting brings people together. There is a social element that is represented by quilts.
Each quilt is also a unique piece of art. A quilt is a reflection of the person that made it. As people grow and continue to develop through their lives, this reflection is who that person was at the time they created it. Quilts allow us to touch our past and our present within ourselves and within our societies.
As each quilt has its own story, when you learn to quilt, or make a quilt, with someone you desire to connect with, that beginning of the relationship becomes part of the story. When you hold that quilt, wrap it around you, or simply snuggle with it on the couch, you are reminded of the time you spent with that person. You not only appreciate your own hard work, dedication, and success in this quilt, but you also appreciate the person that helped you with this creation. You appreciate their time, their energy, their knowledge, the conversations (quilting and non-quilting), and the connection you made with them. This connection will be forever tied into the story of that quilt and can last just as long in your heart. Just like that quilt may be the start of bigger things and a part of your journey, so may be that connection.
Do any of you have stories about some amazing relationships that came out of quilting with others? We would love to hear them and hope that you share them with us all. You can comment either below this blog or on our Facebook page. We would love to hear your stories!
If you are looking for building connections with quilting, but are just unsure where to go, you can check out my blog titled, “Bee There and Bee Inspired.”
Until next time, may you continue to be inspired, productive, and joyful! And never stop making your dreams in quilting come true!
-Angel
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