PART 1:

It’s been many years since I made my first quilt, but the memory is as vivid as ever. I was expecting Heather Jane, my first child, and I wanted to create something special for her—a crib quilt, made with love, just like the women in my family had done for generations. I chose the classic log cabin pattern, using pastel gingham checks for the blocks. The center of each block featured a red gingham check, a color that symbolized warmth and home for me.

Quilting has always been a cherished tradition in my family, passed down from one generation to the next. I have a beautifully hand-made quilt that belonged to my great-great grandmother, the woman I was named after. My grandmother gave it to me when I was a teenager, and it has traveled with me through every stage of life. No matter where I moved, this heirloom quilt came with me, a symbol of the strength, creativity, and resilience of the women in my family.

This quilt is more than just fabric and stitches—it’s a testament to survival. It’s over 120 years old and still going strong, much like the women in my family. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded that we are made of tough yet tender threads, woven together by love, perseverance, and creativity.

Now, as I begin planning my new quilt, I want you to come with me on this journey—from shopping for the perfect fabrics to cutting each piece with precision, and finally, sewing it all together. We’ll hunt for those special materials that catch my eye, maybe a bold print or a soft, soothing color that will bring my vision to life. Each step of the way, you’ll feel the satisfaction as I do—the rhythm of the sewing machine, the beauty of seeing the quilt take shape piece by piece.

This quilt, once finished, will be more than just a project. It will join the treasures of my life, one of which will be proudly displayed on the bed in my new farmhouse. The feeling of accomplishment will be immense when I lay it out, knowing that this quilt, like the ones before it, carries my love, my history, and my hopes for the future.

And as I think about its future, I can’t help but imagine 100 years from now, my great-great granddaughter holding this very quilt, just as I hold my great-grandmother’s. Though she may never meet me, she will feel my hands on her, loving her through every stitch. Quilting isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about creating a legacy, one stitch at a time. Let’s begin this journey together and add another piece to the rich tapestry of family treasures.

TO BE CONTINUED . . .