Helen Kelley Patchworks

February 28, 2009 – These words are from Helen’s presentation during her induction into the Quilter’s Hall of Fame, July 2008.  We thought you might enjoy them.

These are the life lessons you and quilting have taught me:

Love your craft. Be proud of tiny stitches. Respect tradition. But learn something new, try something hard, make a new tradition. Then pass it on the next generation.

See things with different eyes. Look for the small treasures. Find the happiness and solace in your work.

Share your passion. Quilt with a friend, or friends, or many friends. Be generous with your time, your advice, your praise, your ideas, your fabric. There is joy in giving something from your heart. It comes back to you many-fold.

The quilt your are working on is never your last quilt.  But some projects seem to go on forever.  Know when enough is enough.  Don’t obsess over the stuff that doesn’t matter.

Tell your story.  Embellish it a little. 

Always Have fun.   And keep the magic in your life.

February 20, 2009 – Mom always told us that strangers were only friends she hadn’t had a chance to meet yet.  So many of you  have generously shared your thoughts and wishes with us over the last months.  Each message has touched our hearts.  We are reminded that Mom’s legacy is not only words and stitches, but also a world of friends, known and not-yet-known, a lifetime of people to be discovered.

Thanks to each and every one of you.  We will try to give back, with more of her quilts and, from time to time, words from Helen’s notes. 

If you have any special requests, please let us know.  We continue to watch Helen’s email.

Sincerely,  Helen’s daughters (and Bill)