A Gift from a Dear Friend

Earlier this week I got a text from my high school best friend, Shelly, saying to look for a package that she'd sent me. I couldn't imagine why she'd done that, so I was very curious when it arrived on Saturday. I opened the package and literally gasped.

A Rachel Meyer quilt block of a horse that she'd hand appliquéd and hand quilted for me! (I wish I had ironed it instead of taking photos of it straight from the package.)

Shelly had included a note explaining that when I'd had my spinal fusion last April she had started it for me as a get well gift, but she had only just finished it. (I'd say it was worth the wait!)

A Rachel Meyer quilt that Shelly made for herself - all hand stitched.

I've done hand appliqué and it can be hard. It amazes me that Shelly could do those tiny bridle rosettes without the raw edges popping open and showing. And look at those tiny, even quilting stitches along the tack!

More even, perfectly straight hand quilting stitches. 

Shelly thoughtfully put casing on the back in case I wanted to hang the quilt block. (I may.)

I began sewing in high school and never took any lessons or anything - I taught myself. But when I had questions, Shelly was always willing to be a resource and help me figure things out. 

We both did 4-H, but she was in Clothing Design and Construction and got to dress elegantly and model her creations onstage in the large pavilion at the fairgrounds. Meanwhile, I was in Horse and Pony, wearing dusty jeans and boots, and shoveling manure in the livestock barns!

A sewist since age 8, Shelly taught Clothing Construction and Design until she retired and only started quilting in 2015.

She has been productive ever since - take a gander at some of the quilts she has made. (All quilt photos by Shelly.)

I look at those sharp, finely pointed stars and shake my head in amazement at her talent.

I would love to either put this on my bed or use it as a wall hanging in the Fall. 

This one took third place at a quilt show in Pennsylvania. (If this was third, I can't imagine what first and second looked like!)

I am still stunned to have a piece of Shelly's work, and the fact that she made it special for me and reflected my horsey love on it, touches me deeply.

Thank you, Shelly. I will always treasure this beautiful quilt block.