Monday, July 1, 2013

Stitching Therapy

We all know that wielding a needle and thread is good for the soul, and that is just what I needed this week. One week ago today I lost Tate, my fully trained 5 year old Border Collie. He was my first to train for sheep dog trials, but more importantly, he was my right hand man. He and I took care of our goats and I couldn't have done it without him. (Click on the Tate photo in my side bar if you want to see more).

So in my grieving, I took to stitching. I quilt with a group of ladies from the Baptist church who have a benevolence quilt ministry. Each year they choose a big quilt to hand quilt and then as they (we) stitch we pray for whomever is to receive it. I wasn't able to go every week to quilt, but I assembled the top and then offered to bind it. This quilt is going to an older couple in West, Texas who lost everything in the plant explosion that occurred there this spring. I'm blessed to be part of such a heartfelt ministry. (and who wouldn't just love these stars!!)



Because of spring ranch work and other quilting commitments, I was waaaaaaaaay behind on the Barbara Brackman BOW. So, I'm almost caught up! I'm assembling as I go, and I'm liking it! A couple of my favorite blocks (besides stars of course!! LOL) and the whole view!





I also machine quilted another small quilt that I had completed last year. I quilted it with  "free hand" (did not mark it!) Baptist fans. It was fun, and I really liked how it turned out kinda Folk Artsy! That is saying a bunch for me because I'm"Miss symmetrical, straight line, ordered" kind of  person! But I'm getting the "hang" of this "FREE" motion thing!!




I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it - but found the perfect spot with my vintage apple tins on my side table in the kitchen! So I guess I'll keep it for myself - for now!



Hope this finds each of you well and full of joy!



26 comments:

Janet O. said...

So sorry about the passing of your precious friend. Stitching is good therapy, and you have outdone yourself, as usual!
That is a beautiful quilt your quilt ministry is donating--and for such a blessed cause. How good of you to do so much of it on your busy schedule.
Your BOW quilt is coming along nicely--I LOVE that it is set with the chain blocks AND it is purple!!
You may only be the runner-up as Miss Symmetrical, because I still can't bring myself to do the Baptist Fans freehand--with no markings!! Good for you! I would feel like I was walking a tightrope with no net.
Your little quilt looks like it was meant to go with your cute apple tims.

Impera Magna said...

Oh, Doniene! I am so sorry to hear of Tate's passing away... so hard, so sad! I know you will miss him. Wish I could give you a hug.... *sniffle*

(((((Doniene)))))

You're right... sewing IS good therapy... and the couple in West, Texas will love that quilt!

And I love those vintage apple tins...

audrey said...

Glad you could find something that helped with your grief. Doing something for others is such a special way to help ease that pain. Great progress on your BOM and your mini is wonderful! Love the freehand quilting.:)

JoAnne said...

I'm so sorry about your dog, too. Our dog was part border collie and we it devastated us when she passed away (it has been almost 5 years, now.) My heart is bleeding for you. The ministry sounds fantastic. The people who receive that quilt will be really blessed.

NanaNor's said...

Dear Doniene, I'm so very sorry about your loss; it is never easy losing a beloved companion but especially hard when the pup is so young and well trained. I'm going to see if you posted on what happened. I understand how healing it can be to quilt after a loss. I wonder, if in time, you might do an applique quilt with a border collie on it and some sheep. I have always loved quilts with dogs on them. I love the quilts you've done; great job!
Sending hugs to you today.
Noreen

Nancy said...

Losing a companion and a good hand is terribly difficult - my deepest sympathies.

I love the stars on the ministry quilt - awesome quilt!

The mini quilt is adorable. I'm glad you've found the perfect place to display it in your home. Enjoy!

Kindred Quilts said...

So very sorry to hear about the passing of Tate. It's nice to hear that spending time with needle and thread has eased the sorrow you are feeling.
What a beautiful quilt the ministry is making for the well deserving couple in Texas. Bless all of you for giving your time and talent so humbly.

Carrie P. said...

So sorry to hear about Tate. It is amazing how a dog can become a good buddy!
Such a sweet thing to do for the couple. It is a lovely quilt.

cute little quilt to sit with your very vintage tins. love them all.

Rhonda said...

Keeping busy doing something you love is always a comfort. Take care my friend!!

Julie Fukuda said...

Our precious pets fill such a big space in our lives and hearts. How fortunate that you could spend your time of grief in such a productive way.

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh my heart breaks for you sweet friend! Losing a pet is so devastating; they are a member of our family and so much love is lost when they leave. I will be praying for you to be comforted. Certainly sewing with friends and making something for others who are grieving is a great way to work through that grieving period. Blessings!!!

Aimee said...

So sorry to hear about our sweet friend :) Bless you!
I love your stars quilt...and such a perfect place for your little yellow quilt!

Aunt 'Reen said...

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Tate! Sending you comforting hugs and prayers.
I love the ministry quilt, I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated by that couple. Your mini quilt turned out fabulous and your other quilt is coming along so beautifully!

Gwynette in NW Arkansas said...

Losing a treasured animal is so sad and I feel for you. We lost our 13 y/o German Shepherd last Nov. and I have an old Jack Russell that will be hunting rabbits in another world in a year or two. I already dread that.

Your 'little' quilt looks great with the apple tins and I like your BOW going together as you make it. I'm sure the couple in West will cherish your star quilt.

Maureen said...

So sorry about Tate. Our dogs are such a big part of our lives. I think it is underestimated how much we grieve for them when they are gone. I'm sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers your way.
Stitching is certainly good for the soul. It's a way to lose ourselves in the task. I don't know how you do as much as you do with the work you also do there on the ranch. What good work you and the other ladies are doing as you stitch. The star quilt is beautiful and I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated and cherished. The BB BOW is coming along nicely. Looks right at home on that bed. As does your little quilt with your apple canisters. You must keep this one!
Take care, dear friend!

Denise :) said...

Oh Doniene, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss--just from the photos you share of him, it's easy to see he was important to you and vice-versa. Stitching is good therapy -- praying for your comfort!

Mary said...

I am so sorry you lost Tate. My own Chloe is battling cancer. I grieve with you.

Kris said...

Doniene - I am glad the quilt therapy is keeping you busy!! Your star quilt is gorgeous and I love the family that is getting it!! They will definitely know they are loved!! Did that ol' Janet O. get you into free motion quilting?? She is so good at it and in reading her post above, you must be one brave lady to try the Baptist fans freehand!! And I know that Tate is watching over you!!

Ruth said...

Those apple tins look familiar. I think my Mom had some. So sorry about your special dog. And the little quilt with the fan quilting is so cute and the quilting looks great. I have done some of the free motion baptist fan on 2 small tumbler quilts that I pieced by hand. Got the idea from Tonya who quilts a lot of letter quilts and it was a fun way to do it. I even got a blue ribbon for my hand quilting on it!

Dawn said...

Tate was lucky to have you too. My dog is family!
I'm way behind as you are catching up.
Love the group quilt and all the love it holds.
The little quilt is fabulous and I love it with your canisters.
Is you BOM quilt as you go? I've been wanting to do that.
Thank you for sharing!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I'm so sorry about your precious canine friend - they become family members and losing them is very hurtful. On a more positive note you've got some gorgeous quilts there! blessings, marlene

Ranch Wife said...

Oh, sweet girl! I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Around here, our 4-legged friends are part of the family too. Stitching truly is a wonderful healing therapy and I pray that you are comforted as you stitch.

NanaNor's said...

Hi Doniene, You've been on my heart and in my thoughts this week-thought I would check in on you. I hope you are staying busy and that peace is filling your hours. Let me know how I can be praying for you dear one!
Hugs, Noreen

Lucy said...

Dear Doniene,
I just read about your lost of Tate! Our thoughts are with you. Having a pet is so fun but loosing it is always a tragedy.
I like the mini quilt you made It fits perfect in your kitchen. And you are so generous to make the star quilt with your friends for the couple.
Love, Lucy

Lucy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about Tate the Border Collie. He was such a wonderful animal who brought loads of joy. It is wonderful that you could find comfort in stitching.


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