Bossy Mending

For two years
(or maybe more),
a Texas Star quilt
has been in my 
mending pile,
refusing
to be fixed.

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).

 My attitude, however,
 needed a small adjustment.

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, 

and listen.

muslin patch stitched to the back

 I learned that it is okay
to stabilize the actual holes
(subtly).

 I am also allowed to strengthen the weakest diamonds,

but after that,
nothing can be hidden.

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

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.

Graciously,
 it takes this this into consideration

as long as there is no nonsense about patching.

or altering

the underlying structure.

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

As well it should be.

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.