During this time of limited travel, I’ve been thanking God for all of the wonderful trips I have been blessed to take throughout my life – and you’ve joined me on many of them, if only via my blog :-). I have had moments of being a bit stir crazy over the past six months, but am grateful for my family, my church, and quilting.
I finally reached a point where I admitted to myself I needed to use this time more wisely (my teaching engagements have almost vanished), and began to clean out my studio. As I went through the books on my shelf I came across two that brought back fun memories, and one of them wasn’t about quilting at all. Here’s the story:
My book, Repliqué Quilts was published in 2001 and went out of print in 2004. At that time I purchased the residual books and loaded all 967 of them into my basement (Over 18,000 had been sold – praise the LORD!). It took awhile, but eventually all of them sold and I now wish I had more – as many newer quilters have shown an interest in Repliqué. But I digress.
To continue the story: way back in 2010 I received an email from Ann in Kamloops, British Columbia. She wanted to purchase a copy of Repliqué. The problem was I had no way of accepting credit cards or foreign checks/currency at that time. Rather than over thinking it I sent her the book and asked her to send me a book from her area that she thought I might enjoy. It turned out to be a delightful exchange (click here to read the original post).
About a week later she sent me the second book about Laurie Swim; a very talented Canadian art quilter.
So, when I pulled out these books I opened them to read the story about our exchange, only to find I hadn’t recorded it on the inside cover – as I had hoped. I felt it needed to be there and thus the books have been written in and this post came to be 😊.
My studio cleaning came to a complete halt while I dove into revisiting Kamloops, and Laurie’s quilts.
Then I searched back through my emails and discovered that Ann had used my Repliqué technique to recreate a photograph in fabric, and I’d never shared it on my blog. So this is a bit late in coming, but here’s what Ann wrote to me way back in 2010:
“Hi Chris, I just finished the attached art quilt – wall hanging which I thought you might like to see. Your generous contribution of the book helped a lot. Thanks so much.”
Stunning!
Dear Ann, If you’re still reading my blog posts, I’d like to thank you again for the fun we had with our “Kamloops Kapers”. Please let me know how you’re doing. Have you made any more quilts using Repliqué?
Bill Hoernke says
What a great story! Thanks for sharing. I like looking through old books and have a hard time getting rid of them. I also enjoy the connections that they have.
Travel on!
Juleen Jaeger says
You always bring such joy to me as I read your posts. I’m especially fond of this one since I visited Vancouver a few years ago. Such wonderful memories for you!
Lauren Eberhard says
I love Ann’s quilt. Though I live in North Central IL, I do have Canadian geese visit my lake every year. I too have been cleaning my sewing room, and started to go through my many books with the intention of getting rid of some of them – well lots of them actually – but I just can’t do it. I find going back through older quilt books brings back many quilting memories. Also love to see how quilting has evolved since I started quilting back in the 70’s! Thanks for posting.
Linda valiga says
Thanks Chris….your weekly blog gives me hope. I smile often as I read thru your adventures and passion for all things quilting. We all need to try to look forward…we have things to be mournful about but so much more to be happy about! You are important to my soul. Thank goodness for you
Roberta Reepsdorf says
So glad you have a blog. This quilt is inspiring! Now, I’m puzzling … can I do one like it? hmmmm?
Colleen Terry says
Chris, I was helping out at the Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg by sorting the books that had been donated for the upcoming rummage sale. What should I come across but a copy of your book “Replique”. I had just read this post a few days before and remembered that you said you wished you had a few more copies. This one was like new. I gave it to Melissa who is holding it for you. ☺