An intimate conversation between friends…
Photo courtesy of Jan and Rachel
“It’s not art until a human connection is made.” ~Seth Godin and P. Marin (Rachel)
I’ve got a story to tell and I thought I’d let you in on a little of the conversation that shaped it. It is between my friend Rachel, her friend, Jan and myself. Part two will be saved for my October, 2026 blog so be sure and check back then. For those of you who’d like to “be a fly on the wall,” here you go:
Laura to Rachel:
Hello, Rachel!
Your comment on Instagram about how you didn't realize how far behind you were on comments reminded me how far behind I am asking for more details about the quilt your friend Jan gave you. You started the conversation in a comment and I filed it away for later...now, here it is, MUCH later. Yikes. Anyway, can you tell me a little more about the quilt? I love that she labeled it with one of your designs...and that must make you feel so good. What else does the quilt mean to you? How long did it take her to make it? Do you know what was going on in her world as she made it for you? Did you know you were going to receive it or was it a surprise? What does it evoke in you? What does it tell you about your friendship with her? How long have you been friends? Do you know how long she has been quilting? Are you willing to share pictures of the quilt and label?
I'd love more details such as this and if you want, feel free to share my email with Jan if you think she'd want to fill in some details as well. I'd love to hear the rest of the story!
Be well, my friend. "See" you Friday, if not sooner.
X&O
Laura
Rachel to Jan then to Laura:
Hello, Jan.
I was telling my friend Laura who is an expert quilter and book maker about my beautiful quilt you gifted us with. She wanted to hear more, so I thought who better to give us the nitty gritty of how it came to be than the maker herself.
But first, let me tell you my side of the story. Jan was the first mate on the Sea Scout ship I was a part of when I was 13 years old. Her smile and laughter haven't faded a bit all these years later and I can see it in the cheery colors she chose for our quilt. It all started one day when Jan asked if she could use the watercolor illustration I made of her dog Patch who we adore. I immediately said yes, but asked if I might get a copy of the label to keep in my studio. Not long after, Jan showed up at our artisan booth down at the beach with my label. I loved that it said, "Made with Love not Perfection." I thanked Jan, without knowing what she was quietly working on behind the scenes. Then, one day, Jan and Patch showed up at our house with our quilt—an absolute work-of-art that warms our toes and hearts daily. Our quilt will forever remind me of Jan and the years of friendship that bind us.
Did I miss anything, Jan? I know Laura is interested in knowing how long it took to make and how long you've been quilting. I am attaching photos. Please feel free to add anything you like.
With love,
Rachel
Laura to Rachel and Jan:
What a beautiful story, Rachel & Jan!
What a treasure to have not only a gorgeous quilt but the wonderful friendship that inspired it. Jan, I’d love to hear more if you’re willing to share.
Rachel, I know you are super swamped so I do so appreciate you taking the time to write about what you know and love about your quilt, and taking and sending the photos.
Until next time,
X&O
Laura
Jan to Laura and Rachel:
From Jan:
How nice to be asked to talk about my favorite subject...quilting. I started my quilting journey with a quilt for my daughter. Sadly, that quilt is no longer with us. It was made with the wrong materials and the seams soon split and I don't know what happened to it after that. That was back in the late 70's and back then I hand quilted all my quilts and I was sooo slow. In 2006, I had the chance to purchase a longarm quilting machine and it changed my life. I was finishing all the tops I pieced. But I was also working full time and raising two of my grandchildren so very few quilts were finished in a year. I retired in 2013 and at that time I was able to make every quilt I had been dreaming of. I am still thinking and piecing two quilts ahead of the quilt I am working on. I have a row of quilt tops that I have made or purchased hanging in the closet waiting to be put on the longarm and quilted.
It's a crazy hobby. Who else would take perfectly good fabric, cut it into little pieces, sew them back together again and call it fun. I don't quilt for others because it's too much pressure. I quilt because I can't stop thinking about colors, fabrics, or how to make a particular pattern. Rachel's quilt started with the colors. I chose to use large pieces of the colors to show them off more. And for the backing, I found the perfect fabric that reminded me of the colors of buttered popcorn. And Rachel, my heart sings every time I get to make a label with Patch's picture.
You asked how long it takes to make a quilt. It can take one month or two years. I know...crazy right? But for example, one quilt I have been working on was started in 2020. It is labor intensive and it's still not finished. Rachel's quilt (a fairly simple pattern) came together in 6 weeks because I already had the fabric and thread in my stash.
One nice thing about being a quilter is that because of social media, I have met many, many quilters online and have even more quilter friends in local quilting guilds.
I love this life,
--jan
Rachel to Jan and Laura:
Jan,
There is so much here to love. Your commitment. Your passion. Your friendship. But somehow your sign off, “I love this life,” really got me. Not everyone can say that. I am glad you are one of them.
Thank you for asking the questions, Laura. I am grateful for this time with both of you.
Xo
Rachel
Please check back in October for the rest of Jan and Rachel’s story (or sign up below to have it sent directly to your email). If you need a little nudge to tell your own story, my journal, The Story of Your Quilt may help. It’s filled with motivational quotes and inspirational prompts to get you started on your journey. Available here now.