Monday, September 24, 2012

THE Visit, A Story, A Gift and a GIVEAWAY

As you can tell from the title of this post....I'll be talking about THE visit, a story, a gift and a GIVEAWAY.  So, bear with me while I try to cover these subjects.  (By the way, sorry to have been away for so long...can I just say 'time got away from me'?)  If you remember, in my last post, I mentioned that my favorite son was coming for a short visit.  He did.  It was.  But, I did get to spend a little time with him.  It was NICE!  Thought you might like to see just one photo taken...this one on his way out the door to go to the airport in Little Rock and back to San Francisco.  So, here we are:
that's the old navy man (Richard) on the left.  My favorite son, Scott, me, and my favorite grandson, Tyler.   Daughter, Kelly, was the photographer.  Aren't they cute?  And, by the way, thanks for waiting for me to post again.

Now, for the 'story' part of this post.  Before Scott came to visit, I received an email from Holland.
It was from "Barbara W. from Holland."  Something about that name rang a bell and I remembered that she was one of the twenty-seven people I wrote handwritten letters to last year on one of my "handwritten letters to blogging friends" episodes.  Maybe you were one of the twenty-seven?  I was pleased to hear from her and after reading her letter, knew immediately that I should share it in a future post.  Here is what she said:

"Hi, Pat, You probably don't remember me, but last year I received one of your handwritten letters! Life got in the way and I never did get around to writing back to you (so sorry about that) - we moved house a month or two ago after nearly a year long hunt for our dream home, and most of my time has been taken up with that.  Anyway, I was just going through some old quilting books and I discovered the most amazing thing.  Background info first.  In 1994, my husband and I had our first vacation in the US.  We went to Maryland where an old friend of hubby's from the UK lived, and one day we visited an Old Country Store, where I saw my very first quilt - a small Dresden Plate wall quilt.  I bought it and decided on the spot that this is what I wanted to do - make quilts!  I hadn't a clue how to, so the very first book I bought on quilting, in 1994, was called "Teach Yourself to Quilt," written by one Patricia Eaton!  I searched for your beautifully written letter - nowhere to be found - oh no!  Then I remembered the name of your blog, and a quick look at your profile confirmed what I had suspected - You are she!  Is that incredible, or what?  I have been quilting and collecting books ever since, and I love it.  Nowadays I do lots of mixed media work as well and love to try out new products, but my first love will always be quilting.  Best regards, Barbara W.  in Holland"

Well,  yes, I DO think that is pretty incredible!!!  So, some background on that book.  It came out in 1988 and has been for sale by Leisure Arts, Inc., ever since.  That's a pretty long time for a book such as that.  Earlier this year, I was informed by Leisure Arts, that when the remainder of the copies on hand are sold, it will not be reprinted, but goodness, who could complain as being sold for the last twenty-four years is a pretty good deal.  And, the fact that a person from Holland taught herself to quilt from it, THEN years later, unbeknownst to her, began to read the author's blog, then received a letter from her practically by chance is, yes, INCREDIBLE!!  


This is the quilt featured in that book.  It's all hand appliqued, pieced and quilted.  The background fabric came from the old navy man's aunts' estate and was purchased by her in 1944, the year I was born!  I taught a "Teach Yourself to Quilt" class many times using this quilt and that is what prompted the book so long ago.
Here's what the first cover looked like way back in 1988.  The quilt on the cover was made by someone on staff at Leisure Arts.......because they didn't think my quilt would sell the book because the background of my quilt is green, so they put my handmade quilt on the back of the book.  I had to work on getting over that at the time.
Here is the second version of the cover, redone after several years of being in print, I guess for a 'newer look.'
And, here is my actual quilt pictured on the back......remember, at the start of this post, I showed you this very quilt hanging in our guest room!   It is amazing to me that the book sold for so long and a million more times amazing to me that someone in another country used it to actually teach herself to quilt...and I know of this because I wanted to write some handwritten letters to some of my blog readers.  Yes, Life can be very exciting.

Barbara, my friend in Holland, mentioned to me in subsequent emails, that she had found my book but misplaced my letter.  I'm sure because of the move, so I asked her if she'd like another letter.  She said yes, so I wrote one for her and sent it away to Holland.  Meantime, she wrote again and mentioned she had read my blog post on the vintage baby clothes a new friend had given me. (You can read about them in my August 20th post.)  She asked if I would like to have a vintage baby bonnet she had found in her late aunt's home and of course, I was thrilled to have it.  So, imagine, my letter was crossing the Atlantic to go to Holland and her aunt's baby bonnet was making it's way over here at practically the same moment!  Another simply incredible fact.  She received the letter and copies of two of my other books and I received her fantastic gift.....
When her package arrived, I opened it to find several items....first was this absolutely lovely fabric postcard she made just for me.  I was so excited I had to show the old navy man....even he got excited!!!  Isn't this postcard fantastic?  Beautifully hand embroidered!!
 Here is the back of the postcard!  Well, I will always treasure it...wouldn't you?  It's just dear!!!

Barbara also sent me some crochet and tatting.  She said the three medallions she purchased at a flea market and the long piece of tatting is actually a collar that was given to her long ago.  They are all so delicate and gorgeous!  I can crochet....but never have I been able to learn tatting.  I tried to take classes and my teacher said I should stick to quilting and embroidery.  I think she was right, but I do LOVE tatting and will certainly treasure these pieces!!
I couldn't get a really sharp photo of these pieces, but hopefully, you get  the idea.  They are so small and delicate and quite beautiful!
 This is a portion of the collar.  So delicate!!
And, now, the precious bonnet!!!!!  Barbara said she found this in her aunt's home after she died and she thought I should have it.  What an honor!!!  Although Barbara lives in Holland, she's from England and so was her aunt.  This beautiful piece of handwork, YES, it's all hand made, well, except the ties of the bonnet were hemmed on a sewing machine.  All the rest is hand stitched and you know how I feel about that.....I always immediately identify with the maker and appreciate all the time involved.  It's so very special to me.
 The bonnet is gathered and has beautiful lace on the front edges.  It's just amazing how much work people put into this type of baby clothing.  And, this bonnet is rather large, so Barbara and I think it was made for an older child....perhaps three or four.  I just simply LOVE it!!!
 More views of the bonnet.........
Hope you can click to enlarge and tell more about this wonderful work.........
So, I hope you have enjoyed this beautiful gift I received from a blog reader with connections to me since 1994, but we never knew until now.  Isn't this blogging thing fantastic?  THANK YOU, BARBARA!!!!!!

Now, for the GIVEAWAY...yeah, it did take me a long time to get to it, but you know how I am when I'm telling you a story!!!  IF you would like to receive a copy of my book "TEACH YOURSELF TO QUILT," kindly make a comment on this blog post by Thursday, September 27th, and I will choose THREE people, each to receive ONE copy of this book.   Yeah, it's been in print for twenty-four years, so it has no current information in it on how to make a quilt "of today", but, it's the way I would still make a quilt, so maybe you'd get something out of it....well, you'd get a free book anyway.  So, let me hear from you.  And, please remember to be sure I will have a way to get in touch with you too.

So, there we are....a vist from my favorite son, a story, a precious gift from Holland, and a Giveaway.
Look for another post on Thursday...probably late that night.  I'll announce the winners then and there is no telling what else I will be showing you.  Til then, take care out there.  pat

19 comments:

Julie Fukuda said...

I think you have given a very good excuse for not posting. I will get a son fix at the end of next month.
As to "the rest of the story", how cool is that! I wonder if Powell's Books in Portland where I get my book fix has a copy of your book. Last time I was there I didn't DARE look at the quilt shelf or my suitcase would have gone over the weight limit!

Thearica said...

Hi Pat! I haven't been able to blog much the past year so I know where you are coming from.

It is so cool how things come around full circle isn't it. The story of you and your friend from Holland was so interesting! It is always amazing at the things that happen in our lives for no other reason than to help our paths cross with someone we did not even know exists.

So glad you had a lovely visit with your son! I will get to see my family in about 7 weeks and I am so looking forward to it. :)

ledamewood said...

What an incredible story. Thanks for sharing. Spending time with our children and grandchildren, no matter how brief, does wonders for the heart and soul. I am going to be teaching a young girl how to quilt (she taught herself how to knit and crochet) and it would be wonderful to show her how I started quilting and explain the differences now. I would love to be able to share this book with her. Thanks for the chance to win.

Laurie said...

Hi Pat! What a fantastic gift! I love the bonnet. I would LOVE the chance to win one of your books, as I've always wanted to learn more on the art of quilting.
Enjoy your weak,
Laurie

Anonymous said...

What an interesting story. It really IS a small world sometimes. My first (and only) quilt top done in the 1970's is a dresden plate and I'm thinking about finally finishing it. Would love to win your book and see if I did it correctly! Grovenore
grovenore.flato@rolln.com

The Feathered Nest said...

Pat this is such a wonderful story and post!!! I love how the internet has connected so many of us who would have never known each other without it. We've all made many friends from so many places around the world, I treasure each and every one! Wishing you a beautiful fall week sweet friend, hugs and love, Dawn

Marjorie Paul said...

You always have wonderful things to show us and tell us, but this one today was just tops - the most exciting thing you've written. I love the coincidences with Barbara. And I would LOVE to have one of your books. Thank you for all you share with us.

Marjorie Paul
352-318-4146

Pat Salada said...

Hi Pat,

You have a beautiful family and what a fantastic story! And who
doesn't need just one more book
in their collection? Thanks for
sharing in so many ways.
Hugs....
Pat S.

Jeanne Gwin said...

Pat,
What a beautiful family you have. I gather that you only have one son since he is your favorite. I always tell my granddaughter that she is my favorite and she responds with "Gramma, I am your only granddaughter" but I have to do it, I love her so much. And the incredible letter journey to and from and to and from Holland was indeed incredible. The bonds of friendship that form via the WWW are amazing for sure. I have some tatting that I should get out and incorporate into a quilt or pillow. You two ladies have inspired me. Thank you for sharing your story and never fear a good story is NEVER TOO LONG! I would love to have your book to add to my collection.

Pat Salada said...

What a beautiful family and what a
fantastic story! And who doesn't
need just one more book in their
collection?
Hugs....
Pat S.

Artist Brian Haggard said...

Pat you dear lady Now you know how you make a difference in so many peoples lifes, you have to be so proud to make somthing like that so long ago and it is still relavent in this day and age.
Well I only hope that I can be like you some day and I am blessed to know the woman behind all the great quilts that have been made and shared witht the world. yours truely Brian Haggard The Crazy Haberdasher at www.brianhaggard.com
Proud to call you friend.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

What a great story or stories I should say, hehe. Glad you had a visit with your son. What a small world and it is so neat to see it all come full corcle, all the way from Holland! Such great gifts she sent. I've been learning to tatt. I'm having a blast learning something new.

Thank you for an awesome giveaway and a chance to win a wonderful book. What a treasure!

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

OMGosh! I was so interested in your post that I forgot the give a way...that just goes to show how interesting you are.

You know, you read about such coincidences all the time..I have had a few myself. I am also amazed that I have made blog friends with a few and later found out they are famous...like you ~lol~ and such friendly and loving friends.

What a gracious friend you have in Holland. Birds of a Feather, you know.

Much love.
Carol

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

OOPS...I almost forgot..Great pic of your family too! Bet you all had a great time and many fond reminisces.
xx

hope said...

Hi Pat, I was planning on starting a blog this year, but so much has gone on that this year is almost over and no blog. Beautiful story and gorgeous gifts.

thanks for the opportunity to win. Hope

Nan S. said...

I always enjoy your posts and the pictures of your creations. I have followed your blog for a long time and never knew you were published! I would love to have your book.

Cathy said...

Hi Pat,
What a great post! The story of you and Barb from Holland was especially touching! Like others said, I didn't know you we're published. However, I still treasure my handwritten note from you. And I would love to win a copy of your book - IF you will sign it of course! ;-)
Hugs, Cathy

Kathy L said...

Love your posts. You are very creative. I love old things too. Would love to win your book.

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

What a lovely post, Pat! You have such a beautiful family!!! And I love the story of Barbara and think that it is a God moment, for sure. He is the master weaver!!! What an intricate friendship! Love the postcard and all of the other pretties.

xxoo
Becky

A Bit of Heaven

A Bit of Heaven
An original designed wall quilt with my vision of heaven on earth.