My Homemade Quilt

   
I grew up watching my grandmother and a host of ladies construct quite a few homemade quilts as a child and young adult. What seemed like random scraps of various materials, cut in a variety of patterns and shapes made their journey into cozy works of art. Sadly, it wasn’t until recently as my bride’s passion for the art of quilting has grown, have I truly paid attention to and appreciated the loving process that transpires to make a quilt. One may even conclude that all I ever needed to make it through life, I learned from a quilt.
The Pattern. As with every great quilt, or anything else for that matter, there has to be a pattern. The map of the Great journey if you will. Quilt patterns come in as many varieties as the human imagination can conjure up, I suppose. Selection is crucial to the final owner or the designer, which ever may be the case. As children, we dream of our “patterns” in various ways as we live in our make-believe worlds of castles, open ranges, or vast oceans. Some of our “patterns” are given to us by our parents, siblings, or influencing adults. This may or may not have positive outcomes, but nonetheless, it becomes part of our pattern of life. I have learned over time that patterns can change, such as life changes and the vantage points in which we see it change.
The Material. Quilts are fascinating in respect to the various materials that compose the completed result. The colors and unique design of the “main” material add to the flare of the artist’s end result. The backdrop material and binding edges are equally important to what will beheld in wonder. The batting and thread occupy roles that, though not as visible, are indispensable to the life of the quilt. I have heard the phrase, “Let’s see what you are made of.”, uttered in many venues of my occupation of this earth. The “materials” that we build our lives with, may prove to be worthy of the task, or in some cases, inferior in their performance. The Grace of life our Creator has given us, allows us to rethink our choice of materials at times. We have the choice of continually buying stock from the Market of Lies the enemy of our souls has craftily offered on every corner, or stockpile quality goods from the Storehouse of Truth so freely available from our Heavenly Father. We all want to believe what we have labored to create, was indeed built to last.
The Assembly. A handcrafted quilt is no doubt, a time-consuming effort of love. Having watched from a distance, my grandmother and now my bride, partake in the gauntlet of quilt making, I have come to appreciate the process at new levels. Proper alignment and measurement are tasks that will determine on so many levels, the end result. Every stitch, whether by finger and needle or machine matters. To my knowledge, there are no “shortcuts” in quilting or life. There are different ways and preferred tactics, but to usurp the process has dire consequences. Our society has become so artificially microwavable, that we have almost completely lost the value of process. It has given way to so much decay and unfinished existence. To watch as my wife inspects and displays on of her stitch adorned masterpieces, drives home the importance of embracing the process of life. Some things just take time, and the endearment of those things have everlasting value.
The Purpose. Some quilts are uniquely displayed on racks or in cabinet. Others are eye catching covers in a welcoming guest room. My favorites are those I cuddle under on a cool Autumn morning with a cup of fresh coffee. Or maybe the ones I pull up to my ears just before rushing off into Dreamland for another night of slumber. The point is that they were made to be enjoyed. In whatever manner or capacity, the joy of the encounter is the ultimate goal of the creator. Such is, I believe, our Creator’s plan as He chose our patterns and materials. As the Master’s hands carefully knit each one of together in our mother’s womb, He had plans and purpose in mind. Every piece and stitch of who you are matters. There is no waste in the economy of God. There are no mishaps that can’t be mended, no trauma that baffles His infinite Wisdom and care. No matter the journey of your “Quilt of Life”. Though there appears to be unsurmountable shipping damage, know that the Master Craftsman’s goal is to see that on final inspection, your materials have what it takes for the Journey of Life.