Have you ever done something that unintentionally hurts a dear friend or someone you care about?
Now I KNOW that most of you can relate, so go ahead and admit it.
Well, this recently happened to me and I am so deeply saddened by it. Even when things happen that are merely an accident or unintentional, I still feel the need to try and make amends. So here goes....
You see, I just got my copy of Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting (November/December 2011 issue). And on page 78, you will see a lovely quilt called Winterbury Lane and a not-so-lovely picture of me.
Honestly, it's been a long time since I've had a quilt featured in a magazine.
You see, I don't submit many things to magazines because frankly I have a hard time keeping up with making what I need to for my own books and fabric. Even with quilts and projects for myself, I rely heavily on several friends (yes, my mom is included in that group) and their gifts/talents to help me out. Believe me, I would not be where I am without them. I am forever thankful that they are willing to share their talents and eternally grateful that they are there beside me in this journey I call life.
So, you can imagine how my excitement over having a quilt in this magazine was quickly replaced by despair when I realized that I had failed to give the proper credit to those who helped me make this project possible.
Although I did design the quilt, it was pieced and sewn together by my mom, Jackie Conaway, and quilted by my friend Kathy Dye of KD Dids.
Mom did an outstanding job of using the fabrics that I sent to her, conversing with me via Skype, and making it all work.
And Kathy did an exceptional job of quilting, mimicking the applique snowflakes in the snowball blocks, and making the border print look incredible with the little swirls and snowflakes. If you are fortunate to have a copy of the magazine, you can see these details.
Although I work alone every day, my work is not done by me alone. Like many people, I need some help along the way.... whether it is an opinion, someone to bounce an idea off of, proofreading, getting a project quilted, or simply finishing it by sewing binding down. My friends generously help with all of these things. There is no way that I could possibly keep doing what I do without them.
So, when you see something by Whimsicals or with my name on it, please don't just think of me. Think of all those that helped to make it possible. Think of it as a group effort, a collaboration even.
If you are one of those friends, I thank you. And if you know of or see one of my friends, please thank them.
Because without them, I would be nothing.
