Quilting Class: Final Report

Some days, we thought winter would last forever, but it just seemed that way. It is gone, chased away by sunlight and south winds, although I found a little pocket of it hiding under the hickory tree yesterday morning. The end of winter also means the end of quilting class.

It was wonderful, productive, and a great learning experience for all of us. It was tough for us some weeks; we battled sickness and the cold to keep our meetings. I applaud the students who came out on nights so mean and cold that no other living things were stirring. We made it, and we did good.

It is the love of good things, of things made with hands, of things that will last that compels students to give up a cozy night at home to show up for class week after week and patiently put stitches in fabric.

I met Pam Osburn (Rosyln Carter) when she came to work at the chemistry department at the University of North Alabama several years ago. The chemistry department is just across the hall from the physics and earth science department in the Floyd Science Building, so Pam and I see each other often. We usually talk quilts when we're together. Of course, every time I complete a quilting project, I take it to work to show it off, and Pam always appreciates it. I knew she would be the perfect student, and she was. She recently became a grandmother, and wants to make quilts for her little one to treasure. She learned to make those tiny stitches immediately.

Ann Evans (Dolly Madison) has too many talents to list here. She is retired from teaching university level math and technology. She is an accomplished musician and has published fourteen books. Her mother had given her some quilt blocks around forty years ago, and after keeping them stored and moving them several times, Ann sewed the blocks together last year and made her first quilt. She was a wonderful addition to this class, and I can't wait to see the quilts she will make.

I didn't know Denise Davis (Jackie Kennedy) until I was preparing for this class. A mutual friend told me that Denise would be perfect for it, because she loved all things crafty. After we talked, I knew our friend was right. Denise does a variety of crafts, including making decorated cakes that are beautiful. She was a natural at hand quilting, and I have no doubt that she can make anything she wants to. I see stacks of quilts in her future.

I have been quilting for many, many years. I learn more with every class I teach, not just about quilting, but about patience, sharing, giving, and making tangible things that will last long after I am gone. I'm always sad to see the class end. I'm going to miss y'all, ladies, and we have to get together to quilt again!

The Alabama State Council of Arts provided a grant to make this class possible. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share this love of quilting.

Amish in Stantonville, Tennessee

Last week, my sis and her hub went with us to the Amish community near Stantonville, Tennessee. It was a beautiful day, and we love driving to new places and finding new treasures. We enjoy these mini-trips we take together, where we giggle a lot and get caught up on everything. Also, the squirrels ate all our tomatoes, so we needed to find some to buy. You know the food you are buying is fresh when they bring it from the field while you are standing there waiting for it. Here is part of what we brought home, and it was all delicious. Stantonville is located in McNairy County, Tennessee, northwest of Shiloh National Military Park.

Holy Smoke Pie

I think it was in the late seventies that I first had Holy Smoke Pie. It was at a party at Debra Morris Harville's house. After we ate, Debra had to give the recipe to everyone there. I came home and made it for my family, and it has been a favorite since then. I always make it at holiday dinners, because I believe tradition is important. It has become a favorite of our granddaughters. I've heard it called Chocolate Delight, Four-Layer Chocolate Dessert, and other odd things. We call it Holy Smoke. Here is how I make it: Chop us a cup of pecans; set aside. Add a stick of softened butter (NOT margarine) to one cup of self-rising flour. Cut the butter into the flour. Add the chopped pecans, and work it all together. Save two tablespoons of the pecans to sprinkle on top. Pour into a 9" x 12" pan that has been sprayed with cooking oil. Spread it over the bottom of the pan. It helps to use your hands (or hand, if you have t

Cedar Trees in Cemeteries

If you ever wander in old cemeteries, and I know many of you do, you are bound to see some cedar trees. The tradition goes back to the early days of the United States and even earlier in Europe. Cedar trees were not always used, but some type of evergreen trees were planted because they were a symbol of everlasting life. Some Cherokees believed that cedars contained powerful spirits, including the spirits of the departed buried beneath them. Perhaps because they are known as burial trees, there are many superstitions that surround cedars. My grandmother told us in no uncertain terms that if we planted a cedar tree, we would die when it was large enough to shade our graves. Some others are: Never transplant a cedar tree; it will bring bad luck. If you transplant a cedar and it dies, you will die shortly. Planting a cedar tree in your yard welcomes poverty. Some say Christ was crucified on a cedar tree, and will bring bad luck if you burn it. If a cedar tree com

Faith, Folklore, and Friends

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