Friday, May 21, 2010

Blogger's Quilt Festival, May 21-28, 2010.

What an honour it is for me to be able to participate in this year's


that is held from May 21-28,

2010


Organized by the one and only Park City Girl, Amy, who had this amazing idea last year of organizing a Quilt Exhibition By Bloggers for Bloggers: a virtual tour where for a whole week we can go and be inspired by fellow bloggers' Quilts and the stories behind them.

I remember last year's Festivities as it was during this week that I became aware of, and consequently hooked on Blogs. I discovered many of my now favourite Blogs through Amy's brilliant inspiration.

So, like I said, it is a great honour for me now, one year later, to be able to participate.
Natima reminded us a few days ago to be ready, and immediately My Baba's Old Country Quilt came to mind.

This quilt has become part of our living-room decor for the last few years, as stitch by stitch it is slowly being Hand-quilted. My young sons have received countless cuddles under it, they have watched tv lying on it, and like a journal of the little joys of our family's life with has already coutless memories stitched into it. I don't consider it a UFO with all the guilt and anxiety attached to such. This quilt just is...



The quilt was inspired by this piece of Fabric, a scrap of Green Paisley, that I remember as my grandmother's- My Baba's dress.



Too bad that I don't have a picture of her wearing that dress but here is a picture of her and my Grandfather.
Theirs is a true Love story, of courage, loss, struggle, hard work, love of family and true wealth.
Being separated during the Second world war, they found each other again in the chaos of retreat, they suffered detention camps together, they endured the fate of being labeled as Displaced Persons, being shipped to South America to find work and to build a home, not knowing where they were headed to, and finally immigrating to Canada.



My Baba always had a smile for us, always sneaked candy into our eager hands, always baked the best bread for us, always had something being stitched, crocheted, sewn, and later in life through their senior groups, even hand-quilted ( together with my grandfather!).

My Baba taught us the secret powers of a good back scratch, and how everything tastes better with sour cream. She instilled in us the love of flowers, especially daisies and sunflowers, and home grown vegetables. She would let us sleep in or wake us early so we could go and pick big raspberries from her gigantic bushes while they were still wet with dew. Then she would give us a few dollars so we could roller-skate over to A&W for ice-cold root-beer for breakfast...

My Baba always cried when we had to leave to fly back home, and I always felt that those tears were the most beautiful testament of her enduring and unconditional love for us.
And even though we did not share a common spoken language, she knew my heart and I knew hers.

psss... She also had the best fabric stash, ever... I think I get my love of fabric from her!
She was so proud of me when I started showing an interest in quilting and got to see one of my first quilts before she fell asleep in the Lord.

So this is My Baba's Old Country Quilt,

dedicated to
the woman who never met a print she didn't like!

Making it I learned to be confident to improvise, takes chances, and that things do not have to match to be beautiful. Also it gave me a deep sense of peace that having young kids did not mean the end of 'me'-time. And that my boys can be part in the making of my quilts. (They often ask to sit on my lap to see me hand-quilt...)

Now I hope you go and find a special quilt to share, and go join the hundreds of quilters participating in the Blogger's Quilt Festival through the next week.

Thanks Amy, once more for organizing this for us, and Thanks to YOU, for visiting me in my little corner of the world,

from Cyprus, with love,

Valentina

Thank You, Elena, for helping me photograph my quilt at your beautiful Shop

88 comments:

  1. What a STUNNING quilt and and especially sweet story! Thank you for sharing!!

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  2. Oh, Vali, that quilt is sooo beautiful and full of great memories ! A true labour of love ;>)
    I can still remember when I saw it in your living room, and couldn't get my eyes off of it... I'm so proud of having seen and touched it in real, so happy as well that you're participating in the bloggers quilt festival.
    That special quilt is a winner, no doubt !

    BIG (((hugs)) XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
    NADINE

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  3. What a wonderful tribute to your grandmother!! You were very fortunate to have her in your life.
    The quilt is gorgeous -- and I love that print too!

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  4. Valentina, I'm touched with the story of your Baba quilt. It's a beautiful quilt and the more I look at it the more I fell in love with it. I'm a scraps quilter and this quilt is a scraps quilter's heaven. Thanks for sharing your story with us - I'm glad you are now part of BQF!

    Big hugs
    Nat

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  5. Oh Valentina, what a beautiful testiment to the Love shared by you and your grandmother....the love of life and quilts...I hope I am remembered by my kids and grandkids just like your grandmother...
    Hugs Dawn x x x

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  6. Valentina, you are a very fortunate person! I love your story and even feel the love of your Baba; what a great woman and (grand-)mother! She inspires us all, I quess!
    Love to you and God bless!

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  7. That has to be the most beautiful quilt in the world to you. Your story is so very touching and the photo of your grandparents is wonderful. Thank you for sharing a lovely story.

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  8. Your quilt is gorgeous but even more important is the memories and stories attached to it. A wonderful post Valentina and as I was reading it, I remembered all the things I did with my grandparents as a child, things that just get filed away in the memory banks but never leave us and pop up when reminded by lovely people like you. Thank you for sharing your special memories with us.

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  9. What a beautiful story and quilt you've shared Valentina, how lucky you are to have had such a wonderful person in your life.

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  10. I was in tears reading your beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. And your quilt is so beautiful too!

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  11. Dear Valentina, I don't know what to say, I'm speechless! What a stunning quilt! It's so beautiful I can't take my eyes away from it! Tears in my eyes when I read the wonderful tribute to your Baba. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story!

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  12. Oh that's a beautiful story, and your quilt is just as beautiful! I love all the yellow florals - my Mama would have liked your Baba, I think :)

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  13. Thank you Valentina for sharing this beautiful quilt and the story of the lady behind it!!

    p.s. I love the way you photographed it!!

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  14. Dear Valentina,


    thank you for sharing this very touching story with us. Your quilt is GORGEOUS and your grandparents look so friendly on the picture. Your are truly a lucky person to have had them.
    I bet you will not be rushing your quilting, as the memories come stich by stich...
    Love Tineke

    PS: soory to ask at this place, but the new Q&Z came from the printer and I want to send it to you - I promised!. Could you plse send me your address (tineke-lelie@t-online.de) . I hope you will enjoy the reading...

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  15. What a beautiful person you grandmother must have been! I'm keeping my tears back remembering the special relationship I had with my own grandmother. Even though I knew her for 40+ years, I did not realize until a few days ago that she quilted in her younger years. How I wish that I had known that!

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  16. What a very beautiful story. And such a lovely quilt. Thanks for sharing about your Baba. We should all have people who love us so unconditionally.

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  17. This quilt is just beautiful (like your Baba). What a heartwarming and beautiful story - thank you so much for sharing with us.

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  18. Oh, Valentina, you brought tears to my eyes! It's a wonderful tale and a wonderful quilt, thank you so much for sharing it with us.

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  19. What a wonderful story, I loved it...........
    Maggey

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  20. what a special story and a gorgeous quilt! I loved reading it.
    Kristina
    www.priscillacraft.blogspot.com

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  21. Beautiful quilt, story, memories. A true treasure. I also love the tile on your floor.

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  22. What a beautiful post. Your quilt is wonderful and I think the thing we like most about quilting (besides the fabric) are the memories that are tucked into every piece and every stitch. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. How wonderful to have such a special Baba. I also wish you a late Birthday greeting. It looks like you had a wonderful day, with lots of special food .. I am late visiting you for one Flower Wednesday - but next week I hope to be earlier :)

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  24. What a delightful story! Your Baba has a wonderful kind and humerous face, full of character. I love the photo of them both, not lookig stiff and self concious, but laughing at life and seeming so happy.You have her genes and her sunny disposition- what a wonderful legacy.

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  25. What a beautiful post. I can't stop crying. I feel like I know your grandmother. People like that don't ever leave us really, do they? They influence us so much that our whole lives are affected by them forever. I was lucky to grow up with someone like that. I'm pretty sure they know each other, your grandmother and my special person. ;) xx

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  26. AMAZING quilt, beautiful story... I love your Baba tooooo!!! Such a dear, sweet lady. So STRONG and yet so soft at the same time. Yes, I love the photo of them also being themselves. She's so proud of you! Thank you so much for sharing this, you've touched me and made me realize that even though I sometimes wonder if little things impact others or they remember, that they DO! and WILL!~ It's nice to be reminded of this. XO

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  27. Gorgeous quilt. Everything is so different, but works together so well. And great story too. Thank you for sharing!

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  28. This is why I love sharing quilts amongst bloggers! If your quilt were hanging in a show, it wouldn't be the same. Beautiful tribute post- your baba was a beautiful person, and I'm so glad to have gotten to meet her through you. Your quilt is beautiful as well! I love that you used rich colors and prints.

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  29. What a beautiful quilt and a beautiful memorial to your Grandmother. Brought tears to my eyes.
    Thanks so much for sharing, Valentina.

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  30. What an absolutely gorgeous quilt and story. Thank you.

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  31. Thank you so much for sharing this quilt with all of us.

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  32. A beautiful story and gorgeous quilt to boot :)

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  33. Thank you so much for sharing your story (and pictures). What a beautiful reminder of treasured memories.

    Regards, Sue

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  34. The testament to your wonderful grandmother is as beautiful as your quilt.

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  35. Great quilt, thanks for sharing.

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  36. A wonderful quilt, a wonderful story, a wonderful Baba!

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  37. What an incredible quilt and story you have shared with us today! Thank you! You could not have photographed it in a better place.

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  38. so beautiful. I love all the vibrant colors! Thanks for sharing the story of your Baba, too.

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  39. My goodness. What a beautiful story and quilt to go with it! Love the floor of that shop too!
    Jaclyn

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  40. Raspberries and rootbeer for breakfast. Only a grandmother would allow.
    It is a special quilt that celebrates a special person.
    Huggs to you and your family.
    Terry

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  41. Oh V!! I'm sitting here with tears reading your beautiful post.
    Your Baba was a treasure indeed.
    Thankyou for sharing your story and your quilts story and her story.
    (((hugs)))

    I love the fact especially that is is part of your family life and that it is still being quilted. Your boys will remember this always.
    Love to you!! xx
    Rob :-)

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  42. A beautiful quilt with an even more beautiful story behind it! What a lovely post!

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  43. What a great story about your quilt. It is beautiful and is a great memory keeper to have. Glad you are participating in the Quilt festival from all the way over in Cyprus. That's what I love about blogging. It brings the world closer to each of us.

    Cindy

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  44. What an extravagantly beautiful quilt and very touching story - a wonderful tribute to your Baba!

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  45. What a great and lovely story behind your beautiful quilt. Isn't loving memories like this that make you feel rich and special in many ways.

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  46. The quilt itself is stunning. So beautiful, so rich. But it is your story that reminds me what it is I love so much about quilting. Because it is about people and about the relationships we build, where our quilts are often the backdrop as we build *LIFE* together. Thank you for sharing this wonderful quilt and beautiful life story.

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  47. I just found your blog through Sandra's blog. It's wonderful! I love love love your quilt in honor of your Baba. What a touching story and tribute to a loving woman with a beautiful story. It will be a family heirloom.

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  48. What a wonderful story and an amazing quilt. Thank you for sharing the story and quilt.

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  49. Beautiful quilt and a more beautiful story. I am so glad you have that memory and shared it with us.

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  50. Oh Valentina - what a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing your memories of your Baba with us. The quilt is amazing. I love scrappy quilts, and the fabrics in yours are gorgeous - and so meaningful to you!

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  51. No quilt is so dear as one which evokes happy memories, especially of family and happy times. I love the quilt and I love your story just as much. Thank you for sharing both with us.

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  52. No quilt is as special as one which evokes happy memories and special times, especially when related to family. I love the quilt and I love the story just as much, Valentina. Thank you for sharing both with us.

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  53. it has a lovely OLD feel to it... I love quilts like this... well done. thanks for sharing it!

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  54. beautiful quilt and wonderful story. thanks for sharing it with us!

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  55. this is a beautiful quilt, but more than that it has a beautiful story

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  56. Just gorgeous Valentina. I absolutely love the yellow prints you have used for setting squares. Hand quilting is such a labour of love isn't it? I sometimes miss doing it but I vow to return to it when I can. I even have a project patiently waiting my return.

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  57. What an absolutely gorgeous quilt & wonderful tribute to your Baba! Not only is this a great momento for you but your boys too. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story :)

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  58. What a beautiful and loving story you wrote about your baba. And on the picture you can see that they were happy people, by the smiles on there faces.
    I also like the quilt you shown us.
    Last week a dear friend of my died. She was a quilter too. I wrote about here on my blog and I used the saying you have at the end of your blog, saying: May you be presented in haeaven with all the quilts you dreamed of making on earth. The saying was just perfect for here. Thank you for sharing it with us.
    Pauline

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  59. Beautiful quilt, Valentina!

    Thank you for your nice comment.

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  60. Thats a beautiful Quilt and a even beautiful story behind it. This quilt truly speaks of love... not just the love that your grandparents shared but also the love that you have in your heart for them...

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  61. What a beautiful quilt and the story behind it is wonderful. Love all your fabrics, especially all the yellow.

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  62. Oh friend, a beautiful, charming and heart swelling post. Your quilt reflects all of that and I reach across the miles and hug you with warmth and love. The warmth and love that's infused with the memory of your Baba, the woman who never met a print she didn't like!

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  63. ...and just one more thought. I TOTALLY DIG THIS QUILT. :) Goddessa Binx!

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  64. Hi Valentina,
    I absolutely love your quilt- Yellow is such a great color for the background of a quilt- it makes me want to rush right up to my stash and find fabrics to make a new quilt.
    I love the story about your grandmother- my grandmother was a very significant person in my life too. She was not a quilter but she loved my quilts. I made her a quilt that she really loved. Perhaps that will be my next blogger festival quilt story.
    Thanks for sharing your quilt and touching story.
    Regards from a Western Canadian quilter,
    Anna
    http://quiltmomsjourney.blogspot.com/

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  65. Valentina, thank you for sharing such a beautiful story and quilt! Your Baba left a wonderful legacy for her family, what a blessing!
    Love your blog...have fun following the quilt festival!

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  66. A beautiful story, a beautiful quilt!

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  67. Thank you so much to introduce me to your Baba - and to share her love with all bloggers visiting you. Your story really touched my heart. And your quilt / Babas quilt is gourgeous and will for sure become a family heirloom!

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  68. What a sweet story. Thank you for sharing.

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  69. Your story brought happy tears to my eyes, thanks so much for sharing Baba with us as well as your wonderful quilt.

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  70. Your quilt is a beautiful family treasure! It was interesting to read the background about your grandparents.

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  71. This quilt is a trip down memory lane for you, such a sweet way to stitch your family memories of a beloved woman.

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  72. Thank-you for sharing this. I can relate to is so very much - being the granddaughter of a Baba myself, with a similar history. I can say, that my Baba never had that much style! But I can see the inspiration and influence directly in that quilt. And I love how you used different yellows for the setting squares.

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  73. What a truly amazing quilt it's beautiful.
    Happy quilting
    Georgie x

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  74. You're a writer as well as an artist! Lovely story for a lovely quilt.

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  75. Masha Masha Pabien con tu quilt!! Esta muy bonito.

    Lo que mas me recuerdo son los snoepjes natuurlijk y los dolares para ir al super en roller skates. haha.

    Besitos,
    The Boegoeroei Gang

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  76. I LOVE your quilt and especially the last picture with the colorful flooring and aqua door and flower on the other side. I love it all. Thank you for visiting Mountain Musings and leaving a sweet comment on my quilt. i enjoyed my visit here.

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  77. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. Your quilt is beuatiful.

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  78. What a wonderful quilt and a beautifully written tribute to your "Baba".

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  79. Lovely quilt. Beautiful design, fabric & colors. Lovely story too!

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  80. What a beautiful quilt and heart felt story. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  81. wonderful quilt and the story is just precious!!
    thanks for sharing

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  82. Just loved your quilt and the story behind it, what a wonderful legacy.
    Your work and colours are stunning, look forward to the next class,
    love Jan

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  83. what a lovely variable star-a classic updated with your beautiful color choices.
    Come see my antique cheddar variable star from 1890 and my reproduction
    http://starleyquilts.blogspot.com
    and my other festival entry
    http://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com

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  84. Absolutely wonderful and heartfelt love coming through in both your story and your stitching. The yellow setting and orangey-red border blocks are making the quilt sing. A tribute to your grandmother will always live on in your stitches. I never met a print I didn't like either! Thank you for sharing your quilt's story :)

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  85. Well done for winning in the Giveaway Valentina! You lucky thing!

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  86. Beautiful quilt, beautiful story, beautiful sentiments about the power of quilting to bring families together in so many ways. Thank you for sharing!

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Thanks for your comment! Please, feel free to write in Español, Nederlands or Papiamento if that is easier for you . And I will try to answer any questions as soon as possible, as long as I have access to your e-mail.

My Patchwork Family Through Adoption

A Bit of Africa and China
Came knocking on our door
And in a home where there was longing
Now empty rooms no more

Like a Quilt of Many Colours
Our Family stitched together into One
God's Love and Grace for us Abundant
In the Miracle of our Sons

Written by Valentina
2006