I met Julie when we traveled together to Japan in the beginning of 2020. We all had a wonderful time, but on our last day Julie received a call that her husband was in the midst of a serious health problem. She was obviously distraught and we prayed together. Everyone made it home safely, and her husband Rick has completely recovered ~ praise the Lord!
Since then Julie has taken a few of my classes, and we’ve kept in touch. A few weeks ago she invited me over for lunch and to help her brainstorm a graduation quilt for her grandson. We had a lovely day and I finally got to meet Rick. Their home is fascinating. It’s a large, older stone home on Big Cedar Lake, with many rooms, nooks and crannies. She said it was in bad shape when they purchased it, but they have made it a beautiful and comfortable retreat. A perfect showcase for her amazing crafts. Julie is an artist and a true crafts-woman, as well as a collector of lovely things. Not only is she a quilter and a collector of quilts, but she has many other fields of interest as well. I really enjoyed my tour. She had quilts everywhere. Even on the floor!
As soon as I saw it I jumped into “quilt protector” mode, and started to try to persuade her to pick it up. She kindly told me that she didn’t have much wall space, and they were her quilts to enjoy however she likes. I had to agree, and I must admit it did look lovely there. (please be kind with your comments 😊).
There were many bedrooms and all with Julie’s handmade quilts. She told me her sons played many sports growing up and she spent a lot of time at practices and games, so she started hand appliqueing stars ~ and three quilts resulted. Here are two:
She had other quilts of her own making and some lovely antique pieces also:
Each one had a story. And you know how much I love stories!
Julie is also an accomplished rug braider,
as well as a wool rug hooker. In this room the quilt was quilted as a whole cloth quilt with evergreen trees, and then she designed the rugs to match on either side of the bed.
Then we headed up past the teddy bear on the stairs.
Her original designs amazed me more and more as I went from room to room. This is her version of their lake:
And this one is of children playing in it:
My favorite quilt was on her bed. I think the central mariners compass had something to do with it.
It looked lovely with the rug she made of their home to celebrate their 50th anniversary, sailboat and all:
As we came back downstairs I discovered she even makes totes out of bird seed bags. What a wealth of creativity!
At this point in the tour we had lunch and… she’s also a wonderful cook 😊. Rick joined us and we shared good food and great conversation.
Now came the best part ~ a visit to her studio downstairs. Julie also makes Nantucket baskets like the ones on the shelf at the top of this blog post. She has many others hanging from the rafters.
Now it was time for Julie to bring out some t-shirts and fabrics she wanted to use in her grandson’s quilt ~ and we began to brainstorm. Decisions were made, notes were jotted down, and time flew. All of a sudden it was time for me to head back home. What a delightful day!
I hope I helped her and I know she inspired me.
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I now need to add “the rest of the story”
That was a few weeks ago and I was so looking forward to sharing this wonderful story with all of you. Then I got an email from Julie recently saying she had a health issue that showed up suddenly in the time since I was there. The diagnosis is cancer and she is quite uncomfortable.
In Japan I was praying for her husband’s health. This time I’ve been praying with her, and for her, for her own health, ~ and for Rick too. I know Julie is the type of person who has made the most of every day of her life, and her positive attitude will get her through these difficult times. I am so grateful to have the privilege of praying for my dear friend and, if you are a person of prayer, would you please pray for my dear friend too? She’s already had surgery and is waiting for test results as she recuperates. It’s a very invasive type of cancer, so we’re all praying she won’t have to have chemo and radiation.
God bless you Julie. Many are praying with you!
judy raddatz says
What an amazing home. I hope the best for here in fighting her illness. Thank you for sharing.
Debbie H says
God has blessed Julie with wonderful gifts and he will protect her through this diagnosis. Prayers for healing and peace for her and her family.
WANDA KRUGER says
Thank you for sharing Julie’s home – lovely. And more then glad to add her to my prayer list. God’s blessings to everyone.
Judy Rosynek says
Thanks for sharing her story. She really is remarkable in all the talents she has. Prayers are with her and I know her journey because I had 3 years with my husband going through cancer treatment.
Brenda says
Chris, I really enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful quilts-she has done some gorgeous work.
When you mentioned about her dealing with cancer, I immediately said a prayer for her and I will keep her and her husband in my prayer list.
Barb Jordan says
Julie, I read Chris’s story and my thought are with you. Such a lucky world to have you in it!
Yvonne Habermann says
What a beautiful home and very lovely quilts, plus all her wonderful creations. Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed the “tour”.
Many prayers for Julie. God gave her many talents, He will always walk beside her and never leave her. Many 🙏🏻 .
Dawn says
I met Julie with Chris on our trip to Japan. Julie, I remember your husband fell ill when you were halfway around the world. I am pleased to hear that he is doing well.
Julie, you are in my prayers with hope that your days are filled with positive news. Your talents are amazing and so is your home!
Mary C Miller says
Prayers for Julie and Rick.
What a talented, and inspiring person.
Joanne Corrigan says
What an amazing gifted woman! She is an inspiration. Sending prayers for her healing and keeping her positive attitude!
Laura says
I will be praying for Julie. As well as so many others in my circle who need the healing hand of God. Praise Him for all He does and will do for her!
Laurie says
As time goes by and we get older, God puts people in our lives to know and care for. Sometimes it’s to pray for them and sometimes it’s just to talk with and share our lives. It can be for a moment or a life time, but it is always important. Julie is very important and God put her into your life for a purpose. so right now we will lift her up to Heaven for God ‘s healing power. We ask this in Jesus’ name.. Amen🙏
Ardene Brown says
Prayers for Julie and may God’s love and healing accompany her on this journey. Thank you for sharing your friend Julie, her talents, home and her husband in your fascinating story (and photos!) In my family this past week they witnessed the power of prayer and healing, truly a blessing.
Patty Mattingly says
Julie sounds like a delightful lady. I will keep her and her husband in my prayers. An additional note. I just returned home from Missouri Star Quilt Co. I told Miss Little about your post. She was delighted and gave me a delicious cookie. She was very excited.
Janet Sabol says
Thank you so much for sharing Julie’s beautiful arts! What a talented lady! She will be in my prayers as she fights through this illness. God’s blessings to her & Rick!
Marianne says
Thank you for the beautiful tour of Julie’s home. She was a delight on our trip to Japan. I will be praying for her as she journeys through cancer.
Erik Vandermause says
What a wonderful tribute! When you’re around someone for your entire life and there’s a new creation waiting for you just about every time you stop over, it becomes normal and what you’re used to. But, it’s not normal at all! In fact, I cannot name anyone who produces so many examples of creativity and originality on such a regular basis. Just last week in fact, in the midst of what she was dealing with, we were greeted with hand-stitched boat buoy pillows. Her home is not the only one filled with her creations – there are at least three more just like it – and I’m writing this reply under one of her quilts right now! This blog post was an amazing tribute to the creative and original blessing in our lives. Thank you.
clkquilt says
You are welcome! Your mom is a special lady and I’m so grateful for her friendship. You and all your family are in my prayers.