January 23, 2008

Dear Jane,

A few years ago, my mom, sister (Heidi Ho) and I started our “cross-country quilt guild” (CCQG)–At the time, Mom lived in CA, Ho in UT, I in TX. It was a chance for us to bridge the gap across many miles through our common love of quilting. Since the inception of our guild, mom relocated to UT, so although we’re less “cross country” than we once were, our love of quilting and each other hasn’t faded. Did you ever belong to a quilt guild?

I don’t think there’s a doubt in anyone’s mind that I am the weak stitch in the guild. Heidi is a FAST quilter, confident at choosing fabrics and able to strike a balance between perfection and completion. Mom has an amazing ability to give quilt lessons over the phone on how to replicate her perfect points and matching seams. I, on the other hand, suffer from analysis paralysis. I THINK too much and DO too little. I am so concerned about perfection that I talk myself out of even trying.

But all that is about to change! The CCQG has undertaken a project of epic proportion–one that will consume insane amounts of time. We are doing your quilt, Dear Jane.

I think that I have finally decided on using shirtings for the background. A marbled muslin would be easier, but this is going to be a work of art, right? Otherwise, what’s the point? I’ve collected reproduction fabrics from your era, Jane. Where in the world did you get all your wonderful fabrics? I’ve heard that it may have been from traveling salesmen who gave you their samples. I bet that you never had to destroy quilt store receipts to protect your husband from certain cardiac arrest.

I’ve just about got the sewing room organized, so hopefully I’ll actually start SEWING tonight or tomorrow. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.
Love,

Lori