Friday, October 16, 2009

SURPRISE !

Yes, I've been away for a few days.  But that doesn't mean no quilting or knitting.  It means a LOT of quilting and a little knitting for me.  16 of my quilting friend from around the USA (think CA to MA and FL) met at a wonderful little retreat center at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.  Our cabins were in this wonderful little setting.

Over the past few years, this group has become very close--you guessed it:  through the internet.  In our caring for one another we have made many quilts (one block made by several different members, sewn together by another, quilted and bound by  another two, and then a label made by yet another).  We have given the quilts to ladies who have lost family members, those dealing with difficult health issues, and to those who have gone "above and beyond" in doing special things for our little group.
Last year when I was one of those with some health issues, the ladies took turns sending me little "pick me up" gifts that I received weekly for several months.  So I was certainly not expecting a quilt as well.
But SURPRISE, on our first evening at our little retreat when we all gathered back in our sewing room after dinner, they presented me with this package.

Inside the package was this wonderful tote that one of the ladies had made.

And inside that was this wonderful "Greek Cross" quilt (seen here on the bed of my cabin).  Yes I did sleep under it while I was there, and again last night after I got home.

It is the loving work of the ladies mentioned on the quilt label.


Tearful thanks to all of you.

And if anyone thinks that the internet cannot begin  friendships, they just don't know the Weight Watcher's  Message Board Quilters' "Lizzie" group!

1 comment:

Jan said...

I'm so glad you like the quilt Mary Lynn :) Knowing that it's "home" makes me smile and I continue to send up praises for your return to good health!