Author Archives: The Cottage Quilter

My name is Symantha and I'm about 6 years into my quilting journey. Some of my loves are my family, my furkids, my friends, my home, quilt making, gardening, art, music and Elvis. Thank you for checking out my blog. Remember this, quilting is cheaper than therapy. ♥ Symantha

Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014 is almost here! I can’t believe how time flies. Hoping for a nice quiet holiday with my family and friends. Got my tree up and getting the house ready for our new addition, Bettie Jean. She should be here this week, hopefully. I am so excited! We went to Madison, IN and picked up the frame. Thank you Billy, for all your help! I don’t know what I would do without you. Carmela and I took the U-Haul back and dropped it off. That thing was HUGE.. Don’t think I’ve ever driven anything like that and of course my bestie had to take a pic. Will post that later. Here is one of our tree. I think she turned out quite beautiful. Prettiest one we have had since Christmas 2011. We lost Devin in August of 2012 and I could barely make it through, much less decorate my home. Devin loved Christmas, so I try to feel him with me as I go through the next couple of weeks. As long as my kids are with me and my Billy, I will make it and it’s nice to know that now.

My heart breaks for all of the grieving parents who have lost a piece of themselves to death and are trying to find their way to live on. Wrap your arms around them all and their families, dear Lord and let them know you are near them all to love and care for them as they face the hardest journey of their lives. Amen

God Bless us all,

Symantha

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My Sewing Room

Here we go.. Looking forward to getting my new (to me) Fusion Longarm quilting machine.. Billy is working very hard to get my sewing room all freshly painted and looking good for her new home. Thinking I may name her Bettie Jean. In honor of my mom and my sweet aunt Bettie. We shall see if it sticks. 🙂

Really excited about starting some new chapters in my life. With my guardian angels by my side, I am moving forward and so looking forward to making progress with something I love to do so much. I have had lots of inspiration lately, coming from everywhere. Thank you Mrs. Harriet Carpanini for giving me first chance on your fantastic machine! Here is a pic of our first meeting. So exciting! I can’t wait to bring her home.

Bettie Jean and I Dec 2014

Quilts for Devin

I think I will start a new quilt today. I’m thinking a fall quilt would be nice. Devin loved the idea of me making quilts. He was so excited about the fact that I would be able to make a quilt for him. In fact, my very first quilt was made for him, but sadly he passed away before I could even start on it. I had been collecting fabrics in Americana, just as he had requested his quilt to be made of. I finished the piecing at  “HollyHock’s Quilt Retreat” at Rough River, KY in February of 2013. The following year, in 2014, it won 1st place in the quilt show, at the very same retreat. It was very comforting to hope, that maybe….just maybe, he could see all the love I put into making this simple little quilt, that was made just for him. It’s finished now, quilting and all and will eventually be given to Dustin. I see this quilt every day, as it hangs in my living room. It will always be a symbol of love and loss, and the most beautiful and meaningful one to me.

Here is my Devin quilt: This is a pattern from Primitive Gatherings.

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I’ve decided to use Primitive Gatherings fabric for my fall quilt project. It’s my intention to begin a new quilt very year. We shall see.♥  

I've decided this fabric will make something lovely.

Happy Birthday, Devin. ♥

Devin 2011
Beautiful Dream
Beautiful eyes that shone so bright,
Eyes that danced like flickering light,
A beautiful soul no longer here,
The need and longing to have you near,
My tears come down like the pouring rain,
There is no way to hide my pain,
All I have left is a memory,
And the hope that I’ll see you in a beautiful dream.

Today you would be 32. You cannot even imagine how we miss you. Rest easy my sweet son.
Love,
Mom and Dustin