Wednesday, January 24, 2007

I’ve never taken a quilt class. I’ve read about them. Sometimes when I look at quilt shops on line I read their class lists and look at the quilts that would be made. Maybe money was the issue, but more often than not, it’s the time factor plus living in a small town where there are no quilt classes. When Lynette Jensen came out with the second Thimbleberries hardcover book, I saw so many classes popping up to create the quilt, ”The Lost Mittens”. So I looked up the quilt—I love mittens--- but the quilt didn’t do anything for me. In fact, I really didn’t like it. Later I saw kits for the quilt, I thought, whatever. Well, Chelsey and I went shopping in Marquette and I saw the quilt made up…. I loved it. As dumb as it sounds, quilts speak to me--- and this quilt said a lot. Of course, being a thinker, I didn’t buy any fabric for it. I let the opportunity go by. But I couldn’t get the quilt out of my mind. Three days later I’m calling the shop---I really don’t care what colors, just put some Thimbleberries flannels together and the wool pieces… I have to make this quilt.

So a few stitches later here it is…


OK—You’re probably like I was---“I don’t get it” kind of mood….But when I saw it in person, this is what I thought. It’s hard being a parent. Many times you are incredibly unpopular because you have to make the tough calls. ‘No, there’s nothing you can do after midnight that you can’t do before…”
“ No, you’re not leaving the house with that much make up on…” “If you get a MIP (Minor in Possession of Alcohol) You’re done.”.
Your heart wants to be that hero- that be all- do all- Popular person in your kids eyes… but your mind knows that you just can’t be that and be successful at the task--- to be a diligent parent.”

But I can tell you--- I WILL be an outstanding Gramma. I can just picture (About 10 years from now) being wrapped up with a grandbaby trying to match the mittens on this quilt.. Can’t you???? I’ll tell them funny stories about their Mom or Dad. We’ll have cookies and hot chocolate from Snowman dishes and cover up with this quilt.
It was the first flannel piece I ever made. The mittens are wool. Year round it’s folded on a chest downstairs and it’s everyone’s favorite to cover up with and watch TV—Even Don talks about it.. and He doesn’t comment much on quilts.

Gratitudes:
Turkey tracks in the snow
A Gorgeous Sunrise this Morning
Chicken Noodle Soup for Lunch

20 comments:

Pilar Ramos said...

I admire to you, the results that I obtain like much. Greetings.

The Calico Cat said...

Nice quilt... Don't feel bad about the popularity. I work with a gal who back in my day would have been the most popular mom, but her kid so does not see it that way... (It is all perception...) She let him move into the basement, she lets him driver her car - she gets in early and stays late becasue of his schedule, etc.

Laurie Ann said...

All flannel quilts are just the best and that's a great one! I've taken a couple of classes, but it always takes me forever to finish the project!

McIrish Annie said...

Love the mittens quilt and I am not a big Thimbleberries fan, but this one is nice!

Don't worry about being popular. Your popularity will grow as they get older. I always told my son that anything he was doing after midnight would probably lead to trouble!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh it is sooo cute made up! What a cuddly looking quilt! Yup, I'm going through one of those mean mom moments right now.... ok so it is more than a moment....

Libby said...

Being the 'tough guy' now brings much greater rewards down the road. Trust me, I'm reaping those benefits now *s*

Carol said...

I love your quilt and I'm here in Chicago with my little Hampton to tell you this grandma thing is the BEST!

Unknown said...

dThe quilt is great! My mom made all of my boys handmade knit mittens throughout their childhoods-just as her grandmother had done for her and for my sisters and me. Thus I love this quilt even more.
As far as begin tough as a parent...stay the course. I too am one mom who is reaping the rewards now, and it is sweet. Being a grandmother...beyond sweet!

Fiona said...

Tell me about it. Kids these days take so much for granted. I don't think I'm a strict parent, but there are limits and if keeping to them makes me unpopular, then so be it.

Unknown said...

I'm a big believer that kids need boundaries - sadly one of the less nice parts about being a parent is making them stick to them - sigh! But we all come through the other end in more or less one piece to tell the tale. DD1 is still only 14 but I'm looking forward to grandchildren too eventually (very eventually)

Juliann in WA said...

What a lovely post! I have been thinking more and more about this lately - will I be a good gramma? And yes, I can imagine being wrapped up in this quilt with a little one, telling stories, matching mittens - fun!
Juliann

KC Quilter said...

What a nice post! Love the quilt. And you're right, you just have to see quilts in person! Keep doing what you're doing parent-wise--it will pay off in the end!

Anonymous said...

Good for you for getting the fabric and making it. Sometimes the quilt just yells at us so loudly that we have to. It looks cozy. :o)

Mary Johnson said...

While I'm not eager to become a grandparent - I understand your feelings about this quilt.

The first flannel quilt I made I gave to Keith - he didn't like the colors (they were from a FQ pack given to me as a gift) but when I suggested that we leave the quilt in Georgia at the house for Chris - he was adamant that he loved his quilt and he wasn't leaving it.

Beemoosie said...

Wonderful thoughts!

Gail said...

Isn't that the great thing about quilts? All comfy and cuddly and warm memories--do you supposed we put those in along with the thread and batting?

Hanne said...

The quilt looks good. I have that patterns from a Thimbleberries club. Seeing your quilt make me think about maybe doing it some day. The charm of seeing it in person :-)

Darlene said...

Matching mittens with grandchildren - that's delightful.

I'm working my way through the Stash Quilts Ring just to say Hi.

Eileen said...

I love quilts that you can just roll yourself up in and cuddle. It's like getting a hug.
I long for the days when my kids still listened. I think we all do.

Elaine Adair said...

A REAL quilt is always better than the picture, or even a photo! Glad you are back blogging with us. Parenting is not always nice, and even grandparenting has it's bad days. Keep up the good work -- and stay warm.