01 January, 2010

A New Year, A New Quilter

Along with a new decade comes a new quilter, please welcome Amelia to the quiltmaking club. Yesterday was her last day with me, she applied her binding and learned how to attach it to the back by hand, now she's on her own; I will sincerely miss our time together. Amelia contacted me back in October regarding her high school graduation project, she wanted to learn a life skill, she wanted to make a quilt, she wondered if I could help her. Was she serious? Could I help her? I jumped at the opportunity! Eager to learn, and with no sewing experience whatsoever, she jumped in with enthusiasm. I was encouraged by her focus and determination, she was a frequent visitor in my sewing space for stitching sessions after school and on weekends, I loved both her company and her sweet personality. From the initial fabric purchase all the way through machine quilting she knew what she wanted and kept her eye on the goal. I couldn't be any prouder of her, even if she were my own daughter. The truth of the matter is that Amelia was a gift to me! Yes, it was she who learned a skill, and the world has a new quilter, but I was able to experience the joy of the process through Amelia; that pure and simple joy of making a first quilt! Is there anything better than that? I can't think of one single thing. Thank you, Amelia!
Life is Good!


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17 comments:

*karendianne. said...

Oh Debbie, Fannye's legacy continues to express in the precious opportunity to mentor. And you, you my friend, have just experienced something magical that I can't put into words since I've never been so incredibly blessed to GIVE in this way. My heart swells though. Thinking of how Amelia will never ever forget this and will always have Quilting. It's celebratory. The world has a new Quilter. The New Year has arrived!!!

Barb said...

Thank you Debbie for passing on the tradition, and to Amelia I say WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF QUILTING!! I think a young mind can focus more easily then our tired "older" minds ;-), I see it in my granddaughter as she selects fabrics and sews her quilts! A great reward in seeing the tradition continue on, and to know you had a hand in it!

Janet said...

What a wonderful gift to give someone! Maybe this one goes both ways though!

Happy New Year!

Paula, the quilter said...

The gift of giving of oneself. Bless you and Welcome to Amelia. It is a beautiful quilt.

MJMR said...

So glad to see see you back at the Strawberry Patch computer. Amelia's quilt is beautiful. She was so lucky to find you and soak up some of your quilting knowledge.

Laura said...

Congratulations, Amelia, on a beautiful quilt. i think the colors you chose are beautiful and so fresh!

Trudi said...

What a wonderful experience for both of you! Such a proud moment for both of you! And such a beautiful quilt! Welcome Amelia to the wonderful world of quilting :)

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! You can tell by the pictures that she is into it! It is good to see the younger generation getting into quilting, we need it to continue!

AnnieO said...

What a wonderful quilt! And the opportunity to guide a new quilter sounds like so much fun. Amelia's quilt is a beauty and I'm sure she'll treasure every lesson and the companionship you provided along the way. May this be the first of many she creates, always with the memory of her lovely teacher!

Zlaty said...

Great start for the new year! It was a great of you to teach her! A friend of mine is learning with me to quit and we are having a blast also!

Happy sewing!

P.S. She does look like your daughter!

Loris said...

Awesome story! What a great time for you both. Thanks for sharing it.And by the way, her quilt is beautiful!

Salem Stitcher said...

Amelia is a lucky girl to have you as a teacher and mentor. Again, Fannye would be proud.

Quiltdivajulie said...

What a gift - for you and for Amelia. Having an understanding mentor makes ALL the difference (for all involved) ... thank you for a reminder of all that is gracious and good.

Libby said...

What a wonderful post. Just proves that by giving a little you receive so much in return *s*

Karen Newman Fridy said...

It's beautiful!! She did a great job...what fun you both must have had, and what better teacher could a girl ask for. Well done!!

MARCIE said...

Welcome back from your hiatus. And you brought someone new with you! How lovely! Looks like you ladies are very pleased with your experience. Happy New Year Debbie!

Tanya said...

How wonderful! I wish I could influence some budding quilting in a similar way! A good, encouraging teacher is important but also the perseverence of a beginner trying to get the hang of thimbles and hoops etc. Congratulations Ameila!