Friday, October 9, 2009

Blogger's Quilt Festival: The Library Quilt

Yes, it's true. I'm coming out of hiding. It's time for the Blogger's Quilt Festival! This is my first time joining in the Festival, but I'm so inspired by the creativity and variety of quilts I've seen so far, I can't wait to do some more blog-hopping. But first, to share a quilt story of my own -- and hopefully break my blogger's block. Here goes...

Prior to 2002, my knowledge of quilting was definitely limited. I was completely immersed in trying to build a career in freelance writing, and as fate would have it, I eventually landed an article assignment on the topic of quilting. In my search for resources, I met some wonderful, knowledgable quilters through an online quilting group... long story, short: In no time, I was completely hooked on quilting.

One of my favorite writing resources was also an online group of wonderful, knowlegeble women, called Momwriters. Besides the nitty-gritty how-tos of publishing, help with article quotes, and encourging words, Momwriters offered friendship with other writing moms. In May 2003, I got to know one such friend through a Momwriter's "secret friend" program.

I anonymously emailed my secret friend, Janet, for over a month, and in our conversations learned so much about her; her favorite books, places, pasttimes and writerly dreams. By the end of that month, I had finished this wallhanging for her, incorporating as many of those details as possible into the titles of the "books" on her "shelf."


This was definitely among the most fun quilts I've ever worked on. My hope was that it would not only remind Janet of our friendship, but also keep her reaching for her writing dreams. I spoke to her not long ago and was happy to hear that she still has her little *Library Quilt hanging on her office wall.

And as far as I know, she's still writing... ;o)



*Library Quilt pattern by Christine Thresh

17 comments:

Nat Palaskas said...

Dear Heather thanks for your kind comment on my BQF fans quilt. I love your "the library quilt" very much and the story to go with it. I work and the library so no doubt I love everything to do with books, papers and of course quilts - Hugs Natima

sibylle said...

Hi Heather,

Love it! Think I need to make some for the girls in my bookclub ;)

Kaye Prince said...

This is so neat! I'm actually in the process of doing my Masters to become a librarian and this is just such an interesting idea!

Jean said...

Glad your blogger's block is over...though time will tell, won't it? Love the quilt and the story behind it.

Zonnah said...

Very cool. I love it!

sallgood said...

What a great gift! Thanks for sharing!

Dolly said...

You certainly took to quilting like a pro !
Beautiful job and nice story to accompany it.

Lee D said...

great story and I bet your friend really appreciates the effort you put into it. It is adorable.

Marie said...

Great Job

AnnieO said...

What a fun secret to keep and then surprise a friend with! Love the bookshelves and the little decorations sitting on the books. Thanks for sharing your quilt's story.

Rebekah said...

What a fun pattern and pretty quilt!

SewCalGal said...

Beautiful. Love the design, & colors. Just a delightful quilt. Thanks for sharing and thanks for participating in the Bloggers Quilt Festival.

SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Deborah said...

It's beautiful! I love Christine Thresh's patterns.

Rene' said...

What a cool idea!!! Love it. Thanks for sharing.

beth said...

what a fun story and wonderful quilt to go with it! it's wonderful!

Jocelyn said...

What a fun quilt and sweet story. Thanks for sharing.

Jocelyn
http://happycottagequilter.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Isn't quilting an amazing journey?! What a neat story! Your Library quilt is awesome! : ) Thanks for sharing.