Civil War Tribute is in the dryer now. After 1.5 years on the road and on display for the Olde Green Cupboard – she’s comin’ home. Today was the first time I’ve seen the backing. I know, ha?!
This was a fun quilt to make and while those fabrics weren’t what I would have thought – they sure worked in the end.
Sooner rather than later it’ll be my time to visit Daphanie’s Quilt Room and say a goodbye. (if you’re new to reading my blog, Daph was my quilting mentor that passed away suddenly) I talked with Tom today, her husband, and he’s going to leave the room “as is” with tables and all. That said and true to Daphanie’s spirit of kindness he’ll be turning over all the fabric and tools and quilty implements to the needier quilters.
Before that happens Tom’s giving me the opportunity to see what’s there that I might want to bring back with me. At first I said there wasn’t really anything but then the truth came out and yes there is a bundle of fabric she was holding onto for something. I remember. Is it still there? Who knows but yes the real answer is yes. Yes I need to see. Yes I need to bring something home, a memento, something.
Yes, Daphanie would want everything to go to the needy, less fortunate, but do you know something? Daphanie and I talked about this. What if she died? Because she had no one to pass “all this onto” ~ no one in the family to take up quilting with the passion that I did. We talked about that as girls are likely to do during a long, deep phone call.
So yes, I know Daph’s heart and I know I’m not the needy. There are other quilters that will need tools and things and she would want it that way and I respect that. But I am the spirit that walks the earth with her gift and I shine that light all over the place. I can’t help it; I’m a happy quilter. So I know as well as anything else that Daph would most definitely want me to have what it is that will continue to support that light.
I can’t say what that might be, if anything. Maybe it’ll be nothing more than standing in her Quilt Room and saying goodbye. Shucks I don’t know. Still hurts that she’s gone. Today I would have shared with her the good news – the Civil War Tribute quilt – the quilt I made for the Shop came home.
I think I’d want to ask her what she thinks of my Exuding Color blocks, too. Maybe she’ll come to me in a dream! Fine if she does that but no apparitions! I hate to lock out possibilities but I’m just sayin’…
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The Civil War quilt is stunning! I'm so happy that it's coming home to you.
Your visit to Daphanie's room will be a heartwarming and heart-breaking one. I do know it's important that you go and spend time in her quilting 'sanctuary'. She will forever be with you as you quilt and as you go about your day to day life, I know. She was more than just a mentor – she was family. As for her visiting you in a dream, my mother did that after she died. She was so happy and radiant that I almost didn't recognize her. I cherish that dream and I will never forget it.
Thank you for such a beautiful post, Karen. Your light is shining brightly, my friend.
Your Civil War quilt is stunning! About your friend's sewing room – as others have said, Daphanie's fabrics were collected with love and care for her craft, and you would have the same love too. Having something of hers would be a way of saying goodbye, but keeping the door between you both open.
I am sorry you have to experience this, the dismantling of a quilting room. Yet, I think Daph would absolutely be tickled pink that you and other quilters are carrying on her dreams and making quilts with her fabric. I know there will be many tears, but I know I would love you and other quilters to have my fabric if I passed away…so it is a good and terrible thing. Many hugs! Hey, there is that wonderful quilt again!! I love your quilt!
That truly will be a journey for you, Karen. I'm pretty much certain that Daphanie's spirit will be guiding your heart, mind, and soul. And yes…remember, just allow yourself to *be.*
Good tears and hugs….
I remember this quilt from when I first started blogging. It is beautiful. I think your friend's hubby is making a wonderful tribute to your friend and his wife. WOW!
I'm sure there is plenty for others too. You will spread her spirit – and that is a good thing.
Work from home India
Karen,
You know that I think all of your quilts are stunning, because they are. Daphanie will help you make your choices. Your connection was strong and when you walk through that door, she will be there to greet you and help you make your choices. I have no doubt about that. Listen to your heart and Daphanie's spirit and all will be as it should.
Big hugs,
Anett
I sure the visit will be hard, but I think it will also be healing, and I to am sure that she would want you to have something.
Beautiful … simply beautiful (sniff) …
The Civil War Tribute quilt is a beauty and the back is gorgeous fabric. Enjoy your vsit to the quilting room, it must have been full of joyful memories for your friend.
Her passion was passed to you, her light shines through you–it's obvious that Tom knows and wants you to choose something.
Your quilt coming home at this time seems appropriate—a treasure returning to its maker.
Your Civil War tribute quilt is a masterpiece! And I am glad you will go and visit Daphanie's quilting room, you who were so special to her as she was to you. Just remember that it is you, dear friend, who is carrying on her legacy of quilting, and doing it so wonderfully!
What a beautiful post. I'm sure you've heard and been a part of the conversation about when a quilter dies, please, she says, someone who know what to look for and the value of it, please go to the sewing room and take what you'd like. That's what my aunt said to me on many occasions before she died. And I treasure those items and enjoyed the various fabrics. Your mentor will live on in your heart, as you well know and the momentos will bring a smile to lighten your spirits.
Take care.
I'm sure your friend would want you to have something you can use and create with to remember her by. It's a way of continuing, isn't it?
That's a beautiful quilt too!
I'm sure you will do the right thing…Daphnie will be just happy that her quilting supplies go on to be used and treasured.
Your quilt is so inspiring – I just love it.
Going through my mom's things over the last few weeks and selecting things that made me feel close to her was hard, but yet it felt so good to have something that I can touch and feel and know that she held it and loved it too. I am sure Daphnie would feel the same about you having something of hers that she loved.
What is wrong about taking a bit from each fabric that you are really, really drawn to? What joy you would have down the road as you sew with a piece here and there in your quilt. Daphnie's spirit would be with you everytime you touch a piece of her fabric and what wonderful memories you will have of her as you create another quilt. Daphnie will guide you and you must follow her direction.
I would want my stash to go to someone with passion and who will use it well and enjoy working with my things.
Why not take your Civil War quilt with you? Daphnie would enjoy that.
Oh I love CW Tribute! And the backing is perfect~ I just love toile!
Your friend will always be a part of who you are, I'm sure she'd love to share her stash with you too; and I expect you will find needy quilters to help out her DH when the time is right. {{hugs}} to you!
It has all been said here in the comments so eloquently that I am not going to repeat it. Just know that you are so fly, my friend. Daphanie will show you things in her room.
I'm so happy your quilt came home! Daphanie will be forever in your heart…every time you cut a piece of fabric or sew 2 pieces together…she is with you.
Daphanie doesn't need to come to you in a dream, she's with you all the time I think, in your heart and your head.
I love the Quilt that Came Home – just gorgeous.
There's nothing left for me to say, everybody else has said it all, and said it all so eloquently. So, shine on my friend, shine on. I know Daphanie's still shining on through you.
I think you will know what you need to bring home from her room when you see it, and if it is more than one thing, that is OK. If her husband didn't want you to take something he wouldn't have offered. Don't feel guilty, just listen to your heart.
Yes, I agree with everyone here, be still, be quiet and soak it all up. You'll know what you need, and allow yourself to take it, whatever it is…something(s) to be cherished.
I think when you walk into Daphanie's sewing room, you will know what it is that you want to take away from that experience — both physically and spiritually. Your connection to her was so strong that I can't imagine that you're not going to get a very definite sense of what she would want you to have and what you need to continue bathing us all in the shimmering light that is Karen Dianne creating.
If you feel led to keep more than just one thing from Daphanie – then do so – I know she would want you to have part of what is left – and I'm sure there is plenty for others too. You will spread her spirit – and that is a good thing.
The quilt is fabulous!!!! To say the least!
So beautiful and touching and amazing and I can feel it.
I can feel it all in your words.
I love that quilt! And I love the back… Very patriotic:) It's gorgeous.. What will you do with it now? Will you keep it? Sell it? Put it up on Etsy?
And regarding Daphne… If I were ever to pass away, without having left instructions, I would want anyone who had a passion for the same things as me, and I mean, passion, to have dibs on the goods.. No one else would appreciate them… not even the 'needy' so to speak…or most of my family members. If they don't actually practice the same craft, then they won't 'get it'. It's one thing to be needy and need things that are appropriate, but it is another, to actually appreciate the true value of the treasures one has accumulated for a craft… I am lucky that my daughter loves the same crafty things I do! She will definitely inherit a room full of what we call Scrap Crap!
And, I don't think you should sell yourself short. I think Daphne would feel the same way..and she probably will meet you in the room…
Hugs..
Treasure your visit to your friend's quilt room!
I love, love, love your Civil War Tribute quilt! What a treasure! The backing is perfect for it.
How nice that you will visit Daphne's quilting room….a very special thing for you to do since she was your mentor. Enjoy.
Have a good evening.
Karen, as I read over your beautiful post, I couldn't help thinking that, though I know it will take your breath away for a few minutes when you go into your dear friends sewing room. I also know that as you look around and the memories wash over you, you will be filled with the joy of having Daphanie in your life. What a wonderful gift she gave us through you!!! You are right, you DO shine that light all over the place. You will know what it is that you want and she would want you to have. Just keep your heart peaceful and listen, she'll let you know. It is so wonderful that many of her things will give folks the gift of quilting that they might not ever know if not for the generosity of her spirit. But I'm certain there are some very special things waiting there just for you that will lift your spirits and fill your heart with peace. Now before I go, I have to say that your 'Civil War Tribute' quilt is amazing. It is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing, both your thoughts, and the quilt.
Gentle hugs comin your way.