Nine-Patch Togetherness

Last year, we began a new tradition… making quilt squares on the days we’re together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each family member, even the kids 8 and up made a nine-patch square, then embroidered his/her name or initials and the date on the square.

It was amazing how much talk this activity inspired. Both serious and hilarious. Also, the weaving of stories and dreams. And of course we won’t forget how one family member accidentally fooled another by calling “applique” by the term “applecakes.” Soon the other member was asking how he should do his “applecakes.” Enduring family joke now.

We figure the quilt might be ready by the time we have grandchildren. But more than that we figure this is a way to come together that completely rivals going shopping or watching TV. Besides, as Richard Restak points out in Mozart's Brain and the Figher Pilot, handwork is extremely good for the brain.

So we're getting set to pursue a little good-for-the-heart-and-brain-nine-patch togetherness again for the holidays this year. Maybe I should make a real apple cake for the occasion.


Thanks for the tip on Make Something Day, from Random Acts of Poetry: Prepare Your Mind With Culture and Poetry



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