Tuesday Tip - "The Rest of the Story"

Last week I wrote about the Lost Quilt finding a home.  This story was also shared on Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville Snips & Quips.

First, I want to thank all of you who read the story, left kind comments and feedback on both blogs.
I am so touched that this story connected with so many people.  To the many quilters who signed up to follow me on my life and quilt journey, thank you. This story went viral after Bonnie Hunter posted it on her blog.

Many commenters wanted to know "the rest of the story" as Paul Harvey would say.  So first I called Bernice, the quilt finder, to tell her how far this story had progressed and she was thrilled that so many enjoyed the mystery of finding the lost quilt's home.  I asked if she minded if I contacted the new owner to get more information.  Bernice said she didn't have a phone number only the name and address of where to ship it.  After writing down the information, I went to the internet and started to google for information.  It didn't take me long to find a phone number that I thought was correct.  Upon dialing, I was rewarded with talking with Kathy.  After introductions of who I was and telling her about the quilt story, she was happy to share her story.

As we learned earlier, Kathy confirmed that she was a beginning quilter back in 1994-95 and overwhelmed that she was asked to participate in the Round Robin Quilt.  At first she was unsure which border was hers.  After looking at her name on the label and the fourth border was a very simple border, that seemed like what she would have done back then. She doesn't remember if the label traveled with the quilt or not, but agreed that would make perfect sense. In knowing the other quilters and their level of experience at that time, she can see each of their borders now.

Kathy commented, " It all seemed so overwhelming to me at the time, and that's why my border is so simple. Not sure how I want to finish it, or when that will happen."

Kathy has remained a quilter over the years and like many of us has UFO's that are waiting to be finished.  She is a grandmother now and enjoys spending much of her time with her growing family.

Thank you to Kathy for sending me a picture to share with you and filling in the blanks in the story.

So the mystery is solved.  The quilt has a home and a very happy ending.

 

A reminder of last week's lessons or tips are:

1.  Label your quilts with as much identifying information as possible. 

a.  The above label helped me search the internet and get clues on how to reach someone who could help me find this quilt's next home.

b.  In Washington, IL tornado zone, they are finding quilts that aren't labeled and having trouble finding who they belong to.  Labels should give names, towns, etc. that would help clue people where to look for owners. 

c.  Labels also provide the history of the quilt and add value.  For example:  why it was made (t-shirt quilt, baby quilt, wedding quilt, etc.), the inspiration, the quiltmaker, the quilter, the town and states of those involved.

 

2.  Tell your family what you want done with your quilts when you pass away.  You may want to include a list in your will on how the quilts are to distributed.  If your family has enough quilts, maybe you could donate your quilts to an organization to be auctioned off for a good cause.

Most of us would not want our quilts ending up in a second hand store.

 

Its so  much fun that this story had a special ending due to the label being found with the quilt top.

 

Today I am linking up with Connie at Freemotion by the River and Fabric Tuesday-A Quilt Story  Have a terrific Tuesday!!

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry