Tribute to Stoney Bretz

Warning!  This is not a post about how to sew anything or any new sewing technique.   No, this article is about the loss of a dear friend and a sewing enthusiast.  This morning (December 21, 2021) Stoney Bretz passed away peacefully at her new residence with her husband, Donald, by her side.  She got her third diagnosis of cancer about five months ago.  Our Wednesday morning sewing group was at her house when she received the call.  She took the news calmly as if it were just a call about a routine visit with a doctor.  I got a sinking feeling in my stomach.  I knew that this time there might not be a miracle.  I went home with a deep sadness in my heart.  I was afraid this time might be the last.  She was already having a lot of pain even before the diagnosis.

Stoney took the chemo and radiation treatments in stride even though they were painful, especially the radiation.  The pain never left her.  Each time I talked with her on the phone, her voice sounded weaker, and she sounded so tired.  I visited her at home a few times and each time I could see the weariness and the toll of the pain.

Then she fell during the night and was taken to the hospital via ambulance.  I knew things were getting bleaker.  Then Stoney and Donald were moved to a senior living apartment with care available for both of them.  I was relieved that they would receive the care they needed, but I also knew things would never be the same for my friend or for me either.  Life changes!

This morning I went to visit Stoney.  As my husband, her husband and I sat and talked, Stoney quietly and peacefully slipped away.  She escaped that horrible pain and went to eternal peace!

Stoney had many friends in the local sewing community.  She hosted three different sewing groups at her home; providing sewing machines for everyone in the groups so they wouldn’t have to transport their own machine for the meetings.   She shared a wealth of knowledge about quilting, sewing, and embroidery with all of us in those groups.  If someone needed something they forgot to bring, Stoney could usually come up with it.  I think I sewed with Stoney in these groups for about twenty-five years.  I enjoyed all those years and thought they would continue forever.  All good things really do come to an end eventually!

Stoney was a member of the Lansing Clippers American Sewing Guild and hosted meetings for the Embroidery Neighborhood Group at her home once a month.  She was also a member of a local quilt guild and a painting guild.  She was always generous with her time and her talents.  She taught many of us how to quilt and taught others how to improve their sewing, quilting, and embroidery techniques.

Stoney Bretz has left this earth but will not be forgotten!  May she rest in peace.

Judy

 

 

 

Are You Inspired or Driven to Sew?

Usually, I sew garments or bags and then post an article on my blog about the item.  Lately, I have not sewn much of anything and, therefore, I haven’t posted on my blog.  It isn’t that I haven’t sewn at all.  I have, but it has been a hodgepodge of items.  The mixture includes children’s tee shirts, potholders, dish towels, and hot pads.  I have also altered tee shirts and pants that no longer fit me.    All of this caused me to wonder if I am inspired or driven to sew.

One definition of inspire is “to stimulate or impel to some creative or effective effort”.  That said, I am often inspired by many sources.  I get ideas and inspiration from seeing what others sew.  That is why I love to belong to different sewing groups.  I also like to see what styles are current in ready-made fashion.  Inspiration is there for the taking.  And remember, what you sew may inspire others to sew. 

Perhaps you are inspired by the creative process.  I think most people I know who love to sew fall into this category.  Create can mean “to make or design something requiring art, skill, invention, etc.”.  I think we can agree that every time we sew something, we make something that requires skill.  Sewing can also require imagination and invention.  Sometimes we have to create a different way to get the end result we desire.    

 One definition for drive is “to work or try hard to reach a goal”.   It can also mean “the power or vigor to get things done”.   We need drive to finish those projects we start.  Sometimes the projects are difficult and time consuming.  Then we need the drive to push through and complete the job.  We also need drive for the mundane ones as well.  Those could include mending, altering, and making small gifts, i.e. potholders, dish towels, etc. 

We may be inspired to make clothes for ourselves, but maybe the standard patterns don’t fit our bodies.  In that case, we definitely need the drive to develop fitting skills in order to reach our inspired goal of sewing clothes. 

In answer to my question, I think we are both inspired and driven to sew.  The really good thing about sewing is the more you sew, the more skilled you become.  And the more skilled you become, the more inspired and driven you are!  I don’t know about you, but I intend to keep sewing and I know the inspiration and drive will be there for me.

Below is a picture of some of the simple, easy items in my hodgepodge of sewing.

Judy