wrapped in love

do you remember my posting this flying embroidered pink bird a bit ago? now i can show you where it has landed...

photo courtesy of katie kendrick

isn't this a Beautiful, Very Special, quilt! when i look at it, it warms my heart to think of all the women coming together in its creation.

my friend, katie kendrick, gathered a few girls together to stitch and paint and print some squares for this fantastic creation that she joined together (with such fabulous style) for darling judy wise. and if you click on this link, you will be swiftly delivered to judy's awesome blog where she shows each square in detail and will tell you who made each one. we love you, judy!

i must admit to being slightly trepidatious at the first thought of sewing for a quilt i knew would be completely fabulous. i do not think of myself as someone who sews. i can follow a pattern. i have taken sewing classes and actually made clothing that can be worn. but i am impatient and tend to make too many knots where the do not belong.

but, as all things to do with sharing and helping, i quickly put these thoughts aside because i wanted to give love to my friend much more than i would allow myself to be nervous. and as i stitched, i made up the bird as i went along. i do not know one "real" embroidery stitch.

Grandma Hope

but as i sewed on this jubilant old purple velvet that belonged to my husband's Grandma Hope, stitch after stitch was filled with blessings to me, because i had to be still, which i don't do so well, and to judy, because i was sending her prayers and hugs inside each pull of the thread. and that blessed me, too.

when we don't know how best to help someone, small gestures can actually give enormous kindness. to actually "do something" for someone instead of calling and saying i'm here if you need me, is really what someone in need needs. i know because once i really had to rely on other people (which was very difficult). and i really did not want to ask for help. so when someone showed up to take my kids to play or sent me a card or email of encouragement, it really meant a lot to me. and it really did help.

whether it is a plate of cookies, a hand-written note, or a quilt of friendships, share from your heart and in giving you will also be blessed.

Comments

[Renate]

So much love and kindness - just blows me away!

[Laura Bray]

It's a very beautiful quilt and I love your square. You should stitch more your sketches.

[pilar]

I have told you before, but your block was just perfect. The history of the velvet, the sketch of the small bird and your stitches came together beautifully. : D

You are right: The smallest gesture can mean the world especially to those who need a smile from another's heart in order to stand in the light. xoxoxoxo

[katie]

your block was so beautiful - it had the strong feeling of a support, like a beam, and it went perfectly in the corner supporting the square and all inside. i love seeing the photo of your beautiful grandmother and knowing that this beautiful velvet was once hers. although i didn't know all the stories as i sewed, i felt the special stories, the prayerfulness, the strength and determination exerted for a beloved friend. i am so grateful you agreed to be part of this beautiful project. you a potent force for good..love, love, and more love to you my friend. may you be and stay in good health and thrive in joyfulness.