Quilters: Ya' Gotta Love 'Em

How's that for some broken English?

Recently, I became aware of someone who's going through a very rough time.  I'm not going to list all the things that are causing her grief because I want to protect her privacy.  I'll just say that I know she's been begging for the tiniest pieces of fabric or a little bit of batting just so she could finish the quilt she might be working on at the time.  One was a Christmas gift for a family member.  It just broke my heart when I tried to imagine how humiliating that must be, not to mention how desperate her situation must be. 

So I put out a call on a forum I read called  "Quilted Paradise," and asked if a few people might be willing to send her some fabric and/or other quilting supplies.  I was hoping for just a few responses.  Oh my.  I received so many!  These people really came through so that now she'll be receiving a trickle of goodie boxes for some days to come.  This woman, who's been begging for scraps, will now actually have something of a stash to draw on!  People also sent thread, notions, gift cards and other items too numerous to list.  The generosity really warms my heart. 

I've only been quilting for a little over two years, but I've never encountered such a routinely generous group of people.  I'm a social worker, and even in my profession, I have never seen this level of kindness and generosity.  No wonder I enjoy it so much.  When I'm quilting, I always feel such joy in my heart, and love for the person who will be the recipient of the quilt I'm making.  I suppose it's partly because I've become a member of such a kind group of people.  Even in my solitude, I feel the warmth.  All I can say is, "Here's to you, quilting community.  You are the best!"