Midwest Mary

Jog, read, watch TV, garden.

What do you do to unwind? At the end of the day, what activity helps you relax?

I quilt. The top layer is pieced on the machine, and then I do the actual quilting the old-fashioned way—by hand. The methodical in and out stitching is very relaxing, meditative. While sewing, I pray, ponder, and contemplate. I think about the person I’m making the quilt for and send them love and prayers in hope that they will feel wrapped in all of that when under the soft, cozy blanket.

When my children were young, I made them quilts they still have, although my son’s is now worn through and beyond repair. And then I stopped quilting for decades.

I picked it up once again the last few years. It’s been a good activity while I sit with my husband in the evenings. Because of his Alzheimer’s, conversation is limited but we enjoy being in each other’s presence. He also enjoys watching the quilts come to life stitch-by-stitch.

I’ve been making quilts for my grandchildren, nieces, and nephews starting with the youngest. Each child (or parent) puts in their order when I’m close to working on one for them. Their themes and colors aren’t of my choosing, but they are happy with their choices. My 13 year-old nephew, Jimmy, asked for a Chicago Bears theme for his, and as it is coming along better than expected.

Here are some of the quilts I’ve recently completed:

Johnny’s Quilt

Kaylee’s Quilt

Daniel’s Quilt

Molly’s Quilt

Samantha’s Quilt

Ziva’s Quilt

(Top Photo: Tyler in his quilt)

©2014, Mary K. Doyle