I also felt the mist fogging up my eyes. I'm imagining your mother wouldn't just love for those tiny grand kid hands to be all over her quilts, but in a way, it's her way of wrapping her whole family up in her love. All her love and care in every stitch... her thoughts, her dreams, her questions... continuing to touch and be touched. They leave us gifts, and we find them when the time is right. When we are ready.
I so struggle with kids not getting at things and enjoying what I have. What a wonderful way to ah w your mother present. Inspired to think of things I can have more out in the open to enjoy.
Hi Karen! Thank you for your nice note, and congrats! You've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now. xx
Such a good reminder ❤️ Beautifully written newsletter, Elizabeth. My grandmother gifted each grandchild a special piece of hers several years before she passed. She wanted to experience the joy of us receiving those gifts. I received one of her gorgeous (but every day) necklaces - oh, how many times had I played with it as a child while it was on her neck and she was holding me close! I’m going to get it out of my jewelry box and wear it this week. It was truly meant to be worn and loved.
Hi Elena! What a wonderful gift from your grandmother, thank you for sharing that story.
And congrats, you've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now. xx
My mom has been gone for 30 years. The things in our home that I treasure most were either hers or they remind me of her. I’m so glad you brought the quilts out to be a part of your everyday ❤️
Oct 21, 2023·edited Oct 21, 2023Liked by Elizabeth Holmes
Thank you for sharing with us Elizabeth. October is also a time of grief for me, so I absolutely connected with you on that point. I've been doing some much needed, albeit slowly progressing, organizing in my home and I came across the baby quilt that my grandmother made for me as a baby. It was definitely used, but over the years I have also Tucker it away for safekeeping. Your sisters words resonate with me too ... it was meant to be used. While it is a small blanket, I am going to add it to my pile of sewing repairs, fix it up, and put it out to be used by my young son. He has already taken possession of the baby bunny pillow my mother made me. I'm sure the stuffing should be replaced, but he loves it. My fingers are crossed for the giveaway, but whether I win or not, thank you as always. I'm praying for your smooth recovery. Please rest as much as you can. Long Covid is no joke.
Eboné, thank you so much for these very kind words. I love how much your son loves that pillow! Also, congratulations - I picked your name at random to receive one of the copies of Cleo Wade's new book. Sent you an email with details. xx
I love that you’re pulling out those quilts. They were definitely made to be used! I’m a knitter and there’s no greater joy than seeing someone I love wrapped in something I made for them. Even better when it’s starting to pill and wear because they have used it so much.
Thanks, Elizabeth, for being tender with yourself this week. We can all learn from your example. I hope you are feeling better. It’s been eight years since my mom passed. She made everything she touched more beautiful and every person she encountered feel special and seen. I am sure the same can be said of your mother, and I hope your memories of her are a comfort amidst your sorrow. Take care.
Beautiful quilts and heart tugging words! Your mom would definitely be thrilled to see your kids wrapped in her quilt. I say this as I search for my treasured multicolor scarf that I also carefully stashed away after my darling grandmother passed away. Thank you for the reminder to live softly, but to live!
My grandmother was a prolific quilter, and without any prior interest, I felt strongly compelled to take it up when she passed. I just gifted my first baby quilts and was surprised at how emotional I felt. I’ve since gotten pictures of them in use and it warms my heart beyond measure. A quilt from my grandmother and another from a dear friend are two of my favorite objects. I love wrapping myself and my babies in them. It’s such a manifestation of love in physical form ♥️
October bad for me too. Mom died suddenly at the end of September, and then Covid hit hard a few years later and right around this time, 2 years ago, my husband had a nervous breakdown. All so hard. Thinking of you.
Elizabeth, reading your thoughts truly resonated so strongly with me. I recently had Covid and having to
take a pause, allows you time to reflect on both the happy and sad times. My mother passed away six months ago. October is a difficult month for me as well. October 3 would have been my mom’s 99th birthday. One of the treasures in my home is a stuffed teddy bear that my mother bought me when my husband and I took her on a weekend away, shortly after we were married. Now that my mother has passed, the bear sits next to my bed. It gives me a sense of peace and comfort. May your very special quilt do the same for you!
This newsletter was just what I needed on this Friday afternoon. I too, have been home with Covid and I felt like the slowed down time made me think over and over about all the horrible stuff happening in the world. The memory you shared with us about your mother and that quilt nearly brought me to tears. Enjoy your weekend wrapped up with that quilt and your sweet little ones. Thank you for sharing this. 🤍
Hi Gina! Congrats, you've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now! xx
Wonderful sentiment and well written. I have a few handmade quilts that were gifted to my daughter when she was born. I definitely need to pull them out and honor the love in the stitches. 🩷
Hi Karen! Congrats, you've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now! xx
I also felt the mist fogging up my eyes. I'm imagining your mother wouldn't just love for those tiny grand kid hands to be all over her quilts, but in a way, it's her way of wrapping her whole family up in her love. All her love and care in every stitch... her thoughts, her dreams, her questions... continuing to touch and be touched. They leave us gifts, and we find them when the time is right. When we are ready.
I so struggle with kids not getting at things and enjoying what I have. What a wonderful way to ah w your mother present. Inspired to think of things I can have more out in the open to enjoy.
Hi Karen! Thank you for your nice note, and congrats! You've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now. xx
Such a good reminder ❤️ Beautifully written newsletter, Elizabeth. My grandmother gifted each grandchild a special piece of hers several years before she passed. She wanted to experience the joy of us receiving those gifts. I received one of her gorgeous (but every day) necklaces - oh, how many times had I played with it as a child while it was on her neck and she was holding me close! I’m going to get it out of my jewelry box and wear it this week. It was truly meant to be worn and loved.
Hi Elena! What a wonderful gift from your grandmother, thank you for sharing that story.
And congrats, you've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now. xx
Elizabeth,
My mom has been gone for 30 years. The things in our home that I treasure most were either hers or they remind me of her. I’m so glad you brought the quilts out to be a part of your everyday ❤️
Thank you for sharing with us Elizabeth. October is also a time of grief for me, so I absolutely connected with you on that point. I've been doing some much needed, albeit slowly progressing, organizing in my home and I came across the baby quilt that my grandmother made for me as a baby. It was definitely used, but over the years I have also Tucker it away for safekeeping. Your sisters words resonate with me too ... it was meant to be used. While it is a small blanket, I am going to add it to my pile of sewing repairs, fix it up, and put it out to be used by my young son. He has already taken possession of the baby bunny pillow my mother made me. I'm sure the stuffing should be replaced, but he loves it. My fingers are crossed for the giveaway, but whether I win or not, thank you as always. I'm praying for your smooth recovery. Please rest as much as you can. Long Covid is no joke.
Eboné, thank you so much for these very kind words. I love how much your son loves that pillow! Also, congratulations - I picked your name at random to receive one of the copies of Cleo Wade's new book. Sent you an email with details. xx
I love that you’re pulling out those quilts. They were definitely made to be used! I’m a knitter and there’s no greater joy than seeing someone I love wrapped in something I made for them. Even better when it’s starting to pill and wear because they have used it so much.
Yes! The wear is what makes it special, you just have to get over the hump and USE IT, don't you — thank you for this reminder, Kathleen.
Thanks, Elizabeth, for being tender with yourself this week. We can all learn from your example. I hope you are feeling better. It’s been eight years since my mom passed. She made everything she touched more beautiful and every person she encountered feel special and seen. I am sure the same can be said of your mother, and I hope your memories of her are a comfort amidst your sorrow. Take care.
Leigh, I'm so sorry for your loss. I love the words you use to describe your mother, thank you so much for sharing.
Beautiful quilts and heart tugging words! Your mom would definitely be thrilled to see your kids wrapped in her quilt. I say this as I search for my treasured multicolor scarf that I also carefully stashed away after my darling grandmother passed away. Thank you for the reminder to live softly, but to live!
Natalia, hoping you found that scarf — and yes, we all must LIVE!
My grandmother was a prolific quilter, and without any prior interest, I felt strongly compelled to take it up when she passed. I just gifted my first baby quilts and was surprised at how emotional I felt. I’ve since gotten pictures of them in use and it warms my heart beyond measure. A quilt from my grandmother and another from a dear friend are two of my favorite objects. I love wrapping myself and my babies in them. It’s such a manifestation of love in physical form ♥️
"A manifestation of love in physical form" — so beautifully said, Lindsay. Thank you for these kind words.
What a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Sending you a big hug this week xx
October bad for me too. Mom died suddenly at the end of September, and then Covid hit hard a few years later and right around this time, 2 years ago, my husband had a nervous breakdown. All so hard. Thinking of you.
Jean, I'm so sorry October is so hard for you, too. Sending love.
Elizabeth, reading your thoughts truly resonated so strongly with me. I recently had Covid and having to
take a pause, allows you time to reflect on both the happy and sad times. My mother passed away six months ago. October is a difficult month for me as well. October 3 would have been my mom’s 99th birthday. One of the treasures in my home is a stuffed teddy bear that my mother bought me when my husband and I took her on a weekend away, shortly after we were married. Now that my mother has passed, the bear sits next to my bed. It gives me a sense of peace and comfort. May your very special quilt do the same for you!
Diane, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Also - that number, 99!! - took my breath away. Wow. What a life lived. May her memory be a blessing.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your warmth and kindness. It meant a great deal to me!
This newsletter was just what I needed on this Friday afternoon. I too, have been home with Covid and I felt like the slowed down time made me think over and over about all the horrible stuff happening in the world. The memory you shared with us about your mother and that quilt nearly brought me to tears. Enjoy your weekend wrapped up with that quilt and your sweet little ones. Thank you for sharing this. 🤍
Sending hugs to everyone this week.
Hi Gina! Congrats, you've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now! xx
Wonderful sentiment and well written. I have a few handmade quilts that were gifted to my daughter when she was born. I definitely need to pull them out and honor the love in the stitches. 🩷
Hi Karen! Congrats, you've been randomly selected to receive a copy of Cleo Wade's new book. I sent a note to the email you subscribe to SMT on Substack with for next steps — should be in your inbox now! xx
Those quilts are BEAUTIFUL and such a beautiful memory of your mom. I lost my mom a few years ago as well and I hold her cross stitch pieces dearly 💕
My mom was also a cross-stitcher! And I was, too, a lifetime ago. So glad you have those pieces, Emily.