Charlie Browns Christmas Tree

This project our quilt class did awhile back, 8 years ago to be exact, was one that went from bad to worse and never came together as the one our instructor did.

Hers was so cute and festive and perfect. Mine, not so much. 

Actually, not at all. 

If ever there was a quilt that demonstrated all the mistakes a quilt could have, this was it. None of the seams came together and nothing lined up correctly.

Now I'm not going to lay blame because I am by no means a great quilter like the ladies I sew with but at the time we were given this project, I was recovering from leg surgery.

The pieces were already cut, scraps and left over fabric I chose from my stash, and ready to be sewn.

 After boredom set in I decided if I was going to be sitting around I just as well be sitting around sewing.

My recommendation, don't sew under the influence of pain meds.

Once I finished the piecing, I was appalled at the completed  work. So much so,  the hideous quilt top ended in the fabric closet never to see the light of day again.

Years later I pulled it out of the closet, it still was a horrible looking top but I decided it deserved to be finished.

Once the borders were added, I sent it off to a lady who did the quilting.

When she saw the quilt she didn't judge. She was very sweet and gentle with words giving me hope this quilt could be saved.

What ever magic she used on this poor ugly project she somehow managed to transform it. 

She used this beautiful swirl pattern giving it the look of snow blowing and swirling around.

Nine months later, as the Christmas decorations were going up, I decided to hang the quilt only to realize I hadn't added the binding. 

So once again the quilt came out of the closet to be completed.

Still a little apprehensive about displaying the quilt I hung it on the wall in the downstairs family room where it doesn't get much traffic.

Although I must confess, this Christmas quilt has really grown on me. I pass it every time I go down to do laundry and have really taken to it. 

I no longer obsess over the imperfections but see it for what it stands for. 

Pope John Paul called the Christmas tree a symbol of Christ. 

He said, 'This very ancient custom exalts the value of life, as in winter what is evergreen becomes a sign of undying life, and it reminds Christians of the 'tree of life' of Genesis 2:9, an image of Christ, the supreme gift of God to humanity.

God loves us for who we are and doesn't see our imperfections, He sees only our potential and who we can become.