The Duncan Project: Quilt #101 Stacey Tate donated by Book Club

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Quilt #101 Stacey Tate donated by Book Club

A week or so ago I got a text from one of my dear friends asking if I wanted to walk the Lagoon Trail. We set up a time and then she mentioned a few others would join us. After the walk, we headed to Cafe Torino for breakfast. After the meal, these amazing women presented me with Quilt #101. I was gobsmacked (I've always wanted to use that word and there never was a more appropriate time) . Tears were streaming and as I reflect on the generosity and kindness of these bookclub women, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. These enduring friendshiips, many spanning 25-40 years, have been woven deeply into the fabric of my life. Through moves and changes, joy and heartache, bookclub has been a loving constant.. It reminds me of the scripture in Colossians 2:2 "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love..."

There were many who supported The Duncan Project, but these women were my greatest support. We lost two sisters during the project, Marilyn Eyre and Toni Chinn. Both received and initiated quilts that were given to those they knew needed them.

There was a card enclosed with my treasured quilt. It reads:

This is a celebration quilt--we all congratulate you on gifting 100 quilts. Your project has blessed both receivers and quilters. Love is in the stitches, the mistakes, and sore fingers (Mary's). Your 100 quilts have comforted many lives across the the nation. You have inspired us to jump out of our comfort zones and reach out to anyone in need of a cozy fabric hug.

We all love you, Stacey! We thank you for allowing us to be part of The Duncan Project. We are grateful his sweet name is associated with LOVE! Love is in the stitches of our lives all pieced together. Love, your bookclub

Later that week I received a text saying that Quilt #102 had been gifted. And #103 and !04 we become synonymous with reaching out in love and comfort. We are HIS hands.

The love in these stitches is happily reciprocated.

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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....