The Energizer Cowboys who kept things humming at the reunion

The Energizer Cowboys who kept things humming at the reunion
These kids know how to have fun!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Quilt Camp 2012 -- Ethan the survivor!

“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me
 and I’ll understand.”


Had a great, though very busy day at quilt camp the past two days, May 31-June 1.  The kids really worked hard and got their projects pretty much finished up by noon on Day 2. 

I had such a fun time helping Ethan learn to sew, and everything went terrifically, until Day Two when he was rushing to finish his quilt top for the group photo shoot.  I had just left to find a good spot for the photo, and got called back, with an emergency.  Ethan had somehow had a very "pointed" encounter with the needle, while sewing.  With the strong pointer finger that he has--the needle broke twice on its way THROUGH his poor finger!  It was pretty traumatic getting the last piece out--through the bottom, but thanks to these smart quilters, one lady had medical tweezers with her! 

He did great regain his composure, and within an hour was making jokes about the experience -- one which he is sure to always remember.  He made a really cute quilt for a new baby brother, we hope arrives soon.

You can see he'll never forget that wounded finger, and how the sewing machine attacked him!  I love his quirky sense of humor and his zestful curiousity.


I also worked with two neighbor girls, who took a lot of time and attention.  My original teacher-partner never came, but Bobbie Holt graciously help me out, day 1, and Eve Lynn Perkins helped on day two.  It would have been even more stressful  without them.  It takes a lot of patience and instruction to teach a child how to sew, and some take more than others.


The only thing worse that Ethan's experience happened to Sister Stubbs.  When she and her grandkids went home in the afternoon, they took everything with them hoping to do some work that evening.  Unfortunately, Brian was not  informed that all their things were in the trunk of the car, and he let Jessica take it to Salt Lake later that  afternoon while Silvia was napping, so when they went to get their things--they couldn't do anything, nor participate the 2nd day.  We all felt so bad for them.



I was the Quilt Guild chairman over the camp, found the teachers (19 of them, plus 5 teen assistants).  Three of the teachers weren't able to come, or we would have had 22.
Each teacher found her own students, and prepared them for the camp experience.  That meant giving them hands on experience with a sewing machine, finding cloth, chosing a pattern, and cutting it out prior to camp.  So it was quite a commitment.  I really appreciated all the good ladies and youth who helped us. Here they are!



During the camp, I made sure we had photos of all participants, handed out recognition treats when they finished their quilt top, and organized where the stations would be.  USU and the Arts and Events Center did all the set up, and provided snacks, lunch, and break out activities.

The reason I love doing things for the youth coorelates with this wonderful quote:

Oliver Wendall Homes said, “Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.”  And quilting is definitely a mind stretcher!

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