These were the first words I saw.
and
There was a “Super Secret Surprise” in the agenda of our 4th year anniversary FVMQG party this September meeting. I’ve recently stepped down from the exec so I just assumed there was a workshop being announced or something. Then Cathy the president of the guild asked Cynthia and I to come up to the front. Um, okay. I think I sat there a bit stunned. Cathy explained to the group how 4 years ago Cynthia and I started the Fraser Valley Modern Quild Guild. Then out came two big bags with quilts in them. Cynthia’s quilt is on the left and mine is on the right.
I think I started to shake. It was very emotional and overwhelming. You see, I’m an introvert. Usually after our meetings or any gathering with more than two people I’m beat. The next day I do what I call turtling. I’m more than happy to spend a day or two by myself . I usually need and require this to recuperate, then I’m good to go. Which might be a bit weird since I’ve pretty much led every meeting since we started our guild 4 years ago and, I must add, it has always been my favourite job. I know, I’m a conundrum! Anyways I guess what I’m trying to say or explain is this is why I haven’t blogged about this yet. This was BIG! Capital B, capital I, capital G. This really meant a lot to me and it’s taken me a while to process it and honestly I’ve been savouring it. I’ve been looking at it everyday, looking at each star, reading the messages it’s a lot to take in. Needless to say, it’s very significant!
Prior to this I’ve only been given two quilts that have been handmade. Both were made by my Auntie Caryl. The first one she gave me was when I was 12. Needless to say I didn’t comprehend it’s significance. Later in my 20’s I sure did though but not at the moment it was given. The second quilt was given to us, again by my Auntie Caryl, after my first son was born, so I saw it as more his than mine (and being a baby he didn’t really comprehend it’s significance at the time either!). This same Auntie made my boys both their own quilts when they were a bit older and I think I did a good job of letting them know how special they were and what went into making them.
I was shocked at the wave of emotion I felt receiving this quilt. I have never, never felt the power of a whole group making a quilt before. Especially one that contained such sweet and loving messages. Isn’t that what we all really want, to be seen, to feel like what we’ve done has made a difference at least in some small way.
They put such thought into the fabric they selected, from the colours, to the fabric designs and they considered our preferences (in my case, there were a lot of polka dots). Isn’t that the other thing we all want? For someone to hear us to pay attention… and pay attention they did! I love my quilt and I love my guild! I’m so thankful for meeting Cynthia, I’m so glad we decided to start a guild, even though we hardly new each other at the time. I’ve learned so much from her I can’t even begin to tell you. I heart her!!! AND I’ve learned so much from the women in our guild too. Geeze Louise they know stuff!!! (BTW-we still have a position open for a token dude!)
This guild has given me so much, even beyond this quilt. I’m so grateful and honoured for knowing them and for the work they do so joyously! I heart them too!
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It’s fabulous! Quilters are the best : )
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And can you imagine if we had never met- omg, I can’t imagine. You’re amazing in every way and I’m so glad to have you as a kindred spirit and best fabric-loving friend! xoxo
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You deserve this sort of recognition, not just for your talents but for giving and caring enough to share so much with others !
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The quilt is gorgeous! And of course, you deserve it ’cause you are awesome
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Lysa, it teared up reading your heartfeLt blog post. The guild has so changed my life for the better , new friends, feeling loved amd appreciated and like I found my tribe. You gave us all such a gift with FVMQG it was a joy to create something special for you amd Cynthia. It is so much more joy to see the happiness in you and Cynthia when you got your quilts.
I videoed the moment to share with Lynn And Cathy who were in Edmonton for work. I will send it to you
I heart you guys
Thanks for being you, amd meeting Cynthia you are so special
Barb.
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This made me cry and I wasn’t even involved. It’s just so wonderful the love and appreciation and “knowing” that can come from people and kindred spirits. What a lovely thing to do. I understand about the processing
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Thank you for your little story about the quilts, I was touched!
I also related to your story about the message on the quilt and the fact that a group came together to make you a quilt.
My story is that I have met a fabulous group of gals and one fellow from Red Deer and we did a round robin challenge( which was really a strip round robin) and when I got all the strips I was overwhelmed with the blessing. It is a feeling that is unparalleled and I hope everyone has a chance to experience it, and I am doing my part to make more quilts!
Love you!
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Lysa… thank you for posting a picture of the back of the quilt. That was strange seeing it since I had sewn binding onto Cynthia’s. I had studied the front of the quilt and read all the names and messages on the back, but was totally unaware of the neat arrangements of the signature blocks… needed to see the entire back from a distance and was quite surprised for some crazy reason. I didn’t really look at the back from a distance and get the perspective. Some talented, creative quilters put those blocks together on the front and back and I should have known the back would be more than just blocks scattered here and there and would create a secondary pattern. Glad you like your quilt. It was made with every heartfelt thank you for you being not only a leader but inspirational and setting the fun, friendly tone for a very diversified group of women. I am so thankful that FVMGQ exists and that I am a part of all that it represents… much more than just another quilting guild!
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lysa, I saw you shaking when you were given the quilt. That’s when I got the significance of what we had done. I’m so glad to know you and to just be around your creativity and enthusiasm for life. I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. Blessings to you and all you love
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Hearts right back at you our Lysa!
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Aw, you are such a sweetie! thank you (& Cynthia) for keeping the magic happening! Just can’t put that into words , tho’ you came close! Such a nice feeling when we get together.
Thank you both for getting this started and staying with us!
Darlene
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I AM SITTING HERE SOBBING READING YOUR POST. YOU GOTTA KNOW WHAT A SPECIAL DAY IT WAS ASSEMBLING YOUR QUILTS – LIKE ONE OF THE BEST. FOLKS BROUGHT TOGETHER TO RECOGNIZE WHAT YOU AND CYNTHIA ACCOMPLISHED, WORKING IN THE SPIRIT OF CO OPERATION AND A GREAT DEAL OF FUN. LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU BOTH.
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Your post reminds me of the quote by Bonnie Leman, “A store bought blanket will stop the shivers, but a handmade quilt will warm the soul”. You described it so beautifully. Hearing how it made you feel inspires me to keep quilting and not to keep it to myself. Funny, I didn’t peg you as an introvert. I agree that you have done a great job of setting a friendly and fun tone to the meetings. Thank you.
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You and Cynthia have created a space that is so positive, so encouraging, so uplifting and such fun! You are a gift to all of us.
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So lovely and from reading all your comments above, very well deserved too! It’s a beauty