It’s the height of winter here in New England. Mother Nature has gifted us with a wide array of temperatures; offering a varied menu of snow, slush, ice and freezing rain from which to choose. How very thoughtful of her-lol! Having survived the month of January, there is a growing sense of relief that February is here and comprised of fewer days. Thoughts of spring dance invitingly in our heads. Images of gentle breezes and budding leaves beckon us forward. And so, we cultivate patience, letting the season wend its way through the normal course of time.
Amid winter’s ice and snow, there is Valentine’s Day. A bright dash of colour which warms the heart, as we celebrate the loved ones who grace us with their presence day after day. It has been said that… “Friends are the flowers in the garden of life.”
And so they are, as the following Quilt Corner Tale will tell….
It was Summer 2019; bright, shiny, and full of hope. The weather was ideal; not too hot and humid, or too dry. Perfect for gardening, and all sorts of budding greenery. Everything was just right – and how often in life does that happen? Looking back, the world was ours for the taking. It was a simpler, more innocent time. And we basked in the pure enjoyment of those golden days. Pre-Covid, the world was a different place. Our spirits were younger and more carefree.
Lucy was awaiting the birth of a new grandchild, and I was helping plan my daughter’s wedding. For Lucy, the question was boy or girl, and the choosing of a name. For me, it was that ‘perfect’ mother-of-the-bride dress, choosing a style and colour. To be sure, we had lots of other things on our minds. But these questions took precedence. They were fun to think about. And were what we spent the bulk of our time discussing; imagining all sorts wonderful possibilities and scenarios.
I spent the slow lazy summer days sewing (what else)? Lucy plotted and planned a flower garden. And oh, what a garden that was!!! Assorted plants and floral displays of every shape, size and colour. The weather cooperated beautifully that whole summer long, and Lucys’ garden flourished! Some people just naturally have a green thumb. Turns out Lucy has an entire handful!
She took lots of photos, so I could share in the joy of this delightful little offspring of Eden. Even as I inundated her with pictures of potential evening gowns, complete with all the accessories a mother-of-the-bride is allegedly supposed to need. Together, we passed the summer in excited anticipation of both a new baby and a wedding.
This, for us, is the core of a deep and enduring friendship. The togetherness… where joys are doubled and sorrows halved.
In celebration, I took the pictures she sent of her garden and sewed them into a wall-hanging. It would become known as Lucy’s Quilt.
Sorting through a plethora of photographs – there were over 90 of them – I picked out and set aside the best and most colourful of the blooms. The next step was to photo-shop them, thus allowing me to zoom in on the finer details, as well as enhance the colour of each one. The photos were then printed onto transfer paper, and ironed onto plain white fabric.
The quilt itself called for a simple design, so the flowers themselves could stand out and shine. They were in essence, the star of the show… both literally and figuratively. A traditional Ohio Star was the perfect pattern. And stitched into the middle of every single star was one of Lucy’s flowers from her garden
The material choices were kept plain, so as not to compete with the flowers. A white tonal fabric (white design on a white background) was chosen to feature as the main colour. While a variegated, green leaf fabric made up the points of each star. Squares of this same green material were also used to help anchor the sashing strips together. Very simple and straightforward, the better to allow for Lucy’s lovely garden flowers to show their blooming colours!
Four blocks of flower stars across, and four additional star blocks down, gave sixteen squares total. This made for a nicely sized presentation. In keeping with the simplicity of the piece, it was hand-quilted with connecting rows of small squares and leaves. The quilt was framed with a matching solid green fabric, which was machine embroidered with a vine and leaf design, very much in keeping with the garden-type theme.
And so, the summer passed. It was all the more fun for the fellowship, encouragement and laughter we shared.
Come Autumn; Lucy welcomed the birth of granddaughter Maeve Catherine, and I celebrated my beloved daughter’s wedding. It was such an amazing evening, filled with magic and love. And was made all the more special, when Lucy flew up from Tennessee to hold my hand, as I watched my little girl walk down the aisle.
These are the times we cherish in our hearts, and carry throughout the years… wherever we may be. Life gets hard every now and then. It can be a struggle to see the way clear to calmer, more balanced days. But always, there is the memory of happier, fun-filled and loving times to carry us over the rough spots. Serving as a reminder that difficulties and troubling circumstances do not last forever… even though it may feel otherwise on occasion. For the wheel of life is constantly spinning across time and space. And each turn brings us closer to those quiet, more peaceful climes where joy and the good-times we hold dear return once again.
Now there’s a thought to tuck away for when the road of life becomes a challenge. The joyful memories of friends, family, love and laughter shine bright and steady within the heart. They can sooth an anxious spirit, calm a stress-filled mind, and help to lighten the path ahead… showing us the way forward.
And there is always a way, because there is always love… somehow, somewhere… reaching out and calling us forth.
“Time it was and what a time it was,
It was;
A time of innocence,
A time of confidences.
Long ago it must be,
I have a photograph.
Preserve your memories,
They’re all that’s left you.”
(Paul Simon)
P.S. Happy Valentine’s Day!
4 thoughts on “Lucy’s Garden”
I’m crying tears of happiness. This essay was as beautiful as the quilt — and our friendship!
Love,
Lucy
Aww… Lucy! Bless you dear friend. Get some rest and feel better. You gotta be ready for the spring planting season coming up – lol!
Very good. I fine these posts very informative to me as I am what you could call a lay person in this area of knowledge. Love you, Jim
Jim, you are one of the smartest people I know when it comes to the practicalities of life. And you have taught me so much!! Love back – always!!!