I looked it up, and actually, it isn't. However, when it is, people tend to have problems with mechanical devices. Which I am. So I wondered. My camera is telling me that I have a memory disc error. I have no clue what that means, and hope my goose isn't cooked. I love my camera. Just before it quit on me, I managed to take a couple of pictures of two of my Christmas quilts. My plan was to give you a Christmas quilt or two each day until I run out of Christmas quilts to share. There is a story that goes with each quilt, and I want to share those with you too.
This quilt is called Christmas Cactus. I loved the fabrics, which I picked up in Wisconsin while visiting my sister Mary. There was a shop in the little town of Fitchburg, right near her house, that was adorable. I can't remember the name of the shop, but the owner was a nice lady named Wendy Apple. Any one out there know how Wendy is doing? I know that, sadly, the shop did go out of business and that it is sorely missed. I remember how helpful the staff was in helping me locate the particular polka dot background fabric I HAD to have to finish the quilt. They bent over backwards.
This quilt reminds me of the terrific visit I had with my sister and her lovely husband Doug. When I go out to Wisconsin, I always hit the local quilt shops (which are amazing), and picked up the pattern and most of the fabric to make the Christmas Cactus quilt on this particular visit. It was Thanksgiving, and my sister was hosting her first Thanksgiving dinner with her husband's relatives. Typically, this event was always held at another relative's home. Mary was nervous, not so much about the cooking, but about the decorating. The two of us went out shopping at Pier One and we came home with an entire set of dishes and table linens, plus a centerpiece decoration. We had so much fun making the house look nice.
The relatives arrived, and were so happy to have their holiday celebration be in a different place. You see, one family had tragically lost their 17 year old son that summer, and this was their first Thanksgiving without him. When you experience such a profound loss, I think it is common to want to break away from your usual traditions and in the hope that it will somewhat lessen the pain of missing your loved one at the holiday. Ergo, that's why everyone was coming to my sister's instead of the usual place. I recall that we lighted a memory candle for the young man, which burned throughout the meal and into the evening. We shared a prayer for him and some fond memories, but it wasn't a terribly maudlin affair at all. There were plenty of smiles around that table. After the meal, we gathered in the living room in front of the fireplace and played some sort of family game—I have no idea what it was, except that everyone was laughing, young and old alike. The house looked great, our tummies were full, and we were sharing the best sort of fellowship. It was one of the nicest Thanksgiving memories I have.
So that is the memory, now about the quilt.
As nice as the quilt is, I made a horrendous error, the kind of error we don't like to talk about. Sssssshhhhh. One of the blocks is turned around wrong and no one noticed it, not even the quilter. I had the quilt over the back of a chair and was admiring it from across the room when something struck me all wrong. Sure enough, there it was, a huge boo boo, standing out like a sore thumb. Now when I look at the quilt it is right where my eye goes.
I still love the quilt, despite its flaw. We all have them, right? And besides, it is the association I make with this quilt and my memories that make it so special. The hole in the pattern of the quilt design makes me think of the hole in the heart of that family that lost their son. Love goes on despite loss, and a quilt can provide warmth and beauty even when imperfect.
76 responses to “Is Mars in Retrograde?”
What a lovely story and I did not notice that there was a flaw until you pointed it out and I went back to look. It is still beautiful.
What a lovely story and I did not notice that there was a flaw until you pointed it out and I went back to look. It is still beautiful.
Touching story Nicole….and great quilt!
Touching story Nicole….and great quilt!
That’s a beautiful story, and the poignancy of the turned block does fit the story so perfectly. I really like the memory candle. I’ve done that for my son. It is a nice way to add them to the gathering.
That’s a beautiful story, and the poignancy of the turned block does fit the story so perfectly. I really like the memory candle. I’ve done that for my son. It is a nice way to add them to the gathering.
Beautiful story for a beautiful quilt. I almost think that every quilt shouldn’t be perfect…even though we think that they should be. You have a great way at looking at the quilt and tying the story with the quilt itself.
Beautiful story for a beautiful quilt. I almost think that every quilt shouldn’t be perfect…even though we think that they should be. You have a great way at looking at the quilt and tying the story with the quilt itself.
I love hearing the story behind a quilt. And almost every quilt has a story.
One thing I’ve learned about looking at quilts – our eye finishes the pattern for us. I think that’s why we miss a turned square here and there. This quilt is absolutely beautiful.
I love hearing the story behind a quilt. And almost every quilt has a story.
One thing I’ve learned about looking at quilts – our eye finishes the pattern for us. I think that’s why we miss a turned square here and there. This quilt is absolutely beautiful.
Beautiful quilt and lovely story. After you mentioned the flaw of course I had to look. Couldn’t see it. Went row by row through the quilt slooooowly and finally found it. If my flaws were that small I would be so less neurotic. LOL!! You can’t even see it until it’s pointed out. Maybe the quilt police can spot it but I am not a member of that organziation. ;0)I belong more the quilt ganstas I guess cause we do our own thing and don’t follow any rules.
Beautiful quilt and lovely story. After you mentioned the flaw of course I had to look. Couldn’t see it. Went row by row through the quilt slooooowly and finally found it. If my flaws were that small I would be so less neurotic. LOL!! You can’t even see it until it’s pointed out. Maybe the quilt police can spot it but I am not a member of that organziation. ;0)I belong more the quilt ganstas I guess cause we do our own thing and don’t follow any rules.
It took me ages to find the mistake you were describing – the quilt is so captivating that it is completely hidden. And the story is lovely – I think quilts with stories are the very best!
It took me ages to find the mistake you were describing – the quilt is so captivating that it is completely hidden. And the story is lovely – I think quilts with stories are the very best!
They say every quilt tells a story and this one certainly does. I did notice the flaw but it really isn’t all that distracting!
They say every quilt tells a story and this one certainly does. I did notice the flaw but it really isn’t all that distracting!
Bravo! The quilt is beautiful and you said it perfectly – “Love goes on despite loss,and a quilt can provide warmth and beauty even when imperfect.” Thank you!
Bravo! The quilt is beautiful and you said it perfectly – “Love goes on despite loss,and a quilt can provide warmth and beauty even when imperfect.” Thank you!
I love the Amish idea of a quilt not being perfect (. . . making it purposefully ‘wrong’ in one block) – so as to be gently reminded that only God is perfect. I purposefully do that in some small way on each of my quilts that I make. (But I guess my vanity comes out – in that I sometimes try to make them as small as I can!) I love the reversed block in your quilt & how it reminds you of the very special time & of a very special memory. That makes it somehow even more ‘perfect’ to me! (&, of course, your piecing is beautiful!)
xo, Bren
I love the Amish idea of a quilt not being perfect (. . . making it purposefully ‘wrong’ in one block) – so as to be gently reminded that only God is perfect. I purposefully do that in some small way on each of my quilts that I make. (But I guess my vanity comes out – in that I sometimes try to make them as small as I can!) I love the reversed block in your quilt & how it reminds you of the very special time & of a very special memory. That makes it somehow even more ‘perfect’ to me! (&, of course, your piecing is beautiful!)
xo, Bren
What a beautiful story to start the day. As always Nicole, your warmth radiates through your words as well as your quilts.
What a beautiful story to start the day. As always Nicole, your warmth radiates through your words as well as your quilts.
Beautiful story (and quilt) – thanks for sharing.
Beautiful story (and quilt) – thanks for sharing.
I had to stare at that a long time to figure that one out! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. Your Christmas cactus is just right! Nancy in WI
I had to stare at that a long time to figure that one out! Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. Your Christmas cactus is just right! Nancy in WI
Love the story and the quilt. I did not notice the “hole” until I went back to look again.
I lost my daughter in July at the age of 29. This a very difficult season for my family. We have broken tradition this year..we had Thanksgiving at my sister’s instead of here. As for Christmas I am still undecided.
Thanks for sharing.
Love the story and the quilt. I did not notice the “hole” until I went back to look again.
I lost my daughter in July at the age of 29. This a very difficult season for my family. We have broken tradition this year..we had Thanksgiving at my sister’s instead of here. As for Christmas I am still undecided.
Thanks for sharing.
Love your Christmas Cactus quilt. I do see the block that is turned wrong, but I don’t think I ever would have it you hadn’t caused me to look for it.
I always call an error like this my “God block.” There’s an old quilter’s tradition from generations ago that you should always make an intentional error in your quilt to avoid perfection, because only God is perfect. I find I rarely have make intentional errors. They seem to slip in without me trying.
Love your Christmas Cactus quilt. I do see the block that is turned wrong, but I don’t think I ever would have it you hadn’t caused me to look for it.
I always call an error like this my “God block.” There’s an old quilter’s tradition from generations ago that you should always make an intentional error in your quilt to avoid perfection, because only God is perfect. I find I rarely have make intentional errors. They seem to slip in without me trying.
What a beautiful story and the quilt is beautiful despite the almost impossible to spot flaw.
What a beautiful story and the quilt is beautiful despite the almost impossible to spot flaw.
Oh, I meant to say that your camera problem sounds like it might be in your memory card and not in your camera. If you have another card, you might try it and see.
Oh, I meant to say that your camera problem sounds like it might be in your memory card and not in your camera. If you have another card, you might try it and see.
Ah! Yes!! That is what quilting is all about! Great post!
Ah! Yes!! That is what quilting is all about! Great post!
Another gorgeous Christmas quilt…and such a touching story to go with it. I love all my quilts…even the flawed ones…even the ones I made before I knew what I was doing…because their all a part of my quilting journey!
Another gorgeous Christmas quilt…and such a touching story to go with it. I love all my quilts…even the flawed ones…even the ones I made before I knew what I was doing…because their all a part of my quilting journey!
Nicole that is the most beautiful story and memory…and a very beautiful quilt.
Nicole that is the most beautiful story and memory…and a very beautiful quilt.
I didn’t even notice your error until I read about it and then went back to go look. Funny how we are about just admiring quilts and not looking for flaws….unless they’re ours. Your quilt is beautiful, as well as the story that goes with it. I Like the warmer Christmas colors you chose. Waiting to read about your other Christmas quilts.
I didn’t even notice your error until I read about it and then went back to go look. Funny how we are about just admiring quilts and not looking for flaws….unless they’re ours. Your quilt is beautiful, as well as the story that goes with it. I Like the warmer Christmas colors you chose. Waiting to read about your other Christmas quilts.
I’m sorry about your mistake, but it was kind of a fun game to try to find it. I love quilt stories. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sorry about your mistake, but it was kind of a fun game to try to find it. I love quilt stories. Thanks for sharing.
Don’t know much about cameras, but I was surprised to hear I should “format” my memory cards … I was unable to view my photos. So, I eventually figured that out and it worked for 2-3 weeks, blah, blah. I can VIEW while in picture taking mode, not VIEW – hey this was an expensive camera 3 years ago! Dang it. Good luck with yours.
I see the block but had to look for a few minutes. It will only add to it’s charm. LOVE it! 8-))) So pretty.
Don’t know much about cameras, but I was surprised to hear I should “format” my memory cards … I was unable to view my photos. So, I eventually figured that out and it worked for 2-3 weeks, blah, blah. I can VIEW while in picture taking mode, not VIEW – hey this was an expensive camera 3 years ago! Dang it. Good luck with yours.
I see the block but had to look for a few minutes. It will only add to it’s charm. LOVE it! 8-))) So pretty.
Love your story about the quilt, and didn’t notice the turned block until you said something. Love the pattern and wonder who did this? Thank you for sharing and love your quilts and stories.
Love your story about the quilt, and didn’t notice the turned block until you said something. Love the pattern and wonder who did this? Thank you for sharing and love your quilts and stories.
I know what you mean about the “boo boo” in the quilt. And if you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have looked for it. I did not see it at first look!!
I made a memory quilt for a friend and like yours, even the quilter didn’t catch the THREE mistakes I’d made. I never saw them until I looked at photos of it. Embarrassing!
Hopefully my friend will never see them. I know how much the quilt means to her, so I don’t think she’ll look for flaws. And neither should we.
I know what you mean about the “boo boo” in the quilt. And if you hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have looked for it. I did not see it at first look!!
I made a memory quilt for a friend and like yours, even the quilter didn’t catch the THREE mistakes I’d made. I never saw them until I looked at photos of it. Embarrassing!
Hopefully my friend will never see them. I know how much the quilt means to her, so I don’t think she’ll look for flaws. And neither should we.
I don’t think the flaw is that noticeable…I didn’t see it until you pointed it out. It actually blends rather well for being a flaw.
What a special Thanksgiving that was to share.
I don’t think the flaw is that noticeable…I didn’t see it until you pointed it out. It actually blends rather well for being a flaw.
What a special Thanksgiving that was to share.
I, too, had to go back and look for the humility block. What a wonderful memory quilt this is, though.
I, too, had to go back and look for the humility block. What a wonderful memory quilt this is, though.
Beautiful quilt Nicole and what a lovely memory associated with it. Why is it when someone points out their mistake, that we all feel compelled to go back and look for it? Thank you for putting so much of yourself in your blogs. Your blog is now my enjoyable addiction!
Beautiful quilt Nicole and what a lovely memory associated with it. Why is it when someone points out their mistake, that we all feel compelled to go back and look for it? Thank you for putting so much of yourself in your blogs. Your blog is now my enjoyable addiction!
I didn’t see the error until I went back and looked for it….
I love the story of the quilt, thank you for sharing it.
(Is it the Amish that purposefully put an error in their quilts because only god can be perfect?)
SheilaC
shecarita(at)yahoo(dot)com
I didn’t see the error until I went back and looked for it….
I love the story of the quilt, thank you for sharing it.
(Is it the Amish that purposefully put an error in their quilts because only god can be perfect?)
SheilaC
shecarita(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a lovely quilt and warm story to go along with it. I love all of your quilts. You do such a magnificent job and your enjoyment of making them alway shows. Looking forward to seeing all of the Christmas quilts.
What a lovely quilt and warm story to go along with it. I love all of your quilts. You do such a magnificent job and your enjoyment of making them alway shows. Looking forward to seeing all of the Christmas quilts.
Beautiful story, Nicole, thanks. Your idea for “Tales of Christmas quilts” is wonderful.
Ciao. Piera
Beautiful story, Nicole, thanks. Your idea for “Tales of Christmas quilts” is wonderful.
Ciao. Piera
Nicole, your quilt is gorgeous in spite of the error. I agree with what others have said about the Amish rationale for making a deliberate mistake in a quilt.
I had that very same error on my camera this afternoon. However once I had taken the memory card completely out of the camera, then inserted it carefully again, it worked! I think maybe I had popped it in a little too quickly the last time. Anyway, give this a try – it just might work for you too. Fingers crossed!
Nicole, your quilt is gorgeous in spite of the error. I agree with what others have said about the Amish rationale for making a deliberate mistake in a quilt.
I had that very same error on my camera this afternoon. However once I had taken the memory card completely out of the camera, then inserted it carefully again, it worked! I think maybe I had popped it in a little too quickly the last time. Anyway, give this a try – it just might work for you too. Fingers crossed!
Thank you for a beautiful post.
Your story behind the quilt is very meaningful. The turned around block in the quilt symbolises loss well. At first glance all is perfect. Its only when you look closely, you see what isn’t there.
We light candles too.
Thank you for a beautiful post.
Your story behind the quilt is very meaningful. The turned around block in the quilt symbolises loss well. At first glance all is perfect. Its only when you look closely, you see what isn’t there.
We light candles too.
I didn’t notice the error until you mentioned it and had to go back and look hard to find it. I still think it is as beautiful the first time I looked at the photo. Holiday celebrations are always the hardest after just losing a loved one and going to a different place is a wise plan.
I didn’t notice the error until you mentioned it and had to go back and look hard to find it. I still think it is as beautiful the first time I looked at the photo. Holiday celebrations are always the hardest after just losing a loved one and going to a different place is a wise plan.
It’s a lovely quilt to be sure, your story was lovely as well. I’m so glad you changed up your picture on your blog, the quilting on this is stunning.
It’s a lovely quilt to be sure, your story was lovely as well. I’m so glad you changed up your picture on your blog, the quilting on this is stunning.
its actually when Mercury is in retrograde.. not Mars.. but neither are right now!
its actually when Mercury is in retrograde.. not Mars.. but neither are right now!
Hi Nicole! I’ve been a reader of your blog for the past year and love all the quilts you make. I have fallen head over heels for the Christmas Cactus quilt and was wondering if you could tell me who makes it so I can buy the pattern. I googled it but had no luck. Respectfully, Shelley in NB
Hi Nicole! I’ve been a reader of your blog for the past year and love all the quilts you make. I have fallen head over heels for the Christmas Cactus quilt and was wondering if you could tell me who makes it so I can buy the pattern. I googled it but had no luck. Respectfully, Shelley in NB
Thank you for sharing both the story and the quilt. Both are just wonderful!!
Thank you for sharing both the story and the quilt. Both are just wonderful!!