Monday, November 17, 2008

Quilt Camp and Lessons learned.....


     I suppose it would be hard to describe to a non quilter what seven days of quilting camp is like.  Who could imagine the joy of being with like minded women in such a lovely and peaceful place.  People would assume that we were there to create quilts and that is part of the why.  For me, bringing home a quilt is only a byproduct of a much larger experience.
     Meeting people, hearing their stories, being touched to the depths of my soul is why I like to go to quilt camp.  Like a good novel, we laugh, we cry and in a short amount of time we become a sister hood.  I can't thank all of my fellow quilters enough for being there to share with me, and leaving an imprint on my heart.
     To dear Helen who bravely fights her cancer and teased me about not needing hairspray when the winds began to whip around us.  To Donna who shared with me that she began to make quilts when her son was dying....to bring him comfort, and as she said "it was a privilege to be there for his first breath and then his last".  To see Dolly quietly hand quilt in her sunny spot on the couch and share with me her relationship to the Amish women in her community. To meet Cheryl and find out we have even a further sisterhood as bloggers.  What joy she brought to my week. I will cherish the memory of sweet and shy Anastasia and her wonderful Russian accent and how I felt like a proud mother when she said to me " I will sit with someone I don't know because I already know you".  Awesome!!!! 
    I don't think I will remember how many quilts I made, but I know I will never forget the women who impacted my week, and now my life. How could I have ever known when I first pieced some fabrics together, that it would touch my life in ways that I could never have imagined. 
     I love that tonight the experience will continue as Meghan and Ali come to work on their quilts.  Newbie quilters,  they too are now a part of that sisterhood.  It is a wonderful journey, and I am humbled and grateful to be a part of it.

6 comments:

Jacqueline Korteland Boller said...

One of these days, Annelies, you'll have to teach me!! These retreats are so much fun...I know from the cross stitch ones I've attended. It's really just an excuse to get together for some nice company and to re-juice our spirits!

Glad it was fun!!

Taria M. said...

What a beautiful post. I believe the fellowship with sisters is so completely under-valued (hugs also top my list of under-valued things). What I wouldn't give to have a weekend quilting retreat to change my focus, redirect, and fellowship with others. :) I miss you, and hope you have a wonderful week!

Meghan said...

You are such a blessing to me. Thank you for your beautiful email today too. I need no reminder of how amazing Oma is... but I will cherish that letter always because of the beautiful stories within it. Thank you for being such a woman of strength. A woman not afraid to admit her weaknesses. You are someone to admire!!! (and I do, everyday.)

Miss Jean said...

Annelies: Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I certainly love yours. A seven day quilt retreat - how divine. The longest I've been to is four days. Wish I could go with you on the next one. Southern California isn't so far from where I'm at!

Pam said...

I wish I could take one of your classes ...maybe someday!! I guess I'll just have to settle with reading about them.

Cheryl said...

It was so wonderful meeting you!! And if you only knew what you brought to all of us. You enriched our time at camp so much, and I can't wait to go again! Thanks for ALL the fun!!!