The Last Goodbye, Part 1

Its hard to say when the journey to this quilt began. I like to think it was the summer after my dad passed away. I remember a moment in time with startling clarity. I don't know what I was doing, what day it was, or even where I was. But I remember the moment. I remember thinking, "I don't know what my fathers voice sounds like any more, and I will remember This moment for the rest of my life". I was 8 years old. 

Fast forward to a few years ago. My dads sister gave me his tie. It was precious to me, as it is the only thing I have that was his. It was proudly displayed on a shelf along with other family mementos.

Then life changed for my little family. The tie was packed up in a box as our family made the big move to Edmonton. The tie was stored in the basement in a box, but lingered in the corners of my mind, waiting for everything to fall into place.

And one day, after I became a quilter, it all clicked. This was what I was meant to do with the tie. It needed to  become a part of my art, blending the precious few memories I had of my dad, with my passion, quilting.  It would be like "hearing" his voice once again. 

The opportunity to attend a retreat hosted and taught by Ricky Tims was the exact right timing for this quilt to be designed, to become a reality. I pulled out fabrics from my closet that I had been saving for a special quilt. The tie was dug out of the box in the storage room. I hadn't seen it for awhile so I couldn't remember exactly what colour it was. I was happy to see it was orange and green. My favourite colour combination is purple, orange, and green. Some of the special fabrics I had set aside for this were a perfect match to this tie.

And off I went to La Veta Colorado with my studio mates and a couple of wonderful ladies, a heavy suitcase full of fabric, and of course, the tie.