The Unfinished Sampler, Cross 'N Patch

I feel fortunate because Utah and the Intermountain West are unique even to the United States. The westward migration brought pioneers from the Eastern Seaboard and adventurous homesteaders from every part of the land: north, east, and south. It also brought immigrants from every European country. Forced to tame the wilderness, there wasn't much time left for things of beauty. Women yearned to soften their harsh surroundings. The spinning wheel, needles, fabric, and thread were in use whenever possible. Precious minutes were never wasted and became the quiet, restful, contemplative part of the day. Any piece of fabric that was created by a loved one --let alone an embellished piece-- became a family treasure. Hence, in teaching me how to stitch, my grandmothers were initiating me into an important part of women's work. The things they left behind spoke of the family's origin, its heritage, and its love of beauty. ~Emie Bishop