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Monday, July 9, 2018

Pat Sloan Podcast


So...I have some pretty big news! Sometime today, my interview with Pat Sloan will go live on her American Patchwork & Quilting Podcast!

If you aren't familiar with Pat Sloan, she is a popular and prolific quilter who hosts many sew alongs at her website, I Love to Make Quilts.  


I have been part of Pat's active Facebook community, Quilt Along with Pat Sloan, for several years. The quilters there are supportive and talented. I didn't jump into social quilting until less year, so while I admired the progress others made on Pat's sew alongs, I wasn't a participant until I saw her write about her upcoming Grandma's Kitchen quilt. 


My Gramma Ann passed away in 2014 When my family was packing up her things, I requested some of her clothes so that I could make a quilt with them. I had only been quilting for a year at that point. I wasn't confident enough yet to cut up her clothes out of fear of making a mistake. So I put them in a tote while I waited for inspiration.

Nearly a year ago to the day, Pat posted the first block of Grandma's kitchen, called "The Kitchen Table." Just seeing the name, I was transported to Grandma's kitchen in tiny Blackduck, Minnesota. I thought her cupboards were so cool because the doors were flat panels that opened only when you pushed them. I spent many hours entertaining myself by opening and closing those cupboards.


I knew then that this sew along was just the inspiration I needed. I decided from the start that my quilt would be all about Gramma's life, in and out of the kitchen. You can read about the entire process here.  My mom and aunts were very excited about the quilt and talked about who should get it...so...I made six of them!


After finishing each block, I would post it to a link up on Pat's website and/or share the block and its story on Pat's FB page. A few times, Pat herself would comment on the post! And then she contacted me privately after seeing all six quilts, and asked if I would be on her show. Of course, I said, "YES!" 


I hope you enjoy listening to the interview as much as I enjoyed talking to Pat. 

Finally, I have to share one last thing about this project. My mom and aunt were so grateful for their quilts and send me the most wonderful thank you notes and gifts. My aunt Lori, did something really fun! She took all the blog posts I wrote and had them bound up in a book. What a labor of love! 


They say the internet is forever, but this is such a thoughtful way to make sure that Gramma's legacy lives on to the next generation(s). 


I've so enjoyed re-reading the blog posts again. I wrote them as I went along, without knowing how the quilt would turn out. It is really cool to read them all at once, kind of like binge-watching a favorite show!


 I love that she wrapped the book in the blue paper that inspired block "Pantry Goods."



If this is your first time here at de Jong Dream House, especially if you visited after hearing the podcast, WELCOME! This blog started as my husband and I build our dream ultra energy-efficient, universally-designed dream house. After moving in, I posted about organizing and green living. Once I discovered quilting in 2013, my blog started featuring more and more quilts. And that's mostly what you see today. 

You can also keep up with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. Thanks for keeping in touch!


8 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to your Gramma. I often listen to Pat Sloan while I'm cutting fabric. I'll be sure to tune in sometime this week! Thanks for the heads up!

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  2. Oh Jen, I have a lump in my throat after reading your post.. What a special gift you have given to future generations.. I also did Pat's GK quilt and just today started printing my posts to put in a booklet. Congratulations on your quilts! Well done!

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  3. Hi Jen! I just finished listening to the Pat Sloan podcast you were featured in. I loved the story about the quilts honoring your fr amother. I cannot believe you made 6 of these! Well done...well done. They are so wonderful. I can't even imagine the love felt by your aunts and mom. ❤️

    I picked up from the podcast that you had a TBI and can no longer work. I too had a TBI (2014) and can no longer work. I left a career I loved and it was hard. But, I went back to sewing (mostly quilting) to help with cognitive therapy. It helped me so much. I just wanted to express my happiness to find another person with a TBI managing day to day living in a creative world.

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  4. Wow....it sounds to me like you all are one especially loving family! How beautiful! And such beautiful and thoughtful gifts of love....blessings to you all! Congratulations on your interview! How exciting!

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  5. Its a long time since I visited your blog Jen, and what a lovely blog to come and visit again. What an achievement 6 quilts and a lovely book to pass on as well. Cheers Glenda Down Under.

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  6. I really enjoyed being on this journey with you! So nice of your Aunt to make that book. This is so perfect I have chills. Congratulations and thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.

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  7. Congratulations on getting on Pat Sloan's Podcast. I've been admirer of hers for quite some time.

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  8. Amazing you for making six of them! But they tell such a great story, and I really enjoyed reading about Grandma and those blocks.

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