Windsor Life
Page 26
My maternal grandmother, Edna, is credited for making the most
beautiful heirloom quilts in our family’s known lineage. A seamstress
as well, she would save every piece of scrap material from her
original wardrobe designs and uniquely use them to make quilts for
those she loved. As a child, I would marvel at the patience, perfection,
and love that she generously poured into every master quilt.
Mama, as we called our grandmother, taught me that every fabric
square should be cut exactly the same size and sewn together with
perfectly even seams and stitches. In those days, all of her quilts
were hand stitched and would last for decades to come because
hand stitching allowed her to use heavier cottons and thicker cotton
thread. After all the squares were sewn together in her fashion,
Mama would carefully measure the finished top and cut an equally-
sized single piece of fabric for the bottom to be sewn together with
cotton or wool batting in between the two. But before these three
layers were actually melded together with her gifted needlework,
Mama would insert a large silver safety pin through the corner of
each square that would keep the fabrics from moving too much while
she stitched. From my view as a little one looking up at this huge work
of art, the smooth, flat, cotton cover quickly transformed into a shiny
sea of glitter. I never imagined that I, too, would one day delight in
swimming in this body of joy.
Saved by the Pin
by Sheila Johnson
As I grew older, Mama told me stories about her grandmother’s quilts
and how each square represented an African or Native American
tribe. The fabrics were woven stories of our peoples’ struggles and
victories through slavery and genocide. Depending upon the pattern,
some quilts were used as directives to safe and trusted passages to
freedom. Others were sold at open and underground market places
for handsome prices. The money was used to buy transport, food,
clothing and freedom for slaves who chose to use the Underground
Railroad. Mama said the safety pins that temporarily held the
layers together would be removed only after the stitching had been
completed on each respective square. Using safety pins was our way
of keeping the village secure until the stitching together of a nation
was done. The finished quilt provided warmth, covering, safety and a
feeling of community.
Who could have guessed that the invention of an American mechanic
by the name of Walter Hunt in 1849 would be used to hold together
broken pieces of history until they were bound together by weavers
of wisdom, strength and courage? I believe that the naming of the
“safety” pin was Spirit-led and that all of us are a part of one great
tapestry designed by One Great Artist.
Theme: Safety Pins
Windsor Gardens Property Tours
Every Saturday
1 :00-3 :00 PM
(Weather Depending)
Meet at the Community Center Entrance
Centerpoint Bldg., 597 S. Clinton St.
Come See Available Properties.
Properties of various sizes, different locations
throughout the complex, and a variety of
prices will be shown, along with Windsor
Gardens Amenities.
Join me for an informative 2 hour tour of
Windsor Gardens.
Get your questions answered!
Private Tours Available upon Request.
Tours are conducted by a licensed Real Estate Broker, a
Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Downsizing Expert
Caroline Van Velkinburgh
303-946-8821
Premiere Agent, Your Castle Real Estate
Please call with any questions, or specific requests!
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Windsor Writers
