The Quiltmaker’s Gift: Just what is it?

Maker’s Tale Encourages Creativity and Giving

Must Read, Must Hear: Tale for all ages.

UPDATE 11.03.15: Subscriber awarded free copy of this title in First Ever Sew God Children’s Literature Drawing!

Congrats to Jerry Janet Cook of Hazelwood, MO! Enjoy!

The story. The illustration. STORY. ILLUSTRATION. Those who’ve read The Quiltmaker’s Gift (TQG) written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail de Marken understand this pondering:

“Is it the story or the illustration that creates such a beautiful, insightful experience?”

In real life, imagery and creativity is supposed to come wrapped around our stories. And, without our words, pictures and illustrations don’t always tell our tale. No matter what we attempt to convey on our personal social media.

In the midst of our to-dos, events, obligations, deadlines, schedules, bills, laundry, sad times and joy-filled times our creativity with it’s lovely rippling effects gets lost. Without our nurturing our creative souls with its precious byproducts mingled in, we miss life as intended.

Emotions that accompany a whole-hearted, creative lifestyle — love, joy, peace, patience, giving, compassion, focus — are hard to come by in the midst of the our daily grind.

The Quilt Makers Gift (TQG) is a book that just keeps giving, reminding us of our top priorities through the value of creating and giving. Amazing, impactful children’s literature weaves life lessons into adventure and reaches audiences of all ages.

TQG meets the life lesson mark so profoundly readers and young ears will ponder, and hopefully live, for years to come.

It’s only natural for Sew God, a blog dedicated to quilting and giving, to review TQG. Please indulge my attempt to go beyond the obvious to share how this masterpiece impacted our family so that we can consider the maker’s gift.

I read this book to my kids many, many times some years back. Drawn in by the illustrations, we stayed for the story.

We talked about how the Quilt Maker made lovely quilts and then gave them away. The illustrations most likely held my kids’ attention — recalling our youngest running her tiny fingers over the quilt designs as I read the story. I’d never quilted then and had very little sewing background. Still, I was mesmerized by the old woman’s talent — I yearned to be able to do the same.

In my mind the quilt maker’s generosity seemed pretty lofty.  Yet, at some point I began to understand it was the joy of making and giving that fueled her passion.

Considering the selfish king who attempted to coerce quiltmaker into giving or selling him a quilt, it would have been easier for her to just give in … but the quilt maker had a more significant gift in mind.

Depending on where you are in your life “the gift” part of the story presents in various ways. Is her gift …

• Talent?
• Selfless giving?
• Her quilts?
• The king’s quilt?
• The journey she teaches all of us?

Treat yourself (and sweet young ears) to some time reading (and rereading) this tale.  This is a book that should live in every maker’s home … readily available to encourage and be shared.

“…give as able, according to the blessings of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 16:17

We repurpose: In the spirit of frugality and sustainability our gift books may be new, or show slight wear, yet are clean, near new and highly recommended to you and yours. 

 

God created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]