the lining . This lesson precluded all opportunities for ever modelling the gown at the celebrations of a twenty-fifth , fortieth , or fiftieth anniversary .
In my time as a stayat-home mom , my learning would involve sewing blue jeans and T-shirts for our toddlers .
When I retired , I filled some of my new freedom with part-time employment at our local quilt store . I was mesmerized by the store samples in addition to the quilts brought in for longarm quilting . So much to absorb — an endless variety of new fabrics , new patterns , new techniques , new colour combinations .
As a beginning quilter , I very carefully followed all pattern directions , learning more with every stitch . As I became confident , I moved out of my comfort zone and experimented with techniques and new colour combinations .
Like every quilter I know , my stash ( quilting term for fabric that has been purchased for a future project not yet determined ; was a good price ; or called out , “ Take me home ”) continued to grow . Whenever possible , vacations included a visit to a quilt store . Kiwi bird fabric from New Zealand , cactus fabric from Arizona , wildlife fabric from Canmore , and Big Five ( lion , elephant , leopard , rhinoceros , and Cape buffalo ) fabric from South Africa replaced souvenirs that require dusting . I was always on the watch for feature fabrics as requested by my family — Stars Wars , Edmonton Oilers ,
Toronto Blue Jays , and more recently anything princess-related .
Then COVID-19 turned our world upside down . Cancellations flooded in . No social gatherings with family and friends , no face-to-face ARTA meetings , no cuddles with grandchildren — just a great deal of angst about the unknown .
Retreating to my sewing room did wonders for my state of mind , enabling me to temporarily escape COVID-19 concerns . I started with UFOs ( quilting term for unfinished objects / projects ), but for a time had to move to simple straightforward projects , resulting in a surplus of baby quilts .
In retrospect , 2020 was my most productive year for completing quilting projects of all shapes and sizes . Likely my most memorable was what we will refer to as my “ COVID-19 Travel Canada ” quilt — the replacement for any travelling we may have done .
Like most who are consumed by a favourite pastime , we do so because it gives us peace of mind , pleasure , and a little challenge . My talents will never equal those of some other quilters in the Vermilion area , but what is most important is that we all enjoy our pastimes because we have the passion for what we do .
My lifelong learning ? Absolutely ! Thanks , Mom .
news & views SPRING 2021 | 31