Dec. 6th brings two more blocks

Two blocks arriving on one day is a pretty good day. Opening the envelopes/boxes as they arrive is a lot of fun. My husband may not admit it but he too has become curious about this project. Looking at the postmark is always interesting because you never know where the block(s) is (are) coming from.

Debra sent another Jacob's Ladder block. You may not be able to see clearly but it's made with fabric that has a camping motif. I love the green fabric and how it picks up some of the green in the camping fabric. My daughter is fascinated by what you can make with squares and triangles. I'm hoping she'll try to make a block like this in the New Year. I think she can do it.

Here's a block from Sandy. This block is amazing. I know to the uninitiated it looks like a bunch of rectangles, squares and triangles and it IS. BUT...if you could see how perfect the seams are on the back and how perfectly flat this block lays you'd be quite impressed. I've decided to give this block a try in the New Year.

I've noticed on this 'quilt journey' that all of the blocks are so well made. You can see they're made with care and attention to detail and just imagine the love that went into each block. These blocks inspire me and always will.

Debra and Sandy, I thank you for caring and for supporting this project.

I'm pleased to have caught up all of the blocks. I'll continue to update this blog as more blocks come in. And more are coming ;) How cool is that?

dawne

A Must See film

Several weeks ago I went to see a film. What an ordinary sentence. Nine simple words that appear so matter of fact. After all, going to see a movie is such a common event. I didn't see a movie, I saw a film. I think it was the first time in my 36 years that I really understood the distinction.

People tell me often that I have a good memory. I don't usually think much of it. I'm now quite thankful for the gift of memory because that which we remember vividly stays with us. If something stays with you, stays in your head bouncing around with your other thoughts, you're more likely to share it with others. When you get something, it causes you to care. Only then are we empowered to act.

This is a film that must be shared.

The film toured Canada with film maker Brenda Rooney. The day before the showing we had quite a storm. Power was out in several areas, including the theatre that was to show the movie at 1 p.m. I called at 11:36 a.m. to learn that power had just be restored and they were going ahead with the film. See what I mean about memory? Who bothers to remember such fine detail?

Me!

I think I remember the time because I really, really wanted to see the film. I would have been disappointed if the weather had cancelled the showing. After leaving the theatre I remember a true feeling of joy that I was able to see the film after all.

Before the film Brenda thanked everyone for coming and said that after the showing she'd be happy to talk about the film, her views on women or answer questions. At the end of the film she took the mic and asked if there were any questions. The audience was so quiet. I'm pretty extroverted so I like to hang back and give more reserved people a chance. As a young girl I was a bit like Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, always having my hand in the air. I sure hope I was less of a know-it-all :)

Back to our topic. I still remember the seat I sat in, next to my friend Kathleen. I remember Brenda's face as she waited for someone to ask a question. I'm not sure if she understood just what was going on. We were all processing all that we had seen. In that moment the whole point of the film was crystal clear to me. I didn't have any questions about the film at all.

I figured that everyone had had their chance to speak up so I was going to take mine. My hand shot into the air and when I was acknowledged I spoke in a loud, clear voice that surprised me somewhat. Part of me was holding back tears. Tears of worry and pain and even tears of joy and hope. I don't actually like to cry in public so I'm relieved I seemed 'together'. I said "I'd REALLY like to hear your views on women". And so it began, a discussion I'll never forget.

Brenda was a reminder to me of what I think good feminism is. Good feminism is being pro-woman. It is not about being anti-man.

In this blog I will often praise womanly things because they are worthy things. This is no reflection on how I feel about men. Personally, I like men and I'm all in favour of 'em ;) I simply think the world can do with a few reminders of just how worthy women are.

So, raise your hand if you want to know the film title?

I'll give you a hint.

"One day an army of grey-haired old women may quietly take over the world." - Gloria Steinem.

OK, I'll be nice and tell you straight out.

The Great Granny Revolution

Here's a quote from the website. I think it says it all.

"The Great Granny Revolution is an uplifting story about the bonds of friendship between women and the power of individuals to make a difference."

Now, for those of you who've been paying attention you remember I'm only 36. Much too young to be a grandmother. I don't know what it's like to be a grandmother but I know what it's like to have a grandmother. I've been blessed with amazing grandmothers. I'm pretty sure I'll end up a grandmother one day. Preferably 10-15 years from now. But still, I know a little something about grandmothers.

Stephen Lewis has called the grandmothers of Africa unsung heroes. I agree. I also recognize that being a grandmother here in North America is very, very different than being a grandmother in many other places.

When I have grandkids, to be perfectly blunt, I can always send them home when I need a break. I'll have my husband, my family, my hobbies and my work to fill my days. I expect and hope that my adult children will be alive and well and able to care for their children. When the grandchildren come to see us we'll bake cookies, read together and go on outings. In a nutshell we'll have the same experiences I had with my grandmothers. And, I'm likely to be accused now and again of spoiling my grandchildren. All in all it'll be a very happy time in my life, even with the grey hair!

Until that time I support the efforts of women [and men] here to connect and support women, and the children, there. There's a lot we can learn from each other. There's also work to be done. If you want to learn more try to see the film. If it's not coming to a city near you buy it. It's really a great flim and costs less than a couple of meals at a restaurant.

You can also visit:

The Wakefield Grannies

Grandmothers to Grandmothers -at the Stephen Lewis Foundation website.

I'd love to hear your experiences of women working together to support other women. There's a lot of really good stuff going on around the world. It can be hard to stay focused in the wake of all the bad we hear about. And yet, we must not lose our hope for if we do then all will be lost.

Till next time, keep hope alive,

dawne

December starts on a high note

I've always believed that a person should give only that which they can comfortably give. Looking over the past years I've often given of my time or my money. Usually it's one or the other and always to different degrees. It's all relevant to where you are at that point in your life, what you have, what you need and what you have to spare.

I say that now because each of the blocks I've received are coming at a time when people are busy making Christmas gifts. Many people are looking at Christmas budgets and making gift choices. To make time to create a block and pay to have it shipped really means a lot.

Imagine my surprise when Mary Anne sent 7 blocks! She told me that if any were too feminine to save them and use them at another time. I love them all and I think we can use 6 of them. Who knows? Once all the blocks are assembled Lorraine and I will play around with them and arrange them in different ways until we find what we think works best.


Here are the Jacob's Ladder blocks. There are lots of smaller squares of really cool fabric that do not show enough in the picture. Take my word on it. This is a picture of 4 blocks. It's cool how they come together.

And here are the 3 stars. They were all done by a method called Paper Piecing. I haven't tried that yet but hope to in the new year. Peggy Martin has a book of paper pieced stars that I find fascinating.



Thank you Mary Anne for these wonderful blocks. I appreciate the time and resources that went into each one of them.

dawne

November ends, project in full swing

After two weeks we'd collected 13 blocks when Lorraine called me up and asked to stop by. She had 3 blocks to contribute to the quilt. She and I had been hanging back, waiting to see what came in so that we could decide what we'd make.

I'm still hanging and waiting. "I think I'll be inspired over the Christmas holidays!",she said with optimism.


She brought me 2 very nice blocks done in earthy greens and browns and a pine cone motif. The picture isn't very good. Feels a bit fuzzy but I'm not sure I can do any better with my digital camera. I like how she added blue into one of the blocks. It's masculine but feels soft to me.

Lorraine, thank you for making time in your busy life to wash the backing and border fabrics and for making blocks as well. Your help has been immeasurable.

dawne

A woman's intuition

I mentioned earlier that I really try to follow my gut. There's a feeling you get and it's different for everyone but mine is literally in my stomach. It's a feeling that I only get when something, on some level, is buzzing and needs my attention. Some call it the 6th sense. Whatever it is I believe in it.

Tues., Nov. 27th started just like any other Tuesday in our family. Yet, I had this feeling I would be receiving yet another parcel.

I checked the mail the minute I got home and sure enough the mail had come. Nothing quilting related. Hmmm. This had me puzzled. I couldn't imagine my radar being off but it looked like it was.

It wasn't. Just before dinner that night my daugther brought me an envelope. My address was written on the envelope correctly. It has been delivered to my neighbor by mistake and our neighbor brought it over.

The thing about being a quilter is that often one will stop cooking to look at a block or fabric. I mean, we are blessed to eat three meals a day. Surely one of them can wait for something as important as fabric!

I'm pleased [and so are the kids] that dinner was not burned that night while I opened the envelope from Janet. She sent two beautiful blocks and a contribution toward shipping and other misc. expenses.

What a blessing to be surrounded by such women. These women thank ME for starting this project and allowing them to be part of it. I owe them thanks that they make this project possible.

What does that teach us about women? We need outlets to be creative and we want/need to contribute to something larger than ourselves. It shows me that the strength we have as individuals increases exponentially when we work together.

What would our world be if governements were run by the same philosophy??

Things that make you go "Hmmm".

I love each of the blocks I've rec'd for this project. I hope that has come across loud and clear. So many of them are beyond my current skill level, or perhaps my confidence level, and each one is unique. They are all perfect in my eyes.


Having said that I love this block from Janet in a special way. To me the heart in the center of this block is a visual analogy of the project itself. Love and compassion coming from all sorts of women in many areas, from all walks of life, just like the different colours and patterns in the fabric surrounding it.


Here's her other block.

Thank you Janet for all the help and support in your heart that you're sharing with me and Danny.

dawne

FIVE blocks in one day

It is, perhaps, a bit confusing for the reader to see December dates on all of my blog posts. Had I known how easy it is to maintain a blog I would have started this in mid-Nov. I'll try to be clear because I really want to communicate how it was in the first days of the project. Everything was happening in the blink of an eye, falling into place without hesitation. It's a really great feeling for me to know that others are supporting something that is important to me. It's more than that really. Without them this project would have stalled at square one.

On Monday, Nov. 26th I received a parcel from Agnes and Judy. Four different blocks, each of them quite nice. I had quite a lot of fun photographing them. I was also glad they arrived on a Monday because I would see Lorraine that night and be able to show her. It's really great to have someone else to talk to about something, knowing that it means a lot to that other person too.

That night I received another block by surprise. Five in one day! Unbelievable. The surprise block came from a local quilter, Sandra. Lorraine had mentioned the project to a few women the week before and here she was with block in hand.

Here's the block from Sandra. The picture isn't very good. Don't know what happened there. The colours are ivory and a rust-like colour with hints of pink. The butterfly is really gorgeous set on a purple background.

Here are the four blocks sent from Agnes and Judy. Again, the photos just do not express how nice these blocks are. Makes me wonder if there is a class 'Photography for the Quilter'. I'd sure sign up.

I love the colours, the details of the Maple Leaf block, the vibrant leaves set inside the star and the feeling of movement in the 2 blocks on top.

What I do not like is my photos! Mental note to self: find way to get good pics and post each block seperately.

In the midst of blocks arriving the first cash donation came in from Elizabeth. Before her offer to support the project finacially it had never occured to me to think about money. I was much more concerned with getting the quilt made. And yet, even with donated blocks, batting, backing and border the quilt has to be shipped.

Thank you Elizabeth! Without your generous offer I might have been left with a finished quilt trying to get it shipped quickly. Now we have a plan and we know it'll get there.

Thank you Agnes, Judy and Sandra for adding your distinctive flair to this quilt.

The project goes international!!!

If you're reading this blog in order you'll remember we left off with me receiving two parcels in one week. I had photographed Sunbonnet Sue and her buddy Suspender Sam feeling like things were moving along at a pretty good place. That weekend three more ladies jumped in to help. A woman originally from Holland and two ladies from the States.

I made mention of the project at a quilting forum I frequent. It's a forum full of women who often use quilting in a charitable sense. They were all busy with two pretty large projects so I didn't think to ask for their help.

Talk about a life lesson I still need to learn. As my friend Janice is always saying "It's better to ask someone and let them say no than to make the decision for them". She's only been saying that to me for about 4 years. I must have a thick skull if it hasn't sunk in yet. What an example of patience she is!!

So there I was in late Nov. opening more emails from more women ready to join the team. And all of this had happened in less than 2 weeks after the initial email went out.

I've learned that quilters can have any number of UFOs [UnFinished Objects] but the moment something important pops up they make time for it. Talk about perspective! What a lesson in keeping one's priorities straight.

Thank you Susanna, Carole and Sandy for your offer of help. I should have asked in the first place so I doubly appreciate your offers.

dawne

Same week, another parcel

After getting Dale Anne's parcel I called Lorraine, my local friend and project helper, and she came over. It took two of us to handle the large pieces of fabric for the borders and the backing. When I say large pieces I mean LARGE. I took pictures but the pictures are horrible and don't capture the warmth and style of the fabrics.


Once again I was reminded of the generousity of women. We really give with all that we have. We give with compassion. We give our resources and we give with our wallets.


I tried to get back to my daily routine but I found myself looking at the blocks now and again. I think that's another sign of fabric addiction :o) I know my family must have been thinking 'gee, they still look the same'. For me, every time I looked I could tell more about how the block was constructed or I would appreciate some subtle nuance of the colour choice. I came to realize that looking at a quilt block is a lot like looking at any other work of art. Each time you appreciate something new about it.


Two days after the parcel from Dale Anne arrived I received another. Doreen sent two blocks - a Sunbonnet Sue and a Suspender Sam block. The decorative stitching in Sue's dress caught my eye immediately. It takes more time to work with decorative stitches than a straight stitch in a straight line.


Thank you Doreen for reminding me that women give freely of their time and the world is richer for it.

The first parcel arrives!

Eleven days after I asked for help in making a comfort quilt the first parcel arrived.

It's a feeling that's even better than Christmas. That may be one of the signs of fabric addiction.

Dale Anne had sent, as promised, meters of fabric for the backing as well as many meters of fabric to use in the quilt top for borders and sashing. She also sent 4 beautiful blocks.

We had all agreed, at the start, to use warm, comforting earth tone colours. We're making a masculine quilt after all.

The picture really doesn't do these blocks justice.

That night I signed onto my email eager to contact Dale Anne and let her know her package arrived safe and sound and was much appreciated. I had emails from 4 more women who had heard about the project. They were looking for details so they could help.

Thank you Dale Anne for the beautiful fabrics and blocks. It's a great reminder that talents shared benefits us all.

Thank you Wendy, Marilyn, Mary Anne and Susan for being a bright light in a world that is sometimes too full of darkness.

dawne

The origin of Danny's quilt

Last month my husband was watching the news while I checked my email. Personally I prefer my news in the form of a black and white newspaper. Watching news on the tv is often overwhelming because I can't get images out of my mind.

I think I was meant to overhear the news that night. I heard of a tragedy that struck a young man. Something I can't imagine having to learn to shoulder, ever, much less at such a young age. My very first thought as I sat there crying was 'This man needs a quilt'.

To this day it still shocks me that I would think that. Let me give you a simple idea of what a quilt is and you'll see why.

A quilt is made of blocks. A block is made of piece or pieces of fabric sewn together. There are 1000s of blocks to choose from and blocks can be any size.

A friend of mine once said that a quilt is 3 layers sandwiched together. That's true. So making a quilt should be a piece of cake. Right? Wrong!

All the blocks are joined together leaving you with quilt top. It's beautiful but not at all functional. Try to use it and likely the seams will rip. It's also not very warm. That's why you need the middle layer - the batting. Add a piece of material to the back and you've got all your layers of the quilt.

Getting it all together and looking good is a lot more complex than you might think. I have yet to complete an entire quilt by myself in the 6 months I've been quilting.

So why would I want to make a quilt for a man I've never met? The truest answer is because I am a woman, and a mother. I know what pain is and I know what comfort is. I also tend to follow my 'gut', my intuition. It's never steered me wrong. I believed this quilt was possible and it's been a realistic goal from day one.

I strongly believe in the power of women to effect positive change in our world. Quilting is one of the many ways to accomplish this.

I sent an email to a quilting group and called a friend of mine locally. Within three days, only 72 hours, we were a group of 12 women working toward one goal - to get a quilt to a man who needed comfort. We want him to know we wish him well in his healing process.

Think about that. Only 72 hours. That's hardly no time at all. I sent out a call for help and 11 people jumped in with offers to donate supplies, money and quilt blocks.

Remember, I find the actual quilting process still somewhat daunting. It's certainly harder than it looks and one needs time to develop all the skills needed to make a beautiful quilt. These amazing women, 10 of whom I've never met, took the burden of worry from me. Everyone's contribution is what makes the goal reachable. Once I knew I had quilters to contribute blocks and a quilter to actually quilt the 3 layers together I could relax.

A tragedy that is so horrible for one man has become something that has shown me how wonderful humans can be. Life is like that sometimes, really unfathomable.

And thus, this blog is born. This kindness and the efforts of these women should not just pass by like yesterday's weather report. They should be preserved and celebrated.

Thank you Dale Anne, Lorraine, Judy, Sherri, Doreen, Janet, Elizabeth, Kathleen, Agnes, Debra and Gerene for reminding me of one of my favourite quotes.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead

The Comfort Quilt

Being new to quilting one facet of quilting that fascinates me is the ability of a homemade blanket to act like a perpetual hug. A quilt, by design, brings warmth but also sends a clear message of love.

A comfort quilt is made at a time when someone needs comfort. Simple as that. They can be made by one person or a group of people. They can be given to a friend, loved one or even a stranger.

Any quilt is a gift of time and money. Believe me I've found both of these to be true. Making a quilt seems like a very logical, step by step thing to do. It is. It's also a creative project involving a hundred little choices that the recipient may not even notice - stitch style, colour values, size of the blocks etc..,

If you've ever received a quilt, for any reason, pick up the phone and call that person and thank them again. You have been given something priceless.

I will be sharing with you a comfort quilt project that I am currently working on. This entire experience has been wonderful on so many levels. It serves as a reminder to me of all that women can be - loving, nurturing, generous and strong.

I want to share with you the evolution of Danny's quilt.

Introduction

I confess it odd to find myself writing a blog. It isn't something that ever blinked on my radar, to be truthful. I think it never ocurred to me that someone would care about what I have to say.

I realize now that I was quite wrong. You see....it has come to my attention that I truly care about things that I have to say; therefore it is possible that someone else may as well. Not only that, I truly [and modestly] believe that much of what I think, the thoughts that don't seem to fit in my head, could benefit others or at least provoke deep thoughts and discussions.

I should warn you...

you've stumbled into the blog of a feminist, stay-at-home mother who has just learned to quilt. Lucky you! LOL

Seriously, I'm often asked how I can reconcile the label of 'feminist' with my desire to stay home and raise my family full time. The answer usually gives one pause to stop and think because it is so simple, so profound that really, when you think of it, it's not that hard to understand.

To me feminism is about equality, respect and choice. At this point in my life I choose to stay home. Enough said.

Lately, I've had experiences and thoughts that feel important. I've had an overwhelming feeling to do something about it already. So, to that end I want to share some of my thoughts and celebrate the strengths and power of women.

dawne