50 years together

My first quilt, made to celebrate 50 years of marriage, first time with applique, piecing and quilting.

I met a young woman who told me she was dying of cancer and was lonely in her sewing room. I went to visit with her. Discovered a whole new world...stash, cutting board, piecing, applique....she was a master quilter and looking for a friend. I was older, slower and willing to learn...she had me stitch a red heart to a white piece of fabric..and when she saw my tiny stitches I was accepted as a student. She taught me to draw little scenes representing my family life, and transfer them into fabric scenes. Almost 8 months later I was able to spread out my completely pieced quilt top on the floor in front of her chair, as she looked out past the oxygen tube in her nose and inspected my work. So pleased, she said,"I am a good teacher, and you are a good learner...and fix that little corner there where it is crooked".

She was gone too soon, but not before she passed on to me her passion for fabric, design, color, form, and sharing. Now almost a decade later, I am still filled with gratitude and reverence for her skill and ability to create.

Maker: Gail Haines

Quilter: Lew Shedelmyer

Year Made: NA

Owned By: Gail Haines

Size: 65 x 65 inches

Shows & Museums: Voorheesville, NY

Awards: Viewer's choice