the story of a quilt.

Don’t you just love gifts that have meanings and significance behind them? For me, it’s that personal touch that makes things so special!

Years ago when God was stretching my writing abilities, I was presented with a couple of opportunities to write for magazines. After much deliberation and trying to convince God I had way too many red felt-tip marker F’s in school to write, I obeyed and submitted my articles.

When the first article went out I was nervous. What would others think? Would they want to take their red-felt-tip markers to my article as well?

A few days later I received an email from a lady who lives in Oregon. She had read the article and it touched her beyond measure. I was blown away!

Since that time we have formed the coolest long-distance relationship. We’ve walked together through some tough stuff. We’ve studied together. We’ve prayed and encouraged one another.

This special friend, Karen Hopkins, just happens to make quilts and take them down to the rivers edge in Oregon to give to those who are homeless. (yep, a woman after my own heart)

Visiting one day I mentioned I’d never had a quilt!

Never! Can you believe that?

My sister got quilts for her wedding. My brother got quilts for his wedding. My momma has quilts. My son got a quilt. My daughter got a quilt. But Alene . . . . she doesn’t have a quilt. I know you must feel my pain!

I told my friend I’d love a quilt for my office and guest room. I wanted one made out of her scraps. I wanted the special left-over pieces of those blankets that she gives to others. She wanted to know colors so I listed the colors of the room coral, peach, light blue, lime green, brown. She responds “I’ll get right on that! And you’ll love the brown scraps.”

A few weeks later a box arrives at my door. Seeing her name, I tear in to it. As I open up the top to peep in I see the colors – they take my breath away. It looks like the quilt was made by somebody standing in my room. Someone who knew me. Knew my design as the room is adorned by gifts from many. And she obviously understood my heart.

With tears in my eyes, I run to throw it on the bed. It’s perfect. It’s beautiful!

It’s SPECIAL!

I take a quick pic with my iphone to send her so she can see just how perfect her masterpiece. She was happy to know I got it and then responds, “Did you like the label?”

Oh my, I hadn’t looked at every corner. I was just too excited. I run back to my quilt flipping feverishly to every corner and finally see it . . .

It was our wedding anniversary labeled right there on the back of the quilt. She wrote in the note, “I wanted you to have a wedding quilt!”

Beautiful – this story of the quilt.

Made by a freind that I met while trying to ignore the call of writing.

Made by a friend who has taught me so much.

Made by a friend who ministers to those who are left-behind.

Made by a friend who is incredibly gifted.

Made by a friend who has such a gifted touch to make others feel special.

Made by a friend who no longer wanted me to be quilt-less.

This friend would love to make you a quilt too.

This friend is great to work with.

This friend will bless your socks off.

This friend can help you out with your Christmas gifts.

This friend . . . 

I love!

If you are interested in talking to Karen about making you a quilt, you can contact her at karenhopkins7 (@) charter (dot) net. She is so affordable and extremely talented! I give her 47 thumbs up!!!