About Quilts and Dreams of Musical Talent 1992

It was a month ago that we had the Quilt Show on the Farm (here at the Windy Knoll), but it’s just now that we finally have all the quilts returned to their owners. In order to get one of the Arkansas pieces, I had to promise to bring it home and we’ve just returned.  What a delightful trip!

I met Geri through the NQA Certified Judges Program and we both knew immediately we were friends.  Jim and John communicate well, too, so that leaves lots of time for the gals to talk and play quilting.

I’ve never been in the presence of anyone who has as many books on quilting, as many gadgets, or as much fabric.  There is a saying in the world of quilting that the one who dies with the most fabric wins and Geri is in the running.  But her organization astonishes me.  Only a mention of something I want to make and she goes right to the file drawer or wherever and pulls out the pattern or instructions.

I brought some new knowledge of quilting techniques home with me and now I also have a longer list of “things I want to make.”  As I’ve said before, the strength of that quilting thread is phenomenal.

The Waechters live in the heart of the Ozarks – the scenery is beautiful and the roads are crooked.  Forty-seven years ago when John was stationed in Salina, Kansas and we were on our way to Sand Mountain (in the very first car we ever owned) we came through the beautiful Ozarks, so we enjoyed some reminiscing, too.  I remember telling my folks the road was so crooked that we ran the battery down blowing the horn at our own taillights.  In all those years lots of improvements have been made, but the curves haven’t been straightened.  It was also on that long-ago trip that we crossed the Mississippi River on a ferry — never again!

Having locals act as tour guides made our trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, special.  We took the historical tour and saw where the elite of years ago went to take advantage of the mineral baths with the hope of improving their health.  With it’s setting, it seemed to me Eureka Springs could be some village in Europe.  It’s called the stair step town and to cover it by foot one needs to be in good physical condition.

I especially wanted to visit the dulcimer shop and did, but it was in Branson, Missouri, there I got what I had wanted in Eureka Springs –  a crash course.  I played a McSpadden dulcimer (supposed to be one of the best) and fell I love with the tone.  A larger dulcimer than mine — oh, if only I could play well!

After spending time and money two different days with some new quilt friends in a Conway, Arkansas quilt shop, we were on our way home.  As we traveled the freeway, I took out my fabric purchases and stroked each beautiful piece, planning in my mind just how I would use each one.  I have the symptoms of being a fabriholic.

Now that I’m home, I mentally go over my list of “things I want to make,” enjoy looking at the new fabric purchases and dream of owning and being able to play a McSpadden dulcimer. Memories and dreams – just another facet of country living.