Sunday, April 5, 2020

A Quilt of Holes

I am not certain who the author of this beautiful poem is; though an American poet, Linda Winchell, wrote one very similar. I happened upon this poem a couple of years ago saving it for 'that' perfect time to weave a post around it. With the world spinning around and around on it's chaotic axis this last little while, today seemed to be that perfect day. I remember at the time being deeply moved by the touching thoughts and words. Even today, this poem brings tears to my eyes as I reflect upon the thoughts therein. Of late this poem has resonated deep within me. Over the last couple of months and with Easter only a matter of days away, I have pondered upon the patchwork pieces of the tapestry of my life. Those pieces being stomped on, becoming dirty, grubby and grimy; hanging by a thread. And, though I might put many a stitch here and there to try to mend and repair a gaping hole or a tiny tear, those pieces are never the same. They are never as they once were. Aah....the tapestry of my life. So, so very thankful for Jesus who takes my hardships; and makes my struggles His struggles, my fears His fears; my worries His worries. Oh....the list goes on and on and on, doesn't it. So, so thankful for Jesus' love. This poem reminds me over and over again of my desire to have Jesus shine through all the weaknesses and frailties; all the imperfections of my life. He makes something beautiful, something good out of all the tattered, threadbare patches of the tapestry of my every day. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for His love shining through all those messy, imperfectly pieced patches that is the quilt of my life.

As for the quilt dancing around each verse of the poem, it is my pastel hexagonal beauty which I dreamed up and stitched a little while after I finished my Bohemian Purple Rhapsody quilt. It was a quilt that was stitched long before I began my foray into 'The Land of Blog' and has never been showcased in it's entirety. As I am a gal who loves pastel loveliness, this quilt speaks ever-so-softly to my heart. It sings a soft and muted song, a mere whisper of a pianissimo. Oh, I adore bright and vivid colours but it is soft-hued pastels which make my heart smile just that little bit more deeply. Each hexie whispers lovely pastel vintage fabrics, french laces and the touch of my signature embellished lovelies, and of course a glove clasping a few stems of trailing flowers. I desired only a touch of pretty embellishments skipping across the hexies, as I wanted the beautiful vintage fabrics to shine. There is too, my signature basket of flowers, which I carefully snipped from doilies, arranging them into a floralicious arrangement of crochet loveliness. Each hexie is backed with a cream satin and on the back I stitched a two inch wide, satin ribbon covering those sometimes messy seams, all those little  stitching transgressons of mine. I am that gal who loves the back of a quilt to be pretty as well. This hexie pretty is queen size and once again, as with all my QAYG hexies pretties, it is completely hand stitched, which took many months to complete. 


My prayer is that we might all think upon the words of this beautiful poem. My prayer is that today, and during Eastertime the hope of the Easter message; the gift of God's love for you and me might shine brightly through the messiness of  the tapestry of this rather confused and chaotic world.

Until the next time................



Linking up to Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.

53 comments:

  1. How very beautiful Kim - both the stunning quilt you have painstakingly handstitched AND the beautiful poem. I had not come across that poem before but it is indeed lovely. I think I shall be copying it out to keep. Such a vision of pretty pastels today. Wishing you a happiness filled week my friend xx

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  2. Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem, dear Kim...and for your words of encouragement. How thankful I am for my precious Saviour who walks close to me and leads me along the way.
    The quilt you stitched is stunning...and so elegant! I love all the pastels! Have a beautiful week ahead...blessings to you!

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  3. A sweet and beautiful poem, Kim. Where did you hide this incredibly beautiful quilt? What a beauty, not to be matched.
    What is much to see, you will not get bored with this excellent quilt.
    It is going to be mild spring weather here, but the government does not allow us to go outside en masse, but it is also good to be in the garden.
    Stay healthy, hugs

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    1. I made this quilt with the intention of selling it, Loes, but it still lives here at my little place. Who knows, one day it might find a new home, though a little of my heart would go with it. As for the poem, isn't it sweet. So happy for you that warm spring days have arrived there. Though you cannot enjoy getting out in your community, it will be wonderful for you to enjoy the sunshine in your garden.

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  4. Beautiful poem, and beautifully staged. I love your sweet quilt, and you are right, it was THE perfect one to highlight the poem.
    Take care, stay safe

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  5. Hi Kim, what a wonderful poem, wonderful words just what we need at the moment. So love the quilt. Will be looking at this in the days to come to keep inspired.
    Best wishes, Kay c XX

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    1. It is the perfect poem for this time, isn't it. I have read it over and over many times to allow the beautiful words and thoughts to penetrate by being. Thank you Kay, for your beautiful words, too. May you have a gentle week, lovely lady. Take care. Kim Xx

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  6. That poem was just waiting for the perfect time and setting and has found it. It is just what I needed having lived a life full of holes. I wish my patches were as lovely as yours.

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  7. A gorgeous poem well represented with your quilt.
    Beautiful pictures too :)
    Have a delight Sunday !
    Hug
    Anna

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  8. A really gorgeous quilt Kim, so many pretty hidden details in those subtle pastel colours. perfect.

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  9. Thank you for the inspiring post. Your quilt is lovely, I can see it is stitched with love. Blessings!

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  10. A beautiful, beautiful poem Kim! Thank you for sharing!
    I am at a loss of words for your stunning quilt - it makes the perfect match with the inspiring, hopeful and heartfelt poem!

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  11. I love all the beautiful photos and the Easter message. This is a very special time of year. Faith will get us through.

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  12. Thank you for sharing the beautiful poem, dearest Kim, and for showing us your long ago hexie quilt. What a work of art it is, but especially it’s a work of LOVE! The beauty of it is stunning. Your Easter message was heartfelt. May our Faith in Our Savior carry us through these coming days. May you have a blessed Holy Week!

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  13. Such a beautiful quilt with amazing hand work on it! It must be heavy with all the stitching and embellishments!? Lovely photos too!

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  14. An amazing quilt. What a great blog post, too. Thanks for sharing. :-)

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  15. a really special poem, now was the perfect time to share it. if ever i need inspiration, i know i can come here and find it!! the quilt is so lovely, so many exquisite details, it would be great to really see it and enjoy it in person!!

    enjoy your sunday, it is beautiful here...your hydrangeas are gorgeous!!

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  16. What a gorgeous quilt, and beautiful poem! Thanks so much for again sharing your lovely pictures and quilt!

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  17. Such a beautiful post - and a beautiful quilt. Thank you Kim. xx

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  18. Has escrito frases maravillosas, como maravillosa es tu colcha de hexies. BESICOS.

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  19. Kim, thank you for sharing this poem, its message is truly beautiful! Now is a good time to reflect on the many times Jesus has helped me through the difficult periods of my life. It's hard to see His hand at work but as the time passes, it's easier to realize He has been there by our side.

    Your quilt is treasure. The colors and textures you chose created a true work of art! Don't part with it unless it is to a special loved one who will really appreciate it. Praying you all are staying healthy. (Our son did finally make it home late last week so we are confining ourselves now but he drove 22 hours straight so I think he's virus-free....he sure seems to be fine with a GREAT appetite! This momma is happy!) Take care! Z

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  20. Thank you Kim for sharing the wonderful words with us, and for showing your glorious work. You are a ray of light indeed.

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  21. What a beautiful poem,dear Kim!"For when I am weak,then I am strong"...I could translate the poem to Portuguese,really perfect for these and all days.Your quilt is absolutely stunning,breathtaking!Thank you for such encouragement.Blessings.

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    1. How wonderful we are able to translate into another language. It makes our blogging experience that little bit closer, and personal, doesn't it. Yes, another beautiful verse from the bible , dear Maristella......"though I am weak, He is strong. Such a beautiful thought. May your week be a gentle one filled with sweet blessings. KimXx

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  22. I saw your posting on Feedly yesterday but when I clicked over to the web-post, it wasn't there. Sure glad to see it again. What a totally gorgeous quilt - it is sooo you. I see so many beautiful touches...the hand-crafted flowers, the glove, the basket with crocheted flowers... It is a meaningful poem you shared - it does remind me of the 'footsteps' one where the Lord is carrying me when I can't see the footsteps of my life. What an amazing reflection. Hope your Sunday was as sweetly wonderful as mine was.

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  23. Isn't it so true that God seems to delight in turning our sorrows into joy! I just love this precious poem that you shared, and how beautiful it is! The poem reminds of Corrie Ten Boom's tapestry of her life that she shared. On one side it is a mess, but on the other side, it is pure beauty. The Lord sees through different eyes than we do at our live, and it is not the measuring stick around us. It is comforting to remember that! Your quilt is astounding. The loveliness of it is pure joy to see, I can only imagine its beauty in person! You are so talented with your creations! This was such a beautiful post. May the blessings of the Lord be with you and your family during this season we are all in!

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  24. Ahhh, that signature basket of yours! Surely when you were creating it, you must have tossed and turned throughout the night for wanting to get back to it. Your pictures are wonderful of course, but to actually be able to see this quilt would be a dream come true. I love the holes in the quilt. I surely hope that God's light shines through mine... Thank you, Kim, for a beautiful Sunday post!

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    1. Somehow, Mary, I just know that God's light shines beautifully through your quilt. Every time I visit your lovely place there is a sense of your beautiful light. Kim Xx

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  25. Kim, How refreshed I feel after visiting you just now and reading that poem in little doses surrounded by beautiful quilted fabrics of all kinds... so much beauty and wisdom in this post my friend... Stay safe and well... xx Kathi

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  26. Oh my Kim, was this ever moving, such a lovely poem and all wrapped up in the beauty of your quilt. May our life's tapestries shine forth the light of Jesus to all those around us. this was the perfect timing for this!!
    I also enjoyed all your lovely stitchings brought to this beautiful creation! All the love and care that went into this beauty, just marvelous!

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  27. Wouldn't it be wonderful if one of the outcomes of this dreadful time would be that people approached life in a more reflective manner? Thank you for sharing this touching poem and for the glimpses of your extraordinary quilt. I am certain it is far more beautiful in person than your photos can convey. Have a blessed Easter season.
    Pat

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  28. This is the first time I have read this inspiring poem which is dual applicable for the pandemic and Easter week. My prayers are for the suffering and strength for the health care workers. How fitting to frame the flowery, inspiring prose with hand stitched delicate fancy, floral stitches. May you have a blessed Easter!

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  29. Kim what a beautiful poem. The quilt is gorgeous. Hope to start planning our flower seeds soon. Take care. Wishing you and yours a blessed Holy Week and a joyous Easter.
    Marilyn

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    1. You must be excited to get out in the garden and get your hands dirty planting those seeds....so excited for you. A blessed Easter to you too, lovely Marilyn. Kim Xx

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  30. Thank You so much for the lovely poem. Very uplifting. Our marigold seeds arrived as well as the pansy seeds. In a few weeks the pansy plants will come and they will be put down in the ground. Kim wishing you and your family A Blessed Holy Week and A Joyous Easter.
    Marion

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    1. How exciting to start planting for spring. Very soon your garden will be blooming beautifully. May you have a blessed Easter too, Marion. Kim Xx

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  31. Beautiful Kim, both the poem and the stunning quilt. Have a blessed Easter.

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  32. As I scrolled down your post I kept thinking how beautiful the colours in this quilt were. Somehow they are pale but rich at the same time -it's glorious.

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  33. Kim - oh my. This poem is perfect in so many ways. For these times, for Easter, for my life. Thank you for sharing it, framed in such a lovely way by your quilt. Praying that you have a Happy Easter, wrapped in the joy of Jesus' love!

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  34. Beautiful poem and a lovely quilt. May the Easter season bring peace and joy, we could all certainly use it.

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  35. Oh Kim - I'm teary too, after reading that amazing poem so beautifully presented surrounded by your quilt. Thank you! Your quilt is so amazingly beautiful - one that I really wish I could touch (with clean hands, of course!). Easter blessings on you and yours my friend.

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    1. A blessed Easter to you, lovely Maristella. I hope you are enjoying many a cup of tea in one of those pretty teacups of yours. KimXx

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  37. oh how beautiful Kim. You so inspire me.
    Happy Easter to you and your family xxx

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    1. Thank you, dear Jeanette. I hope you are enjoying your Easter Sunday. It's a glorious sunny Autumn day here. Hope the sun is beaming many a sunbeam on you. Thank you for your beautiful visit. Keep well. KimXx

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  38. Wonderful poem and love the colorful quilt.

    Hugs Diane

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    1. Thank you, Diane for your sweet visit and the gift of your lovely comment. Kim Xx

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  39. This is such a beautiful quilt and a lovely poem too. Happy Easter :) xxx

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  40. What a fantastic way to present the poem, Kim and of course, what a fantastic quilt. Do the little bits and bobs make it difficult to wash and iron? I'm of a practical mindset today :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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  41. A beautiful post for a special time of year. Although it is now after Easter this message endures for our lives till the end. The quilt and your words are just lovely.

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  42. Beautiful poem, beautiful quilt. Such loveliness to share at Easter Time. I hope you had a blessed Easter; and that your heart and hands will find comfort by doing some more of your very creative works.

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    1. Thank you so much, Sandra. Yes, Easter down here in my little place was blessed, though as all around the world, different. 'Tis always a good day when there is the enjoyment of a little stitching. Kim Xx

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  43. Hello beautiful Kim! YOU are a wonder! I love your detailed art on your fabric masterpieces!
    You give me so many lovely images of true gifts from above! (HUG!)

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