One Quilter’s Generosity and a Giveaway
My guild had a two-day retreat the first weekend of 2020 and I was able to go for one day. It’s always fun to see what other people are working on and have time to catch up with everyone.
Lots of people worked on patriotic quilts for veterans in our area of Nebraska. We’ve been working our way through all the veterans we know about, and I think we have almost finished up those from the Korean War. The quilt above is a Scrap Box Chevron from Franklin Quilt Company.
I started a new sampler from Edyta Sitar at Laundry Basket Quilts called Winter Village. I’m not excited about my fabrics. They looked great in a pile but now they’re boring me to death. So we’ll see where that ends up. I wish I hadn’t done the scrappy background.
But the coolest thing that happened was this.
See that wild and bright large-scale print above? I was chatting with Jill Ann at the retreat and saw this print in one of her blocks. When I admired it out loud, she immediately said, “Do you want it? Just take it!” And she whipped it out of her fabric pile and handed it to me.
I was surprised and delighted. “Are you sure?” I asked.
“Absolutely. It’s yours!” she answered.
Now here’s the best part.
Every time I see this fabric in my studio, which has been every day since, I am warmed by her generosity. I’m inspired to be more generous myself. And I just feel good all over because one quilter in one moment was kind and unguarded and unselfish.
What’s not to love about that?
Let’s have a giveaway!
I have some great stuff for one lucky winner. It’s Sew Emma and Lori Holt of Bee in My Bonnet have charming cross-stitch items! I have a valentine chart, a Farm Girl Vintage chart, a floss minder and adorable floss flowers that will have you itching to stitch. I also have a Mini Stash ‘n Store which may be the best organizational tool for your sewing area ever created.
There’s a cool quilty stone coaster, The Cutting Gizmo, my favorite pins and Mundial scissors, a wooden Material Girl sign for your sewing space, and String Frenzy by Bonnie K. Hunter.
Beat those winter blues by telling (in the comments) about a time when someone was generous toward you. The cutoff time is midnight on Thursday, Jan. 16. I’ll pick a winner and announce it on Friday. The winner of this giveaway is Chris P, who has been notified.
Please don’t be alarmed when your comment doesn’t show up immediately. I must approve them one by one and I’m usually at my sewing machine, not at my computer. Rest assured that I will see it and approve it and you’ll be duly entered into the giveaway.
Thank you for being here!
Tags: edyta sitar, giveaways, its sew emma, quilt retreat, scrap quilts
Sarah Bruce
| #
After driving 14 hours to bring teenagers home from church camp, one of the moms handed me a bag of groceries so that we would have something for breakfast. I was floored by her generosity– she even bought cool stuff that I would have never bought for myself.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
That’s a beautiful story. What a lovely gesture she made toward you and yours. Thank you for telling it, Sarah.
Edwina Smith
| #
I was at a retreat and complimented a friend on her quilt. When she was done she gave me the pattern! Quilters are the most generous people I have ever met. To spend hours making a beautiful quilt to give it away always touches my heart.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Edwina, I guess you and I better be careful who we compliment! Isn’t it lovely when someone is unselfish? Warms me from the inside out!
Eve Bell
| #
I have received several generous gifts in my life. Grateful for the friends that think of me! I had a quilting friend gift me “girl” fabric from an enormous stash she received. One friend gifted me a new fishing reel when my favorite bit the dust! I always try to “pay it forward” when I can, doing gifts for the unsuspecting recipient. Does a heart good!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
You are absolutely right! And what is more important than caring for one’s heart?! Thank you for being here, Eve.
Barb P
| #
I have been passing along fabrics to a new quilter that works in my husband’s office. She is so thrilled and it makes me happy to share.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
I am learning, even in middle age, that giving benefits ME the most! Thank you for sharing your story, Barb.
Deb
| #
I was waiting in drive-through coffee lane and the person ahead of me paid for my coffee – made my day!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
I hear of this every so often! I’m glad it happened to you, Deb!
Marty
| #
When a friend gave me a beautiful mug with a chickadee on it, one of my favorite birds, that she’s found at a thrift store. And surprisingly enough I found a matching platter a year later in my local thrift store. I have them placed on a shelf in my kitchen where I see them both daily. They bring me so much joy.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Joy seems to be a theme that grows around generosity! It was fun to hear about yours, Marty. Thank you for sharing it.
Barb
| #
I was working on a Quilt top in batiks and had too many dark fabrics, we were stitching at a friends home and she whipped out her back stash, started pulling out some brighter, beautiful colors and proceeded to let me use as many as I needed. I smile every time I look at this quilt (every day) remembering her generousity!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
That’s a wonderful quilty story, Barb. I love it. Thank you for sharing!
Terri Costa
| #
I moved from California to Washington state five years ago. I had never been a member of a guild before. I joined our small guild here (~45 members). As time passed, the guild grew and we are now 100 strong. I am so happy with all my new friends. They are sooooo generous. I have received fabric and notions from them that I make into fun things. They are so sweet that they also give my grandchildren quilting things because they know that I’ve got them into quilting (ages 11 and 8-year old twins). They even know my grandkids favorites! Piper was given a sweet little owl button by our guild president. I didn’t realize she knew Piper liked owls! I feel so lucky to have joined this group and they are generous beyond belief!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
That’s wonderful to hear, Terri. I feel like it’s harder to move when we are further into adulthood, but your friends made your transition easier. Makes my day to hear this! 😊
Diane Paul
| #
In early Dec we have a bazaar where I live (a CCRC) and one of the vendors had a lot of sewn things (pot holder, aprons, etc). When I admired them she asked if she could help her. I told her if I bought anything I would cut it up to make quilts. She said I have loads of scraps. Do you want them. About 2 weeks later she called and brought me bags and bags of scraps, all sizes and shapes. I make quilts which we sell here to help support residents who run out of money so the scraps will go into those quilts. I spent a week, washing drying, folding and organizing and had a ball. Her generosity will help to give others opportunities to be generous by buying the quilt I’ll make. Last year my quilts raised over $600 for the fund.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
What a wonderful story of giving and giving back, Diane! I love the reciprocity element. Thank you for sharing.
Jere
| #
My cousin gave me a beautiful leather purse last fall. I love it and think of her every time I go somewhere.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Jere, it’s really something how the item holds memories of that generosity, isn’t it?! Thank you for sharing.
Beverly
| #
Hey Diane – Just today I was “gifted” a very nice recliner, delivered and toted into my living room. While the woman checked on the comfy chair placement, the husband was outside replacing my windshield wipers! They did not have to, but they have shown great care.
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
YOU, Diane, have been generous many times, I enjoyed the visual gifts of your “trunk show” in Wichita and received a ‘Stash Bandit” pin as a reminder that I keep in my needle case.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Beverly, thank you for your kind words. I love the idea of “visual gifts.” You made my day, as they made yours!
Beth T.
| #
A few years ago I was visiting one of my mother’s cousins for the first time, solo. We had met maybe twice before; my mom moved to California while almost all of her family stayed in the Midwest, so most of them were just names and stories to me, and this cousin was no exception, to be honest. But I enjoyed our afternoon of catching up and getting to know each other, and when she showed me around her new apartment–having made the bold decision to move to the West Coast late in life–I was learning about her: interesting books, a love for art, tastes I admired. I saw a blanket on a chair that was crocheted in a pattern I recognized instantly: someone had recreated a log cabin in yarn. The quilter in me was touched by that, and I blurted out, “Oh, a log cabin!” She said, “My mother made that. You should take it.” I told her I absolutely could not. Her mother made it? My grandmother’s sister? I know how I treasure the things my mother owned, let alone something she might have made. But no, she was insistent: I’m a quilter, her mom would have been happy to have Aunt Thelma’s granddaughter have it, she wanted me to take it home. So, I did. Every time I see it, I remember her generosity, the way she pulled me into the family circle so naturally, and the happiness she felt in giving me something that obviously meant something to her. When I tell guests to be sure to use the log cabin blanket if they get cold, I feel like I’m telling them to wrap themselves in love.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
What a lovely story, Beth! Such warm words. And this: You’re a writer!
Diann Jones
| #
I give to my friends things that I know I will not use and I know that they can use. It makes my heart sing.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
A singing heart is the happiest kind of heart! Thank you for sharing your story, Diann. 😊
Kathy
| #
I sew with a friend once a week , we were working on a wall hanging and I made a cutting mistake that made my fabric unusable she generously pulled out her fabric to match and gave it to me.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Quilt friends are the best! Thanks for sharing, Kathy!
Cindy
| #
I won three spools of Aurifil thread, when they didn’t show after a couple months. When I sent an email about it I then received a 12 spool collection from Aurifil. I was dealing with health issues with my husband and the arrival brightened my day.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
When a company is generous, they get a customer for life! Thank you for sharing your story, Cindy. I’m sure you’re enjoying every stitch!
Marty
| #
The women folk on one floor at our office get together for lunch and a Secret Santa before Christmas. When you sign up, you tell the organizer what you might be interested in. One of our newest employees (who’s name I drew) mentioned coffee, photography, and that she was new at quilting (which I knew). I gave her an extra cutting mat and rotary cutter inherited from my mom, a ruler on sale at the fabric store, and a used book about beginning quilting. I know this was supposed to be a generous gift or event to me, but I felt so happy giving the quilt-start-up to this young woman, it seems better than getting something myself.
Reply
Vicki Bartels
| #
I had mentioned to my aunt that I had broken the porcelain angel for my Christmas tree. That spring she called and said she found this beautiful angel never been opened at a garage sale for $2. Did I want it? YES. It is the most beautiful angel and matches my decor perfectly. I couldn’t have found anything more perfect if I had been looking for one to purchase.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
So perfect! These are moments to be cherished. Thank you, Vicki!
LeeAnn
| #
I recently had surgery and the number of people who told me they were praying for me and the offers of help with meals and whatever was overwhelming! It made me cry! Just to know there are that many people out there who care for me. If is much harder to be on the receiving end of care than to give it.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
People have so much good in them! Thank you for telling your story. We missed you at guild! xo
Carol A Weber
| #
At first I was stumped…couldn’t think of a one, although I knew I’d experienced. Then the memories started coming–and then they were flooding my mind. The time in the drive-through at Starbucks. The gal at a quilting class who, when I said I was headed to a store to buy some neutrals, said, “Nah, come home with me, and I’ll give you some.” (THAT floored me!) The friend from an email group who learned I wanted more variety in my 2½” strips for a Bonnie Hunter quilt, and mailed me a box-full of them! But perhaps the one that still warms my heart was when my husband, children and I moved to another state, leaving behind friends and family, and a group called OWLS, and a member I didn’t know well gave me a carved wooden owl to remember the group by. Amazing. Sweet carving, and sweet lady. Isn’t it fun to remember people’s generosity?
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
So many memories! And yes, it IS fun to think of them all. Thank you for visiting Stash Bandit, Carol.
Deanna Klintworth
| #
Just last night, my husband and I missed connections as when he was to pick my up from guild meeting, and there was there was just me and June left and she was good enough to give me a ride home. I thank her so much.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
I love that! Thank you, Deanna, for sharing it.
Jennifer
| #
When my kids were about 1 and 2, I got a phone call one morning saying one of my favorite uncles had passed away. I was crushed but still had to take care of my kids and my home. I had to go to Walmart to get food and essentials but was trying to make it a quick trip that I was already dreading. When we walked in, the person that was stocking the claw game machine in the lobby was just finishing up and had a couple extra stuffed animals sat aside. When we walked by, they just walked over and handed my son a curious George stuffy (which was his ultimate favorite character) and my daughter a smurfette stuffy. They didn’t say a word and I choked out, thank you, as I walked into the store bawling because of their generosity and kindness they didn’t even know I needed that day. And my kids were so excited and still have each of these characters 6 years later.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
That’s an awesome story! And I’m happy to say that I have met your adorable children. 😊
tabatha smith
| #
Ok so my generosity story has nothing to do with quilting, but I still think of this man’s generosity years later. It was the summer of 2000 and my husband and I were driving from Texas to Alabama to see my grandparents. We had our 2 kids and my best friends 2 kids in our suburban when all of a sudden the vehicle stopped running. We drifted to the shoulder of the highway. This was back in the days before we had cell phones. It was 12 miles to the nearest town(Ruston, La) and it was over 100 degrees. I had moved the kids out of the truck and into the shade nearby and as we were waiting for someone we could flag down, this white car pulls up. A man dressed all in white, gets out, tells us he is a messenger sent by God to help us, calls a tow-truck, gives my husband $100 to cover the tow-truck that we will need, and stays with us until they get there, letting us and all these kids sit in his air-conditioned car. Once we were taken care of and on our way with the tow truck, he left. I never got his name, but his kindness was never forgotten by us. Love the prizes, and “Material Girls” is the name of the group of ladies I host every Tuesday to quilt together 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
That kind of sounds like an ACTUAL messenger from God! Thank you for telling your beautiful story, Tabatha.
Julie Mirdoch
| #
The most generous person I know is my mom. The most generous thing she does is give all of us the gift of time. Spending time with her, especially in quilty pursuits, it the most important thing in my life.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
That is a beautiful thing to say. I’m glad you shared it here, Julie.
Beth Engler
| #
A couple of my sewing friends are very generous with their time and knowledge of quilting. One of them has passed away and I miss her wealth of knowledge. The other one is always available to answer my questions.
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
Quilting friends are the best, aren’t they? When I became a quilter in my 20s, several of my good friends were already in their 50s. They are gone now, and I miss them dearly!
Cindy Weichel
| #
I have a dear quilting friend who is going through her mother’s things. Anything she doesn’t want to keep, she lets me have first chance at them!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
It has to be hard to go through your mom’s things. Bless her for sharing those treasures!
Leslie Martin
| #
Just last week my friend and I were at a quilt shop and I found a piece of fabric that I fell in love with, I decided I shouldn’t purchase it (no immediate need in my life). When we got home from our little excursion she handed me that piece of fabric, she had bought it for me for driving and taking her along for such a fun day, it was a nice surprise!
Reply
Diane Harris
| #
She sounds like a fun shopping buddy! What a nice story. Thanks, Leslie. (Great to see a Nebraskan here!)
Ann
| #
Every retreat that I have been on with my ASG guild has shown me how generous sewist are. Sharing thread for the perfect color, giving technique instructions, to sharing fabric. I am so lucky to be a part of the guild.
I love Bonnie Hunter’s quilts but have so many UFO’s I haven’t picked up a book yet.
Reply
Verna
| #
My mother’s 87-year-old neighbor gave me a half-dozen jars of his delicious homemade jam! I was so happy to have it. There were three different flavors and all using fruit from his garden.
Reply
Diane Oakes
| #
I was taking a scrappy quilt class from Amanda Jean Nyberg. I hadn’t taken enough variety with me to make the blocks different. One of my friends was using the same colors as I was using. Purples and white based neutrals. She gave me some fabric to add to my scraps. Every time I look at the quilt, I see her fabrics and think of that day and smile!
Reply
Karen Susan Lee
| #
Over the years, I have received some lovely things from friends and have tried to give special gifts to friends that I’ve made. But in the last few years, when my dad took a turn in his health and he needed to move into an assisted living. Friends and acquaintances stepped up and helped in so many ways. He was living in Canada, I was on the other side of the US, and going back & forth. People stepped up and help move him, then over the weeks emptying his house which was filled to the gills. And were able to visit him, when I was not able to be there. And supporting us through it all. This was an amazing gift for us both.
Reply
Denise Sis
| #
We where a young couple with 3 children. Money was tight because I was a stay at home mom. Our son contracted meningitis. He was hospitalized for over 2 weeks. He had to learn how to walk over again because of acute arthritis. My husband had gotten used irrigation pipe for our farming operation. When he went to pay the gentleman he told my husband he didn’t owe him anything because he knew of our medical expenses. When did not know this man well but his generous heart has stayed with me. I am reminded of it because my son that is deaf in one ear because of the meningitis is getting married in a week and a half. This event took place 28 years ago. God is good.
Thank you for offering this giveaway!
Reply
Robyn O
| #
My nieces know that I love to read, so they colored me a book mark! I use it for every book I read and think of them during their younger years.
Reply
Patty McArdle
| #
A friend of mine was so kind when my father passed away. She was quickly over to the house with food and drink for family and visitors. A thoughtful gesture.
Reply
Loretta Tejkl
| #
The year my then 7 year old had spinal fusion surgery I had to miss about 6 weeks of work. Being a single mom of three under the age of 9 I was not looking forward to Christmas. I had gone to Goodwill and bought them each a board game. Then a gal from church arrived about two days before Christmas and asked me to write down the kids clothing sizes and a toy idea. She returned the next day with clothing and toys and books. And a little something for me. Said her womens group was glad to help. I have never forgotten and try to find someone to give back to every year.
Reply
Linda Ann Cook
| #
My grandsons are so generous with their time. They mow my lawn, shovel my snow, get my seasonal decorations out of the basement with me and are so willing to help get everything ready for family gatherings. They will even help prepare food and clean up after. And they always have lots of big hugs for their Grandma.
Reply
Terri
| #
A generous, dear older friend who I sewed with gifted me her 1934 Featherweight!❤ I have pieced a lot of quilts on it! It is a very special gift! It was given to her by a Missionary lady who bought it new and had sewed on it a lot. I am Blessed!
Reply
Heidi
| #
In my lifetime there have been several instances where kindness of strangers have benefited our family. We don’t forget and do our best to be joyful and give back as we can. Kindness is remembered and always appreciated! ❤️
Reply
Chris P
| #
While doing some genealogy sleuthing, I posted some family info to the ancestry site. Several months perhaps even a year I received an email from someone who turned out to be a cousin. She had stayed in the area where our family came from, while my side moved to So Calif. She had cleaned out the old family home when everyone who would live in the house had passed on. She had the family bible, pictures, glass ware, our gggg grandfathers watch and wondered if perhaps I would be interested in “any” of it. I was blessed that day by someone I never knew let alone met and she mailed me several pieces I treasure and remember her each time I see them on display. I was able to pass the pocket watch on to my nephew who is the last of the family, along with copies of the pages from the family bible. So very thankful to her.
Reply
Marcella Harville
| #
12 years ago I had been off work for six weeks after having my second son. The night I returned to work, everyone was ordering food for supper. I had literally no money, and told them I was going to eat the lunch I brought. One of my coworkers insisted that I order whatever I wanted and she would pay for it. It really lifted my spirits.
Reply
Barb K
| #
I will always remember how thrilled I was with the Christmas gift I received from my first teacher when I was a 6 year old in a little one room country school in Nebraska! I opened up the package to find a beautiful little tea set. The pieces were brightly painted tin, not plastic like modern toys. My sister and I had a lot of tea parties with that set. I wish I could say I still had it (I may have a cup or two left) but it was well used and loved. This was in the 1940’s when people in our area did not spend a lot of money on gifts and I felt very grateful for my thoughtful teacher.
Reply
Bonny
| #
In 1970, I was a poor college student. With no car, I went home by catching rides from the Ride Board. Coming back to school after Christmas break, I caught a ride in a Falcon with no radio. The driver had 4 riders, all students. As we drove the 220 mile trip toward school, the weather became dreadful! Heavy snow covered the road, lane lines were covered, wipers iced. We kept driving thinking we would surely drive out of it! What we didn’t know was we were heading to the worst of it, and plows pulled from the roads! At Iowa Falls a trooper finally stopped us and told us to go back to the hotel to see if we could find shelter. The hotel served as a Greyhound Depot, and the lobby was full of stranded travelers. A girl our age approached, learned our situation, and told us she’d be right back. She went to the pay phone, made a call, and came back: You’re coming home with me! Soon a caravan of snowmobiles came, and transported us to her home. Neighbors came bringing hamburger, a cake, a sleeping bag. We were stranded there for 3 days! I’ve never forgotten the kindness of the girl, her family and neighbors!
Reply
Maggie
| #
I belong to a group of quilters who meet twice a month from 9:00-4:00! It’s like a bi-monthly mini-retreat! The best part is that these ladies are~in your words~”kind and unguarded and unselfish!” If I had to describe them on in word it would be GENEROUS! Generous with tips, fabric, notions, sharing…the list goes on! They’ve become like “sisters from other mothers!”
Thanks for your generosity that we receive with each post you make!
Reply
Marianne Kotch
| #
I belong to the Friends of the Library in our small town. When I retired from my job, the Friends insisted on hosting it, providing refreshments, decorating, and just making sure it all went well. My co-workers were really impressed and pleased that they didn’t have to do a lot more than show up.
Reply
Elizabeth
| #
Once I was so broke I was losing my home to foreclosure and having to move in with my sister in another state. I could only take what could fit in my car. I barely had gas money to get there. The local girl scout council of which I was a member got the staff together and gave me gifts including money so I could eat and stay in a safe hotel.
Reply
Lynne
| #
My love of quilting took me Quiltville where I ‘met’ a lady who was visiting Sydney from the US. When we met in Sydney, we went to dinner and met in person for the first time. Our online friendship continued and after deciding to go to the US myself, she welcomed both my quilting friend and myself to her home. We were taken to a concert, driven around to see the local attractions and taken to several quilt shops. If I was to get the ‘giveaway’, I’d prefer for it to go to her. She was so generous.
Reply
Crissy Ladd
| #
After posting on a facebook group that I was looking for recommendations a sewing machine for under $1000 because “thats all I thought my husband would let me spend” some ladies commented that I should be looking for a new husband instead.. I defended him and our agreements to never make big purchases without the other being on board.. Another member of the group not only came to my defense but also offered me her Bernina sewing machine!
Reply
Susan
| #
I went through treatments for cancer ten years ago and we did not have to cook any meals for four months as we had so many people bringing us food.
Reply