JACOB BOWLING
SPECIAL TO THE REGISTER
In the cozy warmth of her home in Muldrow, Susan Foreman is carrying on a cherished family tradition— quilting with her mother, Myra. For Susan, quilting is more than just sewing fabric together; it’s a way to weave memories, love, and family history into every stitch.
“I remember as a little girl, my mom would gather scraps of fabric and show me how each piece could tell a story,” Susan recalls, smiling as she carefully selects colorful patches for their latest quilt. “Every quilt we make is like a family album—each stitch represents a moment, a memory, or a piece of our heritage.”
Every weekend, Susan and her mom set up their quilting station in a sunny corner of the living room. The table is spread with spools of thread, carefully sorted fabric pieces, and well-worn quilting patterns that have been passed down through generations. As they work, they chat about old family stories, laugh at humorous memories, and even tease each other about their differing taste in colors.
“My mom loves bold, vibrant prints, and sometimes I joke that she’s trying to outshine the rainbow,” Susan says with a chuckle. “But she always reminds me that a quilt should be as lively as the memories it holds.”
Their latest project is a large patchwork quilt intended to be the centerpiece at their family reunion this fall. Susan and Myra plan to incorporate fabrics from old clothing, tablecloths, and even hand-medown pieces from previous generations.
“It’s amazing how much history you can capture in a quilt,” Susan explains. “Every piece has a story, whether it’s a dress from my great-grandmother or a scarf from a holiday long ago.”
The process of making a quilt is both meditative and methodical. Hours are spent cutting fabric, sewing patches together, and then layering the quilt with batting and backing before it’s finally quilted by hand.
“There’s a rhythm to it,” Susan reflects. “Just like life, it takes patience and a steady hand. And when you’re done, you have something beautiful that lasts for generations.”
Quilting with Myra has taken on an even deeper meaning since Myra moved in with Susan in 2022. After a long and rewarding 35-year career as a teacher in Arkansas, Myra was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and Susan welcomed her into her home to provide care. Now, their quilting sessions have become a source of comfort and therapy.
“Working on these quilts helps calm my mind,” Myra says softly. “It brings back memories of when I used to teach and share stories with my students— and now, I get to share those stories with my daughter.”
For Susan, the act of quilting with Myra isn’t just about preserving the past—it’s also about celebrating the present. The time they spend together deepens their bond, and the finished quilts are a testament to that connection.
“It’s our special time together,” Susan says. “Every quilt we finish makes me feel closer to her and reminds me of where we come from.”
By continuing this art form, Susan hopes to inspire her own children and grandchildren to value family traditions and the art of storytelling through craft.
“I want them to know that sometimes, the simplest projects can hold the most meaning,” she says. “No matter how much time passes, our family’s legacy will always be stitched into every quilt we make.”
