The Duncan Project: December 2018

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Quilt #70 Duke Children donated by Mary Duke and Joyce Wickham

The Duke Children receiving their quilts on Christmas 2018. Ali. Maddi, Alex, Britni and TJ.

ennis

Shirley receiving Quilt #4 back in the summer
of 2016

This post lets me know that this project is starting to gain a life of its own. These four quilts were made by Mary Duke and her friend Joyce Wickham from the jeans of recipient #4 and her husband. Shirley and Dennis Sawyer were true examples of Christlike service. They both passed away in the last couple of years and these four quilts were created for Dennis and Shirley's grandchildren.

When Shirley was passing, she asked Mary to re-gift her quilt to someone in need. When Mary went to retrieve it, her father Don had it placed nearby and said he wasn't quite ready to part with it yet. It was one of the last items his wife has used and it held significance to him.

That is the magic of quilts. When a quilt is gifted with love and meaning it is more than fabric and thread, it contains the deepest yearnings of our hearts to convey love, hope and good will (or whatever comfort is needed) from the creator to the receiver.

I feel so much gratitude when someone allows their quilts to be part of The Duncan Project. It reminds me of the connective threads of love we all share.

I can only envision Shirley and Dennis watching these quilts created from their clothes passed along to remind their grandchildren of their love and the legacy of their service.

Love in the stitches....

The Beginning

The Duncan Project was conceived one day shortly after Duncan's passing while I was out walking the dog. At the time, I was praying and pleading for understanding and acceptance. One of the tender mercies I received was a very clear answer that it was God's will and that "it's okay." Armed with that knowledge, I looked for a way to process my own grief, while turning my heart to God and honoring Duncan. To learn the lessons Heavenly Father has for us and in response increase my love and support to those in need.

I remember distinctly two separate occasions in my life of great distress where I received a handmade quilt. These were not merely blankets for warmth (which in one instance was very much needed) but works of art. The best loving hands have to offer and I felt deeply comforted. I could feel the love in the stitches.

My mind started to contemplate if these quilts could be created as a comfort and a way to show love to those in time of joyful or difficult transition. Would this also be the means of healing for my broken heart? The Spirit whispered yes. I have invited close friends and family to join me in making quilts and identifying recipients. In this blog, I will tell the stories of givers and receivers. So the journey of a 100 quilts begins....