Presidents Message - March 2024

I recently read this quote by Anna M. Aquino. “In your life the people become like a patchwork quilt. Some leave you with a piece that is bigger than you wanted and others smaller than you thought you needed. Some are that annoying itchy square in the corner, and others that piece of worn flannel. You leave pieces with some and they leave pieces with you. All the while each and every square makes up a part of what is you.”

Reading that made me think of my own “life quilt” that has grown and surrounded me because of the people and occurrences in my life. I imagine it to be fairly big with many different squares. There are rows that are straight and even and colorful. There are some that are a little crooked, maybe with gray or faded areas, definitely some that are dark and somber. In the mix would be red - my favorite color (and my Dad’s) - and polka dots, of course. I’d probably find a few squares of itchy burlap and a few of rich velvet and soft flannel. But as my eyes and hands travel its surface, I would hesitate at those areas that were worn and threadbare because of lots of use and love. In those places, there would also be a heart shaped appliqué piece to strengthen and secure where it’s needed most. The back would be pieced from memories that I held dear and the whole thing would be held together by frayed binding. I imagine this would be may favorite quilt because it would represent me and my life.

What would your quilt of life look like? Would it be squares, diamonds, yo yo’s, applique or a crazy quilt? I find it interesting to see the different styles, colors and techniques we choose. We’re all so different yet are still able to create beauty in our own way and in a way that suits us perfectly.

I hope you are working on something that’s bringing you joy and showing your inner self.

Sincerely, Barbara