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Bossy Mending

9/8/2015

 


For two years
(or maybe more),
a Texas Star quilt
has been in my 
mending pile,
refusing
to be fixed.
Picture
Picture
Then a few weeks ago
in a panic about a forthcoming trip
I pulled it out,
determined 
to tackle this recalcitrant project
(and hopefully
tame my angst 
just a bit).

Picture
 My attitude, however,
 needed a small adjustment.
Picture
Unlike The Strawberry Quilt 
whose repair trajectory was clear,
this tattered remnant 
of someone's long ago handwork
was NOT
 some casual side project
to be whipped off 
while I thought about other things.

It demanded
that I put away my hand dyed fabric scraps,
forget about imposing my design ideas,
abandon all thought of covering or subverting its aggressive symmetry, 

Picture

and listen.
Picture
muslin patch stitched to the back
 I learned that it is okay
to stabilize the actual holes
(subtly).
Picture
 I am also allowed to strengthen the weakest diamonds,
Picture
but after that,
nothing can be hidden.

Picture
It chose
my ancient collection of
embroidery floss 
(rather than hand spun yarn),
as mending material 

Picture
as long as I use stitches
that keep the tatters in view.

I'm not usually a corner person,
preferring  swirls and curves
 to hard edges.
Picture
Graciously,
 it takes this this into consideration
Picture
as long as there is no nonsense about patching.
Picture
or altering
Picture
the underlying structure.

Though not averse to a bit of embellishment,
this quilt is proud of its wear and tear.

Picture
As well it should be.
Picture


The time came to leave long before I was finished
and the quilt wanted to stay home,
but I expect a warm welcome when I return.
and look forward to a lot more serious stitching.

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    Picture

    ​Sarah C Swett 
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