A Tribute to Marilyn

Hey guys this is Marilyn my partner's mom. I met her during the summer 2011 before she passed away from cancer during Jan 2012. She continued to quilt up until a few weeks of her passing. Before her death, she passed on to me her quilting books, hoops, fabrics, and notions and machine -along with her fabric stash. I couldn't be by my partner's side during her transition -as I had to be at home caring for the house, dogs and our Koi pond. It touched my heart that she wanted me to have something so dear to her. Out of all the things she left for me -I treasure most the "unfinished project" that arrived in the same hoop pictured. Being a quilter myself -I've often wondered who she was making it for. Marilyn loved to quilt -but she loved all the more to give her quilts away to family and friends.
Marilyn's handqulted wedding ring quilt

She was known around her county as one of the best and prolific quilters in the area! She often pieced by machine and usually finished the quilt by doing the quilting by hand. She also did some quilts completely by hand. I've learned much by reading her notes within her quilting books to herself. Reading these books brings me just as much comfort as the act of quilting! I was able to pick up the needle and thimble and literally pick up at the place were she stitched her last stitch. I suspect given the size of the quilt it was probably meant for an infant (who was born before her passing).  She also made purses, dolls and crocheted dollies, scarves and potholders. And I must tell you -she was quite the gardener as well. She grew some of the largest hostas I've ever seen! Her garden also was host to many hummingbirds. In our own pond/garden area in our backyard -I often think of her when hummingbirds visit us during those hot summer days.

In the Bible, the Book of Acts, has within it the story of Tabitha who ministered to others by her use of textiles (Acts, ch9). It seems that many women remain nameless in the Bible -but Tabitha's name was not left out. So for me, at least, the scribes must've felt her contribution to be quite tremendous. Meeting Marilyn, helped to bring this Bible story to life for me.

I'm told of how Marilyn's quilts brought joy and warmth along with love to those who were recipients of her handiwork. Her handiwork has certainly comforted me! I can never thank her enough! The background on my homepage is of a wedding ring quilt she made.

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