Quilt in a Day Forums

My story: At 24yrs. of age I joined quilting after my mother's passing from ALS when I was 23yrs. I needed very much to be with other women. Feeling out of place, seeing mothers with their daughters, shopping doing guy talk, really hit home for me.. Plus my employment situation had turned around to being unemployed..

I was determined to know why the women in my live took sewing/quilting with grand interest, I couldn't understand the quilting in their lives and why!

When, my father passed away 12yrs later from cancer, he left a will that I fought against my brothers, for it was designed so badly.. I was sad, when the small amt of money was handed over I feared they would fight to steel it back.. I invested in a move, sold my old house, downpayment for new one, minimum wage job, risky business, and mortgage on new one. Some of the little fund left, bought some sew/quilt things, knowing brothers would never come after quilting things and in years technology would change and they would leave me alone. I found quilters to be such kind, loving support not to mention understanding of how wills can really hurt families...

It hurt mine, and as one said can't choose your families.
In came Pfaff sew machine, Flynn frame, Q-snap, White quilt machine, and I sewed huge children's wardrobe, selling bit by bit, my sewing got me by in trade shows, fabric shop term jobs, then unemployment, referrals for more short jobs, owning computer.. etc.. Now, I am on part-time physical disability, not visible my disability.. Budget is small but I learn to work with it...

Brothers I have lost them, in the interim, but it will all work out in the end.. Things happen for a reason. I'm thrilled to learn something and find free stuff...

Lea--I am so sorry that there has been so much strife in your family and the loss of your parents. I am sure you were beside your mother through her illness. How wonderful that you have discovered quilting. This is the best place to be for support and help and a caring community. Best wishes to you!!!

I can tell you from experience that no matter how good the will is, if there is a few cents to be fought over, there will be fighting. It is ridiculous the way people will fight over sums as little as $5.

glad to know a little about you Leah... sorry about the will stuff, it seems that money can really cause troubles... and before you know it the money is spent and the family rift doesn't heal

I wish you nothing but the best in your future.

Leah, how nice to know a little of your background. Sadly, many families go through similiar experiences. But you have learned so much from those experiences - self-reliance, who to trusts, SEWING! congratulations on supporting yourself through your sewing. You're an inspiration!

See, quilters are a wealth of knowledge, which in my view far better, than all the money in !!--- Money also good, drowning in it... is I don't know..

For many of us, sewing & quilting brings us peace... I hope it does that for you too!! Be strong, live a life you would admire in a friend and know that being a family is more than the common blood running thru your veins. Our chosen family often are the friends who treasure us most and that is a blessing. So enjoy the forum and know your fabric family is happy you found us!!! Happy Stitching!! Debi

Leah Life can give us some hard knocks.But it seems you have made the best of your situation.And learned in the process to be self reliant.
Money does funny things to people.Glad you found the group & hope it inspires you...Becca