The Year in Stitches
It’s just after Christmas 2024, and I am gathering my customer records to write everyone a thank-you note. I’ve had 23 customers this year – and what a fun year it has been!
Of my 23 customers, I had 15 quilt creation customers. One customer wanted a memory cat as part of the order. Another wanted four pillows to accompany the quilt, and another wanted two baby quilts and an anniversary quilt. Two customers also delivered family quilts that required repair.
The remaining 11 customers brought repair quilts. Two of the repairs were modifications to duvet covers. One was double-stuffed with feathers and had a tear that poofed feathers out with every shift of the duvet/quilt. This customer wanted all the feathers removed and modified to a quilt. What a project that was! The oldest quilt I received for repair was from the early 1930s. I had fun exploring my fabric collection to find 30s prints and feed sacks and find the best match for the repairs. Thanks to Connie C for her help in finding the ideal fabric.
In addition to customer projects, I enjoyed a few projects. I participated in the Modern Quilt Guild’s Improvisation Row challenge. The challenge was to create “improv” designs from traditional patterns. In addition to the improvisation, I challenged myself to make each row a different color theme. My third self-imposed challenge is to free-motion with my longarm, using a variety of filler stitches. This is a triple challenge!
Another project I helped with was rescuing quilts from the home of a recently deceased quilt collector. As a local American Quilt Study Group member, other members helped to sort, organize, and deliver the owner’s collection to new homes. I’m thrilled to know that I have acquired a few quilts in need of repair that otherwise would have been thrown away.
This year also expanded my comfort zone. Two quilt guilds asked me to make a presentation on quilt repair. That’s the easy part! The challenge was to create a PowerPoint presentation. Thanks to a quilting friend who is better at technology than I am, she taught me how to make a PowerPoint presentation. Thank you, Janice!
I also attended my first Midwest Fabric Study Group (MFSG) conference this year. This organization is associated with AQSG, which focuses on the history of quilts, fabrics, patterns, and regional influence on quilting. This year’s conference focused on applique quilts. An applique quilt dated from the mid-1800s was displayed during the live auction. As many of us gathered around the quilt to admire the pattern, stitching, and fabrics, I overheard an interesting comment, “This stain is likely caused by the seeping of magnesium from the dye.” This intrigued me! Since I repair many quilts, I am curious about what caused various stains on quilts. The question intrigued me until I contacted the MFSG vice president to ask about assisting with a research project. The vice president eagerly responded, saying, “What a great idea!” and encouraged me to pursue the project. She also suggested writing a paper for the organizations’ publications, Blanket Statements or Uncoverings. I said yes. I am currently working on a review of the literature. Admittedly, it was fun!
A big change to business is the creation of a new website! Big thanks go to Doug Tull, who worked his magic. His knowledge of website development and design far exceeded my knowledge and patience. Thank you, Doug!
The new year is opening with several new customers, offering a combination of repair projects and memory quilts, as well as research. Lots of stitching fun is ahead.
Have an excellent 2025, and Let’s Quilt!
Kristen Edens
