Be Kind

I don't know if sewing would be a passion in my life if it wasn't for the quilt classes I took years ago and the kindness of some of the women in that class. For Christmas 2009 my husband bought me a sewing machine at my request, but I had no idea how to use it. Vicki, who I call my "new Grandma" because it's way easier to say than "my husband's stepmoms mom", was kind enough to teach me a couple of basic skills for quilting.

After figuring out how to thread my machine and sew straight lines I decided to sign up for a quilting class in 2011 taught by Bobbi Porter. I didn't know a soul in the room and went in with very little sewing knowledge. Everyone had been going to the class for years, some for over a decade, and had their own cliques and unofficial designated seating. I first sat at a table with some women who weren't very friendly and didn't seem interested in talking to me. They'd wait for the weekly assignment and then leave. I'd sit alone at the table and silently struggle, trying to figure out things like how to use a rotary cutter properly or decipher the pattern instructions. Bobbi, the instructor, was really amazing and fun and SO helpful, but she had a large class to help and couldn't sit with me the whole time, nor would I ever expect that of her. I'd nervously fidget with my machine and slowly made my way through the three hour class.

One day a lady, Peggy, came to my table and invited me to sit with her group. She informed me that the women at my table weren't very friendly, told me that I was welcome to sit with her, and gave me a dvd made for beginner quilters that she thought would be helpful to me. From then on I sat with Peggy, her daughter Carrie, Kathleen, and a few others. They were all so encouraging, friendly, and gave me tips and advice when I needed it. Class became so much more fun with my new friends.

There was another lady, Jane, who brightened my day. She wasn't shy and would stop by my table and talk to me. It was always small talk, but it made me feel happy that she would take time out of her day to walk over and start a conversation.

I've been thinking a lot about Jane and those quilting classes over the past few weeks. At the end of last year I went to a memorial at her home, she passed away from cancer. I was never close with her, but I remember her as being so nice to me when I needed it most. If it wasn't for the warmth from Jane, Bobbi, Peggy, Carrie, and Kathleen I genuinely don't know if I would be sewing today. I could have easily gotten discouraged in class and given up. The kindness of the women in that room made a lasting impression on me and for that I am so grateful.

I hope you'll join me in being kind to others, it can change lives. xo