If there is one word that everyone uses when describing the people of Fulunga it is generous. Almost to a fault. But they love to do it. And frankly we love it too. But today I turned the tables on them…I gave a special gift to them.
Here're the mini quilts Ann presented to her friends.
You have read in prior blogs about the project I have been working on for the women I have been playing with every week. These are the ladies that have patiently been teaching all of the cruisers how to weave. And it has been wonderful. When they were interested in my quilt blocks I was thrilled to introduce them to quilting. When they expressed a desire to sew clothes I was happy to teach them how to cut out patterns and assemble clothes. But it wasn’t something I made just for them. I love making things with specific people in mind. They are in my thoughts as I work and it makes me smile.
Here's the special quilted sign now hanging in Koro's house.
Detail of the quilted sign.
I have spent the last few weeks hand stitching ten different quilt squares as examples. I brought these pieces in to show the girls because I knew they would visually dissect the squares to see how they were made. Now they are all part of a sign/wall hanging to be put up at every weaving session. And now quilting session too as each session starts with weaving and becomes a group of girls laughing and giggling and quilting. So the wall hanging proudly announces the Weavers and Quilters Club. I included all of the squares and one of the woven pieces that I made with their guidance. They loved it. My eyes filled with tears as I gave it to them and they all joined me. They were overcome with emotion and were initially speechless. Receiving is hard work.
I took it one step further too. I made individual small wall hangings for each of the 10 women who I have played with most often. These wall hangings were one simple square surrounded by lovely batik borders. The square is known in my house as “Bev’s Star” and was a square that my sister, Bev, and I loved to make. These women have become my quilting sisters so this seemed perfect. I shared the story of Bev’s Star with them and they each lovingly accepted their wall hanging anxious to put it up in their own houses. Forever these wonderful ladies of Fulunga and I will be joined.
Lots of smiles, lots of tears. Receiving is hard work. Turning the tables is lots of fun.
Ann, what a nice story, and a beautiful and memorable day for all! I know we are all eager to see the pictures of the weaving and quilting sessions. And Bob’s portrait shots of your Fulunga friends.
Well done, Ann. Your story brought tears to my eyes. What a beautiful way to show your gratitude and genuine affection for these women. And what a special way to share a little of Bev with this very special place in the world.
Ann, I believe you may be the first 2nd mate saint in sailing history! What a truly loving gift to give your lady friends.
From afar, hearing your stories, it sounds like you may have found the Garden Of Eden. Except for the fact that it’s not a nudist society. 🙂 Is there just no strife, anger, sickness, or negativity? What a perfect place to live in the moment.
Only two bottles of wine left? You better have a heart to heart talk with the ship’s purser! Dude is falling down on the job.
Ann!! So awesome ! And I can only imagine how stunned your fellow weavers were! Love you! xxoo