A Bittersweet Reunion

A while back I shared the sad news of my dear friend Evelyn’s passing. I enjoyed sharing stories of the fun we’ve had together over the years. If you’re new to my blog and you missed that post, please click here (when you go there you may have a deja vu moment because that previous post begins with this same photo 😊)

In February Evelyn’s daughter Gwen contacted me with the news of Evelyn’s passing, and we’ve been in sweet communication since then. Gwen asked me if I wanted any of Evelyn’s quilts, and she graciously offered to let me keep the quilt Evelyn and I made together ~ Intragalactic Journey (aka Out of the Bathtub). What a generous and wonderful gift!

Shortly after that conversation she texted me to ask if I’d like Evelyn’s collection of Quilt Sissies (a quilter’s version of Flat Stanley). I immediately said “yes”. In that previous post I shared the story of Evelyn’s Quiltilly and my Quiltina. After the ransom note adventure Evelyn made a second doll, and then she inherited her sister Hazel’s Quiltzilla when Hazel passed away. No one else would appreciate them like I would, and it was an exciting day when they arrived at my home.

As soon as the box was opened I took them down to my studio to be reacquainted with my Quiltina. They were so happy to see each other, and began playing around my sewing machine.

This quilters doll thing is contagious (and maybe getting a bit out of hand 🤣), but the story continues. Last year my friend Lori met Quiltina in Paducah. This year her own version, Scrappy Flat Florence, joined us. The two dolls became fast friends. After our lunch at Flamingo Row this year

Flat Florence (on the left) went missing. Lori searched our quarters to no avail. What a relief to find her hiding in one of Lori’s class bags at the convention center the following day.

 

 So much silly fun! And I thought this post would end here, but as I was packing up to teach in Janesville last week they all snuck into my suitcase. I had a wonderful time with this delightful guild, and the dolls were a big help while setting up for my lecture (just see if you can spot all 4).

And, as always, Evelyn’s Quiltilly kept clowning around:

But it is fun to have them travel with me.

They are a wonderful gift, and a fun way to keep Evelyn’s memory alive. I know she would love it!

PS The jacket I made with Evelyn for my trip to Japan (and posted about previously) has gone missing. I’m not sure where I left it, but it may have been when I shared my “Gone to the Dark Side” lecture in Endeavor, WI. If anyone has seen it please let me know.