WHAT'S IN THE BLUE BAG - #MYQUILTSTORY - THE STORY OF MY FIRST UFO

This is the story of my first quilt... Or perhaps it's a story on how NOT to make a quilt. It sat as a UFO in the back of my closet for years and now it's come out to play. Let me tell you how it all went down. Grab a cup of coffee and lend me your ear.
COMPLIMENTARY VIDEOS:
CAN I USE UP ALL MY SCRAPS? EPIC AFTERQUILT CHALLENGE
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HOW MANY UFO'S DO YOU HAVE? ARE UNFINISHED PROJECTS TAKING UP SPACE? HERE'S A PLAN TO GET THEM DONE
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AfterQuilt The Video - Or What the Heck do I do With These Scraps
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[@mariong8383]

Karen, I have been binge watching your U-Tube videos. I have seen many of them before, but this one touched my heart. I did not have the challenges you did with children, but I was making a career for myself and putting in more hours than I should, and not giving my husband and best friend the time we should have been enjoying. Long story short, one day I just said…enough and put in my notice to a job I had been building on for 20 years. Today at 75 my loving husband and I spend all our time together… except when I am at a sewing class 🤷🏻‍♀️… and are loving every minute of it. Not for everyone, but it works for us. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt story. ❤️❤️

[@julieenslow5915]

This quilt should be viewed as a trophy. What a journey - thank you for sharing it.

[@jefr4763]

Hello Julie👋👋

[@AK5of8]

Oh, my dear, I miss those years too. I choked up when you said that. It’s normal. It’s just that for all our mistakes, it’s been a good life. The only thing to do is keep living it. The quilt: it’s imperfect? Ha! Aren’t we all? Beautiful story. Beautiful quilt.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you...who knew we would wish for dirty diapers again.

[@janice24oc]

Uhhh...you make me want to bind, yes, just have to bind, the quilt I made out of my grandmother's clothing to keep them from being trashed by my aunts.

[@melaniegavin459]

I laughed, cried and sighed with relief...it is a beautiful quilt.

[@rosemarykriegel3226]

Oh, my! It is a beautiful work of art! This inspires me to get done with my first quilt. I made the top and back about 15 years ago, but didn't know where to go from there. My husband bought me a new machine in January and I have hand basted the thing, but still need to free hand quilt it. Like you I went back to work when our youngest of five entered high school. I homeschooled all of the older ones through high school. Then when work got too stressful I made an appointment with our financial advisor who informed my husband and me that we had enough money for me to "walk away" from my job. The next day I took a cake decorated with my employee number and last day of work to my boss for him to share with our coworkers. I worked two more days within the next week and never looked back. Thank you for your story and inspiration. This is just what the doctor would have ordered for me today!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Rosemary

[@estherdavis851]

Amazing quilt and journey start to finish. Thanks for sharing this beautiful quilt with us.💖💓❤💕👍

[@gigglesmajic]

Hugs to you! More people can relate than you think ... you are NOT alone!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

❤️

[@kallitechnimata]

You got me emotional... Loved your story, thank you for sharing it...

[@blkcat93]

Oh Karen, That is some amazing moving story. I'm nodding at times and weeping for you at others. Wow. I felt every inch of that emotional train. when you said at the end you" wished you had your family back" and I lost it. As women many of us have lost decades to working so damn hard to keep the platform strong and stable for our kids to leap off of into their future and by the time they have flown its waaay more than simply 'empty nest'. it's just as you said, alone, broken and aoul less. Thank you for sharing your triumph and rebirth and thank you for your videos that are helping countless others to find the same. xoxo

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Stacy

[@debbiemuncy2272]

Karen. Thank you for being real. I love love love your story and your quilt! You stayed true to yourself by keeping the quilt and in the end finishing it. Although you know where all the painful flaws are, you shared it with us and it's a masterpiece! You alone know the tears and agony but it's yours, it's your story and it's completed and beautiful! Thank you for making us a part of your story. I'm sure many of us can relate. You are a hero! Bear hugs

[@GeminiPeg]

OMG, the first time I needed a tissue for a quilting video. Beautiful quilt and a beautiful story . Thank you for sharing.

[@barbaralindsey6708]

Agreed♥️

[@1957val]

I agree with Peggy. Beautiful, heart rendering story. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@juliemenelaws7754]

Agreed, such feelings that so resonates with mothers & sewers, a heartfelt thankyou

[@margaretbond5208]

Agreed!! ❤️

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@barbaralindsey6708 hi how are you doing my friend

[@barbarajohnson1572]

This is the pure definition of what it really means to be a quilter!!!! I have grown to the place where i sew and finish as fast as i can trying to finish using up over 40 years of collecting fabrics... and YES i still love a bargain... the quality and workmanship is not judged the same when it all goes to charity! I am 72 this year and the passion still grows... I so enjoyed your story,,, especially the part where you "left the job"... same here with all the emotion and adjustments...Bless you... enjoy this quilt it will become your favorite.. OH,,, and ps... did i mention i'm just as bad with knitting and crochet (yarn)... that's the "night job"..LOL GrammaBabs

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Every quilt has a story. It is created with every every block that is cut and very stitch you make. And with the marathon that is quilting, there's bound to be other stuff that becomes bound into the fabric before you are finished. Well, I finally finished my first UFO and here's mine. The good, the bad and the ugly. It's not my typical videoI but I hope it encourages you to share your own stories under #myquitstory. Have a great weekend

[@sandwitch1656]

Just Get it Done Quilts - Oh my! I was in tears and then happily smiling at the end. Thank you for sharing this quilt story, it must have taken a lot for you to be so honest about it’s journey. I’m in a similar boat to where you were - burnt out, tired, not looking forward to turning 60 in Oct; and this summer I’ve retired from teaching after 28yrs ... so many raw and desolate emotions to identify with. You’ve given me inspiration to look in my ‘blue bags’ of UFO crafts ... sincerely, thank you 🙏🏼

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It does get better. Surround yourself with good people and allow yourself to mend. It's sounds simple but it's hard...you're in rehab for your brain. I"m hope you'll share your #myquiltstory too.

[@miriamsinclair1655]

Thank you for sharing your story, very touching. It’s important to stop and think of the big picture and see what really matters. I can relate on this. My very first quilt is not finish yet and it’s from 2008. The click is ticking, I’m 62 and I have more fabric than I can sew: it’s another issue! I’m hoping to find somebody to share a friendship, a passion of création and fabric.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

@@miriamsinclair1655 Keep looking at guild and workshops. So many great quilters. I'm going for a sewing weekend with a woman I met on a plane...and she introduced me to her friends.

[@miriamsinclair1655]

Just Get it Done Quilts - I look into it. Thanks for the push!

[@connie5768]

Karen I just love you! What a wonderful, sweet story. I have tears in my eyes.

[@saraburke3873]

Oh Karen, what a tender and moving story. Thank you so much for sharing; appreciate your candor so much!

[@margaritawarrens2510]

Your quilt is beautiful! :)

[@sandrabishop5671]

Well thanks, Karen. You made me cry in my afternoon tea.

[@new2quilting]

You are SUCH a breath of fresh air!! Thank you for your honesty and your courage. Please don’t stop making videos.

[@ninadukette3340]

This is why we watch and love you.

[@brendaschaub8292]

What an awesome adventure Karen. It’s a beautiful quilt you can be very proud of!

[@sarahkazanis4147]

This reminded me of all the emotion that went into my first ufo. When I finally finished it, I called it “2 countries, 5 house moves, 3 kids, 15 years and 1 nervous breakdown later”. The magic of quilts is that they can tell a story. Thank you for sharing yours. Xx

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

💕💕💕

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Sarah

[@lynnemartin2291]

Oh what a beautiful creation. Just think your DNA + dedication is in their. Wonderful👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🤩

[@MsOceanRiver]

Our lives are stitched into our quilts. This I believe.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Me too. Every quilt has a story

[@jayamilapersson4030]

I made a poem (forgive me if some words are misspelled english is my second language) With every stitch , memory itch It can make you twitch, it can really be a bitch But its up to you to switch, your train of though ditch Your sewing should make you happy with every stitch

[@princehamdan3902]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts hi

[@jeanneboily7434]

Huge and beautifull. A life story quilt. Thanks for sharing. Quilting also keeps me sain.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I agree

[@maryaliceestes4774]

My favorite video so far. Your authenticity is wonderful. That quilt should be held as your most valuable, as it is a reflection of so much of you and your path. While you can't get back those bygone years my hope for you is that every year going forward is sweeter than the last. Mary Estes League City TX

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Mary

[@dollyglitter]

So glad you opened up your blue bag and finished your quilt,which I thought was lovely....I love your videos and chats,what a lovely warm and inspiring lady you are. Thank you so much for sharing.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@luciebacon4960]

Your story made me cry! It’s so much like mine!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

❤️

[@catherinestea]

You are truly a woman who "Dares Greatly" as Brene' Brown would say. You are brave and vulnerable and generous and kind. Your journey touched my heart (and I'm sure the hearts of many.) We all do the best we can and when we know better we do better. Heartfelt thanks for all the hard won wisdom that you share with us all. . . like life skills as well as all the quilting/sewing/ironing/shopping/organizing/coloring/patterns and so many more tips, tricks and strategies!!! Much happiness and gratitude, Karen!!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗

[@Wannaloom]

What a wonderful weaver of words you are! As women, mothers, wives, your story resonates with us all. Thank you for your videos, they are inspiring, humble, fun, educational and a pure joy to watch. Cheers to folding up that blue bag and creating more space. 😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@cynforrest]

Well said. I ditto your words. ❤️

[@anjahofmann6480]

Thank you for putting my thoughts about this video into words = KrimCakes E. @Karen: I have watched and learned a few bits and things from you. I have miles and miles to go, but I’ve done a start :) Thank you for being here and being an inspiration to us. I felt your pain and emotions. And what an amazing quilt you finished! You can be so overly proud of yourself! Greetings from all the way from Germany!

[@jefr4763]

Hello 👋👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you

[@sawmoorequilts2068]

I think you are very brave for showing a very real side of an awesome hobby. You did what you did as you had to move through your life with your choices, needs and caring for the ones you love. We all wonder at the cost. We all make sacrifices and go through tough times, but you still found the strength to finish, to keep going to be you... Thank you for all of your help, what you do matters, and you make the quilting world and your world at large a better place.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗

[@daniellenichol1598]

You gave my "blue bag" a voice. Judging by the comments you brought a quilting family together. Thank you for sharing your strength & wisdom.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It really has ht a common history. Hopefully others will share their stories too

[@heathermartin8656]

What a beautiful quilt and a soul touching experience. Thanks for being real. Thanks for being you.

[@micadina7129]

Dear Karen, I hardly can contain my tears. I am writing you from Spain. I have discovered quilting and of course your wonderful tutorials came out. I love what you are doing/sewing. I am a real beginner, I had never used a sewing machine untill this year, so I have a lot to learn and thanks to you and also other great people who share their knowledge, I hope to end up being a good quilter one day. This video that I have just seen is really emotive. I reconn myself very much in it, I mean talking about work/children/time. But we all know that having is back is impossible, so let's forget the past and launch our energy to the future, don't you think? I have already subscribed to your channel and looking forward to watching new videos from you. Friendly yours

[@CarolMaynard-OhMyInkyFingers]

GOOSEBUMPS!! Thank you, so much, for sharing your story!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

We all have so much in common

[@annettehartt7993]

Spoken like a true heroine. I so know the feeling of 'wanting to get those years back.' Let your quilt remind you of how much you accomplished as did your family because you were focusing on them and now you can take the time for yourself. By the way, I think that quilt is amazing. You are an inspiration in so many ways. Thank you for sharing this.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello 👋

[@earthmotherwithin]

AWWWWW. How honest, how wonderful. Thank you

[@nicolettehare3322]

This quilt shows your perseverance and dedication to your family. I’m honored to have been able to listen to the background story of your quilt.

[@dianehouse1441]

I wish there was a "love" button! I can very much relate to the burn out. I took a year to get my physical health better and along the way, I found my mental health needed some loving too. It has been quilting that has brought me joy and happiness in finding that God has instilled a gift in me that He had laying in wait for me. You are one of the first "teachers" I have watched for quilting and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every video you have shared with us. I will be praying for your happiness and fulfillment in the years to come.

[@paulag4891]

I felt like standing and applauding at the end, I had tears in my eyes, you’re a true survivor🌷

[@rhondagarden8878]

Me TOO!!! 😭😁😭😁😭😁😭

[@Noreenlee1]

Lovely recounting of two lives, yours and the quilt's.

[@marijowakley7770]

You put so many working mothers' lives into words. I missed so much of my boys' lives by working. On the other hand, they know how to work hard themselves now, and managed to grow into wonderful husbands and dads.

[@sandramyer7081]

Yes! The boys understand and have mature- they understand that quilting is not just a hobby but you teach very clear and comfortable and I think your boys understand what goes in the quilt from a lot of points of view- including history and geneology too. I bet they appreciate it and see what you give too

[@debbiepyleverhoeven5234]

The quilt is beautiful. I teared up watching this.

[@mmckerley1]

You struck a sensitive chord with me and I'm still choking back the tears. The pain we cause ourselves by spending time in the past can be suffocating. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability in this video. Your finished quilt is beautiful. Just beautiful. Wrap your loved ones up in your quilt and tell them how much you love them in this moment. Hugs to you.

[@daylily1]

You’re a wise, beautiful lady. Loved your quilt story. Thank you for sharing.

[@seasidestitches615]

Aw, bless you Karen. Thanks for being so open, my heart goes out to you, and I so, so understand where you’re coming from. Well they say quilts are full of emotion, but that’s such an understatement when relating it to your very personal experience. You’re an amazing woman. Thanks for all the help you give to so many of us! It’s a beautiful quilt Karen. Looks like a magic carpet laid out on the lawn! ❤️🙏

[@christysmith196]

Thank you for sharing your story and being so transparent. I could relate and my heart broke for you and I cried for your struggle. But you kept going. And you finished. Your quilt is beautiful I can’t see the mistakes. I just see a lovely lady who encourages me not to be such a perfectionist that I do nothing but to just start. God always sees us not as flawed pieces but as the beautiful finished quilt. Each piece perfected by our struggles, friends and family who love us, and the beauty of His creation placed just where He wants us. Thank you for being part of my quilt. 🥰

[@marisah5724]

You are amazing, Karen! Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations on completing your quilt! It is beautiful. Here's to new beginnings:)

[@cacb24]

Karen, what a great video.....thank you for sharing....that blue bag quilt has a wonderful history and how we can accomplish anything ! Thanks again !!

[@grandmastraw]

Love your story! I laughed, I cried, and I burst with joy to see your completed quilt. Thank you for sharing.

[@glyndamorgan4787]

It turned out to be a beautiful and an even more beautiful story! I appreciate your openness and encouragement.

[@leorajs]

I just started quilting about a year ago. Quickly realized that my quilts are useable, and pretty... even if riddled with mistakes... and that was my aim. The quilt, and your story, are both beautiful. Thank you for your honesty and all the wonderful videos!

[@pattytucker1361]

I laughed with you and almost cried with you. These quilts rule our souls.

[@GriswaldDingens]

Wow! Thank you for sharing your story of this quilt. I can appreciate the truth and emotion of your quilt story. Love and hugs to you. xoxo

[@ccpperrett7522]

The lessons we learn while quilting.

[@jefr4763]

Hello 👋 👋

[@jefr4763]

How are you?

[@carmenbailey1560]

Well Karen, I guess I must have missed this video, knowing now that you are off and sailing in your quilting world, your son is healthy life is good. You have a huge following. This makes me happy knowing that. Thanks for sharing all that you do,and take care 👍❤️😊

[@janetturner3323]

Someone mentioned, in the declutter challenge, the blue bag video. I just watched it and it really touched my heart. We all go through something in our lives, and this was so encouraging to keep going, but how important it is to take care of ourselves. Thank you, Karen, for all of your wonderful videos. You help me, as a somewhat new quilter, to keep going and keep trying new things, even with all the mistakes I make! I love your videos!

[@bethsnare294]

Oh my heart!!!! Thank you for being so real!!!

[@akapody]

Karen thanks so much for sharing this with us. I have my own "Blue Bag" as I'm sure a lot of us do. Your finished quilt is gorgeous. In it you can feel the trials and tribulations you went thru. It tells a story. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. 😊~ Arlene

[@beccajones8134]

Love the quilt...and it's journey...it will bring lots of dreams

[@fenderskirt8]

"I want those years back", oh my I feel that. Thank you for sharing. Love your videos.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Lori

[@colleenquiltstoo]

Thank you Karen. What a story! I love your finished quilt.

[@maryschutte8368]

I think that "miracle that happens" when we're binding a quilt is why I love that part of the process so much!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Mary

[@JoanDam248]

Thank you for sharing. The quilt is beautiful.

[@aimeehix1903]

I cried when you cried. I'm an empty-nester this year and I feel that loneliness and regret of wasted time sometimes too. Thank you for being brave enough to share it all.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

❤️

[@ariannabrady3842]

Wow! That's beautiful, the story and the quilt! Thanks for sharing.

[@rmenninghaus1646]

You are a really special person. Thanks. Each quilt has the story of its birthing.....

[@jefr4763]

Hello 👋👋

[@brit1945]

Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing. Beautiful story of the healing power of the creative process

[@jocropley]

I could see a bit of a struggle when you were telling your story .. It pulled on my heart and your right .. sewing is something we turn to.. I did .. thank you for your quilt story .. Every stitch has a memory .. Thank you.

[@kristensedlock1059]

I'm not crying your crying! Love this!! Yep quilts bring out the good the bad and the heart in those times. Part of why I enjoy quilting so much. The therapeutic part of beginning to end.

[@teremazon6109]

I found a quilt book in a second hand shop 25 years ago, while living in London, and I was immediately smitten. I had learnt to sew in my teens and loved making my own clothes, because they would be unique, but I am Spanish and I had never before in my life seen a quilt. I made two gorgeous tops in the mid 90s, one machine patch worked and the other entirely appliqué, and I was very pleased with the results. But then I attempted to quilt them by hand, and immediately realised that was not going to work. Then I attempted to quilt them by machine, and had to unpick all the stitches. It was going to be a steep learning curve. Then I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and all the fabric, tools and notions were moved to the attic for years: my hands were useless. The two tops languished un-quilted for years and I was planning to sent them to be professionally quilted when a change in medication improved my health considerably. I learn to FMQ through several Craftsy online courses and I managed to quilt my tops and finish a UFO that was almost 20 years in the making. I love EPP, and I hope I’ll manage to do patchwork and quilt my tops for many years to come. Karen, I love your channel, it is so inspirational.

[@BATFAERY]

Golden ... You have given all of your viewers a beautiful gift of yourself. Godspeed.

[@Tam-te5nh]

Wow, thank you for sharing your story! This quilt, no matter the imperfections, will be a cherished treasure for the rest of your life! My very first quilt started in the early 90’s. I had big dreams of a king sized quilt. I was only making a fence rail, but oh how I underestimated the importance of sewing a straight line & how wavy a strip-set could get. When I finally was determined to finish it I only had enough good sections to make a small throw. But, it was done & I was grateful. I need to put new binding on part of it because of a puppy (& I still have that fabric) & I don’t have the emotional story to go with it, but it will always be special to me. I would say it was probably 20 years & 2 or 3 sewing machines in the making, but I learned many lessons from it.

[@petuniasmith1421]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and quilt. 💜

[@garnethoover763]

You INSPIRE me beyond measure, i was choked up and i thank God for you being you!!!

[@manations1]

Thank you for sharing, gives us all inspiration and know we aren’t alone in our journey!❤️

[@kaif1360]

Thank you for sharing your story, so many people will be able to relate to this including me. My story is of ill Heath that has kept me isolated due to being immunosuppressed. Quilting is truly my therapy, I started by watching KZbin and learning skills with each quilt. I do it all on my Janome at home and it keeps me engaged in life and looking towards making things with love. So thank you again, your story is inspiring and you have certainly taught me many tips and tricks. Blessings to you.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you. I hope one day to read about your #myquiltstory

[@cindymcfarland4686]

A beautiful quilt and a beautiful story from a beautiful woman! Thank you.

[@Iamgone1961]

Oh bless you honey, as mum's we all do the best we can, and I'm sure your children appreciate all you and your hubby did for them xxxx

[@carriewoods9766]

That is a beautiful quilt! I call my imperfections 'Learning-perfections'!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Nice

[@bteesparsen6037]

Loved your quilt story, I am sure we all have a story to tell, I know I do but I would bawl if I shared it with anyone. Keep making videos and telling us your quilt story when needed.

[@roxywood5278]

Karen Thank You for sharing!!!! Your quilt is amazing!!! You just GO GIRL!!! We are all blessed to be able to watch you on KZbin!!

[@bettiefrisby9844]

What a heart rending story. I love how I can see the hearts in your quilt. Beautiful!

[@6gorks]

That is my favorite of all of your quilts. I absolutely love it.

[@lizwoodford4705]

Oh my heart! Thank you for sharing your story. It brought me to tears, as it so very much resonated with me. I have grown, married children now and it's just me and hubby at home. At times the home is too quiet. I miss those years of having them in the home, I too want those years back. I keep telling young parents to make the most of their time with their children as those years go way too quickly. Keep up the great work, your quilt is stunning. Love and big hugs from Perth, Australia.😘

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Liz

[@frekybyrd]

Thanks for such honesty. I love your quilt. Beautifully done.

[@nishavalverde214]

I love your story@ I can relate to it so very much. Hug.

[@HeidiBjorgen-u8c]

You are the most wonderful story teller. You speak the truth, are inspiring and radiate love. Family is so important…..Hope you have your nest full of your children again. Thank you Karin.

[@SusanHeathcote-g9s]

I so identify with your story. Except, when I turned 65, 13 days later, at 67, my dear husband passed away. That is a whole different train ride to unwillingly be on. Now, 7 years later, I am slowly coming back from the hell those years were. I still miss him every day but I am back to quilting and finding some reason to live. I love your quilting blog and mostly your spirit. Bless you, Karen!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@mariong8383]

I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. 😔 Bless you.

[@gailgoldade547]

Oh Karen... it’s really, really lovely!! And so are you💕

[@anninaz8410]

Thank you so very much for sharing you quilting story with us.... you will never know how much it has impacted my life....thank you again...

[@connierodenburg3585]

Ditto

[@deborahnolan9360]

Thank you for sharing your quilt story and your life! It is such a blessing to me!

[@nancyjo1979]

The tears, the toil, the time, the memories of your whole process with this larger than life gorgeous quilt make it a treasure. Thanks for sharing. I love your story.

[@PurpleQuiltCo]

Beautiful quilt and beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

[@gillianrobinson856]

I’ve been tuning in to you’re videos for the last couple of years and saw this for the first time today. It brought back some strong emotions from the last 15 years! Born in England I learned to sew in grade school and progressed, in high school, to what was then Home Economics and hand cranked Singer sewing machine! With young children and newly arrived in Canada I made all their clothes. Fast forward through hundreds of ballet tutus, graduation dresses and children in university, away from home, I entered the workforce and no time for sewing. 20 years later I retired early totally burned out, and for a while, happy to do nothing. I took up golf and spent a lot of time expending years of frustration on a little white ball! This is where I get to a bag in my closet from 15 years earlier. Surgery on the horizon and knowing I would be off work for 8 weeks I planned to make a quilt. No experience, but surely it couldn’t be that hard … could it? Ha, needless to say I got all the pieces cut and managed a few strips but work loomed and it was put away. 10 years later and 5 years past retirement I began to attend a church quilting group. These wonderful ladies helped me sort out the pattern, long forgotten by me, and helped me finish the quilt and give it to a Syrian refugee family we supported. The ladies have encouraged me through many projects as we met to make charity and baby quilts. Your videos have taught me much, I go back and watch them when I have an issue or questions about what I’m doing wrong. You give me hope when I get discouraged, thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@nancyjean9203]

You struck a cord and I sit here wiping my tears. Thank you for sharing your story ❤

[@vraaff1]

I loved your story! I felt the weight you had all the years you talked about...Sometimes I feel the same. One day I will be able to stay home and just enjoy my family. I have two older boys 21 and 17 and a surprise that came 8 years ago. My daughter keeps us busy. I just have to be patient. Take care and thank you for the videos! I just found you and love watching them all! Binged watched! :)

[@dianamay8600]

Thanks so much for sharing your story Karen. Sending you a big quilted hug

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗

[@jasminejustice1776]

Oh my gosh ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing your story. This quilt is beautiful- like you.

[@jacquemeillier6638]

I know the feeling. When a quilt of mine is finally done, it gives me a wholesome feeling. I look at the finished product and marvel at my work.

[@cvicena]

Thanks so much for sharing! That quilt held so much pent up emotion, I can see why it was something you could only do bit by bit. The quilt is so large, it’s grown with you over the years. I hope when you use it, you can take pride in what you’ve been through and that you’ve made it through. You inspire us all!

[@tracyparris-volkner2721]

Thank you for sharing your quilting journey. Very emotional watching you xx

[@stitch54]

We all have THAT quilt. Thanks so much for sharing. I saw many hearts when your big quilt was hanging representing all the heart aches and family love that life hands out.