I learned how to quilt in the summer of 1998. It was an experience I'll never forget and a tradition I hope to share with friends and family in the future.

I was sent on business for eight weeks in Oakland, California that June and July. A young, married woman from New Jersey, it was to be my first experience out of state alone for that long a period of time. I was blessed with having met some wonderful people to work with in Oakland. They made my stay a lot less stressful and a lot more fun.

I was working for a woman named Rene. One day during lunch (most likely clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl), Rene happened to mention that she was a quilter. I told her that I had always wanted to learn to quilt and her eyes lit up. "I'll teach you," she said in her Oklahoma accent. It was music to my ears.

During the last six weeks of my visit, Rene worked with me during lunch hours and after work in an unused room at the office. She brought in her cutting board, Fiskars cutter, Bernina sewing machine and her great positive attitude. While I put the pieces of the quilt together, Rene told me of the history of quilting and how she got started with it. It felt like an incredible bonding moment - truly something people of today in their rush-rush world never really make the time to do. She inspired me with her love of quilting. I will never forget her patience and the wonderful stories we shared over the making of my first quilt. (see photo at right)

Thanks to Rene, I have this wonderful new hobby. In Fall of 1998 I began my first Queen-sized quilt, which, coincidentally will also be given away. I call it the Achiever quilt. It's an engagement gift for some friends. I'll describe more about it once they finally get engaged.

I recently finished making a quilt that will stay in the family. My first child is due in January 2000 and I put together a little quilt for her. While I put the tiny bits of fabric together, I thought often of my new little baby and how the quilt will be something she can treasure as she grows older. And I think of Rene. I have since lost touch with her and would love to share with her the good news of our baby and of my continuing to quilt.

This past October I had an "appointment" to get together with a friend of mine - she wanted to learn how to quilt. I hope that I did Rene justice and gave the same sense of home, happiness and tradition to my friend that Rene shared with me.

January, 2000

June 2004 - Now look at all the quilts (including the Achiever Quilt) I've made: click here. I hope to make Rene proud!

Rene
My quilting teacher, mentor, and friend.