Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Today’s post is about a gift. But it’s more about the friend than the gift…. I opened my mailbox the other day to receive a personalized Charm pack from Libby.
We have an on-going discussion on where plaid fabrics really want to live. It’s a constant battle over plaids wanting a sunny life in California or if they want the coziness of the snowy Northwoods that I could offer. Libby picks out the most beautiful plaids. Well, she gifted me my own personal set. What I love the most is the fact that each fabric is housed in a quilt that she’s already made. She’s passing on a piece of herself in each square.


I remember meeting Libby. I discovered her writing over a favorite library to Finn. I had just started keeping a quilting web journal. I loved her homespun quilts and her quilted tablecloth. When you think of her, you have to think of the quilted tablecloth. I pictured her being about 22 years old from all of the wonder in her writing. She always finds greatness simple things like cherry tomatoes, wire baskets, and brand new needles. Yet, she many times had the wisdom of someone way beyond her years. I’m speaking respectfully of course, because it was she that told me it didn’t matter if I ran out of border fabric that I could create my own. She told me that it was OK if block of the month quilt block didn’t match the pattern picture – ‘It makes it your own’. I guess I already knew some of the things she told me, but the fact that she expressed it through the keyboard without judgment or ridicule (and telling me to start over) made a difference to me and kept me from giving up. I have spare moments to quilt --- quite envious of those that have hours to give to it--- but she has never given up on me as a friend and my slow pace. We've both made tons of friends on the world wide web -- but I know if I was ever without a pair of scissors -- she'd be the 'Go-to Gal' for sure. She was the first person I trusted enough to give out my home address to.

We both raised daughters and she kept me from throwing in the towel a time or two…oh and she appreciates graniteware dishes, Starbucks Breakfast blend, and buttermilk…

She’s definite a keeper… I can’t wait to make something from these pieces…

Scraps of fabric - $0.00
Postage—roughly $2.00
Quilting Friends – Priceless….

17 comments:

Lindah said...

What a lovely tribute! Friendships are the treasures of life, the bright spots, aren't they! They enrich our lives in so many ways, lift our perspective, serve as funnels of God's joy into our lives, bring accountability where needed. Beautiful indeed! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

What a lovely post Mel, and I have to agree with Lindah, friendships are real treasures, gems and most definately priceless. Enjoy playing with your plaids.

Stina Blomgren said...

That was some fine words...she must be lucky to have you as a friend...!!! " Life is a patchwork of friends!"
And what a lovely gift from Libby...
I´m a lover of plaids... they add that extra touch to the quilt...but they are hard to find in pink...;D

Tazzie said...

What a wonderful friend you have there. Isn't this WWW amazing, we've made connections with people all over the world - friends that we could only have dreamed of not so many years ago.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Pat said...

I agree with Linda. That was a wonderful tribute to Libby. Friends certainly are priceless. I don't know her,but I am off to visit her blog. You make her sound very special. Enjoy your gift.

Sweet P said...

You said beautiful words about Libby. She is a wonderful friend. Those scraps are great.

Karen said...

What a lovely freindship you have made!

Paula said...

Very nice tribute to a special friend. Friends are even better than fabric, aren't they???

Finn said...

Hi Mel, what a lovely post your wrote, and I can tell the extent to which it comes from your heart *VBS*
Libby is definitely a treasure, an I'm so very happy she decided to join us in blogland. We sure could use a few more just like her *VBS*
Thanks for saying it so very well. Keep those stitch flowing, Hugs, Finn

Anonymous said...

What a sweet little stack of fabrics. Libby is a wonderful person for sure.

Rose Johnston said...

What a sweet friend and a gorgeous array of plaids!!! Im envious!!!

Carol said...

What a wonderful, wonderful post. WE are so very lucky to have such wonderful friends in our lives. Blogland is the Best! Love Libby's charm pack. Can't wait to see what you decide to do with it.

Juliann in WA said...

What a lovely way to brighten your week.

Kairle Oaks said...

True friends are the fabrics in our quilt of life. I had lunch with three such friends yesterday and I left feeling better about myself and life in general! Thanks for the "feel good" post!

Carole said...

Lovely post about Libby! She is a sweetheart! I love her work! A treasure indeed! Thanks for sharing!

Love Bears All Things said...

A wonderful ode to friendship.

I want to meet this girl.
Mama Bear

MARCIE said...

Mel, I am so behind on reading blogs. I see I missed your birthday, and it was still happy! Your Libby post is so sweet and I totally agree! Those sweet little plaid squares and the label are so neat! Wonderful stuff you have going on that helps you get thru the winter!