Indian Summer
With two killing frosts under the belt . . . here comes the reprieve. The frosty mornings got our attention to get with the preparedness while we can.
Dennis did break out the mower to swipe at some leaves. I think he decided to wait until he could actually see some results.
For the last several days I have felt claustrophobic in our first floor living. Putting something down where I thought it should go, to only pick it up and move it when the item for the intended spot reared its head. No . . . there is no more physical square footage that is going to appear. The answer is to sift, sort and eliminate that which I have no emotional attachment to. Ya, right! I will deal with this. I will not carry anything up to the attic. I will not carry anything into the studio.
The problem lies in the closet of the bedroom. When I put things in the closet after laundry day, my eyes wander. Kevin put up some wonderful extra shelving over the clothing rods. Those shelves are now full to capacity. I am making lists of what is going to go home with a number of people. Some items have been earmarked decades ago. Mom, Lena, made a quilt for Carrie and also one for Kevin. Nothing that would be entered into a quilt show, just miles and miles of hand stitches in scrappy quilts. I know one of them was started by Grandma Schafer and Lena finished it.
Quilts are to be used and abused, the whole while they emit memories of who cared enough to make it. A quilt does not need to be on a bed to be enjoyed. Wrapping up in a quilt on a chilly day works, even if the tail ends drag on the floor. Quilts have been used as wall, window or doorway covers. I have a quilt made by my grandmother Laura. It sure does show wear. That only makes it sweeter.
With the quality of the fabrics I have used, they will last through wear and tear and also laundry. The washing machines of today are not as harsh as the old wringer wash machines.
I have made quilts for each of the two kids. One of Kevin’s quilts, he used when we lived at South Branch and somehow it ended up at my home. Carrie will be receiving a quilt done in my choice of colors. Kevin’s has a predominate theme of red, white and blue. Years ago when a quilt was received, there was no thought of “that really isn’t my color theme.”
I will not make anymore quilts for my two children as there is no need for more. I don’t plan on ceasing my work with threads and fuzz. There are some blankets that I have made in using up my stashes that don’t qualify for quilts. There it is . . . its ready to be used. I do have two such blankets that will be sent home the next time Dennis’ grandson Ryan comes to help us and also one to grandson AJ as he is always ready to help his grandpa.
Having made some decisions with my threads and fuzz stuff, I feel so much better. Whew!
Indian summer will be here for the weekend.