I Just Never Know

...how my projects may be received.

I remember someone, I think it was Aunt Catherine, making some items in plastic canvas.  Not plastic canvas things are not my cup of tea, so I always accepted them graciously and made a fuss over them, then they went into a drawer when we returned home and eventually into the Goodwill bag.

I didn't want my projects to be received the same way.

Gary always says that if I enjoy making something and find pleasure in it, that is the important thing.  Once I give it to someone else, then it is up to them what to do with it and who cares what their reaction might be.

But during my last OBS, the author of the book we studied said something different.  When we take the time to make something or a lot of time selecting that perfect gift for someone, then we want it to be well-received, and part of the joy is in seeing the reaction.  I like that idea.

I love to sew quilts.  I like to blend the fabrics, cut the pieces, and sew designs together.  There is something satisfying about a seam that is well-pressed and corners that fit perfectly.  I enjoy seeing reactions to my work, especially with family members. 

Many people don't realize how much time, effort, and cost goes into making a quilt.  It isn't always easy.  I cringe every time Betty tells me a total to pay for backing or batting or for the quilting process itself.  Plus the time involved is consuming.  I have to think, calculate, measure and re-measure before I cut.  I taught English, remember, and math always gave me trouble.  Once I am certain that I know what I am doing and how to mesh the fabrics to make what I want, I am fine.  But getting there is a challenge sometimes, and that takes time.  Plus I am methodical when it comes to pinning, sewing, and pressing.  I was taught that pinning and pressing were keys to successful end products, and I can't stray from that.  I know that many don't pin short seams, and I think Tina told me she doesn't pin the fabric when she is sewing binding.  But I have to.  I need to.  There is re-assurance for me when I do that.

In the last week three quilts have been given to their recipients.  Nick opened his rag quilt that we sent to Wichita for his high school graduation gift. As much as a guy can show emotion for a quilt...I think he liked it.

Then Tessa and Lynnlee saw their quilts yesterday afternoon.  I don't think Lynnlee fully understands what it was.  She seemed to like it.  It was probably confusing for her because last weekend it was on the floor by my chair and she was going to pick it up for her doll and I yelled "NO!" mainly because there were pins in it and I didn't want her to be stuck.  I think Tessa liked hers

This morning I added the final touches to each of them---the tags on the back which has their names and mine and the date.  On Wednesday I hope to take the quilts with me when I go to see Sheri so she can see them.   After that Tessa can have hers (it is really an Adoption Day gift) and Lynnlee can have hers (for the new bed she doesn't have yet).

Seeing the smiles and listening to them say Thank You, Mamaw was precious to me.  I know they like them, and I hope they will have fond memories of the times Mamaw spent in her sewing room, making quilt tops that they could enjoy.