Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Bittersweet


The purpose was to have a hand in making quilts to share with others, and I did it with Faith Circle of do.Good Stitches for nearly 7 years, designing and finishing over a dozen quilts, and making blocks for at least 75 others, and it was a very good thing.



But even good things come to an end, and I've let my bee mates know I'm stepping away. A bittersweet twist is that due to a variety of reasons, Faith circle will be merging with Cheer circle to become the new Unite circle. So it's the end of an era, so to speak.



One of the great things about do. Good Stitches is that there are several roles one can play, and I played them all. Beginning as a stitcher, I became familiar with how the bee worked, gaining confidence along the way. Being a stitcher, you also get to make quite a variety of quilt blocks and designs, as every month it's something different.


Eventually I stepped up to quilter, meaning I would take the lead twice a year in planning our group's quilt and eventually bringing it to a finish. All the quilts shown in this post are those that begun with my imaginings, brought to fruition with my bee mates' blocks, and finished with my quilting and binding.


After a few years in that role, the opportunity arose to become host of the circle, and I've served in that role for the last few years.



As I scroll through these quilt photos, I remember quite clearly how utterly proud I was of that first one, HST Love. I was still pretty new to modern quilting, and just the fact that we used all solid fabrics was still very new to me.


As I began to embrace improvisational piecing, I encouraged my bee mates to dabble with it too. Ha. They were brave souls and humored me, and goodness, I think they even sometimes enjoyed it.



So now it's time to say goodbye to something that has been a very meaningful part of my creating for a long time. Bittersweet for sure.


See this page if you'd like to find out more about do.Good Stitches.

13 comments:

  1. what a wonderful contribution you have made! Best wishes as you move on to other exciting adventures!

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  2. What an amazing journey to have undertaken. I can definitely understand it is bittersweet. Thanks for all you did for so many for 7 years!

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  3. Wow love all the years of time and love you put into this tale of do.good stitches. You should be very proud.

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  4. What a terrific way to put your talents to use. Consistent support over a long period of time is a very valuable gift to any good work. Well done.

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  5. You made so many beautiful quilts in that time! It's so fun to see blocks I made in the older ones! <3

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  6. Wow! these are really awesome quilts. 7 years! You have definitely made a difference in many peoples lives in many different ways!

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  7. Great opportunity and quilts!
    Thanks for sharing your photos.

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  8. There is something magical about these quilts that come together from a collaboration. Thanks for sharing the photos and for sharing your talent this past 7 years. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

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  9. The quilts you showed today are all so beautiful!

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  10. Wonderful opportunity and as with every season of our life, things come to an end.

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  11. Your Faith Circle quilts are Impressive and I'll miss you in do.Good Stitches. You have no idea how much your designs have inspired me. "Peachy" remains a fave and your amazing creative energy shows in every one of these.

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  12. I loved scrolling through your memory lane of quilts, as it is a testament to your skill, your contributions and your generous heart. I, too, stepped away from a 20-year group this year, so I am familiar with some of your feelings. It was time, but still...
    Anyway, congratulations on making such an impact and for sharing these quilts with the world.

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  13. I am sorry to read that as I have loved following along. But I wish you whole-heartedly the best of times on your new adventures!

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