April 11, 2013

Good news when I need it most

The past two weeks have been the worst of my life. My dad passed away quite suddenly and unexpectedly on March 20. We were close. I learned so much from him - how to cook, how to sew, the importance of being patient and kind, that good craft really matters, and so much more. The first quilt I ever made was with my dad when I was about 10. There are also quite a few things he tried to teach me, but didn't stick - like how to golf, how to be organized and tidy, and how to drive a stick shift. Every day has been hard since then, but today there was a tiny ray of sunshine. It feels a bit selfish, but for a moment I forgot about my sadness and loss and remembered how it feels when something goes right.
About a year ago I was contacted by Pottery Barn Teen to design a quilt for them. They loved my landscape quilts and thought they would fit in well with their line of bedding based on a "surfer aesthetic". I actually designed two, a girl version and a boy version, but they only ended up using one of them and it is finally available!
Isn't this so exciting?! I think I'm going to buy one. I have always wanted one of my own quilts for my own bed, but just don't have the time to make one for myself. So even though it feels weird to pay someone else for my own quilt, I'm going to do it. And besides, those shams are badass. I know my dad would be so proud of me. I love you dad! Thanks for being such an amazing person and letting me take your sewing machine to college so many years ago!

9 comments:

  1. Oh, Kim. I'm so sorry to hear this news....
    Congrats on the PB Quilts- they are beautiful.

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  2. Kim! I am so sad to hear your news. How thankful and fortunate this world is for you dad's gift of teaching you to sew. Sending you lots of hugs as you navigate life now.
    And that PB news is so so cool! Way to go!!

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  3. Oh my dear it is so hard to let go and not have your Dad right here with you. But always remember he is with you in your heart and mind and think how lucky you are to have all the wonderful memories that will come flooding to you when you least expect them. Life is a hard and nobody said it would be fair, but it is still a wonder when you let it be. And here are moments when the brilliance shines through, especially when you have such good news about selling your quilts. Bravo Kim. Your Papa would be proud and you should be also. Remember to breath.

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  4. Sorry about the loss of your father - death is hard at any point, though unexpected is sometimes more difficult.

    And, on the good note - the quilt for PB Kids looks great! Congrats!

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  5. Kim, I am sorry to hear about your dad, my deepest sympathies. I remember your dad at your thesis show and what a kind man he was. But, congrats with Pottery Barn! Well deserved.

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  6. sorrow for you loss, it takes more than time to process all this experience. Just been through this myself. What a privileged experience to have him in your life, someone to emulate.
    Love your work.

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  7. So sorry to hear of your loss. I just marked the second anniversary of my Dad's death. Grief is a tough thing.
    (I came here through Shea and the Empty Bobbins announcement. Congratulations on that.)

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  8. Thank you for the kind words, everyone. It means a lot to me. And! The PB Teen people are sending me a quilt! I am more than excited to see it in person.

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