Kris and John Driessen, owners of The Quilt Bus and Hickory Hill Quilts, lost their home and nearly all their possessions in a devastating fire on July 23, 2002. Thanks to the generosity of my newsletter readers two Heart Quilts were made and sent to the Driessen family for their new home in February 2003. It was truly a labor of love by many hands, stretching around the globe. Over 250 heart blocks were stitched by both dear friends and complete strangers, upholding the time-honored tradition of quilters reaching out their hands to help another. The first quilt was pieced by Jeanette Mateer of Cheboygan, MI. It was quilted by Sharon Williams of Madison, AL.
Below is Kris' response to receiving the quilts: "I can't describe my feelings when I opened the package you sent me with the two quilts made of blocks donated by your readers. I knew the finished quilts were coming, but I just wasn't prepared for the overwhelming rush of emotion I felt when I pulled them out of the box. The quilts are so wonderful, bright and cheery and full of love. My husband and I spent the rest of the afternoon looking at each block and marveling at the care and concern stitched into each one. All these people taking time out from their busy lives to send a virtual hug to us! It was truly overwhelming. Best compliment of all - our teenage daughter Kelli came home from school and promptly called all her friends over to come and look at them! You will be pleased to know the two quilts are now security wrapped in plastic, placed in Rubbermaid bucket right by the back door of the house we are renting. If this house catches on fire, everyone in the house has instructions to take that bucket out first! When we get to the rebuilt house, one of them will have a place of honor on the dining room wall. Kelli called dibs on the other - she is already designing her bright and beautiful new bedroom around the quilt." |
