Let's call him Clay, although that is not his real name. He was intimidating when I first met him. And remained so for some time.
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| Finished!!! |
Clay was gruff in his manner, rarely smiled and was blunt to not just me, but everyone. He just had no time for niceties. By and by, I realized that he is an excellent manager, razor-sharp, no-nonsense, very knowledgeable about the project and extremely supportive of his team.
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| Kaffe Fabrics |
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| Folded Squares for Snowballing |
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| Purple & Green |
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| Backing Fabric |
As a new employee, I had my fair share of challenges. One time, as I was trying to understand the history of the project, I sought one of the managers' permission to attend a particular meeting. The manager extended the invitation to me. I attended, listening in rapt attention.
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| Basting |
There were several other senior team members in that meeting. One of them sent an email to Clay, asking what was I doing at that meeting. Clay's response was - Trying to do her job.
In short, Clay defended me and told this person to let me be.
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| Quilting in Process |
Clay's favorite color is purple.
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| Reddish Purple Binding |
One day, as he signed my timesheet with his signature purple pen, I asked him. Do you have more of those purple pens?
He opened his drawer to show me three boxes containing a dozen pens each.
I thought you are going to retire soon. Why do you need so many of them?
We both laughed!!!
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| Almost there |
One day, I asked him if he would join me for lunch.
He declined, mentioning that he was on a diet.
Few weeks later, I asked him - How's the diet working out?
Not good, he responded.
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| Labelled |
Cookies are his shortcoming, I believe.
Me: I saved you a cookie
Clay: Just one? I can't eat just one.
We both laughed.
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| Finished Size - 76" by 98" |
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| In my yard |
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| I see stars |
Me: I just ate one and I will eat the second one, if you decline.
Clay: Do you want to?
Me: No, I made them and I saved this for you.
Clay: You did. Well, then I will have to get it.
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| Loving the colors |
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| Colorful!!! |
He has been threatening to retire for over two years now. I knew I had to make him a quilt.
The next part (choosing the color) was easy - Purple, of course!!!
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| Ready for Picnic? |
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| All rolled up |
I don't think Clay is aware of my blog or my interest in quilting. So I feel safe sharing this with you.
Also sharing with
One Monthly Goal and all my favorite linky parties.
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| Respectfully Yours |
This is my tenth quilt of the year and the second queen-sized one.
What have you been up to? I'd love to know, as usual.
That's a beautiful quilt and such a nice story. Thanks for sharing both
ReplyDeleteAmazing quilt and such a thoughtful gift! I loved reading our story and your writing style! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLovely story! I know few men who like purple---my former boss was one! Beautiful quilt with deep saturated colors. He's a lucky man!
ReplyDeleteHow will he be able to resist this lovely quilt? I love the colors here, especially that backing. Luscious! I see the stars, too! Just a beautiful gift. I'm sure he will love it!
ReplyDeleteLovely story and gorgeous quilt! He'll probably shed a tear or two at your thoughtfulness.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt and lovely story to go with it.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt and a great story.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt! I'm sure "Clay" will love it.
ReplyDeleteOh lovely quilt and great to see it develop, a bit like your relationship with Clay. He's bound to love it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely and very thoughtful retirement gift Preeti. It is interesting how relationships develop, he sounds like a nice man and a good employee and manager. What have I been up to? After a few flat days I've been making blocks, and getting ready to start Gypsy Wife, I'm quaking.
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt and the story!
ReplyDeleteFun story and lovely quilt. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish.
ReplyDeleteAlways love your stories, very fun colorful quilt as well.
ReplyDeletePerfect- what a great post and gift quilt. The world needs more managers like Clay who defend their team members.
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt and the post. I hope Clay appreciates all your beautiful work. He seems like a good boss. Love the pattern also. mary in Az
ReplyDeleteYou have been very productive and it is a beautiful quilt. I know that Clay will be touched by his gift.
ReplyDeleteAs I started reading this, I thought, oh no, he is sick or something. Now that I know it is a retirement gift, I'm breathing easier and seeing how happy this quilt is. What a wonderful gift for someone who sounds like a wonderful manager. A great send-off for him, although that probably rocks your world a bit as there will be a transition time within your office. I'm so impressed with how you combined those Kaffe Fassett prints. They blend so well, but each retain their identity, not easy to do at all in my opinion. I'm curious: how big are the squares/blocks?
ReplyDeleteI used the 6" strips from Kaffe. The finished 4-patch block is 11", wherein the individual squares finish at 5.5". Started with 11.5" white squares for snowball block, also finishes at 11".
DeleteWhat a wonderful gift - I'm sure he will treasure it! Sounds like you two have a good relationship. Maybe he'll gift you the purple pens!
ReplyDeleteHi Preeti,
ReplyDeleteI think Clay will love this quilt when you give it to him. He sounds like he has warmed up to you, and is definitely supportive. The fabrics you chose for his quilt are lovely - great for him yet so much your style as well. ~smile~ Roseanne
You are so sweet and generous. I love reading the stories behind your quilts. He will love this for sure.
ReplyDeleteLove Clay's quilt and so will he!!!! I know what you mean about those "people" that appear gruff and short... Most of the time i found that type the best type to work for... They just give you a directive and you follow thru:)) Been a while though for me!
ReplyDeleteWorking on a donation quilt right now for a "cocker spaniel rescue".. LOVE doing donation quilts:)) GB not sure how to share here, but i'm always found at M*QC
I'm sure this quilt will be treasured. Maybe you'll get a few purple pens in return :) I'm working on a baby quilt, a remake of my Wandering Geese throw, and a new pattern. Which one first? Time to leave the computer and make a decision!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your unique to you approach in writing this post. He will love the time and effort you put in to this lovely purple quilt and will remember you for years to come, if and when he ever retires. What a thoughtful gesture! Ten quilts this year! That's excellent. Although I feel as though I never stop sewing, I can't boast that many. I'm working on quilting a ten year old UFO. Thought it was finally time to get it out of the pile!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to honor a well-respected colleague! The color/fabrics are beautiful. He may even shed a tear when he opens the gift.
ReplyDeleteLovely story, beautiful quilt, lucky Clay.
ReplyDeleteAs always, the story of the inspiration or purpose of your quilt is just lovely. Like Janine, I thought he was ill. I am so glad it is a retirement gift. He will love it. What a generous gift of your time and labor. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's not difficult to imagine how Clay would warm up to you. You have a beautiful way of making people like you. The quilt is simply gorgeous and I'm sure he'll be blown away by this generous gift. As always, I enjoyed reading your post. And seeing the quilt come together as you progressed along with the story. Thank you for being you!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a lovely background for the quilt. I am sure it will be loved. Maybe a bit grumpily :) You should find a big enough Ccookie box/ tin box to fit it into for giving lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous story, and a wonderful quilt I'm sure will be appreciated :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt! I am sure that Clay will love it. I always enjoy reading the stories behind each of your quilts. Isn't it funny how when you take the time to start peeling away the gruff layers that people have, you find things like purple pens and a crazy sweet tooth :)
ReplyDeleteI am going backward through your blog and have gotten to March of this year! I'm lost on the technical stuff but am enjoying the prettiness and your funny posts, especially the little snippets of Paul-conversation! I am sure Clay loved his gift!
ReplyDeleteI loved the story and the quilt you shared today. Both went hand in hand very beautifully. I'm sure "Clay" will love the quilt, you definitely brought out the soft side in him.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you can wait until he retires to gift it to him? It is so pretty, and I am sure you will break the gruff exterior when you give him this quilt.
ReplyDeleteHe is going to struggle with emotions when you give him this beautiful quilt, Preeti. What a generous gift.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that you learned a great deal from him, even while breaking down that tough facade. He is one lucky man for having known you, too. Fantastic story and a stunning quilt!
Beautiful quilt. Love your story, too.
ReplyDeleteClay will be thrilled with the quilt.
ReplyDeleteA great story and a great quilt! Can't get much better than that. Love your sharing with us and the quilt is fantastic. The whole process was inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThe story and your quilt are fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Preeti! Such a wonderful gift for Clay. Tenth quilt this year and you're doing big ones! Now you've made me want to make some cookies... Tomorrow! I have a quilt to quilt!
ReplyDeleteIt is perfect for Clay. Purple was a great choice, but it isn't really over the top purple. Congratulations on #10.
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me smile. :) I have an uncle just like this
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story. So good of you to see the good in someone, and especially kind to me him such a lovely gift. It's really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky guy! That is a fun quilt.
ReplyDeletexoxo
The more of your blog posts I read preeti the more I love your style of writing . You make me laugh !
ReplyDelete