S+Noël

It was December 1996, I ran across a stack of nine-patch blocks tucked behind some folded fabrics on a shelf in my sewing room. There were, perhaps, twenty five blocks; all carefully pieced from Christmas fabrics.

My mind returned to the summer of 1991, Kyle had dragged out and set up my Featherweight and asked if he could sew some pieces together; he was ten going on eleven, and did a fine job. He was always drawn to machines, anything with a motor. It was his decision to use Christmas fabrics and he matched up all the colors. It all ended as just as quickly as it began and before the day was over he was outside playing, riding his bike, the quilt blocks far out of his mind. Mrs. Goodneedle and Kyle, circa 1991

I made more blocks that December day, five and a half years later; my son was now in high school. I set the blocks together and quilted it. I named it S+Noël (pr: snow-el) in honor of the French–speaking area where we were living at that time and in recognition of the snow themed fabrics used in the setting and backing, as well as Kyle’s affection for winter sports. I’ll never forget that slow-motion look of recognition, quickly translating into one big, happy smile when he opened this quilt on Christmas morning that year. His quilt, our quilt; (the label on the back names both of us as the quiltmakers) was now a reality. He slept under it that night; in his tent in the backyard, in the snow! May all your Christmas memories be warm and comforting, even ten years later…
Kyle and "our" quilt, Christmas 1996

Joyeux Noël!

Life is Good!