I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Our high school church choir was touring, and we stayed in homes of people from the church that hosted us. My friend and I were assigned to this precious lady who lived alone, and having houseguests was fun for her.

I noticed little pieces of fabric in a basket beside her chair that appeared to be quilt blocks, but something was strange. The squares were already quilted! This is the first time I had seen a technique like this.

She took her work out for me to see, and it was a Cathedral Window quilt in process. She painstakingly showed me how it worked and explained that when you were finished piecing, you were finished quilting. I was mesmerized. I fell in love with Cathedral Window quilting. It was all done by hand—every tiny stitch.

The next morning when it was time to leave, she handed me a little stack of fabric. She had made step-by-step samples for me to take home. I still have those in my sewing room, along with a small sample of my own work. It reminds me that she took time to teach me this lovely quilt block.

I have thought about that day many times and the life-changing moment that occurred. Long before the Internet, we learned from other quilters. I can still see the lady’s delicate hands as she proudly shared her work—stitch by stitch. I think she took great pride in sharing this technique with a high school girl. This sweet lady just made my day.

I always want to encourage people to try new techniques. You never know how a few minutes can bring happiness that will last for a lifetime. The tradition of being taught by others is still how we learn best.