My first quilt was a cooperative effort with my Mom. Her years of quilting experience and tremendous patience helped me through the process of selecting fabrics, cutting and piecing our quilt. The process was truly overwhelming for me. The sewing part became a never ending stitching and unstitching seams, patches and whole blocks. This was my initial introduction to the trusty seam ripper, a tool to redo a seam and make it right. At times, I have thought that quilters must have some degree of OCD, to finesse a beautiful, precision made quilt. I have learned that perfection in quilting is admirable, but a well- crafted quilt with some slight faults is fully appreciated as well.

I see the faults in my first quilt, but I also see all the things my Mom taught me. She demonstrated so much love and patience, eventhough the quilt evolved slowly over a period of a few months. So she taught me to deliberate and overcome struggles with patience and to appreciate that all work is worthwhile the effort. She taught me that our quilt was something that would always be a part of our lives. I know that to be true, as this quilt goes wherever I go. This quilt is a part of my Mom with me and truly feels like her warm embrace will always be near.