Three days of lectures and demonstrations at the Ellicott City Sew-Vac - that's a lot of education, a lot of exposure to techniques, machines and materials. Here's some pictures of the event, some of the finished creations and some of fabric artists.
I sat beside a lady, Lori, or Lauri, I'm not sure which, who taught me a lot just in her whispered comments during the presentations and explanations during the breaks. She has seven machines but that includes a couple of vintage ones. It seems most fabric artists have at least a couple of vintage machines. I did too, when I had a house. But then, I didn't have the time that I do now, to go exploring in fabrics. I wish Lori and I had exchanged contact information. I think she could use a friend. She lost her only child, a grown son, around this time last year. She is having a tough time. She asked me for a hug as she dropped tears when the story came out to me and a lady in her late 70's. I was honored to be asked and delivered that hug with the warmth and empathy that I had in me, having experienced some losses of loved ones in the last few years.
But as our other conversational companion, the 70-some year old lady, commented, losing a child is the worst thing and thankfully I've not been through that hell. She lost her husband a few years back and had a friend who'd lost both husband and child. Losing a child is worse, she told her friend. We all agreed there could be nothing worse.
Lori said she is pretty much a hermit except for work. She owns an Indian motorcycle and occasionally rides with a group but hasn't ridden much in the last year. I don't have my motorcycle anymore. I gave my big Harley cruiser to my son and am living in an RV and travel the country, so that is part of why I didn't take the extra step to make contact with Lori. Still, I come back to this area a lot. It is home to me. We have kids here. I should have reached out more permanently.
It was a good three days of education and exposure to the subculture of fabriholics.
But as our other conversational companion, the 70-some year old lady, commented, losing a child is the worst thing and thankfully I've not been through that hell. She lost her husband a few years back and had a friend who'd lost both husband and child. Losing a child is worse, she told her friend. We all agreed there could be nothing worse.
Lori said she is pretty much a hermit except for work. She owns an Indian motorcycle and occasionally rides with a group but hasn't ridden much in the last year. I don't have my motorcycle anymore. I gave my big Harley cruiser to my son and am living in an RV and travel the country, so that is part of why I didn't take the extra step to make contact with Lori. Still, I come back to this area a lot. It is home to me. We have kids here. I should have reached out more permanently.
It was a good three days of education and exposure to the subculture of fabriholics.
What a beautiful story Jane~brought tears to my eyes as I know you showed her love in that big smile & hug of yours. Bless you! Hope all is well in your world!
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