My in-laws were sure special.
Through all of life’s storms, they were solid.
mother-in-law
Solid in their faith. Unwavering.
Solid in their marriage. Something like 65 years.
Solid in their lifestyle of always seeking to bless others, in small ways and big.
Their passing was hard, but how they have enriched my heart.
Grandma sewed.
I mean, she was a serious sew-er. She regularly made dresses for the girls, quilts for everyone, and even several wedding dresses in her day. Her talent was substantial and she blessed so many.
After they passed, their kids, including my husband, had the task of clearing out their townhouse.
Frankly, we don’t NEED anything. We don’t need any more furniture, knick-knacks or housewares. We’re sliding into the downsizing years ourselves and don’t need to add anything.
So we left the sorting days with very little material things.
Except for some material.
Grandma Rose had boxes and bags of fabric in the basement. Rolls of exquisite lace, bolts of quilting goodies.
I was drawn to the scraps, of course.
In the bags, I noticed so many familiar designs.
This one was used in a dress for my daughter. I recognized others from the many, many quilts she made.
I said good-bye to their last physical residence with bags of scraps and bundles of memories.
They were simply relocated to my basement, where they have sat for 2 years.
I wish I could remember where I saw it, but I saw a tutorial somewhere about making Christmas stockings from non-traditional fabrics. The teacher used upholstery fabric and some other fancy stuff.
It came to me to use Grandma Rose’s scraps to make stockings for my loved ones. Every time I look at them hanging in my living room during this sacred season, I am reminded of the grace, graciousness, and goodness of Grandma Rose.
Thank you, Lord, for the wonderful people you have brought into my life. My heart overflows with the thought of them.
Although my sewing is sloppy and imperfect, I think Grandma Rose would be pleased.
Next up – a crazy quilt.
