…Stitcher.
Not as in the current trend of the Slow Stitching Movement but literally.
I Am A Slow Stitcher.
Skillful, yes. Speedy, not so much.
I am a turtle when it comes to making a quilt and/or creating fiber art of any sort. Quickening my pace often results in frustrating mishaps that require more effort and time to fix and undo than when I simply embrace my slow, steady tempo.
Mindful and contemplative sewing is a basic premise of the Slow Stitching Movement. One could say I come by that approach naturally, but truth to tell, nah. I do become completely absorbed with and extremely engaged in all steps within the process. And yes, I do breathe prayers, thoughts and love into the gifted pieces I create.
However – I Am A Slow Stitcher. Period.
In most areas of life, I am nothing if not steadfastly persistent and enthusiastic in the doing of anything – no matter how long it takes – but not necessarily slow or fast about it. Most who know me believe me to be quick witted, a fast learner and an efficient doer. Maybe.
This I do know: I am swift to laugh out loud in a huge guffaw just for the sheer joy in laughing!
Seriously, because I do ‘know thyself (myself)’, I take that time handicap into account whenever I decide to make something soft and comfy and/or display-worthy as a gift.
Which is why when the call for Comfort Quilts for Uvalde, Texas came within days of the senseless slaughter of innocent lives at Robb Elementary School, I knew I couldn’t participate. Even though I really, really wanted to and the desire and pull to participate only grew stronger as the days passed.
These types of reach outs usually have a short window of opportunity to contribute requested items/services to those intended recipients. Which I 100% get and respect.
In this case, my (he)art won out over my head. I decided to begin one small quilt regardless. Just in case.
At that time, I was just beginning to sort through some orphan blocks and excess fabric and realized they would make up into a rather nice 60 x 60 comfort quilt. As I worked on it and got closer to completing it, I reached out to a quilter blogging bud who was acquainted with the contact person and asked: Has the time come and gone for me to actually send this on to Uvalde?
She graciously went to bat for me (and others who had later quilts to donate) and found out my small contribution would be accepted long after the call went out for them. Her diligence enabled me to be a part of this effort. (You know who you are and I am forever grateful!)
pieced backing with Frog&Toad sayings 
front orphan blocks on buttery yellow background
Quite selfishly, this was a blessing for me to make on so many levels. I just wish the call to create a “Comfort Quilt” for such a reason wasn’t needed.
Hi Laura, how kind and generous to make a quilt for such a good cause. I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated. Pretty blocks too.
Thank you so much, Jocelyn. The blocks were ‘orphan blocks’ and seemed to go together well to my eye – thanks for the confirmation! As you are a seasoned sewer, your comment makes my day.
🙂
Good for you! A good quilt is a done quilt, whether fast or slow. Just sayin!
HA! That from a gal who’s handle is Zippy! But seriously, point well taken!
there are quite a number of organisations here, who “Just create” for community – be it community or disasters – and when they are needed there is always a supply ready to go.
I too am slow – and it seems of late – getting even slower. But in a way it doesn’t matter as I will finally get there, even if a projects goes into “time out” and it “surfaces” sometime later…
Your quilt will be welcomed for sure, maybe not for that reason but for a need some place else…
You are a prime example of how ‘slow is good’ is good! Thanks for the encouragement, Catherine.
What a beautiful quilt! I’m so glad you went ahead and made it, giving in to your heart. Perhaps your heart knew instinctively that your efforts would be rewarded. This is such a moving story. I’m imagining that whoever receives your quilt will wrap themselves up in it and be comforted by the love and prayers held by every stitch.
And I’m happy to know another slow stitcher. I too am liable to make (more) mistakes when I hurry a project. Slow and steady is the key. Marathon knitting is only successful if there’s no pattern in the piece, just plain stockinette 😉
Hey there, fellow slow stitcher! I’m really not much of a Marathon minded type, either.
😉
What a beautiful gift, Laura. I’ve never been a stitcher…slow or otherwise…but reading your post made me want to give it a try. I have a neighbor that makes lovely quilts and gave us one as a gift. Every time I look at that quilt, I think about the time and love that went into it. I found your blog through a comment you left on Janis’s Retirementally Challenged. It’s nice to “meet” you.
Nice to ‘meet’ you, too, Christie. Thanks for the quilt-kudos! Your quilter neighbor could no doubt direct you to any local quilt guilds that would love to take you under their wings as a fledgling newbie quilter whenever you feel the time’s right to begin that adventure. Meanwhile – enjoy the change in seasons!
Beautiful quilts for a wonderful cause. I don’t know that one has to stitch quickly to be useful. You do your thing your way– and gorgeous results follow.
Thanks, Ally.
See, that’s why we’re both ~Cool Beans~
😎
Aside from the great cause you are donating your quilt too, it’s time here for comfort quilts too! Starting to get a bit colder, Courtney continually filling up a hot water bottle for her own snuggle time.The way things are at the moment with the gas etc, hit water bottles and electric blankets might be the way to go this winter. All the rising prices and industrial action is taking us tight back to the 70’s-though I was only a babe then! (‘71 like you know). I do remember the candles though when there were power cuts.My memory is good if not the enthusiasm to relive it all!
We might need more than enthusiasm to ‘relive’ this! Plus, I think you guys in the UK (and Europe) are more vulnerable to the intentional power/oil shortages as fallout from current events like war/political actions etc. Sending you a virtual comfort quilt across the pond.
😉
PS sorry about the typos. For some reason (I was not logged into WordPress but followed your emailed link) I couldn’t see anything that I was writing, but decided to carry on and risk it blind!
I think it came out quite well, not to worry!
Oh what a wonderful post! I am so glad you were able to participate and I just know your beautiful quilt is going to mean something special to that special person who was destined to get it.
Your enthusiastic response means a lot to me, thank you, Tierney. BTW: it was your post about putting together a Comfort Quilt for Uvalde (way at the beginning of the call for quilts) that alerted me to this outreach.
And Chela who helped enable my participation!
🙂
I knew it was her 🙂
She connected me originally to the group!
I am a slow person with everything I do. I make mistakes when I try to be fast. Typing, creative projects, studies, walking, you name it. Being slow helps me be mindful and saves me from going into a semi-unconscious state that I call “robot mode” which is not a happy state for me. I choose to slow down, be aware and enjoy the process. You are appreciated and loved.
I like everything about your comment, Jane (including your last bit of encouragement!) I think some would be surprised to hear ‘slow’ can be the secret to a fulfilling, productive and active life no matter our health/ableness status.
hugs
Hi Laura! So what, I say. It’s not a race. Comfort in the form of a quilt filled with love and good wishes is never late or unwanted. The idea of someone feeling that quilty softness and goodness while covered in your love is just priceless. It does make our hearts happy yet hurt to provide and fill a request for a cause like this. Here’s to not having another cause like this again. Ever. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
Here, here.
…never late or unwanted…wise words.
And thanks again for that Frog&Toad fabric scrap (scraps actually, including the choco chip one!) from many moons ago.
hugs
Laura your heart is always in the right place ! Your quilts and music are an act of love towards the others your have any opportunity to touch !
I do relate to “slow go “ on so many levels but we can’t change our comfort level or pace for creative endeavors,so slow go it is !!
I love all you do !
Ah, mia sorella-amica, come gentilissima!
ps- hugs, hugs and more hugs!
Lovely work, Laura! sure to be a welcome gift. <3
Thank you, Cheryl!
Your quilt is beautiful and, I’m sure, will be treasured by its recipient. I understand what you mean about being slow at certain tasks… I am too. Sadly, even if you had missed the opportunity to send your quilt to Uvalde, there seems to be a never-ending list of people and places in need of comfort.
Too true…sigh.
Thanks for stopping by. It seems we’re both on a blogging ‘break’, yet keeping up with the going-ons within our circle of bloggers!
My recent road trip has prompted me to blog again. We’ll see how long that lasts… 🙂
I think there’s a bunch of us who are trail blazing this intermittent style of blogging – it appears to be faring well for us so far! Like you say, we’ll see.
😉
I look forward to your travel post.
“quick witted, a fast learner and an efficient doer” doesn’t automatically translate to a fast producer of whatever. And fast producing of whatever doesn’t automatically translate to thoughtful, full of heart, and well done.
Beautiful gift, Laura! Gifts from the heart should be welcome at any time! 🙂
I like your ‘Laura’ reasoning – we do think alike, Laura!
😎
And thanks for the kudos on the quilt.
Slow maybe but faithful and efficient.
Love <3
Michel
“Faithful” I like that! Thank you Michel for that.
You are living this faith, Laura. <3
I resonated with so much of this post, Laura. I know next to nothing about quilting, but I can identify with the feelings of wanting to do something very well if I’m going to do it. I am the turtle in the turtle and hare stories about most things I take on. Part of my work ethic, reinforced by my hard-working parents, is to not take shortcuts.
The other sentiment that I most connected with was the restorative powers of laughter. I love to laugh as much as anything. One of the reasons my wife and I work so well together is we share laughter each day. A day without laughter feels like a wasted opportunity because so many things in life are funny.
I appreciate you not only sharing this post, but having the heart and patience to take on this meaningful labor of love. Here’s hoping it provides comfort to someone who went through that terrible tragedy.
Thank you for your most thoughtful comment, Pete. I’m heartened that this post resonated with you, even as a non-quilter.
😉
And you’re right, laughter is indeed more than good medicine, it’s part of a well balanced diet of nurture and strength in living this life IMHO.
I’m so glad you followed your heart and finished this lovely quilt, which I’m confident will bring someone comfort. I often think about quilting today and wonder, what’s the rush? I’ve tried to slow down this year, and just enjoy the process.
Well, my heart was relentless in its prodding! Enjoying the process is part of us experiencing joy in the journey – ya know?
Say hi to Wilbs for me.
😉
Are they still looking for quilts? My friend is a quilter and she might have a spare
I really don’t know, however the contact info in the flyer picture here in this post is current and accurate. If your friend is interested in donating a Comfort Quilt I’d start by contacting Donna directly. They are quite good at responding to inquires in a timely manner.
Thank you! I’m going to see if she’s got any that she’s finished but hasn’t gifted yet
Fantastic!
Self-awareness is a gift to be grateful for. Because knowing thyself brings about a certain kind of freedom. And when a task is undertaken, it’s done in a meaningful way. Kudos to you for listening to your he(art), and to the understanding people who accepted your beautiful contribution, regardless of the deadline.
These cosy quilts are going to mean so much to someone, this coming winter. A really heartfelt contribution, Laura! <3
I knew you’d ‘get it’, Khaya…thank you for the understanding and encouragement.
Oh Laura. Your post has given me goose bumps (goose flesh). May your whispers of hope bring forth shouts of joy.
It is a beautiful quilt.
Slow is good.
I am glad to hear your voice again, despite the sad source.
You’re a dear, Mariss.
Laura!!! What a beautiful quilt! And what a comfort that will be to others. I think your instinct to be slow and careful shows excellence that will be appreciated. Excellence is worth the wait. And yes, I wish that sort of call didn’t have to be made. But we answer whatever calls we have to, as you did.
Thank you, L.Marie.
You understand such things because you are a mindful maker also. I think of all the hugs of encouragement you’ve created for others in your handiwork/crocheted surprise gifts!