MEANT FOR THOSE OF US WHO MAY NEVER MEET IN PERSON

The box was here when I got home last night.  The mailman had left it on the back step, in the entryway.

Had my arms full of laptop in case, tote bag with files/paperwork, 4 bags of groceries, purse, keys, diet coke.....thinking about what I could fix for supper that would be done in 2 minutes flat.....

I have to be honest here.  When I stepped through the door and spotted the box and given what is pictured on the box, I jumped to conclusions and thought my husband had ordered something
for his shop and immediately was irritated because why do that when he isn't even able to go out to the shop?

Ahhhhh, but then I seen Audrey's name....and I knew.  I knew what it was!

I put stuff away, made supper and got husband settled in bed.  After the house was quiet, I brought the box in.  Turned it over in my hands....seen the label where Abagail had sent it to Audrey.  I went out in the kitchen and got a little knife so I could open it.  Midnight....so tired.  Nope, not ready to open it yet.  Fell asleep on the couch with the box beside me.

This morning when I awoke, my son had already left for work.  My husband was still sleeping. I set the box on the bathroom shelf while I took a long hot shower.  The box and I came back into the living room.  I began dusting furniture, shook rugs....yep, the box is still there on the couch.  I vacuumed and straightened up the kitchen.  I went over to the table...there it was.  Had a couple phone calls.  Didn't feel rushed....just thoroughly enjoyed the quietness of the day and the house...husband still sleeping.

It was about 1 o'clock before I sat down and opened the box.

You know how we are always talking about our mothers and grandmothers and those wimmin who have walked before us?  This quilt was made by such a womyn.  I think this quilt top was made a very long time ago.  The pattern....applique, is a Dresdon Plate Quilt Pattern.  The fabric swatches she uses are of all different prints and patterns and colors.  I don't think she went to the store and bought fabric and matched colors, etc.  I think she cut the pattern pieces out of what she had on hand. 

The Dresden Plate pieces are  hand stitched onto the white square of fabric, the center of each is the most beautiful yellow.  Teeny, tiny, very neat little stitches. If I remember correctly, that stitch is called the whipping  or whipped stitch.  The squares and border are sewn together by machine.  I wonder if it was a Treadle Machine?  I wonder if she sewed the squares together or did someone else find the squares and fabric packed away in a trunk and stitch it together?

Abagail and Audrey....did you feel the connection with this womyn?  And the strength and the affirmation.....most of all, there is a calming, an assurance that all is well and will be well.  I don't think that is only because I know where it came from.  This quilt was made by someone who had wonderful spirit and healing powers.  It was meant for those of us who may never meet in person....but are oh, so connected in spirit, just as we are connected to her.

I, like Audrey, have shed a few tears today....but each time felt joy...all smiley inside.  They are cleansing tears.....the best kind.

I thank you all for your caring, for your strength, and for your
validations.  Yep, yep.  Each and every RWZ womyn is wrapped up in this beautiful Yellow Towanda Quilt!

Katherina