Mission of Barns Completed
A while ago I had posted a photo on Facebook. It was one design of twelve that I had recently acquired. It was well “liked.” It was included in a collection of old barns with a quilt block in the gable of the barns. Each barn was different with a different quilt block. A day or so later I received a private message from my nephew, Larry Trettin’s wife. Jennifer asked me about a Christmas present she would like to give her mom, Rita Roepke. It was in regard to the barn designs.
I had never done anything for family members other than what I chose at random. Jennifer’s request was unique. Emailing back and forth, I agreed to help her out only on her condition that she wanted to pay for materials . . . plus. The plus portion I did not respond to.
Today, I completed the project. Jennifer left it up to me as to what the finished projects would be. I did two sofa pillows and a table runner. I put a sleeve on the table runner so it may also be used as a 16″ x 40″ wall hanging . . . choices. As Jennifer indicated she also liked the barn designs for herself. Time will tell what she chose for herself.
The wonderful part of this was that in my choices, I got to use up some fabrics out of my stashes. Some of the fabrics were hand-me-downs and some were inherited from family members of stitchers. Quilt batting from previous projects always are saved for just such a time as this. The buttons for the pillows were fresh off the button tree from the Fairfax Team. I will honor her in regard to what I actually purchased since her emails. New pillow foam was on sale at Joann’s and a quick trip to the Old Alley Quilt Shop was incorporated when I met my cousin Chris there for lunch a week ago. The rest of the story . . . lightens my load in the stashes. As I was pulling out options, Dennis was thrilled to see some of the stash boxes get a bit lighter.
I always have my ears open when and if my kids may drop a hint as to what they could use or need. That flow has dried up . . . for now. I never know if there is some mending that may be needed. I am up for challenges. The latest challenge has been working with and sewing with reader glasses since August 5th. My new prescription will be decided . . . next Tuesday!! I can hardly wait. Dennis will agree that I have sorely missed reading. Cheaters just don’t do the trick for reading. The sewing has cost me quite a few broken sewing machine needles, but a small price to pay for keeping me active and off Dennis’ case from time to time. Hey! Everyone is a winner!