Vermont Life Magazine

Yesterday I was interviewed by Vermont Life Magazine about my quilt which is the Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece exhibit. The reason for the article, which is in the Spring issue (comes out mid-February), is the exhibit will be at Shelburne Museum from May 16-Oct. 24, 2010. I was only asked two questions.

1. How did making the quilt help you cope with the effects of dealing with a family member who has Alzheimer's? 

I am a person of action. Give me a problem, I'll jump right in and do my best to fix it. Unfortunately, I couldn't fix my mother-in-law's Alzheimer's. I didn't know if my quilt would be accepted. The idea for the quilt had been rolling around in my head for a long time so when Ami sent out the call, it gave me permission to create, to express myself, to share my mother-in-law's story. When the quilt was accepted, I was overjoyed. My quilt is out in the work and part of something that is educating and raising funds. It brings me comfort.

2. When you made this quilt, how was the process different from other quilts you have made?

No, the process was not different. However, I don't remember any other piece where I have cried so much during the making.

My mother-in-law has the terrible disease. She is dying the death she most feared. It is her hands that are shattered and my husband's, my youngest's son's and my hands that are reaching out to her. It has been years since she has known who we are. 

On Monday I will be interviewing Kelly for Quilters' S.O.S. - Save Our Stories. Kelly is an 11 year old quiltmaker who made a quilt in memory of her grandfather who died of the disease in November. She donated the quilt to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. Her quilt raised $100. Can't wait to talk with her.