The Secret Thread of Being a Good Neighbor

I’ve always loved how certain weeks seem to wrap themselves around a single theme. This week, that theme was Connections. It started early Saturday morning at the Ship-Chic event. Before the doors even opened to the public, a fellow quilt vendor stopped by my booth. Our styles couldn't be more different, but the "language" we spoke was the same. We stood there swapping stories about techniques, favorite patterns, and the projects currently fueling our passion. Later that day, I was able to return the visit, seeing her work and chatting  even more.  We both agree (and love) that you can give 2 quilted identical stacks of fabric and the final products will be completely different and absolutely lovely.  They will reflect the style, techniques, and vibes of the individual creators.  

I made time to visit with even more makers—including the person behind our household’s favorite handsoap! It’s the best thing we have ever used for those winter cracked hands.   There is something so restorative about those "maker-to-maker" moments; even a lady who stopped by just to share her current sewing projects and future dreams left me feeling like we were all part of something bigger.

That feeling of kinship followed me online, too. My feed has been overflowing with support for a friend and former classmate, Alex (@alextheforager), who is currently being featured in Norway’s adaptation of The Great British Bake Off. I’ve spent years watching his reels of foraging and baking, but seeing our old classmates rally around him from across the globe was a powerful reminder of how deep our roots can go. His humor and genuine love for his craft are exactly what the world needs right now. His cat is pretty cute too! 

Then, of course, there was my first quilt guild meeting. I’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: walking into a room full of strangers and immediately feeling "at home" because we all speak the same language of fabric is a gift. I’m already looking forward to the friendships that will grow from that room and the lessons I have yet to learn.

All of these moments came into focus as I listened to the final page of The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers. One of his most famous philosophies was that "anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that’s mentionable can be more manageable." In my workspace in Tipton, the work is often solitary. But this week was a vivid reminder that we weren't meant to create in a vacuum. Whether it’s swapping technical tips at a craft show, cheering on a baker in Norway, or finding a seat at a new guild meeting—these are the threads of communication that actually hold us together.

At Lots of Love - Killey, I’ve realized we don’t just sew fabric; we stitch together support and encouragement. We are all neighbors in this creative life, and I am so incredibly grateful for the connections that make this work—and this life—so much richer.