The Unboxing of My Dearest *JANE*

Here she is, in all her fancy zip-top bag glory! It’s been far too long, dearest 30s TATW — Trip Around the World — Rainbow *JANE*.

Its construction was a gift of time that I desperately needed, while also connecting me back to my great-grandmother, Gladys, who loved all things textile-related — especially linens. I recall admiring fabrics with her as a very young child. I also embroidered when I was young, inspired by her beautiful antique pillowcases. Despite my modern minimalist taste, I collect milk glass, vintage and antique Christmas ornaments, and have a feather tree that reminds me of her.

Many gorgeous linens and glassware items were tucked away forever in her hall closet. I always felt that was so sad — she loved them so much but was always saving them for another time. In the end, they were still brand new and sold by my maternal great-aunt and grandmother.

Not me! I am living my best life, sleeping on the softest embroidered-edge 100% cotton pillowcases and gladly bringing out glassware for the pure enjoyment. I’m likely drawn to shell collecting because of her as well. She had the most gorgeous pink conch shell in her restroom with a thriving asparagus fern planted in it.

With her help, I learned to propagate violets, trim climbing roses for the best growth, identify various plants — all while playing with antique toys kept in a box at the bottom of her linen closet.

She was patient and kind to me; I felt so cherished in her presence.

I think my memory of her is what sparked the idea for my 40th birthday. I know the quilt choice certainly was. For the longest time, I’d buy bits of fabric that reminded me of her, without realizing they were all 1930s reproductions. When I saw a 30s *JANE* at the Chicago (Rosemont) Quilt Festival, I found the perfect design to showcase those fantastic fabrics.

At the time, I was so busy raising babies, working, baking, and cooking that I kept prioritizing everyone but myself. The priceless time leading up to that milestone birthday was exactly what I needed to claim as my own gift. Afterwards, with encouragement from my online friend group, I worked on the triangles and kites — and then we needed a long break from one another.

Jobs changed several times, the kids grew older, my volunteer work slowed, and I was no longer running to soccer games with bags of snacks in hand. Still, my time was dedicated to the education of others, balanced between working on graduate degrees and meeting family needs.

I’ve been busy being busy, and my health has finally required a pause — a forced break, if you will. It’s helped me put things into perspective, including the importance of rest and my favorite activity: sewing. I’m still working on my formal education but am consciously choosing to make time for creative ventures along the way.

First on my list is revisiting my dearest *JANE* project. Seeing all that work just waiting for the last bits — some redos and the final top construction — feels like a moment of progress after an incredibly extended hiatus. It’s about time we get reacquainted.

I’m a little nervous about continuing this beautiful project, as I’m still not fully recovered from wrist and forearm surgeries, but I’m learning to be patient. Just revisiting the fabrics feels amazing.

The latest quandary? Whether or not to construct a second version in the process of completion.

Piece & Appliqué,
Heather