This Background is a Tumbling Block quilt
that I hand-stitched and hand quilted
THREE Poems by Joan Adams Burchell (copyright)
Happy art
Warm and cozy quilts are made with varied colourful scraps;
Creative patterns in prints and plains catch me in their traps.
I can't resist a quarter of this and a half-meter of ends
To stitch, by hand, a keepsake of love for family and friends.
I like to think I quilt a dream for those who sleep beneath
the windmills, stars, and wedding rings, tumbling blocks or wreaths.
Perhaps they'll dream of one-inch squares, just postage-stamp
size;
The scraps they know I stitch with joy to see the glow in their
eyes.
***
Stitches
The fingers are gnarled, not nearly
so quick;
the stitches uneven - not what she'd pick.
The eyes are dim - they twitch and run;
the hope - it won't show when it's all done.
The quilter prays this thing she can do;
the stitches - her love, as she thinks of you.
***
Spare Time
Primary colours in plains and prints
- tiny prints are best;
Light, medium, and some dark will fill my quilt with zest.
Each tiny square, just 1"
in size, sewn in rows of nine;
Then nine rows down is a perfect block, and another I can call
mine.
Floral, checks and polka dots -
no block is quite the same;
With colours so cheery I never tire - it's all like playing a
game.
These tiny squares take little
room; I can sit in my garden and sew;
With my little basket beside me, I can sit and sew - not mow.
When I draw and cut these cheerful
bits, I think from whence they came;
These made cusions and these were wreaths, some aprons - I call
them by name.
Scraps left from sewing other quilts,
wall hangings and different gifts;
Only a little was purchased for this and only to give it a lift.
Instead of throwing a scrap away,
I picture it in a block;
My finger dons a thimble as I stitch, and I do not heed the clock.
Spare time is for hobbies and with
mine I am blessed;
Gardening, writing, sewing to quilt - one a happy balance to the
rest.
Joan Adams Burchell
July 11, 2002
(copyright)
