An Emma Story

FW: Emma Allebes Bio

2010-05-23T07:56:00.001-07:00

EMMA ALLEBES

1931-2009

Born in Ogden, Utah - Emma enjoyed being creative her entire life. She and her husband, Ted, lived most of their married life in Northern California and raised 3 daughters (Shenna, Heather, Reaka) while primarily living in Fair Oaks.

Emma always enjoyed sharing her talents and was a custom dressmaker for many years, taught macrame to over 1000 students, and owned a fabric store - Tayo's Fabrics & Quilts - from 1983-1996. She became well-respected in the Art Quilting and Wearable Art community for her artistic designs of both quilts and clothing which were always impeccably constructed. She taught and lectured all over California and her quilts and wearable clothing have been exhibited nationally and internationally.

She loved to create and share her talents. Emma took an 'outside the box' approach to her projects and often liked to add a touch of whimsy and humor to her creations. This exhibit is an opportunity for many to once again see some of Emma's special creations. Many of the items on display are on loan and now belong in private or museum collections.

Emma was a founding member of the California Pioneer Heritage Art Exhibit Committee when she suddenly became ill and passed away in Oct 2009.

Emma's Studio Sale! DISCOUNTS!

2010-05-15T00:15:00.001-07:00

Hello Shenna, I wish I could have made it to your studio Sale. I am sure Emma had some lovely things. I always admired her work and her sly humor in her pieces.

Take care

Sincerely

Rachel

Rachel D.K. Clark

info for Studio Sale

2010-05-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

EMMA ALLEBES STUDIO SALE INFO:

Some quick info that will help you (and us!) with your shopping today!

Helpers - who can help you or answer questions are wearing nametags

We aren't 'dealing' on Friday. We will definitely be 'dealing' on prices on Saturday from noon until 3. If you want to leave your name, email/phone #, name of item and price you're interested in paying if the item is still around at the end of Saturday we will be happy to contact you. Or of course, you're welcome to return on Saturday!

We will not be cutting any fabric all pieces are sold 'as is'.

We have 4 different areas with Great Items!:

GARAGE: Antique Oak Roll Top Card File Cabinet circa late 1800's, Christmas & Santas, Halloween, glassware & collectibles, knick knacks, dishes, costume jewelry, baskets, Wolf dress form, lower half of black & white mannequin, quilt rack, quilt ladder, etc

STUDIO: vintage quilt tops, handpainted 'Rooster' stool, wooden organ pipe, special collectibles, stamp collection (some Hitler and WWII), shell buttons (2040 sold as a 'lot'), limited edition prints, cloth dolls (many made by Emma), cloth doll accessories/patterns/tools, 'Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs' soft sculpture set by Dorit, 'Q-Snap' quilt frame, books (quilt, craft, needlework, macramé, weaving, etc), 'Hot Wheels' collection, 'Brother' quilting machine, ultrasuede, fabric on bolts, lining, leather, fashion fabrics (velvet, corduroy, silk, felted wool, etc)

PATIO: purses (many macrame made by Emma), a few quilts, sweaters, shoes, clothing, hats, lots of Wearable Art created by Emma

BACKYARD: LOTS of cotton fabric (fat 1/4s, small cuts, larger cuts) and others also. Patterns, trims, notions, batting, ribbon. LOTS of UFO's UnFinished Objects projects started by Emma or leftovers of projects she completed. Look for the boxes marked FREE at the end!

Cashiers are in the backyard please be prepared with cash. We have people to help you with bags and tissue to wrap breakable items.

Emma had LOTS of beads and buttons the majority of those have not been sorted yet by her daughters. They will be available to buy as a 'LOT' after Jan 2011. If you are interested in info about this send an email to: shenna@bmealey.com

There will be a Neighborhood Sale next weekend (Sat, May 22) in this same 'gated community' you are invited to come back as they always have 'Great Stuff'!

If you are a friend of Emma, or would like to know more about her and see examples of her finished work, please go to: www.emmaallebes.blogspot.com

Shenna Mealey

shenna@bmealey.com

www.shennamealey.blogspot.com

Update - Emma Allebes Quilter's Collection SALE!

2010-05-13T19:02:00.001-07:00

Remember - STUDIO SALE!

Fri & Sat, May 14 & 15, 9-3

8833 Barrister Ln, Fair Oaks

the original email is included below this one with more info!

Amazing Prices!

(please remember - this is a gated community and the gates will open at 9am! - not earlier....)

Update and Details about some of the items included in Emma Allebes Quilters' Collection Sale!

LOTS of fabric - bolts, yardage, small pieces - cottons, handwoven Guatemalan, velvet, wool, dressweights, silks, ultrasuede, linens, kimono fab, dyed pigskins and more!

LOTS of books - quilting, crafts, weaving, macrame, dollmaking, needlework (many signed by the author)

LOTS of patterns - fashion sewing, wearable art, dolls, crafts, quilting

Notions - zippers, tapes, trims, ribbons, thread, totes

UFO - lots of unfinished projects!

Handmade Cloth Dolls

Vintage Quilt Tops

Some Beads & Buttons

Quilting Machine - Brother Nouvelle 1500S - maybe 10 hours of use

Wolf Dress Form

Quilt Ladder

Quilt Rack

Wool Stripper for rug hooking

Wearable Art - a nice selection of Emma's original pieces!

Woman's Clothing, Etc - skirts, tops, beautiful sweaters, shoes, purses, costume jewelry

Collectibles & Glassware, dishes, 1921 crosstitch sampler, silver pieces

Hot Wheels Collection

Stamp Collection - some 'Hitler and WWII'

Christmas & Halloween

Santa Collection

Hand Painted Rooster stool

Mannequin - black & white graphic, bottom half only (trunk, legs and stand

Oak Roll Top Card File Cabinet - circa 1890-1920 (approx 7' wide, 4' high, 2' deep)

Wooden Organ Pipe

Original sketches by elinor peace bailey

'Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs' soft sculpture dolls made by Dorit

There really IS too much to list -

....and FREE Stuff!

You're being included in this e-mail because you're part of an organization that our mother loved.

In October 2009, our mother, Emma Allebes, died peacefully. She left behind many creations, collectibles, thousands of yards of fabrics, hundreds of patterns & books.

Over the past several months, family members have had the opportunity to select some of Emma's creations to keep as mementos of a wonderfully creative woman. One of Emma's last wishes was that those creations and possessions that weren't kept in the family should find homes with people who would appreciate them which is why "The Emma Allebes Quilter's Collection Studio Sale" has been scheduled.

If you receive this more than once, it's because we're human and just doing the best we can, not because we're trying to inundate your inbox.

Thank you,

Shenna Allebes Mealey

Heather Allebes Phillips

Reaka Allebes Bushman

(Please share this e-mail with your friends or family that might be interested)

SAVE THE DATE!

Emma Allebes Quilter's Collection Studio Sale

Fri & Sat, May 14 & 15, 9am-3pm

at 8833 Barrister Ln, Fair Oaks, CA

(this is a gated neighborhood - we'll have someone at the gate at 8:45 to let people in - we will not be able to accomodate early shoppers)

Emma Allebes passed away in Oct 2009

....she was an internationally recognized quilter, wearable artist, teacher and lecturer ....

Emma was also the owner of Tayo's Fabrics & Quilts from 1983-1996

Her family is having a Studio Sale of much of her Vast Collection of fabrics and other sewing related items...and more!

Many of Emma's Wearable Art items will also be included in this sale.

(Please share this e-mail with your friends or family that might be interested)

MORE INFO - SEWING RELATED ITEMS:

LOTS of fabric - quilting cottons, specialty fabrics (including hand painted silks), Guatemalan handwovens, velvets, fashion fabrics, wools, felted wool...and more! Small cuts and yardage.

Many sewing related books - many signed by the author.

Many patterns - wearable art (lots of Folkwear), dolls, crafts, quilting, regular clothing patterns.

Many Many UFO projects!

Many 'Bits & Pieces' that are left from previous completed projects.

Sewing notions

A quilting machine

And so much more....

NON-SEWING ITEMS!

There will be antiques, collectibles, vintage quilt tops,

Cloth dolls, wearable art, vintage clothing - all made by Emma.

Christmas décor including lots of Santas.

Hot Wheels car collection

'Snow White & the Seven Dwarves' soft sculpture dolls made by Dorit

The black and white mannequin that Emma was 'famous' for - we're selling just the bottom half - the hips, legs and stand....(the 3 daughters divided up the top!)

Large antique roll-top oak pattern cabinet (this was a fixture at Tayo's during the years that Emma owned it)

BEADS & BUTTONS:

Many people will know that Emma had LOTS of buttons and beads. Emma's daughters decided they just couldn't get through all of those - so some of them will be at the Studio Sale - but the balance of them will be sold later after the family can get together again at Christmas and look through them first. If anyone is interested in buying those as a complete 'LOT' - contact: shenna@bmealey.com.

For more info - please contact shenna@bmealey.com

help for Studio Sale

2010-05-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone - I am sooo grateful for all the help this last week (and before!) from so many good friends - to Mom and me! A gazillion things are priced and sorted and ready for tomorrow.

Several of you have cautioned me about the onslaught of people that may come earlier than 9am tomorrow. Although the gates won't be officially opened to the public until 9am - cars will be able to come in when others (like us!) enter. I'll be there at 7:30am (or just after) to figure out the cash register (yes, we're really going to rock and roll!) and do final set up stuff. If any of you want to take a little time to 'shop' yourselves - you are certainly welcome to come earlier than 8:30.

I've had emails from Reno, Yuba City, Bay Area, Modesto and of course locally from people coming - I think it's gonna be a busy day! Get a good night's sleep and be ready to have Lots Of Fun!...;)!

I will have nametags - just sticker with a place to write your name - so the 'shoppers' will know who the 'helpers' are. Dad has his fridge stocked with cold water bottles. When you get to Dad's - please come find me so I can 'brief you and give you a job'!

I think we're pretty well prepared for Friday with help - Saturday I'm still pretty lean - so if you know of anyone who thinks this would just be so fun to help out - let them know they'd be welcome! You can give them my email info or cell phone (225-4611) to contact me.

There just aren't words to say how grateful I am for all your help! My Dutch Uncle explained to me many years ago that the Dutch people have lots of words for different types of 'love' - like I love my family, I love my dog, I love chocolate in the English language. I wish there were more words for 'Thank You!'.

You're all amazing!

Shenna Mealey

shenna@bmealey.com

www.shennamealey.blogspot.com

Emma Allebes Quilter's Collection SALE!

2010-05-13T14:38:00.001-07:00

Dear Shenna:

Will you please consider selling me a photograph of Emma. She was a tremendous influence on the direction of my quilting, and I truly miss her presence.

See you Friday. I'm hoping to find some thing to keep that was once your Mothers.

Sincerely,

Penny

Emma's Passing

2010-05-11T17:24:00.001-07:00

Hi Shenna. I was glad that you included me in your email notice, and just wanted to tell you how very much I treasure my memories of your Mom, and her role in my quest to learn doll making. It has been many years since my first class taken at Tayo's, and many dolls later. I sure am glad that Emma promoted this craft at the quilt store. I am President of the Flying Phoebes' Doll Club, so will for sure make sure that our members get your email. You have wonderful items of your Mom to cherish, which will for sure help all of your family to remember her while you are all healing from her loss. My regards, Rosie Dennis

elinor peace bailey

2010-05-10T08:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Girls, I wish I could be there. But I live in Vancouver , Washington now and I just can't. Emma was so supportive of me and my teaching and I loved being with her and your Dad. The home they made together was a continually creative enviornment and will always be a part of my most treasured memories. Your Mother's work was crafted with such skill. Her dolls were always amazing. God keep you all and thanks for sharing her for so many years. Love elinor peace bailey

elinor peace bailey - cloth doll patterns, llc
elinor@epbdolls.net

LDS Art Exhibit info

2010-04-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

Hi Shenna,

First off, I want to tell you how sorry I am at the loss of your Mother. I know what a blow it is to loose someone you love so dearly. She left quite a legacy. I miss her even though I no longer live in the area. I always look for her work at the Church History Center when I visit and in the Ensign when they would have the art contest. I think of her often.

I sooooo wish I were there to see the exhibit. I would LOVE to see your mother's work. I have always been awe struck by her talents and loved taking her classes. She always made me stretch beyond my comfort level and I learned so much. I have always received compliments on the things I did as a result of her influence:o)

Sincerely with love,
Carrie Weatherbee

Check out my website!

www.quiltedbee.com

from your inbox. Learn more.

Art Challenge 3

2010-03-08T17:52:00.001-08:00

Art Challenge 3

2010-03-08T17:51:00.002-08:00

Art Challenge also

2010-03-08T17:51:00.001-08:00

Art Challenge entries

2010-03-08T17:50:00.001-08:00

Photos from FQFG 2010 Quilt Show

2010-03-08T17:48:00.001-08:00

Hi Shenna. I finally got some help to install the photos. I will send the ones of the Art Challenge entry.

Ardis Normanly

FQFG Show 2010

2010-02-21T21:48:00.001-08:00

Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild Renames Art Quilt Challenge in Honor of Emma Allebes

2010-02-21T20:31:00.001-08:00

This was taken from the program of the Folsom Quilt & Fiber Guild's 25th Anniversary Show:

When you say 'art quilt' or 'wearable art' among quilters, those in the know think of Emma Allebes and her contributuion to both branches of fiber art as an artist and teacher.

As the original owner of Tayo's Fabrics in Old Town Fair Oaks, Emma nurtured mny fiber artists, wearable artists and quilters in their chosen crafts. Her shop was a place that people gathered to learn together and to enjoy the association with other fiber arts enthusiasts.

This nationally recognized quilt and wearable arts teacher was known for her use of yellow in her creations. Other favorites of hers appeared in the form of black and white checks and many buttons. Her bindings, whether it was on wearables, art quilts or traditional quilts were amazing - all bias, and most often checks.

Emma took an 'outside 'the box' approach to her projects. When she was chosen to 'dress' a lion figure for the Fair Oaks Festival, Emma of course dressed it in a quilt. Moreover, the quilt was designed to turn the lion into a rooster!

Emma's legacy of involvement ranged from the Folsom Quilt and Fiber Guild and the River City Guild, to the Gypsy Traders, Northern Californian Quilt Council and above all, her church. Renaming the art challenge, The Emma Allebes Art Challenge, is a fitting reminder of her serivce to our craft and her positive influenece on all of us who knew her.

Emma Allebes

2010-02-17T16:35:00.001-08:00

I have just snippets of memories: sewing at Zephyr Point Retreat. We stitched next to each other one whole wwwkend. She was making the quilt for your dad as a surprise and it was so interesting watching it come together. Also, modeling for her at the trunk show at Tayo's. That was so fun. I smile every time I remember. Emma's clothes were made for Emma and really looked best on her.

Affectionately,

Sheila Bayley

MEMORIES OF EMMA

2010-01-18T12:04:00.001-08:00

When we moved from San Jose to Fair Oaks in 1972, we bought a house in the Allebes neighborhood off Lakeside Way. Our large lot was over grown and needed clearing. Thus we first met Ted and Emma when they took a squatty palm tree we didn’t want. Both our husbands enjoyed gardening and had that in common. I also got to know Judy, Ted’s mother, who lived in a small house at the back of their property. Our children knew each other, and over the years we admired them as a wonderful family, but Emma and I were so busy with our growing families and different church affiliations that we had little chance for much visiting (that came later).

However, I certainly admired Emma’s talents. I was especially impressed by Shenna’s wedding dress, which Emma designed and Shenna made with a skirt like the petals of an inverted tulip. (This dress was designed at Shenna’s request to resemble a dress Emma made for her as a little girl) That was probably the same wedding with a garden reception at their home, except heaven forbid—it rained in California in May! Emma, always gracious and unflappable, simply moved everyone—with all of us grabbing something--into their fairly small house. It was very crowded with all those people, but, at least, shoulder-to-shoulder, we certainly got to know each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of her quilting classes which I attended (she taught in San Juan Adult Ed ages ago). She made her classes so much fun, because she was down-to-earth, and an enthusiastic and motivating teacher. (Unfortunately, I’ve never followed through with quilting.) I remember a funny story she told the class, about a woman who wanted to pay Emma to make a quilt (I believe as a gift for the woman’s daughter). It was near Christmas. Emma had her hands full and no time to make a quilt, so she quoted a ridiculous price. The lady took her up on it! Many a night she burned the midnight oil to finish that one. That was only one example of her kind-heartedness and integrity.

Another Emma talent, from which I should have taken lessons, was her organization (and probably, also discipline). I remember her impressively organized sewing room—in both their homes—where everything was meticulously shelved, in order, labeled, and catalogued. Little wonder she could accomplish so much.

After we moved away fourteen years ago and my husband died, I gradually lost touch with many of my old neighbors. I have been a long-time member of the Sacramento branch of Pen Women, and happily, I got to know Emma even better when she joined several years ago. We sometimes shared rides to the meetings and visited on the way. There is an obsolete, feminine equivalent of the term gentleman: gentlewoman, and that perfectly describes Emma, always kind, considerate, and thoughtful. Also, I cannot believe how she found the time to belong to so many different organizations, and not only belong, but take an active part. She was our Pen Women president for at least two years. One of those times she reluctantly agreed to another term, but immediately cautioned us, “Don’t tell Ted!”

She was such a gracious and hospitable hostess. My fondest memories are of our delightful PenWomen Christmas potlucks at the Barrister Lane home. Emma and Ted had decorated it with so many artistic touches, and at Christmastime we were enchanted by all those unique holiday decorations. Those were wonderfully warm, and very special gatherings.

Emma, thank you for enriching my life with your friendship, and God bless you abundantly for all you gave us.

From Pat Biasotti.

Emma - thoughts from Holland

2010-01-18T09:46:00.001-08:00

Dear Shenna,

First we want to say that we feel sorry for the lost of Emma. We have great memories of her. She was always very kind and had a great hart on the right place. We wish you all lots of strenght with her lost, specially for Ted.

Frans & Riëtte.

Bio - Emma - submitted for LDS Art Comp

2010-01-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

Emma Allebes, born Oct 23, 1931 in Ogden, Utah, has been married to her husband Ted for 39 years. She is the mother of 3 married daughters and grandmother to 6 and has been interested in Fiber Arts since childhood. Her major in college was Clothing & Textiles, with a minor in Art. Emma has been a professional dressmaker and designed her own clothes for as long as she can remember.

Almost 12 years ago, a long time dream was realized when she purchased a fabric store. It is a full fabric shop called 'Tayo's Fair Oaks Fabric'. Tayo is her husband's Dutch name. Because of the energy needed to develop Tayo's into something very special, Emma's interest in exhibiting her work outside her business had been on hold. Now she feels she can relax a bit and has entered some national and international competitions.

Emma has won blue ribbons, Best of Show and Judge's Choice on local, state, national and international levels for her quilts, art to wear and cloth dolls.

The quilt designed and made by Emma called 'Evolution of the Tomato', was selected for the International Fabric Garden Show which toured Japan in 1990 and is now touring the USA. Emma's 1991 African scrap quilt 'To All Worthy Male Members', depicting 24 men's hands from all over the world, won a purchase award in an International Art Competition, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her quilt, 'Let's Pretend', was selected from Mary Mashuta's Story Quilt book to tour Japan. The American Museum of Quilts and Textiles of San Jose, California recently awarded Emma a 2nd Place in a juried show 'New Faces', for her 'Kimono Quilt'. Her 'Kimono Quilt; received Best of Class award at the 1994 Califronia State Fair. Emma was especially pleased to be included in the Bedford Gallery Show, 'New Directions: Quilts for the 21st Century', again for her 'Kimono Quilt'.

At the International Quilt Market in Houston, Texas, in Oct 1991, Emma was invited as one of 50 designers to design a garment for the prestigious Farifield Wearable Art Fashion Show. Her garment 'Diamonds Down Under', was one of 12 selected from the show to go to Holland for 'Quilt Europa', in April 1992.

In June 1991, Emma's garment, 'Tutti Fruitt' was selected for the Bazaar Del Mundo Fashion Show in San Diego. This garment also won a blue ribbon at the 1991 California State Fair. Emma's denim garment won Best of Class for denim art at the same state fair.

In June 1992, at the Bazaar Del Mundo Fashion Show, Emma's garment 'Need a Taxi?', won a special award for designing with a theme. In the Bazaar del Mundo 1993 show, Emma judged the wearable art division of the 1993 California State Fair. Emma's garment 'Symphony and Lace' is part of the 1994 Fairfield Fashion Show and was featured on the cover of 'Craft and Needlework' magazine.

Emma's quilt 'Seeds Are His Promise' was selected for a Merit Award for the 3rd International Art Competition in March 1994, again sponsored by the LDS Church.

She is currently doing fashion shows, lectures and workshops of her wearable art and quilts. Her presentations include Haute Couture Societe in Stockton, The Marin Quilt Show, Sacramento Textile Arts, San Francisco Quilt Guild, Redding Quilt guild and others, where she shows 35 or more of her own garments or a trunk show of her quilts.

Emma devotes about 100 hours a week to her work, constantly exploring new ideas for her 'one-of-a-kind' garments and quilts, and does sell her work to those who appreciate something unique and special.

Her creative clothing classes are held on a continuous basis at Tayo's and the students are always delighted with the imaginative projects she inspired.

Emma believes that the talent to create is God given, and should be shared constantly, which she has done in many different callings in the church. She also participates as an artist in the community. She is currently working on a book, sharing the stories about her work.

PHD 2008 - Fair Oaks Ward RS

2010-01-06T23:10:00.000-08:00

Patience Humility Devotion - this was a challenge issued by the Ward RS that Mom participated in....

*January - select 2 sisters in the ward that you know very little about and find some way to get to know them.

Victoria Cassady and her husband, Dustin, moved into Fair Oaks 4th Ward in June 2008. I sat next to her in RS and we visited, then with Ted and Dustin after church. We invited them to dinner to our home and now Ted and I have a really nice friendship with them both.

The first time I met Elvira Fontaine was when Dorothy Miller brought her to our FHE group gathering, then we visited at church. Monday, Nov 19, we then arranged to pick her up for FHE. Elvira is living with her sister while her husband is in Mexico relocating their job opportunity.

*February - write to one or more of the servicemen and missionaries serving from our ward.

Pam & Kellon Fwoers, who live across the street from Ted and me. Kellon say, 'that one day he will be a missionary' is away at BYU. We keep in touch with him through his mother, Pam. He had a pet rabbit who he was crazy about. This rabbit died a few weeks ago. I was at an auction last week and a ceramic rabbit was on the silent auction table. I bet on it and won the rabbit. It looks much like Kellon'srabbit. When he comes home for the holidays, I will give it to him.

*March - try a new recipe. Make it or one of your favorites and take it to a family.

At Costco, they have wonderful foods for the customers to sample. A chicken with a sauce dish was one we really enjoyed, so I bought it. I didn't take it to a family, but prepared it at home and invited a young man that grew up in our neighborhood, Lance Armstrong, to join us for dinner. We also invited John and Marilyn Johnson, as Marilyn had been Lance's Seminary teacher and had kept in touch with him. Lance is Carla and Bob armstrong's son.

*April - do something extra special for your children or grandchildren. Write what you did and how they responded.

As I was working on a quilt, Ted asked me, 'what is the project all about?' I told him 'it's just for the fun of it.' As I continued and got to thinking about his question, it was at that time I decided that as my grandchildren married they could choose any quilt that I had made, and still had, as a wedding gift. so far three quilts have been chosen by three grandchildren who have been married. One quilt, Ted's favorite, he wants to hid.

*May - start something extra special for your children or grandchildren.

Over the years I have started and stopped writing my personal history. Something always comes up to distract me. At a Daughters of Utah Pioneers meeting, Rhea Edison was complimented on turning in her personal journal. I called Rhea and asked if I could see how she had done hers. She came to my home and brought her outline that she had started with. She loaned it to me and I now have a really good feeling that I can do it. I have made a copy of it and refer to it as I have had the time and I am trying hard to make the time.

*June - fast and attend the temple 4 times this month. Invite a sister then have lunch together.

Because of health issues, I am not able to attend the temple right now. Ted goes and while he is gone I read from the Ensign, Church News or other church books, and feel comforted in my situation. In our home we enjoy having dinner guests rather than lunch.

*July - provide a servie to any organization in church or community.

I am involved in quite a few community efforts. I hold offices in them and try to be an example of the church. They all seem to know that I am LDS and are very respectful of my life style, as I am of theirs.

*August - write a note to someone you appreciate and call a friend you haven't talked to for a long time.

When Victoria Gregerson was a senior in high school, (she was Vicky Welch at the time) she came to live with us. She lived with us most of that year. She now says, 'it wasn't long enough'. We saw her every once in a while, and she was doing fine, active in the church and doing the right things. Now 30 years later our friendhsip continues as she has moved into Fair Oaks 4th Ward.

*September - invite a less active sister to church or a church function.

Ted and I have been Home Teachers and Visiting Teachers to Ray and Shirley Barks for a very long time. Shirley is a member but Ray is not. They are so kind and love to have us come. Over the years we have invited them often to Ward parties, to attend the State Fair and many other functions. On Nov 14, 2008, they will attend the 'Season of Hope' concert with us.

*October - give a non-member a Book of Mormon and a church video with your testimony.

When Toni Mount was baptized in August, we were in attendance and met her husband, Vic, for the first time. Since then they have been to our home several times and Toni especially calls and comes to me for advice on her quilting projects. Vic cannot speak or swallow whole foods, but takes food through a tube. I purchased a book, 'Smoothies', over 40 different recipes. My chance to make someone happy and Toni can give him a Book of Mormon. He was really excited and thumbing thru it as we visited in their lovely home.

Outline for Personal History by Emma

2010-01-05T22:00:00.001-08:00

My Family

Parents, brothers & sisters

where born, deaths, births, sewing, sewing machine

happy home, dinner table, College Whip Club

My Home

rabbits, different homes, good friends, most memorable neighbors

My Schools

Pingree, Lewis, Central, Ogden High, Weber College, BYU

Dating & Marriage

3 children (7 quilts at night), Temple, 9 Grand Children - quilt, 3 great grandchildren

Different places we lived: North Ogden - chicken coop, California, Fair Oaks

Mom's Great-great-great-grandmother

2010-01-05T18:24:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth Patrick is my great-great-great-grandmother on my father's side.

She was born in the State of Virginia on Dec 9, 1793. She had 2 sisters and 8 brothers. She moved with her family to Kentucky where she met and married William Taylor. Elizabeth bore 14 children, 7 sons & 7 daughters. She and her husband joined the church in 1834, all the children old enough joined at the same time.

The Mormons lived and some died when the members settled in one place after another. Much of their belongings were stolen or ruined. She said it was the first time in her life she was made to feel unwanted and like trash, but their actions only made her feel prouder of her religious beliefs. Every place they went from Kentucky, MIssouri, Illinois, there was persecution.

As they arrived in Illinois, William, her husband, became ill. They think it was Typhoid Fever. (read page 27)

Shortly after William died a man offered Elizabeth 40 acres of good land if she and her family would give up the Mormon Faith. She thanked him but said she would never give up her faith. They moved on and arrived in Nauvoo, there an epidemic of malaria took many lives until winter came and the mosquitoes were gone.

Red hankerchief from Joseph Smith & blessing.

Joseph & Brother Hyrum martyred. Elizabeth took food to them in the jail.

The Temple completed - Elizabeth and 3 daughters received endowments there before leaving for the Great Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young. She was present when he was sustained as the Prophet. When he spoke she said his voice sounded like the Prophet Joseph.

She had her own wagon and with her children arrived in Salt Lake Valley. Along with Brigham Young in 1847, she and her children were among the first settlers.

On Oct 25, 1880 at the age of 87, she joined her beloved William. (read last sentence 71)

[These are notes that were written by Mom that were with her DUP stuff - I don't know what book she is referring to.]

Mothers in My Life

2010-01-04T15:27:00.001-08:00

I found these notes in a little notebook of Mom's....seems like maybe it was for a talk she gave in Sacrament Meeting on Mother's Day sometime....

1 - Grandmother - Emma Lindquist

Named after her

Loved her very much

Sang in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Could be sister to David O. McKay (I think this is in reference to her appearance)

She and Grandfather - tailors

She did bead work

H.S. black skirt - keyhole button, 6 skirts

2 - My Mother - Dagmer Edel

Born in Norway - 12 years Salt Lake City

No more sewing - pianist and wonderful secretarial skills

WWII my younger sister (Mildred) and I - grade school

War bases needed secretaries. My mother was Secretary to Com. Officer. She felt bad about being away and on Friday nights she would take my sister and I to Chinese food and dinner.

Christmas 1942, she and my Father both had to work and we had Christmad early before they left. My mother ordered a cab to pick my sister (Mildred) and I up and take us to Hotel Ben Lomand for Christmas lunch. Then the cab came again and took us home. She taught me to cook and to be a good student. My grandmother taught me to sew. Mom and Dad laid a firm and loving foundation for a gospel centered life.

When Ted & I married another mother came into my life, Judy. She taught me some Dutch cooking, Dutch customs, about pewter and brass and copper. So I, along with Ted, could empahsize our childrens' Dutch heritage in our home along with the Scandinavian.

First day I was a mother. Ted said it was okay to tell this story. Need to know Ted is an only child - never seen a newborn baby. He had seen kittens, puppies, calves, colts, rabbits born.

Shenna - born before noon, we had lunch together, Ted was nervous. At 3 o'clock he was still nervous. I looked Shenna over and at 7pm, he was still nervous. I asked him what was wrong. He said, "We need to decide, our baby has no teeth." Our 3 girls have all told their pediatricians that story.

When Reaka was born Apr 3, she was about 1 month old on Mother's Day. We were hustling with 3 small children, Heather 1 1/2, Shenna 4 - young mothers know how that is. After church I rememberd sitting down at home and saying to Ted, "You can have Mother's Day. I want Father's Day.' After that he took care of all the needs of the children and meal prep on Mother's Day. Today he and Shenna's husband, Brian, will prepare dinner for our families.

It's fun to be a Grandmother. Became a grandmother when Shenna became a mother on Mother's Day 16 years ago.

When Heather's youngest daughter Lochlan was born almost3 years ago, Madison (her oldest), then 7, came to me and asked "Oma, because you were the middle one of 3 girls, and my mom was the middle one of 3 girls, does that mean Sloane, (Heather's middle girl) will have 3 girls?" Each family has their own traditions. Time will tell if Sloane carries that one on.

Most of you nkjow I design wearable art. Last year when we were going to Albuquerque to visit Heather & Merritt, Madison asked me to bring my outfit I designed around the Yellow Cab Company. I said 'sure'. Guess what she did? She took me to school for Show & Tell! It's fun to be a grandmother.

Honor mother's in FO 4th Ward:

1 - Mother who smiles

2 - Mothers & Fathers who raise chilldren that smile

3 - Mothers who raise children with special needs

4 - Mothers who serve others

5 - Mothers who are really nice to neighbor children, their own children, to everyone

6 - I pray I'll always be one of these really nice mothers and remain faithful to the gospel....In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

2009-12-09T22:13:00.000-08:00

Mom's maternal grandmother - Emma Lerdahl Lindquist

Mom's mother - Dagmar Edel Hansen Hipwell

Mom - Emma Hipwell Allebes

Mom's 3 daughters

top left - Heather Allebes Phillips

top right - Reaka Allebes Bushman

bottom - Shenna Allebes Mealey

Mom's Guild Presentation....

2009-12-08T19:36:00.001-08:00

Emma's story - taped at a talk given to the Rocklin Quilt Group, May 2, 1994

I'm really hapy that I could be here, that I was invited to visit your group. As Patty said, at the NCQC meeting, I'm so used to having my last name, you know if there's a little hesitation I know that they are trying to call my name. but this was interesting because she was hesitating on "Emma". The "Allebes" was OK, but the 'Emma", that's the first time that's happened.

But anyway, I'm really happy to be here and I usually start my presentation by letting you know how grateful I am for parents who supported me. I think that that's what a lot of us need always in whatever we are doing is a support system or group of some sort to encourage us.

My mother and father didn't come from, ah, I didn't come from a sewing background other than my grandparents were tailors and there had been tailors for several generations. So they decided that my mother would be an artist of music instead. So they devoted a lot of time and energy into her performing as a pianist and so she did crochet, but other than that she could never construct a quilt but she was a wonderful quilter.

We used to have quilting bees at our church and she would go and as a toddler I would along with her and I used to, as probably some of you did, I played under the quilt as the quilters quilted. But before I went to school I was quilting with the ladies. I was sitting up and quilting with my mother and her friends at the church. I am so grateful for their encouragement.

My father was raised on a farm and they are very practical people, but I don't know what it was but they seemed to sense that I needed to be different. I guess I probably, I don't know of many, but I think we could even trace back to the Asian people and even to the African people, all of them who for many generations have really done a lot for wearable art. When you think of the wonderful embroidery and the beautiful colors and I think here in American here in the USA we're probably the most conservative of all the nations when you think of the Scandanavian people and their beautiful embroidery and also the Euiropeans how wonderfull their vests and hats and things were as we look at the costumes of other countries. But here we seem to have gotten a little more simple in our dress until the last few years.

I've always had a real interest in ethnic costuming. I love fur and the Eskimos, that always intrigued me. Fur and leather, feathers from the Indians with their leather that's always been a fascination to me. And when I was in school, if we ever had an opportunity to do something on a different country when your assignment you get to pick a country or a people, it seemed like I was always doing a doll dressed in some wonderful costume to depict that country. I very rarely drew maps or something like that. I was always doing something more three dimensional.

I can remember when I was twleve years old, my first wearable art garment that I did for anyone else, any living person, was my sister. And she was two years younger than I and it seemed like even if it wasn't real practical, my mother and father didn't discourage me, they still encouraged me to do this thing that I wanted to do. And I can still see it in my mind, I can still see my sister on Christmas Day standing in the snow in front of our house wearing these red satin mittens and hat that I had made her for Christmas. Now I grew up in Utah, in the snow, but I just thought as a twelve year old there couldn't be anything more glorious than red satin, even if it was Utah. I don't know if she ever wore them in the snow or for warmth or what, but I still remember that picture and how I had hand quilted these mittens and little hat for her.

It seemed like I had something about red because when I was in college we had a Snow Queen Celebration in the Junior College that I went to. This was after the second World War, I was in college at that time and I had been in grade school before that. But, my father had worked as an accountant for one of the military bases, so he had been able to get at that time a red parachute, you know - like rip-stop. Do you remember seeing those? Well there's a lot of yardage in a parachute. And for some reason that parachute just was in our house for all those years, and that's a long time, it had to have been nine years since ??? that we had this parachute.

So I was nominated for the Snow Queen. I wanted something really different and beautiful and so I said to my father, "What are we going to do with that parachute?" And so I made just a gorgeous evening dress out of that parachute and it was tiered and really full and it had a really full petticoat under it and it was just really charming. And when I told this story once before, I just ened it like that and somebody raised their hand and said "Were you the Snow Queen?" Yeah, I was. But I can remember my father for months and months he would have to pull that evening dress out of the closet to show his friends when they'd come and say "Oh, look what Emma did." He was so proud of that parachute evening dress.

Sometimes you have other things that happen in your life that pertain to your creating, whatever it might be. If you're a painter, a musician, or i f you write , or if you're a poet, whatever it might be. And I seem to have a real thing about shoes. I don't know how you feel about shoes, but I love shoes. And I have a real fun time with them. We were in Southern California and had gone to Rodeo Drive, I had never been there before, it's really a fun place isn't it? Anyway, prior to that time I had been to Tower Shoes, remember Tower Shoe Stores?, and I used to always haunt the shoe stores and especially looked at the sales racks because I wanted to have many shoes not few, so if you got them on sale you could get away with that better. So I noticed in Tower Shoes they had this wonderful pair of shoes that were cloth and I thought 'that's not very practical' but they were sure cute shoes and they were only like $15 or some kind of very reasonable price and they had been very expensive - something like $100 - and they had an ankle strap and I really liked them. I determined that I deserved those shoes. So I brought them home and it was several months after that that we were on Rodeo Drive and we went in this little shop - 'Pier Dieu' - are you familiar with the 'Pier Dieu' fabric, the French fabric?, well it is wonderful. As I walked into the store, I was looking around, I had never been there before, as I looked around and was looking at the trims and there was the trim that matched those shoes so I decided that I had to have some of that trim to go with my shoes. So I went to the gentleman there that was working and I said 'you know, I have shoes that match that trim' and he said 'they're Marlo Thomas' and then he told me the story ...

Apparently this shoe company bought up a lot of that trim and they produced this shoe and they didn't do it legally - they did it without permission. Apparently an individual could do that but you couldn't do that and sell them unless you get permission and so anyway they were apparently facing a lawsuit about this and so that's why they were $15...cause they were told to get those shoes out of the store. And so they got rid of them and I felt really happy. So I have shoes like Marlo Thomas and I'm still wearing mine and maybe she is too. And that was another experience and I did design the dress around that fabric and that was kind of in my smocking era. Do you find that you kind of do that? You smock and smock and smock....In fact I have a grandson that is 15 years old and that was my smocking period. So Chris - who is 15 - and Eric, his younger brother who is 13, during that time I smocked up a storm and they have the most wonderful little outfits that I smocked and then it was 8 years ago that I had my first granddaughter and I now have 4 granddaughters and I haven't smocked anything for them....because I'm not in my smocking era!

I hope to get back into that. I really need to do something for those little girls before they...oh you know, we can always wear smocking.

I have always been one to save labels. Have you ever looked at the labels in a dress or suit? They're really pretty, aren't they? I could never bear to get rid of something without taking the label out. So I had a lot of labels and when my oldest daughter left to go away to college, she was only 16 years old (sic - I was actually 17), and so when she left to go away to college and for her birthday that Feb, she would turn 17, for her 17th birthday, I made her a denim vest using these labels. And she was kind of conspicuous in it but the other kids, cause noboby had seen anything like that before. The denim was from my husband's, a pair of his old coveralls. Then the next daughter, she had to have one but she wanted a jacket and I started using the sleeves of these things and anyway I ended up making 2 vests and a jacket for my 3 daughters out of these labels. And they still have them and are still wearing them and they're really fun and I attached them all with little french knots and other embroidery stitches and if you think about it...I think now we do see it occasionally - someone who is using those labels on wearable art and even on quilts.

There are other things that you might find that will inspire you. A couple of years ago when I was coming out of the California Living section of the State Fair - that's the building where they have all the wonderful quilts during the State Fair and wearable art and embroidery work and needlework of all kinds. Anyway, my husband and I had come out of that building and were walking across the grass, and if you can visualize this as you look across the grass into the next area you see Water World. Have you noticed Water World out by the State Fair grounds? Well for some reason I had never noticed it like I noticed it that day, and maybe the sun was hitting it just right and perhaps it was my mood that I was in, but as I looked over at Water World, I saw about 15 yellow inner tubes and they were up high and they were down low and they were separated at different distances and as I got closer I could see that these inner tubes were being held by people and some of them were tall and some were short, some were men and some were women, some were boys and some were girls and some were heavier so they were further apart and some were little skinny people so they were touching you know the inner tube next to them but it was a fascinating sight and as I looked at all those inner tubes and I saw the people in the background in the water and they seemed to have a pump that had that water just bubbling and with waves in it so it's really fun and exciting - I've never been in there - but it looks like a fun place and all of the faces were happy and this line of inner tubes was lined up and around to come down on the slide. Well I looked at that and I said 'Ted, just look at that'...and he said 'yeah, it looks OK' and I said 'just think what a wonderful quilt!' and he looked at me and said 'Emma, do you ever turn your brain off?' But, you know, I guess I don't very often. It seems like everywhere I look there's something that I can imagine that might be a quilt or a garment.

My problem today, I forgot one quilt that I wanted to bring. How many of you that are kind of my age remember when you were young, 11 & 12 years old so that you listened on Saturday mornings to 'Let's Pretend'? Did some of you listen to 'Let's Pretend'? Do you remember the commercial? 'Cream of Wheat so good to eat, yes we have it every day.' Well that was fun and I used to listen to that every Saturday morning and I wish I had remembered to bring that quilt with me. How many of you have seen Mary Mashuta's book on story quilts? Have you seen that book or do you own that book? It's a delightful book and if you have a story in your life that you want to tell and put it on a quilt, that book will just inspire you. I did put that part of my life on a quilt...and if you have a chance to look through that...by the way, that book - her story book and also her book 'Wearable Art for Real People', if you have that book it's a wonderful book, both of those are going to be discontinued as far as C & T Publishing. So, if you want to get those books, which are both excellent, you might want to seek them out and get them before they're out of print. But anyway, that particular quilt, 'Let's Pretend' is in her story book quilt book. And it shows me on a Saturday morning as I'm listening to 'Let's Pretend' and there's a picture of a castle and the horses and the prince and the princess and he's trying to save her and the idea is that if he gets up over the ice to save her he gets to marry her and there's little hearts and I had my grandchildren do the artwork that is on the quilt. I was kind of trying to get an excuse to stay home by myself that day. My family were going away and I said there was this really special program on 'Let's Pretend' and could I stay home so I could listen to it . And my father agreed to that and I was so glad because I knew that if they were all home I wouldn't be able to carry through with my plan. And that was so shave my legs for the very first time! I was only 12 years old and I remember that I went and I had a sister that was older than I - 6 years older - and she shaved her legs and I thought that was just the ultimate in growing up and so I went and got her shaver and if you look through that book you'll see the quilt and you'll see me in the foreground with my foot in a tub of bubbles and the shaver in hand and I was going about this and it's kind of remarkable that I thought I was grown up enough to shave my legs but I still wanted to listen to 'Let's Pretend'. I did this in front of the radio, I had a towel and was in the living room doing this. I knew that my father would never allow...and I mean I don't know if he ever realized that this was happening in my life. That was another thing that inspired another quilt.

And I think we all have stories in our lives. I think that traditional quilts are wonderful, quilts with a repetitive block, I think that they are just really wonderful. But I think that sometimes if we have an opportunity, and sometimes we think we're not artists and we can't draw, but if we tell someone else our story, they can draw it for us. I've several times designed garden quilts. You might have seen Folsoms Opportunity Quilt several years ago, the 'Seeds Are a Promise ' quilt and I designed that quilt and designed all the garden vegetables and fruits that are on that quilt and had a few people help with it. Before that, 5 years ago, I designed a quilt called 'Evolution of the Tomato' and some of you might have seen that quilt. People remember it and it started with a little seed in a pot and it eventually became a salad.

I do like whimsical things. I think there's some controversy right now about a quilt that was not accepted at the AQS show because of the theme of the quilt. To me, I can see why it wasn't accepted. Some of you might know about the circumstances of the quilt. To me, I just love to have a quilt that when you look at it you smile or at least you feel good, that you don't have to figure it out and have any idea that you might be depressed. Or that it might be making such a political statement that it's not pleasant. I think there is so much of that in art. Have you ever been sometimes like to the State Fair and gone in to the art exhibit and there's not an awful lot there that appeals to me because a lot of it is kind of depressing and sad. So I just don't want my work to ever reflect sadness, even though it might be dedicated to a particular situation I hope that it can be happy and that you feel good about it and I do like a little bit of whimsy in my work.

I remember one time I was sitting in a workshop and I was a table away from somebody that was talking about home and the word refrigerator came up and I was thinking to myself 'I guess somebody got a new refrigerator' and then a little while later, maybe 20 minutes later, some other person came up with the word refrigerator and I thought 'my gosh, get a life, you know' and then I thought about it and you know 20 minutes later and we're still talking about refrigerators. And I think about my own circumstance and we have to be careful of how we make a judgement of other people because I found that I went to the laundromat for 29 years. I know that makes some of you gasp. You know - I didn't hear any gasps...do any of you go to the laundromat? But I did. We had a fire and I said to my husband, 'now that's one thing I can do, I can go to the laundromat because there's other things, you know....'. Well 29 years later I was still going to the laundromat every week and I raised 3 children in the laundromat...almost! But anyway, so I have a laundry room now and it's just glorious. And 18 months later, I'm still talking about it. So I think about this girl with the refrigerator and think maybe she only had an icebox and so she's trying to tell people how happy she is. Because it's just wonderful for me to take those things and be able to put them in my own washer in my own dryer - it's really something. I love to just sit in that room and watch the things go. And it is, it's a really cute room. It's a nice little room!

Sometimes we wonder if we have enough diversion in our lives. And I know as quilters most of us do and we have a lot of things . In fact we have more projects going that we would like to do that we have time to do. I heard a conversation about a woman who felt she needed something more in her life when she was watching 'The Price is Right' and she starting crying because some man won a car. And so she thought 'gosh I probably need something more in my life than the 'Price is Right' if I get so emotional about that that it makes me cry.' So she did. But remember that you can't complete something until you start it. You have to get it started. And you know I don't think there's anything wrong with having several projects going on at the same time. I own Tayo's Fabrics in Fair Oaks and some of you I'm sure have been to my store. But I have people come in every once in a while and they'll say 'well I've got a project going and I just can't get anything else until I finish that'. And I think, gosh that would be so frustrating all my life if I had to do it that way. I'm probably at the other end of the spectrum. I've got so much going that in fact last month it was really a marathon for me, I was so busy. But it does make your life interesting to just have a lot of things going on.

I have several garments - are some of you familiar with Mary Mashuta? - she has a tremendous book, I really like her book. And she does very quiet work, she has a term that she uses - Flamboyance Quotient - have you heard her say that? And she said that I'm not on her scale. That I'm over and above what she thinks the quotient of normal is. I took a class from her once and she wondered if I - I had a fabric that had some dots on batiks - and you were supposed to bring plaids and stripes. Well a lot of you see batiks haven't you that are plaids that are over dyed batik? So those were my plaids and then I brought these dotted batiks and these are my stripes and my plaids and she said 'well we'll work with that'. I think that whenever you take a class you want at the end to have your personality reflected in the piece and not the teachers' personality but let it be your piece.

That's one thing I try in my classes, is that each person that comes in to the class that they leave with something that reflects their personality and the colors and whatever they're going to feel comfortable with. As I point out some of the pieces that I brought tonight to share with you, I'll tell you a little bit about my feeling about winning awards and it's nice to win a monetary award but I'll go in to that more as I tell you about each garment or quilt. I think too I don't know how many of you have been in a class, either as an instructor or as a student, and there is somebody in that class that you can tell just from the expression on their face or their attitude that they're wondering how much that teacher is going to teach them. They have maybe a little bit of a chip on their shoulder - do you know anybody like that? It's really kind of discouraging but as an instructor I know that it's their loss and not mine if they don't find something in the class to learn. And it may not be from me, it may be from somebody sitting in the classroom. But everyday of your life you can learn something. Everyday, no matter how capable we are or what age we are, if we allow ourselves we can learn something from somebody everyday. And I feel short changed at the end of the day if I've spent time, maybe I've spent time by myself all day but I can learn from myself by trying something and if it works I can learn and if it didn't work, I learn that too. But if I feel like I haven't accomplished that at the end of the day, I'll pick up even the Reader's Digest or some book, National Geographic, something that I can read and gather a little bit of information and feel like I've been enriched after spending that day. I think it's so important that we allow ourselves that part of our lives to learn and it's so much more exciting than to think you know everything that there is to know because there's just no way that you can.

I learned a couple of different things just in this last year. One thing I learned from Gai Perry. I was in her home 2 different times taking an overnight workshop, and I didn't know this but maybe some of you do, but did you know that if you iron on a terrycloth or a towel if you press your seam allowances on the terry towel that your seam allowances won't show? Did any of you know that? Maybe some of you knew that. See, I didn't know that. But if you do press on the terrycloth, it's just amazing. And I learned about that just about the time I was working on the Fairfield garment that I had in this year's show. The jacket on that is silk charmeuse and it's all pieced with 1" strips, with 11 different colors of silk charmeuse and I was so glad that I learned that before because none of the seam allowances show on that silk charmeuse and it's so much prettier than if you had all those little lines showing. So I learned that and I was grateful for it. One of the other things I learned lately too about pressing from Sharon Craig. We had her at Folsom Guild for a workshop last year and she said that if we...have you ever noticed that when you press your seams sometimes you get a little stretching and you can even get some curves that you didn't have before and you knew you had been sewing straight and even? Well, if you press the way it was sewn flat before you press to the side, you're actually stabilizing the stitch and it won't stretch again. I didn't know that either. And you know I've sewn for so many years but I didn't realize that I could stabilize that stitch. Now when I press it doesn't seem like I have that problem because from experience I seem to know what to do but for the average student in my classroom that isn't something that they've done that often and then when they're starting to press they have a tendency to really iron instead of press and so sometimes their fabrics stretch and you get a curve instead of a nice straight line.

I'm going to take some time now to show you some of my garments and talk to you about those and I'll talk to you about the quilts also.

This quilt, I had had a real fascination in the last couple of years of Asian fabrics and Asian art and years ago, it's been a long time, it could have been 10 years ago, Yvonne Porcella had done a couple of wonderful flat kimonos or wall quilts and perhaps some of you have seen them. They were beautiful and I always thought that someday I'd like to do that even though I probably would be more conservative in my colors, she's very bright and...well these are pretty bright too aren't they? But still there's a blending probably more in my work. But I knew I wanted to do that and did it because of the inspiration of Yvonne Porcella. I remember...some of you might be familiar with Fibers Guild. That guild started in my home about 25 years ago and Yvonne was one of our first guests and she was still nursing at the time in hospitals and just doing wearable art and quilting as a sideline. And has given up nursing now and is now doing her clothing and painting on silk that sort of thing. She changed her life in 25 years but she is an inspiration to a lot of people. And this piece is pretty special. It has won at San Jose - the Museum in San Jose - 2nd place in the juried show. And then it also - did any of you get to the Bedford Gallery show in Walnut Creek? - it was a wonderful wonderful show and it was juried into the show and I was especially pleased to be a part of that show and this quilt was in that. That's one thing about having the name Allebes, I'm often one of the first on the list. So with all of these prestigious people, Miriam Nathan Roberts and Jonathan Shannon and Roberta Horton and Mary Mashuta and Miranda Stewart and all the...they were all part of this show. And I felt very complimented to be invited to participate. It was one of the nicest shows I've seen in many years, it was a really beautiful show. So if you happen to see a show there again...I guess it was probably the best attended and highest comments from any show they've had there. The Bedford Gallery is a realitively new gallery in a new center in Walnut Creek.

Walnut Creek has a lot of artists and I just am amazed at the number of really fine artists, Sally Collins and Gai Perry, Diane McClune - a lot of really outstanding people are coming from Walnut Creek and I awe them, it's a wonderful community for quilters.

Over on this side, I have - some of you might have seen my Taxi garment that I made. I made that 2 or 3 years ago. I believe it's been 3 years. It has been a real fun piece. The first time it was ever shown was at Bazaar Del Mundo in San Diego and I did get a special award for creating with a theme. How it all started, because of the time I have, it seems like I have little time to just wander through stores and look and find what I need so I find catalogs are a great source for me for shopping. So I found these shoes in a catalog and they have the word Taxi on them and they're yellow with black and white check and on the side little tires are appliqued. Well I saw those and I thought I just have to have those shoes and they weren't $15! But they were wonderful and I decided that I just had to have those shoes so I did buy them. And they feel wonderful, they feel comfortable - they're a great shoe. And then I called Yellow Cab company in Sacramento and said 'Do you know anyone that might have some Yellow Cab memorabilia that I could get ahold of?' So he gave me a name - I called the right man - and he gave me the name of a couple that lived in Southern California in Anaheim. And each of them are 3rd generation cab drivers - this husband and wife. They met at the Yellow Cab company and got married and then they set up this business and it's called Taxi Stand. And they have all kinds of things for the Yellow Cab. That's where I got the hat and the button covers and the rhinestone pin and the pictures that are transferred to fabric are on their brochure of the things that they carry - like pillows and little cars and posters and things - so I had those transferred to fabric and put then into the garment. The top of the piece where the yellow cabs are right in to the fabric are a pair of men's jockey shorts. I took those apart and made them into part of the jacket. You probably can see a little bit of sparkle that's behind those circles and that's Prismatic Foil. I have Prismatic Foil in several of my garments and the one that I'm wearing - you can see a little bit of sparkle in the sleeve and up here. It's a wonderful foil that is washable and dry cleanable. It's called Prismatic Foil. It comes in wonderful colors. It's just beautiful and I love working with it. Anyway, those rings are brass washers that I got at the hardware store and now he orders them for me and I sell them at Tayo's. I cover those with a buttonhole stitch and attach them over the Prismatic Foil and they're supposed to be headlights of the cabs as they're wandering allover the garment. The pants, by the way, are pieced. I wasn't able to get a 1" check at the time so I thought I would just piece them myself and I love to do checkerboard and you'll see that in a lot of the things I do. I do work with checkboard design often. Even my kitchen floor is checkerboard too and I have some checkerboard throughout my house. Someone came to my house for the first time and they said 'gosh, even your house is checkerboard'...not a whole lot, just a little bit.

Anyway, and then I thought it would be fun to do a quilt and I did do a quilt to go with the garment and it's called 'Taxi Town' and someone asked me if the curved pieces in 2 of the corners were supposed to be significant of seatbelts and I told them 'no, they're they freeway access to the roads'. But it's supposed to be a sky view of a town that has all these drivers in their little taxis going here and there and everywhere over the town highways. So that's my 'Taxi Town' quilt.

This particular garment, if anyone wants to come up and try any of these jackets on, you're welcome to and you're welcome to look at them afterwards. This particular garment was a challenge that we had in Folsom Guild and they gave us the fabric. This little fabric that goes around the scallops and around the epualets is a little black and white gingham and a lot of the girls just discarded that. We were allowed to discard 2 fabrics if we wanted to and we were allowed to hang on to how ever many and we could add. But anyway a lot of them discarded that, but I find that if you have a little check and you cut it on the bias and you use it in piping it looks just like little beads. Wonderful piping and that's what I've done on here. They gave us the plaid, of course they gave us the 3 solids, but the plaid didn't have the periwinkle in it so I got some tulip paint and the periwinkle that is in here, I painted it in. So if the color isn't there - just paint it in. And I have another garment, the one that I'm wearing, when there's a color that shouldn't be there, I've painted it out. So you can do that too. Anyway, this was for Folsom Guild and I did win - I think they called it....oh it was like First Place but they had some nice name for it besides First Place - anyway, the Grand Prize was what they called it. I did win that with this garment. It has the cropped pants and the jacket. I call it 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' because of all the worry dolls on it.

This one I call 'Celestial Flight'. This is a challenge that we had at Asilomar. I don't know if any of you ever participated in that but we were given white fabric with stars on it and I thought well I'll do something that has to do with stars. I happened to have these wonderful buttons that are on the epaulets at the shop and I wanted to use those and so I used a design that I call Fibonacci - it's a mathematical equation that has a nice design look and I've used it in several garments including one other garment that I brought tonight. But it can be used in quilts too. In this one it kind of gives you the idea of a skyline - I did use it also in the taxi garment - you can see I've got little airplanes and stars sparkling. This is also a pattern on the sleeve and on the left front that I call Diagonal Strip Piecing that I like a lot. I teach these techniques in my class.

This may be a garment that is familiar to some of you. It has origamis on the front which is another technique that I teach. When I saw this fabric with the sunflowers I thought of Van Gogh, he was my inspiration for this piece and the back of this garment has 3050 pieces in it and it is a portrait of Van Gogh. I have loved this piece. I see some looks of ...is it despair or wonder? I had a book of Van Gogh's work and it was about an 8 1/2"x11" sized sheet of paper and it had his self-portrait and I took it to a print shop in Rancho Cordova called 'Infomania' and they did a computer printout for me and the computer print out remained the same size with the little squares on it. And it wasn't just a dot, because I had tried another printer and they made just dots but this is actually little squares and they were about 1/16" to 1/8" big so I counted those squares. So there was like 3050 squares because that's how many pieces were in the pieced back. And I had 25 different shades from black to white fabric and then some of them I turned over so I actually had closer to 35 different colors after turning some of the fabric over. I just counted and counted 1-2 black, 1-2-3 charcoal grey, and I worked on a piece of matt board on my dining room table and just put them together and then I stitched them together one row at a time and took the matt board to my sewing room, stitched those up and came back and did the next row. So that's how I did it. And that's one piece that I almost quit! But I had a couple of friends who kept encouraging me and encouraging me and I did complete it. In fact I had a really great compliment on it. Virginia Avery had seen me in it one time and she wrote me a letter and told me how much she enjoyed the garment and told me she thought it should be in an art gallery and that was a really nice note from Virginia to receive that special note from her.

This is a really fun piece that I enjoyed making very much. I had the body of the jacket all done and I had done Afghani piecing on the left and on the cropped pants with some kind of art deco fabric. I didn't have the sleeves in at that point and we went to a meeting of local wearable artists, and Virginia Simpson came in wearing this jacket with these wonderful ruffly sleeves and I just thought they were glorious and she shared with me how she (she had taken a class from AnnRae Roberts) and she shared with us how this technique was done. And she was so nice, because I even called her because I was trying it and was having a little trouble with how this technique was done and she even sent me in the mail a little strip that she had done and hadn't used. So I will just always be appreciative of Virginia for sharing that with me. She also shared with me some of the threads that are in it - all kinds of little threads - she sent me a little baggy with these little threads in it. I didn't realize it until I got one sleeve all done - I was walking down the hallway to show my husband this sleeve and the hallway was kind of dark and I realized that some of these little yarns glow in the dark. And that was a surprise as I walked down the hallway I saw all these little glowy wormy things. And that makes it even fun when you're wearing this and it's a little bit dark and you see that. This is a favorite garment that I have and it was in the AQS fashion show just a couple of weeks ago in Paducah Kentucky. It's been one that I've enjoyed. One thing that I like to do too is to do the lining in some fun way so I lined it with polka dot and bound all the seams with a stripe. One thing you'll notice on there too - and I have them on the garment that I'm wearing - and it's called a Piped Prairie Point. It's a fun way to do a Prairie Point instead of just a plain Prairie Point. There are 11 different colors of solids in here that form the check pattern. You can do a check with any number from 2 - 20, it doesn't matter. You can do a lot of different colors.

As you can tell, not always, but I often work with really bright colors. This piece is called 'Night Life in the City' and it has around the neck here Afghani Piecing and as you look closer, there are lots of little beads and I always think that it's fun to have a surprise when you get up close to a garment. You don't have to see everything at once. And some of you are probably familiar with a book called 'Jacket Jazz'? We carry it in our store and I think it has some wonderful techniques but when you see the completed jackets it's just kind of overkill. There is so much going on and so much different color, to me there is not a blending that I like. Even if you have something that is bright and colorful you can have a restfulness about the piece. Even though I have a lot of color and a lot going on, in fact the back of this jacket is almost the same as the front. Notice the buttons on this too, it really looks really great - the buttons with the little characters. This pattern is called the 'Deco Jacket' and it's a new pattern by Tina Yates and it comes in this length and in a shorter length in the same pattern. It is really becoming to everyone, anyone that wants to wear that. It's a nice jacket.

One other quilt that I brought tonight, I call it 'The Rooster Woman'. I got a wonderful brochure from a travel agency and this was on the cover of the brochure. I thought she was such a charming lady. I took a class from Margaret Miller. We were supposed to bring a photograph to the class and then we were supposed to do just the color, we weren't trying to get the exact image of the photo but do a color lesson on getting the colors from the photo transferred into fabric. The actual roosters aren't in the quilt, but when you get close to it you can see that they've been quilted in. You can see that she's holding the roosters and then around the outside edge are the eggs and the straw that the eggs are nested in.

Sometimes you want to complete those ensembles with a special shoe and you can figure out what jacket they go with. I call it 'Josepha's Coat of Many Colors'. Invariably when it's in a show people call it 'Joseph's Coat' - but it is Josepha. This is the hat that goes with that garment. As I mentioned, I have a real fondness for shoes and many times I get the garment and then I find the shoe. These shoes came from Payless Shoe Source.

I was a dufus and in trying to figure out how to work our tape player I accidentally recorded something else over part of Mom's presentation....so here's the next part....

Shoes - sometimes I wear an 8 1/2, when they're leather it's often an 8 1/2 but when I send for a shoe it's usually a 9. I got the hat at Target. I happened to go in there looking for a little gardening tool. I had made a doll and I wanted some small gardening tools to go with this doll and someone had seen them at Target. So I thought I'd run over there and when I went in the first thing I saw was this hat hanging on the wall. So I had to get this hat.

This was a hat too that I found in a little shop and I just put some of the stars and sequins on it that I had from my little celestial jacket. So that's an idea you might use. Simple, but it works with the jacket.

A couple of years ago, I was in Marshalls and I often go in Marshalls to look at their shoes, they have good shoes. But anyway, this day I happened to find this hat. I think it was $6 that I paid for this wonderful little hat. And I didn't know what I was going to do with it but I knew I was going to do something. When I was in Paducah last week I wandered up to town and there was a little shop that was selling shoes and I went in and they had some shoes on sale and so I had to have them...and I think you'll see why. Did you ever think I'd find chartreuse and purple shoes? Aren't they neat? And they were only $12.99!

When I was in Bazaar Del Mundo last year, they have a little vendor - artist in the courtyard. Have you ever been there? It's really a wonderful little place and it's really festive during their 'Fabric Fantasy'. From one of the artists there, I got this delightful little pin and it had all the colors except it needed some chartreuse so I just took some thread and I wrapped it around and twirled it a little bit and stuck it on there because it needs to go with this garment. It needed a little chartreuse, so I added it. These are the fabrics that I've selected and I'll take them out of this bag and leave them up here so you can see how I go about selecting what I'm going to do with a piece. This is Prismatic Foil which I'm going to use when I make this garment and then these are the pieces of the fabric that I bought to go with it.

I had a lady in the store today and she had a piece of fabric she had gotten from me earlier and it had a companion piece with it. Well the fabric she got, she needed 5/8 of a yard - she was short one sleeve - but the companion fabric was a stripe. So I said "why don't you make the sleeve out of the stripe to go with it. Then your other fabric that you have a little left over you can use for a cuff on it." And she went for it you know - but she was really skeptical. She thought that was really pretty far out. And so I showed her this, what I was going to do. Man, she felt so brave! She got that stripe and she's going to go home and do it and she registered for my class. So, a lot of times people are kind of afraid and they don't think about it until you just plant that little seed and then they'll go for it. And I can't take my eyes off of that beautiful blue sweater that you're wearing with the pink and yellow. Isn't that wonderful? She should make something to go with that! It's so pretty. I think it's gorgeous, it looks great on her. Anyway, so I'll put these down on here so you can see if you want to come by.

I think that you've seen kind of what I do when I build up to something, how I'm inspired to do what I do. And I love doing what I do and it is such a wonderful part of my life. But I have to say that my husband is such a support to me and I'm sure you have families that are a support in your group too. We were shopping one day and I have a little denim outfit that I made as a challenge for a group and we happened to be shopping at the outlets - you know by the Nut Tree - and when we were in this little shoe store, he happened to find these shoes. He said 'Emma, come look at these shoes, they'll go great with your outfit you're wearing.' So he even points out shoes to me too. He knows that I really like them. I happen to be wearing those shoes tonight. And sometimes when you buy a pair of shoes and you think they're really different you find out that they go with a lot of the things you do. And I didn't have any idea that they'd go with the outfit that I'm wearing tonight but they do and they're the most perfect shoe and I don't know if you noticed but you'll notice more now that I've drawn your attention to it.

This particular outfit that I'm wearing, is...one thing I like to do if there's a fabric that you're using in your garment that is especially nice I think it's nice if you can have it somewhere in your garment in it's wholeness. And that's what I've done on the sleeve here and part of the front. I have fabric so it's uncut so you can see it in it's original state and then I've pieced throughout the garment using it with a lot of other things. Now if you were to have seen this fabric just as a piece of fabric - this is the 3rd bolt in fact I have to go back tomorrow and order a 4th bolt, it's been so popular - just last week I got a bolt of it and it came out in another color - kind of a raspberry and navy blue shade and it's all gone. We don't have any more of it and so I'm going to be ordering that again tomorrow it's such a glorious piece of fabric. I think it's just wonderful. Well, when I saw this fabric my whole idea went completely to the pink that was in it and had I not used that pink it could have been pretty dreary. In one of the fabrics there's a little pink like cloud. Well next to the pink cloud there was a lavendar cloud and I didn't want any lavendar and so that's the one that I painted out. If you can paint it in - you can paint it out! And I did, I painted those purple cloud appearing things kind of a camel color so that they blended with the whole thing better. We had a dollmaker, her name is Emma Graha, I don't know how many of you might know her. She's from the Bay Area. She came and taught a class at my store and I had seen this fabric, it hadn't come in yet, but I remembered what it was about. One of the pins that she made while she was at the store, she'd brought some of her jewelry along, and we told her she could do that in case the students wanted to buy it. Well I had to have this piece - and you will see that there's one little piece in this pin that's the base fabric of the jacket that I'm wearing.

I love so much what I do. I wish I had time to do all that I want to do but it's not going to happen in my lifetime I don't think. I think there will always be something. One thing, I guess probably other than my husband, the accomplishment that I had in finding him and loving him and marrying him, was the accomplishment I have of 3 daughters who sew. A lot of times when a mother sews, we've found that the kids usually don't want to have anything to do with it. Well, either the mother is impatient in teaching the children or she does it all. But I knew that there was no way I was going to have the time to do the kind of sewing that I like to do, which is time consuming, and even with my children when they were young, I never made something for them that didn't have an embroidery on it or pipings r everything was embellished in some way. And so I always knew that I was going to have help with this. So as soon as my oldest daughter got old enough, she was in pressing and helping me cut and doing those things. And all 3 of my daughters are really excellent seamstresses and sewers and all have contributed to their income. 2 of them don't need to any more but one daughter still contributes significantly to their family income sewing. She can be home with the children and still contribute...cause it's hard sometimes these days when you have a young family to get along on one income. So all of them have been able to do that and I feel really proud of them and they know it. They know that I do.

A lot of times when you finish with a garment, there's a concern about what to do with the extra pieces. I'd just like to show you in closing what I do with the pieces that are left over. This is a little bag that holds the pieces that are left from the garment that I'm wearing. Then if some time, if I should have a problem and something tears or gets caught or I get a spot on something...you know maybe I'm too close to the Clorox in this laundry room I've got...anyway, these pieces are in here so that I have something that's handy. These are the pieces and also the letter and information and extra button covers in case I should lose one of the correspondence that I have with this couple and also pieces that are left and an extra pair of jockey shorts just in case. These are the pieces left from another garment and they're just wrapped up. So this is what I do, I just put them in a baggie so that it's not hard to get to, it's neat and it's not mixed up with a lot of other stuff and it's surprising, sometimes I'll even take something that's in a bag and use it to make a doll or something. There will be a small piece, the shoes or something of a doll, that can used out of these bags of leftovers.

Anyway - it's been very fun to be here. You've been a delightful audience. You've laughed when you were supposed to. That's always appreciated. It's fun because several of you I know and it's kind of fun and I can speak to you and then the others you feel more relaxed and then you feel like you've touched them to. So it's been really nice to be here and I appreciate that.

Lorna Lawson, who came with me tonight, she came with me when I did a fashion show in Redding the first Tuesday in October and so she drove up there and back with me. And she said 'would you mind if I take photographs of the models as they come off the stage?' And I said 'Oh that would be great!' And for a long time, I mean I can't tell you how many years, people will say to me 'Emma, why don't you write a book? Why don't you write all this down?' But I've never felt like I wanted to write an instruction book. I just think there's enough like that. So I'd really, if I write a book, I'd like to write a story book. And I don't know how many of you might have read the book 'Growing Up on a Chocolate Diet' by Laura Brody. Well it's a delightful book - it's really a cookbook but she tells a story that leads up to how she got this particular recipe and so that's what I have in mind that someday....and I think this is the year. Lorna takes classes from me and as I was walking by her sewing area I noticed these marvelous notes she'd taken. 'Where'd you get those?' She said 'well I just listen to you and then I go home and I put it in my computer.' And these illustrations, they're really terrific and so I said 'boy, you're what I need to help me with this book'. So anyway, after we came home a week ago, she came to class with this binder that she had done for me. And it's each of the models in the clothes with a worksheet on each page so that I can - she has me promise here that I'll work at least one hour a week on this and I did. I took it to Paducah and I did almost 2 garments there. This last week was really hectic because I had just gotten home and I had to leave for Redding. But, anyway, I'm going to try and do 1 or 2 of these worksheets...see, there's my writing! I really want to do this. And I just thought that was so nice of her to do that. So maybe next year...you know it takes a long time to do something like that. But I hope that I can, even if I just do it for myself and my family I think it's a nice way to write my feelings and a little about myself and what's happening in my life. So I want to thank her and all of you for how nice that was of her to do that for me.

Excerpts from Mom's 'book' that she always planned to write....

2009-12-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

THE RECYCLE CHALLENGE:

As members of the Network of Wearable Art based in Napa, Ca, we were challenged to make a garment using only fabrics that were recyled from the past. I used Yvonne Porcella's jacket pattern. The cropped pants were jeans I'd had for a while and I just cut them off.

The denim portions of the jacket were made from an old pair of overalls of my husband, Ted's. Because he had painted and worked on other messy projects wearing them, I had to do a lot of cutting around to use only the 'clean' sections. The leg became the sleeves, with the double seams down the center sleeves. My daughter, Heather, had had a pair of jeans with an interesting front closure and pockets that I had kept so I used them as side pieces and the front belt. I had made a dress for my first born daughter, Shenna, (since I'm doing the typing I'll add my own comment - I made this dress for myself and was astonished when Mom went and cut it up!!!..Shenna) using the wonderful print. Heather and Reaka (our youngest) both wore the dress as they grew into it, but when it came time to pass it on to someone else, I couldn't give up the wonderful print fabric, so I kept it for many years, knowing 'someday I'll use it again'. The bindings were cut from a tye-dyed tie my husband had worn and enjoyed but discarded in my care. I trimmed the pants with the print and added a pocket cuff to the side of each leg. The remarkable shoes were discovered by my husband when I was wearing this outfit and we were shopping in a shoe store. He's a wonderful guy, always looking out for my best interest.

LET'S HAVE A LITTLE YELLOW:

In 198? Lois Smith, a wonderful prize winning quilter was speaking at the Folsom Quilt Guild. She said so many people (including myself) stay away from, using yellow in their work. Lois spoke of what yellow could do for your project, how it addes light and sunshine. I thought I would try it and it is true. I use yellow in almost all my work now. To me it adds a cheerful quality.

When I was a young girl, I had a friend who wore yellow a lot, she had a wonderful bubbly personality. I had never worn yellow much because I was very fair complexioned and very blond so I thought it wouldn't work. Well I thought maybe if I wore yellow I would have this bubbly personbality like my friend, so I tried several times to put some yellow in my wardrobe, but you know yellow or not I remained by own personality (not that that was all that bad). Anyway, I didn't wear or use yellow much during my whole life until I heard Lois Smmith speak about it's merits. Now I use a lot of yellow combined with other colors, both in my wardrobe and my home. There is a happy, cheerful felling when we use yellow.

Shenna Mealey

shenna@bmealey.com

www.shennamealey.blogspot.com

Susie - A Wooden Shoe Box Doll

2009-12-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

When I was in the 6-8 grades, my brothers and I attended the Avery Coonley School, a small private progessive school in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Every fall the parents would hold a Christmas Toy Workshop making toys for the less privileged children of the community. In 1933 or 1934, my father, Marion Syrek, was the chairman of the project. He decided on a set of nesting wooden boats for the boys and a wooden doll for the girls. I mentioned that I had seen a wooden doll in a library book and it became the pattern for the doll.

Much of the sawing, turning, shaping and painting for both the dolls and the boats were done in my Dad's workshop. My mother did all the painting of faces. She and another co-chairman, Ruth Dallwig, braided the hair and cut out the dressed from slaesman's samples of 1930's rayon dress fabrics that were supplied bu Ryth Dallwig's husband. One evening in December, the parents asssmbled to finish the projects, sewing the dresses and panties for the doll, attaching the hair and packing them into donated shoe-boxes.

I think the original doll in the book was made from a broom handle, but those my fahter made were from a 2"x2" wood piece turned on a wood lathe. Later he experimented with more complicated arm and leg joints, but I always felt the simplicitiy of the first ones made them so charming. They also explored other haircolors and also making a boy doll. They boy dolls just didn't have the charm of the yellow-pigtail girl dolls.

The dolls were delightful and appealing to many parents, and my parents took orders for them. Remember this was in 1934! My father was temporally out of work and it it hadn't been for the proceeds from making extra dolls and boats it would have been a very lean Christmas. I can't recall how much each doll cost - it might have been only $2. I know it wasn't as much as $10. The dolls were more popular than the boats and many little girls in that school received one for Christmas. I gave one to each of my three girl classmates for a gift.

The school is still inexistence and I attended a reunion of classes two years ago. Some of us hadn't seen each other for over 60 years. But I didn't remember to ask them if they still had their Susie Dolls of if the Toy Worskhop Tradition still carried on.

These dolls have been packed and unpacked countless times. I've always wanted to refurbish them and 'do something' with them. Their rayon dresses have almost disintigrated and the elastic in the panties has long disappeared. I am indebted to Emma Allebes who was charmed by them and made their new dresses in exchange for one.

Ruth Dallwig and Marion Syrek were co-cairmen in 1934.

Anita Syrek Corum

2009-12-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Ted & Emma -

We thank you for the richest happiness we both would ever realize. You have brought to our lives each other and for that we will eternally be happy and grateful to you. We are so happy! Thank you also for our lovely marble rolling pin - we will have delicious pies for years to come.

With love and appreciation -

Naomi & Russ (Harper)

2009-12-07T10:55:00.000-08:00

ASG Retailer's Corner - July 2009

There are some changes taking place at Tayo's! Many of you know that Shenna Mealey has owned Tayo's for the last 13 years. Prior to Shenna, her mother, Emma Allebes, owned Tayo's for 13 years. Do any of you know where the name Tayo's came from? Shenna's parents had hoped to someday have a son so they could name him after Shenna's father, Ted, whose nickname in Dutch was pronounced Tayo's. After having 3 girls and no boys, Emma decided to open a fabric store. What else could she possiubly name the store, but Tayo's!......

A letter from Mom's sister - Golda Smith

2009-12-07T10:31:00.001-08:00

Ogden, Utah

Dec 30, '74

Dear Emma, Ted & Girls,

It was so nice getting a letter from all of you. Thanks loads for it and the cute Christmas presents.

The wall hanging is so pretty and the picture is something else. I don't know how you all think of so many fun things.

It sounds like you are all keeping busy. I hope you will find time to write again soon.

We are all fine. The kids are getting so grown up it is almost hard to believe.

......I have lots of lettters to write so had better sign off.

Thanks again for everything, especially the letters.

Lots of Love to all of you

Willard & Golda

P.S. Happy New Year - May it be the best ever.

Tell Judy we think of them often and send our love.

2009-12-04T17:53:00.001-08:00

Two more of Mom's quilts that I love... 'The Faithful Gardner' and 'Let's Pretend'

The Faithful Gardner - 2005
Quilt - 39" x 51"
Selling Price - $3500

Artist Statement:

President Spencer W. Kimball's direction at the April 1976 Conference was, and I quote, "We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees - plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard."

My husband Ted never cared about a garden before, but he did hearken to President Kimball and ever since has kept a wonderful garden. So many call him their "Master Gardener". One year he grew a pumpkin which barely fit in his wheelbarrow. I designed this quilt to honor him for following the words of the prophet in this way and so many other ways.

more notes from friends

2009-12-03T16:54:00.001-08:00

Your mother was a delightful person who made an amazing contribution to the world and she will be missed by all who were fortunate to meet her. May your heavy heart be softened by wonderful memories.

With love and sympathy - Linda Hicks

Through ASG, I received the beautiful email you shared with people. You did a masterful job in writing it. I have known your mom for years and bought lots of fabric from her and still have some of the garments! She was the most talented person I have ever met and very generous in sharing her knowledge. Having such a loving, caring family was truly a blessing for her. You, too, were blessed in have her all these years. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family, and hope that the happy memories you have will help you through this difficult time. I will remember you in my prayers.

Fondly - Pat Barrett

I was so sorry to hear the sad news about your mother. I know you will miss her terribly.

I first met Emma in the 70's when we first moved to Sacramento and I joined Fibers Guild which she had founded. I was delighted to find new friends with interest in textile arts and your mom was always sharing new ideas and techniques.

Fondly - Jeanette Redding

Emma well be missed by us. She was a remarkable woman here on Earth. I'm sure she will continue her mission on the other side of the veil in a pleasing manner to Heavenly Father. Shenna, please tell your father that we are sorry for his loss. I know that they were a very close couple and the members in the ward when Brother Allebes was Bishop really respected and admired both of them.

Jim & Danielle Delavan

Dear You of the Allebes Family

2009-12-02T19:32:00.001-08:00

It's always after the initial rush of cards and well wishes/help offers that reality of time and loss set in. This is the time I choose for a card of well wishes. You've been in my thoughts and prayers. I do most of my best thinking and praying early in the morning as I swim laps, in almost solitude, so you've contributed to the size of my shoulders and to the cardio health of my heart. Thank you...:)!

You and Emma and your noble family have such a story and history. And, impact on those you've known for years, like the Petersen family. For this reason, I thank you for sharing Emma and yourselves. I'm sorry my mother hasn't been able to respond inkind, but she's been recalling laughable (fun) moments shared with you and with Emma and I suppose this is reward for us at home. Life is navigation and trust. Both find us kept in the circles, relationships, and memories that count.

Here's a thought for you: "A sunset is not the death of the sun."

Thoughtfully, Brooke Petersen Sedgwick

Emma Allebes, Artist and Bernina Fashion Designer

2009-12-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 23, 2009
Goodbye to Emma Allebes
Emma Allebes, Artist and Bernina Fashion Designer
Our dear Emma Allebes, an unforgettable Fairfield and Bernina fashion show designer, died of leukemia on October 6, 2009. So much of my stuff is still packed away, but I found a photo album and there was Emma. I think this might have been taken in the year 2000 at the wonderful quilt show we used to have in Marin county. Emma had requested that flowers at her service be tied with black and white checked ribbons. It's serendipity that I have her photo in those checks!

I always remember her NY taxi cab outfit, and the pearly queen (like they have in England). I hope she enjoyed sewing on buttons! She and I met at the party after a Bernina show, both of us feeling a bit shy and out of place, so we spent much of the evening talking and from then on delighted in running into each other. I won't go on, you can read wonderful things about Emma at emmaallebes.blogspot.com. What a wonderful idea for her daughter Shenna to put up the blog so her wide circle of friends and family could come together in thought.

Here is the jacket that won Emma a red ribbon that year in Marin. Her work was impeccable. Look at the variety of techniques she put into a cohesive whole. At first you just see the intricate, traditional piecing but it is combined in such a variety of sizes and blocks and fabric variations, that it does not look very traditional. It doesn't look bulky or bumpy, and then you see the manipulations with various prairie points and beads.

Always lovely work! I will try to post more photos of her work as I collect them.

from: http://artyouwear.blogspot.com/ by Rosalie Cooke

Oma Emma

2009-11-23T16:06:00.000-08:00

It was great when Oma came down and watched Channing and me perform in our school plays. - Garrett Bushman

Eric Mealey Post

2009-11-20T08:16:00.001-08:00

Oma-Emma.
Always on her feet, making something sweet!

Seeing Oma for the last time here on Earth was a new experience for me. It hit me harder than I thought it would. I’ve never lost someone that I’m close to like her. The closest other than Oma-Emma would be my Nana, Judy Allebes. I’ve gotten a lot closer to Oma and Opa over the last few years. I think mostly because my life has slowed down a little since getting married and having Maddix, and I’ve become more interested in both of their art. I’ve called them more in the last year or two, than in my whole life before that, with gardening and art questions. It’s been really nice to spend time getting to know Oma better these last couple years.
Like others, I admire her unique ideas and her willingness to do new things. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Oma and Opa watching T.V. That is something I really admire about them. Although I’m sure Oma had times where she wanted to just relax, she sure didn’t waste her life watching others live. She really lived and really loved what she did with her time and talents. And thankfully, she is very talented; so all these crazy things she has made have easily found a place in the homes of her friends and family. Oma wasn’t too wrapped up in her own world to take care of and encourage those around her. Covey says one thing that every person wants is to leave a legacy and she really has. She has left a legacy of loving people and enjoying life.
We love and miss you Oma.
Eric

2009-11-19T09:42:00.001-08:00

I didn't get to know Oma Emma for very long but what I do know about her is this...
She is kind and loving. I can remember meeting her for the first time, it was at our wedding. I had this overwhelming feeling that she loved me, I don't know if it was because I was marrying her Grandson or what but she did. She was always so kind to me. When I would talk to her she would make me feel like I was the most important person in the room and that she was really interested in what I was saying.

She always seemed happy. Every time I saw her, talked to her, or read a letter or card from her she was happy. She loved life and loved her family.

Two years ago for Thanksgiving we had the Allebes family to our home. It was so much fun to have a full house and share that time with everyone. About a week after everyone had left I received two packages in the mail. They both contained a butter dish, something Oma had said that I needed. It was so thoughtful of her, I love them, and they were definitely something I needed!

I also am blessed to have one of Oma's quilts. After Eric and I were married we were there for Christmas. We decided on Deseret. It is truly so amazing. Everyone that enters our home is just in awe of it and I can't help but show it off. Thank you Oma Emma for such an amazing gift of your talents.

Love,
Natalie

Windows 7: I wanted simpler, now it's simpler. I'm a rock star.

Oma

2009-11-17T22:22:00.001-08:00

I have always enjoyed looking at all of Oma's different quilts. Each one is so unique and different, and there are so many that I loved. I looked forward to the time when I would get married and get to choose one to have in my home, and as I grew up I had several different favorites through the years that I wanted to pick.

When Jared and I were engaged and Oma took us to the quilt room to choose one, I remember having a hard time deciding which one of all her beautiful quilts that I wanted. Jared also admired several of the quilts, but together we decided on the "Victorian Marketplace". Jared pointed out that this one is particularly unique and has so much beadwork, handsewing, and many colors that make it a definite eye catcher. I had loved this quilt with the many different kinds of fruit, especially since the persimmon square was inspired by my parents' persimmon tree; I felt a special connection.

We were finally given our quilt just a few weeks before Oma got sick, and when we came to visit her we brought pictures to show her how beautiful it looks up on our wall. We have already had several friends comment on it, and I can't wait to have many more admirers throughout the years, and I will tell our kids and grandkids about the amazing and creative quilts of our dear Oma.

~Tierney~

Oma

2009-11-17T22:20:00.001-08:00

"When I first joined this family I felt like an outcast; I felt that I didn't belong. She showed me love and acceptance in her own small way. My very first Christmas she made sure that I had a stocking like everyone else. And in her last couple days while she was lying in her bed she held my hand, and pressed it lightly letting me know that she appreciated what I was doing. I love her and I miss her, but I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that she is in Heaven watching over us, and that she will always be one of my guardian angels."

Tyler

Oma Emma

2009-11-17T10:42:00.001-08:00

To me, Oma Emma represents the kind of woman I would like to be. When I was younger I remember looking at pictures of her and wishing I were that beautiful. I share the cleft chin, blond hair, and small teeth. As for everything else - the long legs, the 18 inch waist, the high cheek bones, and perfect skin - never happened. As I am now older, I have to say I could still stand to be a little more like her.

Oma passed away just a couple weeks after I met Evan. Since then, as we have been preparing to get married, we've talked a lot about what we would like our family to be like. To be honest, it hasn't taken a lot of research to know what I would like to be like as a wife and mother; all of my favorite examples come from my own family. There are a lot of things I would like to take from Oma's example.

Firstly, though I know that being a wife and mother were the most important things to her, she definitely continued to develop her own individuality and talents. Growing up, while other peoples grandmas were apparently baking cookies, Oma was always just getting back from or on her way to a show, a trip, some guild meeting, or something else. While I am pretty sure I will never sew anything more than a pillowcase, own a business, or merit a single award in my lifetime, I hope I can be a wife and mother who continues to explore her own talents and interests and brings those back to the home to share with my family.

Secondly, Oma was always in control - of her life, of her emotions, of her tongue, of her household, of her career, and amazingly, of her paperwork. I remember that Oma received our mail and paid our families bills while we lived overseas. She just had the ability to organize things in such a way that what was supposed to happen would happen and things just got done. This is an area that I could use a lot of improvement in. I am fairly confident that paperwork will never be my strong point, but if I can be generally on top of organization and cleanliness in my home and always speak in the kind tones that were Oma's, I will give myself a lifetime pass to terrible paperwork skills.

Thirdly, I love that Oma and Opa were such a team. Both artists, my grandparents were special. They were the perfect team. Oma and Opa's home was full of their artwork and little items they had picked up on their journey though life together. While they collaborated on only a few items of artwork, everything they hung appeared to go together seamlessly to me. Art is just one example to me of the way that Oma and Opa avidly honored one another. Opa was great in the garden - always bringing in yummy veggies for all of us to eat - and Oma made multiple quilts of gardens that hang on the walls of her daughters and grandchildren. I would like to be that kind of wife - one who learns about and cares about her husband’s interest and honors him in both word and deed.

I feel so thankful that I was blessed to have such a great Oma who has taught me so many things.

Madison

Memories of Oma

2009-11-16T23:06:00.001-08:00

My memory of Oma is when we went to an Indian like museum when I was 7. First, we went to a big lodge/gift shop. Then we went to lots of little buildings where there were different things to look at and buy. There were items like animal pelts, necklaces, and much more. For every building Oma had a different candy, mint, or lollypop for me. Once I had finished sucking on the candy Oma had given me, we would go on to the next building. This will be a memory I will never forget!

Channing Bushman

I remember going on a trip to Southern California with mom. She was teaching a 3-day workshop as well as attending the fashion show at Bazaar Del Mundo in San Diego. This was the only time that I can recall that I have traveled alone with mom for an overnight event. I know that her main purpose for asking me was to have someone to drive her, since she didn’t like driving herself, and apparently there wasn’t a group of quilting friends that were attending both events on her time schedule. I was able to arrange for Tierney to be taken care of after school and off we went. During the drive down we listened to some humorous books on tape, but we also talked a lot and I learned some things about mom that I hadn’t known before – or at least hadn’t paid attention to previously.

When we arrived in San Diego we stayed at some woman’s home that was hosting us for a couple days. She had this quaint home at the top of a hill with a winding street. Mom kept commenting on my amazing driving skills and how grateful she was that she didn’t have to navigate the street. I don’t know that my skills were that amazing, but I am certain that she was very grateful not to be driving herself in that situation.

We attended the fashion show the next day and we sat in line outside the Plaza for at least an hour, but it could have been 2 or 3 in order to get good seats. I remember thinking that here was an entire group of people that wore clothing similar to moms. I didn’t realize until this adventure that the wearable art community was so vast. We were able to get front row seats for the fashion show, and again I was amazed that there were so many garments that were each a different expression of whimsy and individualism. I also remember that mom had an item in the fashion show - I think it was the coat with the lambs wool petals on it, but whatever it was, the reaction from the crowd was audible. Even among all the other wearable art in the show, hers was acknowledged as one with special character and originality.

After the fashion show we met with several different friends and acquaintances of moms, and shopped in the plaza for unique items to add to her next project. I remember going to a button and bead store where mom found some unique beads that she purchased for something that she was working on at the time. We also met with the man that dyed that fabric for the lace skirt that she made. He kept saying he would make something especially beautiful for her, and he did. She made the silk and lace outfit that was on the cover of "Threads", that she said in one of her fashion shows, "was the most beautiful garment I ever made". I am lucky to now have that garment to remember mom by.

After 2 days in San Diego, we traveled to Rancho Cucamonga for her 3-day workshop. Again we stayed with a host friend, and were treated like visiting royalty because mom had a reputation of being such a skilled artisan and teacher. I watched mom teach the workshop and it was fun to see her connect so personally with each of the women attending. They all thoroughly enjoyed the learning as well as the socializing with each other. It was fun to see mom in her element, teaching the skills that she loved so much.

The days that I spent with mom were interesting on several levels. I learned more about mom and why she loves what she does so much. I learned about the entire wearable art community and the interesting personalities that come from people who express themselves artistically. I also think it was the beginning of a different relationship that I developed with my mom as an adult instead of a child. We developed a mutual respect for each other that we didn't have before. Me for mom's artistic flair that shone even among artists, and mom realized that even though she always considered me to be her most conservative daughter (I was not as adventurous when it came to clothing), I wasn’t really as boring as she once thought.

Reaka Bushman

Heather's long entry for blog and photos

2009-11-16T16:03:00.000-08:00

When I was little Mom saw that I was having trouble learning to read, she attended an open house and when she heard the heavy southern accent that my 1st grade teacher had, Mom felt that my teacher's accent was confusing me on the words. For many months Mom read with me regularly until I was able to read well on my own, soon I was reading a couple of years ahead of my age level. For the past several years I've spent quite a bit of time volunteering with an Adult Literacy program, there are a lot of people who "fall through the cracks" in the public school program. I'm grateful that Mom helped me get over that obstacle while I was very young. Reading has been a great pleasure to me and has opened the door for lifelong learning.

Mom liked to play cards; I remember when I was little playing cards with mom often, just the two of us. I can't remember what games we played but I remember enjoying that time together. I still love to play cards.

Mom went through a time when she was very interested in wool in its natural state. I remember her buying wool carders, a spinning wheel and loom. She also had a couple of "drop spindles" (I think that's what they're called). I enjoyed carding the wool and attempting to spin the wool using the drop spindle. Last year when we went to Nauvoo with Mom and Dad, there were demonstrations on carding, dying and spinning wool. I remember feeling fortunate that Mom had exposed us to activities like that when we were young.

I recall Mom's macramé era. Mom taught Macramé for many years, I have no idea how many students she had. While other people were using macramé to make hanging pot holders, Mom went outside the macramé box on a number of occasions. Lochlan wears a beautiful macramé belt that Mom made, I have the macramé head that Mom did and also a tall bottle that is covered completely in macramé and has Mom's initials macraméd into it. Mom also made a beautiful macramé lampshade that I look forward to brining home one day. I know that memory is a tricky thing, but I recall a lovely macramé beaded collar that mom made which was displayed at BYU in their Harold Fine Arts Center, I was so proud that my mother did fine enough work to be on display there,

Mom took an oil painting class. Her project was a lion painting and I love it. When mom told the teacher that this was her first time working with oil paints he didn't believe her. I don't think she did another painting; she had too many other things that she wanted to do. I'm grateful to have it hanging in our home.

Dad took Shenna, Reaka and I backpacking for quiet a few summers. Mom didn't go with us, she used that time to do something that she wanted to do. I don't know if she did this each time, but I remember at least a couple of times that she had purchased something special for each of us for when we came home.

At Christmas my parents would often work together to design an Allebes Family Christmas card. I recall one Christmas when Mom had us all help made paper ornaments for the tree. They are elaborately cut into several designs. One of the designs is a partridge and pear tree, another is two cut out deer, and my favorite is a crèche image. Mom put these on her tree each year and I always loved them. Several years ago when we were at Mom & Dad's for Christmas I remarked to Mom how much I loved them and that I'd like to try to make some one day for our family. A couple of months later I received a package in the mail, Mom had lovingly packed those beautiful homemade paper ornaments in a box and sent them for our family to enjoy. Each year I love putting them on the tree and am grateful for Mom's kindness in giving them to us.

My recollection is that Mom didn't want to be the one to teach us how to sew. She felt that someone else teaching us would be better (and I think she was right on that). Mrs. Clara Deluca taught sewing at Bella Vista High School and each of us girls were lucky to have her as a teacher. Once I started to sew, Mom helped when I asked for it. Mom didn't do any of the actual sewing on my assignments, but she did offer to take out my mistakes as I made them what a kind offer that was, taking out mistakes is discouraging and the fact that Mom did that for me was instrumental in my not getting too discouraged. I don't know if Shenna and Reaka received that same offer, they probably didn't make as many mistakes as I did. As my sewing improved, mom encouraged me to try more ambitious projects. I think I paid for most of the fabric that I worked with. During my senior year in high school, I entered a contest called 'Make It With Wool'. Mom had encouraged me. I designed an ethnic dress (I'm sure with some help from Mom). Mom took me to a fabric store that carried high end fabric. We had calculated how much material I'd need. There were several colors of fabric, some solids and some prints. When I saw the prices of the fabric I was alarmed. I had a budget in mind and the fabric cost was way over my budget. Mom was not deterred and helped me to pay for it. I felt a strong obligation to do that fabric justice and did my best to make it into a beautiful garment. It's the only garment I have that I made when I was in high school and it's still beautiful.

When Shenna went away to college Mom had us continue to set a place for her at the dining room table each night. I thought that was a little excessive especially since it didn't stop after a few months. Mom also sent Shenna nice packages. I remember complaining once that Shenna was sure getting a lot of attention while she was away. About a week later a package came in the mail for me from Mom. I can't remember what was in the package, but I remember feeling pretty good about her taking the time to do that for me, just to make me feel like I was special to.

When Mom owned Tayo's she became friends with a woman who made a handmade doll called a Bronja's Baby. Mom made them and I loved them. Years later I asked Mom to teach me how to make them, they're time consuming but Mom was patient in showing me how to do the process. I love making them and giving them to special friends and I'm glad that Mom took the time to teach me how to make them. This year one of my nieces had a baby and Lochlan felt I should make her a Bronja baby. Lochlan wanted it to be light pink, when Mom learned that I was looking for light pink fabric for a Bronja baby, she looked through her stash and mailed me enough to make several Bronja babies of that color.

When Shenna was married Mom wanted to do something special for each of us. She ordered 3 porcelain Dutch girls and gave them to each of us to remember Shenna's wedding day. Later when Reaka and I were married she did something again for each of us. Mom had a special Norwegian necklace that she had 3 replicas made of (I think that was for when Reaka was married, but it could have been for when I was married). Another time she purchased 3 matching Norman Rockwell plates as the commemoration of one of us getting married. I don't know of anyone else who has done something like that; it's just another example of mom being thoughtful. Shenna has always loved tulips. I remember the hours that Mom spent making fabric tulips for Shenna's reception, what a process, and they turned out beautiful.

I served a mission in Adelaide Australia; Mom was supportive from the beginning. Mom sent me packages periodically and she always included something for my companion. Each of them was so touched that she thought of them.

When Merritt and I were married Mom was so excited and I don't recall any stress with wedding plans or on our wedding day. I think I pretty much let Mom do what she felt would be best. When Mom would make a suggestion, I'd respond. If she wanted input, I gave it. Since I served with Vietnamese refugees for much of my mission, Mom thought I would like to have some Asian food. Mom arranged to have Merritt and I taste a variety of different foods that Mom had someone prepare. We chose the things that we liked the most and Mom followed up with it. For our "wedding cake" a tower of Asian treats was created. It must have been a big hit because by the time we went to the food table, they were all gone. Mom knew that I was patriotic so she suggested red, white and blue for a color scheme for the reception. Mom and a group of Mom's friends made A LOT of deep red fabric carnations for the reception. Each Christmas we use those red carnations to decorate our Christmas tree.

Mom once took an Asian cooking class and learned a different technique for cooking broccoli which she taught me. You add just a pinch of baking soda to the water and then bring it to a boil before adding the cut up broccoli florets. Let it boil uncovered for a few minutes and then drain. The broccoli will be a lovely deep green color; it cooks faster because of the chemical reaction so I only cook it for a few minutes.

Years ago mom had the idea for a quilt with images of the hands of men who were priesthood holders from many nations. Mom asked if I could get the outline of hands of some people of different ethnic backgrounds, and also Merritt's. I approached three men from our church congregation, one from the Middle East, one with Native American (Eskimo) origins, and one from the Hawaiian Islands. Each of them were willing to do this but they probably thought it was odd, I know I felt odd asking them. Hands on a quilt sounded kind of juvenile to me. When Mom had completed the project it was beautiful. The only Caucasian hands on the quilt belong to Dad, Brian, Merritt and Max. Mom submitted the quilt for the first church art competition that included textiles as a category. As part of the submission Mom made a legend to go with the quilt with was a drawing of the quilt and included the names and ethnic origins or each person represented. This quilt was purchased by the LDS Church and has often been displayed. It was also featured on the inside cover of the Ensign Magazine. Mom made extra copies of the legend as well as postcards of the finished quilt. Mom gave me copies to give to each of the men I knew whose hands were on the quilt. I recall one of the men in particular being so touched to be part of that project.

Mom recruited a lot of people to work on a project for Dad (I think this was for when he retired, but it could have been his 70^th birthday). Mom asked people to write a memory of Dad for a book she was making, the memory had to be within specific dimensions. Most people would put together a book in a binder form (or something like that). Mom had taken a class and made a truly beautiful book cover with metal and leather which she used for this gift. It's a work of art

Mom and Dad have friends with an abundance of persimmons. One year Mom started drying persimmons, when Mom learned how much our family loves the dried persimmons, she was generous in sharing them with us. I know there are some dried persimmons in the garage freezer; I hope we'll get to eat some of them

From the time I was young Mom and Dad often invited people over, couples, families, groups, etc. Mom didn't worry about the house being "perfect" it was tidy and welcoming and that was enough. Merritt and I have adopted that habit of inviting people over to our home, not nearly as much as mom and dad do, but often and we always have a great time. I'm grateful for that example from mom and dad.

Mom was a great support to the people she loved, not just family but many friends. I remember when a family in their ward needed things that Mom participated in a major effort to help them with their home. Mom organized an auction to help a couple keep their home when it was in jeopardy due to large medical bills, thousands of dollars were earned as people came together on behalf of this couple. Sometimes Mom embarrassed me with her high praise, but I appreciated her championship on my behalf. I remember several times when I was in school (elementary, junior high and high school) when I had some difficulty with a teacher or an assignment. If I explained the situation well, Mom was a strong advocate, with Mom behind me, I felt confident to express myself in what would otherwise have been intimidating circumstances.

Mom was great at figuring things out. If we had something that needed to be done and weren't sure how to do it, we figured that next time Mom and Dad visited, one of them would be able to help us get the task accomplished. One year when Mom was visiting she volunteered to make chair covers for some old garage-sale chairs we had, not something we would have wanted to do on a vacation but she enjoyed doing it and we sure appreciated it.

Mom's taste in clothing was sometimes really crazy, but she also had a lot of classically beautiful garments that she had made over the years. When we were kids we had a lot of fun dressing up in mom's formals from when she was younger (don't recall the parachute dress though). When I was in high school I wore one of mom's outfits for homecoming spirit day, I felt like Julie Andrews from Thoroughly Modern Millie. Another time in high school we were having a fundraiser that was a "Monte Carlo Night". I manned one of the tables and wore a formal of mom's made of light pink velvet and light pink tulle that was a hit with everyone. Another time I wore a grey formal of mom's for a retro mystery night that good friends hosted. Mom had a beautiful beaded knit dress that I loved, she gave it to me and I was able to wear it a few times. I kept it and Madison has it now, she wears it often and always looks beautiful in it. I also have several of mom's "wearable art garments". I have to be feeling pretty confident to wear them since I know I'll be getting some attention when I do, they're fun and I'm always pleased when people are amazed at the creativity and workmanship of mom's garments.

When I talked with Mom and Dad I was always amazed at how busy they were. They accomplished as much in a week as most people do in a month or even a year, and it was just their way of life. I am trying to live as well as my parents have lived, to love and serve others.

Mom was a wonderful example of not only accepting others but finding them interesting and wanting to spend time with them.

I have a lot of memories of vacations with Mom & Dad, following are several.

Approximately 23 years ago Mom and Dad went to The Netherlands; it was Dad's first trip back since emigrating to the U.S. with his parents when he was a teenager. Mom and Dad had a wonderful time. While family was together in Fair Oaks for Christmas in 1987 (I think), Mom and Dad suggested that we should all plan a trip for the spring of 1988. Merritt and I had recently moved to New Mexico and purchased our first home. We knew Merritt couldn't take a long vacation as a new hire. I knew that going on this trip was something I couldn't miss out on. Madison was two years old and since we were new to our area, I wondered how I could make arrangements for her during the day while Merritt worked. Shortly after returning to New Mexico, a sign-up sheet was passed around during church for baby-sitting exchanges. I signed up to babysit other people's children A LOT so that I can earn care for Madison while I went on this trip to The Netherlands with Mom & Dad. I ended up becoming very good friends with Laura Beauchamp and her family through earning babysitting for Madison. I had been working full time up until shortly before this trip was planned and had wondered how I would spend each day entertaining a two year old. Through preparing for this trip and earning baby-sitting for Madison, I learned that having other children over (some children were better matches than others) to play with Madison was GREAT! Shenna and I ended up being roommates on the trip as neither Brian nor Merritt were able to come. Reaka and Max were together and of course Mom and Dad. I had such a great time. Besides paying for my flight over, making arrangements for Madison, and having some spending money, Mom and Dad made all the other arrangements. I recall I was also in charge of taking photos, I have a large box full of them, I think I made copies for everyone, but if I didn't, I at least know where all those pictures are. I'll always be grateful for Mom and Dad suggesting that trip and for the opportunity to spend time with my sisters, my parents, and many of our relatives in The Netherlands. I recall that on the way back Mom and Dad were upgraded to 1st class, I was a little jealous but happy for them... They had organized what was a "first class" experience for all of us.

About 16 years ago (Lochlan was one or two years old), Merritt & I planned a trip to Europe with Mom and Dad (I'm not sure whose idea it was, but it was a good one). Dixie and Odell Larsen, friends of Mom & Dad's were living in Rome. When we arrived in Amsterdam we rented a car for the 4 of us and spent several days in The Netherlands visiting with different family. We drove through France, I think it was there that we stayed in a hotel and had what I consider a "twilight zone" experience. We spent some time in Switzerland where I picked up a piece of carved wood in a trash heap that we now have hanging in our home - I learned from Mom that one man's junk is another man's treasure. I recall that we spent a few days in Florence, we got lost together in Sienna in pouring rain... I was frustrated about not being able to find our way back to the car but I don't recall anyone else being very bothered by it. We arrived in Rome later than planned (due to being lost in Sienna), the Larsens were amazing hosts. Dixie fed us lovely meals; she also dropped us off and picked us up at pre-arranged locations for the days that we were there. I think she spent one day with us. What a great way to visit Rome. We wouldn't have had that opportunity to be hosted by the Larsens without Mom and Dad (mostly Mom) arranging that.

Mom and Dad visited us several times while we lived overseas. The first time was when we were living in Thailand; they were with us for Thanksgiving that year. We were able to purchase tickets for them with air miles that we'd accumulated. They were wonderful guests and we had a great time. I'd asked Mom in advance if she'd be willing to do a demonstration for some of my friends while visiting. Mom was working on her "Women of All Nations" quilt and had brought it with her, everyone was so impressed, I never saw the quilt in its completed state, but I'm happy to have watched part of it's development. Mom also brought with her some little kits so that she could show each of the ladies a technique, they all loved it and Mom was in her element. I'd asked Dad in advance to create a painted canvas nativity backdrop for a "Journey to Bethlehem" which our ward was hosting for the Thai Community. That backdrop was beautiful and was used for many years with literally thousands of people enjoying it. There was a picture of the event in an Ensign article that showed part of the backdrop... Attached is a photo of Mom on an elephant with Madison when we spent a few days in northern Thailand with them. Dad must be taking the picture since he's not on either of the elephants. Just another example of Mom being willing to try pretty much anything.

When we were fortunate to live in The Netherlands for a few years, Mom and Dad visited us and we traveled with them to different places. I knew Mom would like to go to Norway where her mother was born. Merritt & Madison didn't end up going. The trip to Norway is the only trip that I've organized myself. Mom, Dad, Lochlan, Sloane and I went together starting in Oslo and ending in Bergen. I was nervous about "hosting" this. We had a few mishaps along the way (got on the wrong boat) but we all had a great time. Mom was curious and pleased everywhere we went.

When we lived in Singapore, Mom and Dad visited us again. This time they were with us over Christmas. We left Singapore one day and drove to Kuala Lampur arriving in the middle of the night. It was Ramadan (time of fasting during daylight hours) and there were a lot of people up and about in the middle of the night. We attended church together and visited what at that time were the tallest buildings in the world. After Kuala Lumpur we spent a few days in the rain forest, that's were Mom had her infamous landing on her backside when she was walking with us in the rainforest wearing "cute" shoes and a knit top and skirt. We then spent a few days in Penang with the Dan & Wendy Smith family, we all had a great time. While in Penang Dad tried parasailing and had a couple of unplanned adventures in the water. We took a ferry to Thailand and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in a motel that was pretty much a dive, Mom and Dad didn't complain... To get to a small island where we had reservations, we had to go from the dock to a narrow boat. The getting down from the dock part was tricky even for someone who was young and agile. Mom saw what was required and didn't make a fuss, she just figured she could do it and she did (with the help of some Thai men). The accommodations on the island were "rustic" by any definition. We stayed in small cabanas that didn't have electricity, we did arrange to have Mom in one that had a "western" rather than a "squat" toilet, but that was the only concession. Mom had a project with her and she worked on it on covered table in the open air restaurants that we ate at... in between games of cards and ordering the yummy cashew chicken and fried bananas that we all enjoyed.

As Sloane mentioned, while we were overseas we spent many summers staying with Mom and Dad, they were both so kind to us with all the turmoil that we brought into their lives at that time.

In July 2001 Mom and Dad joined us for a trip to New York. We spent the 4th of July at Niagara Falls; we all loved seeing the "Horses on Parade" in Rochester. We attended the Hill Cumorah pageant together; we did a session at the Palmyra temple and went to the sacred grove where Joseph Smith had his first vision. We ended with several days in New York City including going to a couple of plays, to museums, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Mom was excited to see the information about her mother's entry to the United States through Ellis Island. Mom and Dad arranged for tickets to a play that I think Tom Seleck was performing in. He wasn't quite as handsome as Harrison Ford (Mom's favorite actor) but she was really happy to have gone to it, and I was pleased that Mom and Dad arranged that on their own. When we flew into NYC Merritt wanted to use public transportation to get to our accommodations. Merritt had figured what bus we could get on and then what metro station was within easy walking distance of our hotel. We all had luggage but agreed to Merritt's plan. We loaded our luggage onto the bus and got off at the metro. We learned that the metro station that was closest to our hotel was closed; Merritt talked us all into just getting off at the one before that stop and walking the rest of the way. Seven people walking several blocks with luggage was an odd sight. Mom didn't complain but she did arrange to have a van pick us up at the hotel for our return trip to the airport a few days later I think we all appreciated that!

Mom had often talked about wanting to go to Branson Missouri. Last summer (2008) we scheduled a 10 day trip with Mom and Dad, meeting in Tulsa Oklahoma and then driving to Branson Missouri where we stayed for a few days. I don't think we would have gone to Branson if it hadn't been to fulfill a desire of Mom's. I'm glad we went "for Mom" because we all had a great time doing to the shows, visiting the Roy Rogers/Dale Evans museum, "riding with the Ducks", and joining a congregation of LDS members for their Father's Day sacrament meeting. From Branson we drove to Nauvoo and had a lovely time together, last we drove to Chicago. Mom and Dad loved a display of morphed images at the Art Institute of Chicago. We all enjoyed the Architectural River Cruise and a highlight was time at the Millennium Park (first time we went there we happened upon practice for an upcoming public concert. During this trip mom wasn't feeling 100% and there were a couple of times that Mom and Dad stayed at the lodgings, even though she wasn't feeling well, she was enthusiastic about everything we did.

The last trip we had with Mom was this summer when Mom and Dad visited us here in New Mexico. Mom, Dad, Merritt and I spent a few days at a cabin in Southern Colorado belonging to generous friends of ours. I'm glad that we had that time together, lots of down time to visit, play dominoes, hear stories, and supervise Dad on a painting he was working on as a thank you to our friends. Mom was relentless in making sure the color of the chairs was just right... On the days that we were at our home in Corrales, the dominoes were out a lot of the time. One afternoon Lochlan, Mom and I were playing dominoes; Mom was being silly about how "proud" I was of winning a game. We started cracking up, Lochlan said something like "Mom, I never hear you laugh like that." I should laugh more, I'm glad that one of the last experiences I had with Mom involved a lot of laughter.

On the Tuesday that Mom was diagnosed I was scheduled to fly out from the Sacramento Airport after a few days spent in Ashland Oregon with a couple of good friends. I'm so grateful that I was in the area and that by simply cancelling my return flight, I could be there when the Doctor met with Dad, Shenna, Reaka and I prior to talking with Mom. What a privilege it was to see the way in which Dad handled everything, and to see Mom and her response to the diagnosis. I went through a lot of tissues that afternoon. I also had several opportunities to listen to mom. It was so funny to hear her tell the doctor about her father's lesson in how to treat a bloody nose. Mom also talked about people that she was concerned about and how grateful she was for the many blessings that our extended family has been fortunate to experience. Mom wanted to make sure that the beautiful garments wouldn't be given away to a thrift store, she wanted her loved ones (including family and friends) to have a chance to choose from them. Honoring that request was a joy as so many friends and family selected items that had memories attached to them.

I'm grateful that Mom's illness took her quickly; she had often expressed pride in her family dying well... Not lingering. I hope that I have inherited that.

I'm grateful for Shenna and Chris for the blog where so many memories of Mom have been shared.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you again to everyone who has contributed.

Heather

Allebes girls - Honeyman Beach

2009-11-16T07:03:00.000-08:00

Honeyman Beach where we stopped and spen t a while on our way to Canada where we were visiting Katie, Cor & Peter.

Heather

Lochlan and Oma Emma

2009-11-16T07:00:00.001-08:00

Many years ago I had a project in mind for Lochlan, making fabric flat dolls that could be dressed, I'm pretty sure I had a pattern and I'd been collecting fabrics, but I hadn’t gotten around to it. I mentioned the project to Mom and she said she'd make it for Lochlan. Not surprisingly, Mom improved on the project and it turned out wonderful. Attached is a photo of Mom and Lochlan soon after Lochlan opened it.

Heather

My Emma Story

2009-11-15T23:26:00.001-08:00

The first time I met Emma was just after Christmas in 1976. Shenna and I were home from BYU for Christmas. Shenna and I had just met and I had gone out with Shenna twice over the Christmas break, our first two dates ever. I was really impressed with her, so I arranged to ride back to BYU with her in a used VW fastback that Ted & Emma had purchased for her to take back to school. The drive back to Utah went very well until we got almost to Auburn (20 minutes away!), where the car broke down, permanently, and had to be towed away. Ted picked us up and took us back to their home where Shenna and I spent the day trying to find a way to get back to school which started the next day. We spent the entire day at her home.

This is where Emma comes into the story. Many people were trying to help us find a way back to school and we spent a lot of time waiting for things to come together. I got to really meet Emma and Ted that day. Emma, as I would later learn was typical for her, made me feel like I was one of the most interesting people she had ever met. In looking back, I suppose that I was actually quite unimpressive, but she would ask questions and seem so interested that I could not have impressed her more if I had been a world traveler, acclaimed scientist and renowned artist instead of a student with no major, no money, a part time job and pretty typical life for a typical student. Emma would ask questions and engage you in a conversation that would make you feel like you were something special. It had not occurred to me what a gift that was until the last few months. She was really interested in people.

It seems that one of Emma’s favorite pastimes was playing dominoes, and, while we waited, Shenna and I spent most of the day playing dominoes with Emma and “Oma”, Ted’s mom. We played almost all day! I had never played dominoes before, but I made up for it in one day. (It’s interesting that in the last few months, when Shenna and I would spend an evening with Emma and Ted, we would often end up playing dominoes. The dawn of my days with Emma included dominoes, and the twilight days included dominoes).

Shenna and I did find a way back to BYU and made it just in time to shower and get to classes after driving all night. Life was good. Eventually I asked her to marry me. She called home the next day to tell her parents and her mom was very excited! She thought it was so wonderful that Shenna was marrying that wonderful young man that had spent the day playing dominoes with her.

Of course it wasn’t really the domino games, although that probably helped her perceive me as a polite young man, it was her ability to see the good in me. All the conversation I had with her while we played dominoes together gave her a chance to feel like she knew lots about me, and I guess she remembered all the good things.

She was really interested in people, and she remembered the good things she discovered about them. A few months ago, when Shenna and I were having dinner with Emma & Ted, we were talking about some of the challenges we had brought into their life as we went through some difficult times, and Emma didn’t remember any of them. It was remarkable to me that while I thought she would be glad those times were long gone, Emma remembered all kinds of good times and didn’t remember the challenges at all. She had this perception that her sons-in-law were wonderful blessings in her life and it seems that anything I’ve done that didn’t fit that image just didn’t stick with her. So there was another lesson I learned from her; not only did she make us feel like we were interesting people, but she really thought we were interesting people because she took the effort to be interested in us and find things to like about us.

I’m sure glad Shenna’s parents bought that old VW that broke down 20 miles from home so I could spend the day playing dominoes with Emma so she had time to find things to like about me, so she would spend the rest of her life thinking I was a great son-in-law. I’m glad for her example of being interested in people and finding things to like about everybody she met. I’m sure it made her life more interesting and I know it made all our lives much more pleasant.

Brian Mealey

Fairfield

2009-11-15T22:51:00.001-08:00

This was a draft of a letter Mom sent to the Fairfield Fashion coordinators to be considered for invitation to participate in their highly acclaimed yearly fashion show held at Quilt Market each Fall in Houston. Mom participated in this 3 (or maybe 4?) years.

Dear.....

this is a cover letter to introduce myself and my slides.

For more than 40 years I have been an avid dressmaker, rarely making the garment exactly from the pattern. For the last 20+ eyars, I have loved working with art to wear, using techniques that involve many types of details, weaving, piecing, pleating, applique, dyeing, etc.

Over the years many of my friends have urged me to apply to Fairfied with the possibility of partcipating with a garment in the Houston Fashion Show.

Some of those friends are Cheryl Bradkin, Ellen Mosberger, Rachel Clark, Suzie Robbins, Sally Lampi, elinor peace bailey, Mary Mashuta.

I have won Blue Ribbons, Best of Show, Judges Choice and Viewers Choice for many of my garments on local and State levels. This is my first time to venture out of my state for this purpose, but I did have one of my quilts selected for the Expo 90 show in Japan.

The following information I leave with you concerning my slides.

Thanking you for your consideration

I remain - Emma Allebes

Here's a few of the write-ups she sent along with the slides....

'Sunflowers - Van Gogh' (one of her best know wearable art pieces) I made this jacket when the 100th anniversay of Van Gogh's death was being celebrated. The sunflowers in two sizes were my inspiration. The mosaic portrait on the back has 3050 pieces. 25 different shades of black, grey and white were used. Three yellow and black prints were added for interest in the front. I did add a bit of green as my husband said 'every flower needs a little green.'

'Freeway Crunch' - Carol Lane's vest/coat pattern. This coat was made to hang in a show in San Francisco to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the Earthquake. By pleating the fabric the cars became crunched. This garment won 'Best of Class' in the California State Fair Wearable Art Exhibit in 1990

'In the Garden' - This garment was made to accompany the 'Evolution of the Tomato Quilt' I made that was selected for the Expo 90 show in Japan. Piecing, applique, cut-away applique and handquilting techniques were used.

'Don't Worry, Be Happy' - My own design forj acket and pants.. This was a challenge garment for a guild I belong to. The plaid didn't have periwinkle in it so I painted it in. The tiny gingham check which most people tosssed out, became very effective as the piping. I won the grand prize.

Oma Emma Letter

2009-11-15T22:18:00.001-08:00

I put together my entry and took those photos of me wearing some of oma's shoes/hat/dress.

Today I was going through some of Oma Emma's shoes and noted that one of the brands said "Too much is never enough." That definitely could have been Oma's motto in regards to her work, and to her life. She never felt the need to limit herself to what was "normal" in her work or in life. Growing up, I never realized just how different Oma was from everyone elses grandmothers and I am so grateful for those differences. She taught me how to carry off intense fashion with confidence, not to be concerned about what others think, the value of the dollar store, tried to teach me how to sew, and most importantly that family is there for you even when it isn't convenient. She and Opa opened their home to us every summer for eight years and I am positive that three messy girls were not their ideal houseguests. Additionally, they were always game for coming out to visit us in whichever corner of the world we were living in and Oma never failed to deliver entertaining stories about what she believed were the life stories of the new people we encountered on these adventures together. I hope to be as spunky as she was when I am a grandmother and to be as willing to go on hikes through the jungle, cross rope bridges and visit virtually undeveloped tropical islands with us. I am unbelievably grateful for the example which Oma set for me and for the way in which she raised my mother. I am positive that without her presence in my life, it would be incredibly different and lacking in so many ways.

Sloane Phillips

Emma/Mom's Thoughts, etc....

2009-11-15T22:12:00.001-08:00

going through Mom's 'stuff' I've found little notes, beginnings of Life Histories, portions of talks & letters, etc that are interesting snips of Mom's thoughts....here are some of them....

'It's only in our country that the garments have been separated from the spirit of the person.'

"Live today so the memory of it will be welcome in our thoughts."

Emma's story - taped at a talk given to the Rocklin Quilt Group, May 2, 1994

Sometimes you have other things that happen in your life that pertain to your creating, whatever it might be. If you're a painter, a musician, or it you write , or if you're a poet, whatever it might be. And I seem to have a real thing about shoes. I don't know how you feel about shoes, but I love shoes. And I have a real fun time with them. We were in a......(that's the end of what was transcribed!)

Emma Allebes

83998 Sunset Ave

Fair Oaks, CA, 95628

BIOGRAPHY

Emma Allebes has ben involved with the quilt and wearable art world since she was 11 years old when she made a quilted hat & gloves for her 9 year old sister as a Christmas gift.

Her college eduation was financed by Art & Home Ec Schoarships to Weber College & Brigham Young University.

Emma has won local, state, national and international awards for her quilts and wearable art. She has been invited top participate as a Fairfield Designer 3 times. Her quilts 'Worldwide Brotherhood" and "Women of All Nations Nurturing Peace" will be displayed at the 2002 Olympics Art Exhibit.

She has been a professsional dressmaker for many years as well as making and designing clothing for her 3 daughters and herself.

She has been judging quilts and wearable art for 40+ years and has completed the 2001 NCQC Judging Course. Emma teaches and presents Wearable Art Fashion Shows to guilds, quilt shops, churchs and womens organizations throughout California.

Our decision to move from our home at 4513 Thor Way in Sacramento was influenced by the health of Ted's father. Since Ted is an only child, he felt the resopnsibility to watch out for his parents. So we wanted to find a place where they could be near us. Ted would drive on all different roads when out on business for his company. He drove east on Sunset in Fair Oaks......

The topic I've been assinged for today is 'Develop your talents and creativity'.

A month or so ago a group of us were together and were sharing our thoughts about talents. One very special talent was shared by Paul Sharf. He volunteers at Kaiser hospital and some of his time is comforting those in the emergency ward. There are many different kinds of talents.

As members of the church, we are blessed with so many talented people that share their talents and creativity with us. What a pleasure it is to sit near Glen Sharp and hear him sing. Also Monica Ferrera, Deanne Ellsworth & Shelly Haak. This past week we received a package from Russ & Deanna Johnson. They found several books they thought we would enjoy in cabinets in church offices that they were helping sort out. One was about Norway and the conversion of John A. Widstoe's mother & father written by him. I finished it last night. She was a wonderful woman and part of her conversion was the sharing of talents and creativity by members of the church who befriended her.

Many of you know the talents of Ted, he has many in his family who are artists on both his mother and father's sides. He made our living as a commercial artist for 50 years and now teaches art classes 2 days a week.

Ted's father, a very fine artist, shared his talents in Holland helping the Jewish people. He was an engraver for the Holland Mint, engraving copper plates for paper money and stamps during World War II. The Germans didn't allow the Jews to have rations for food. Ted's Dad worked with Corrie Ten Boom, author of 'The Hiding Place', by altering ration stamps so the Jews would have food. He also made false ID papers so that Allied pilots that crashed in Holland could get back to England and America, all this by sharing his talents.

Several generations back on my mother's side, both grandparents were tailors of fine clothing. As an only child my mother was not groomed as a tailor but as a fine pianist. The talent of the sewing machine skipped a generation when at about 4 years old I was attracted to the treadle sewing machine in our hallway. Dad put a large block on the treadle so I could reach it, and I began sewing, never using a pattern, just making it up as I went along, which I still do most of the time.

As a Clothing & Textile major at Weber College (now Weber University) in Ogden. I became skilled in Tailoring. I was 18 when I finished my Freshman year and was asked by the school if I would make the Whip uniform for the girls service and marchng group. 117 in all. Purple long sleeve wool gabardine dresses with white vests. Dad said "you can't stay in this hallway all summer' so he wored the patio with electricity and that's where I spent most of that summer, making use of the talent I was born with.

One thing Ted & I feel to be very important to us is to share our talents, we have made costumes, and designed and painted scenery for many church and community productions.

A wonderful example of sharing talents is Aileen Kelley and her harps. She plays in hopspitals for babys to regulate heart beat, and awakens patients from comas and of course she - with Leslie (Williams) and Julie (Basilius) - performs often for us in the church.

Dear Golda (Mom's older sister) Dec 29, 1995

Ever since I was a little girl I have looked to you and Willard as the example for me of how to raise a good and loving family. The times I babysat for the kids are part of my fondest memories and as they grew up they became my friends.

I never considered you a half sister, but my sister. After Ted and I were married we always felt so welcome by you and Willard in yor home. I pray that when the time comes for me to need the tender attention from my children that you are receiving now, that they will meet the test as yours have. I do hope that you will come to Californai for some visits so that Ted & I can return some the hospitality to you that we have received from you all these years.

How effective can we be unless we love one another? To be a friend and to have a friend is one of the most important roles we will have.

My granddaughter, Madison, is on a mission in Louisville, Kentucky. We hear from her each week with interesting stories about her experiences. Perhaps she sits next to someone on a bus and ends up giving them the First Discussion. She takes advantage of every opportunity to teach the gospel. I've thought to myself, 'that-a-girl'. Then I think 'am I doing my part as I should?'

On Feb 9, 2007, my mother-in-law, Judy, passed away at age 97. I was at her bank the next week closing her checking account. There was quite a line up and few tellers. I think they probably were taking some lunch breaks. I was standing next to a very pleasant looking young man, I'd say about 20 years old. I thought of Madison. How would she approach this situation?

There was a young woman customer standing at a teller station and she was wearing high heel shoes about 5" high. I said to the young man 'Look at those shoes, I can't imagine that she doesn't fall over.' He said 'I've never tried that, but it doesn't look very safe.' Anyway we visited a bit, and he said 'why are you at the bank?"' I told him I was closing my mother-in-law's checking account as she had passed away. He said 'I know how you must feel, my mother died when I was 12 years old and it was very hard.'

Then as we visited he mentioned his Mom & Dad. I said "Oh, your Dad remarried?' He said 'Yes, he married my best friend's mother, so now he's my brother.' We were almost ready to be helped when I said to him 'you are such a nice young man, maybe we could get better acquainted. My husband and I enjoy having people to our home. If you write your name and phone # I could call and invite you and your famly over. So he did...He said he likes to be called....\

It's been about 2 weeks ago and I haven't called yet. Maybe I'll do it before the weekend is over. I tried but no answer. He was pretty smart and careful. The phone # was a business # and porbably closed on Saturrday. I'll try Monday.

It seems like almost every speaker begins their talk with...'When Ted Allebes called.....' Well if finally happened to me. He had several suggested topics and I chose the 11th Commandment.

'Thou Shalt Not Waste' - we all know there is no 11th commandment, but if there was one, waste could be considered.

At a workshop I took sometime ago I had the opportunity to learn Hawaiian quilting. The cutting technique is similar to that used when cutting paper snowflakes. You probably are thinking - what does that have to do with waste. I hope I'll be able to coordinate the two.

I remember attending a dinner many years ago. Afterwards a man I didn't know came up to me and said, 'I'll bet you're Scandivavian.' I said 'yes, I'm Norwegian, how did you know?' He said 'the way you finished your plate so clean.' I can't say it happend because of my Norwegian background but I was raised not to waste food. To eat what I took. We didn't waste anything. We saved the rubber bands on the door knob. Does that sound famliar to any of you?

Part of the problem with wasted food with children I think starts with too large of a plate.

Try:

1 - a small plate with a small serving

2 - progress to a salad plate with a larger serving

3 - finally, when able to manage it - a dinner plate

Do some of you know Ben Lofgren? He was giving a Sunday School lesson once in El Camino Ward. He gave his theory on this subject. He always told his children 'you don't have to finish your dinner if you don't want to, but you won't get breakfast until it's all gone.' We thought 'Hey, that's a good idea and we'll try it.' And you know, just one breakfast of cold spaghetti adn no more uneaten dinners.

Probably one of the hardest things a young couple has to do these days is save for a home Our first home was chicken arbor in North Ogden, Utah. Ted & I, our fathers and one really good friend made that arbor into our dream house. Lots of work and frugile buying made it happen.

When we bought our property here in Fair Oaks, it was really run down. But we had a vision of what it could be. I don't know if Connie Beal remembers this, but soon after we moved here Connie & Lloyd came to see us. I took Connie down the hallway and she tripped over the tear in the carpet. It was in pretty bad shape but again with a lot of owrk and careful buying we turned a lemon into lemonade.

And now the other half of the Hawaiian Quilt project. I just couldn't bear not doing something with that that had been cut from the same cloth. And so you see how so often that which we discard can often be a thing of beauty.

May Heavenly Father bless us for our good works, that we may attain those goals we have, that we may do so in righteousness I pray.

Oma Emma

2009-11-15T20:56:00.001-08:00

Oma Emma was always busy with a project, when I was 7 we took a trip to Norway with Oma and Opa. And of course Oma brought her latest creation with her - the American Gothic quilt. There was a time we were sitting in the hotel room one evening and I had the opportunity to help her sew on a few beads. It was such a thrill to be a part of this elaborate quilt. Since then I have had a very sentimental attachment to the American Gothic quilt. I was overcome with joy and incredibly touched when I heard that my name had been put on it... I can't wait for the day that I can hang it in my home to share with my family and friends to come. (note from Shenna - all the grandkids have been promised by Mom/Oma that when they get married they get to choose one of her quilts for their own)

We have such a remarkable family! I couldn't think of one better :) and much of that is due to Oma Emma. She taught us to love and have patience with all. She had a way of making everyone feel so special, she would brag about her family to anyone who would listen :) She could tell a story like no one else. My parents often ask me "is this an Emma story?" referring to the length. She could and would talk for HOURS about nothing and everything. A trait I have inherited/learned from her. A characteristic that I value dearly. Oma's talents have always been admired and treasured and will continue to influence inspiration to all. She had her way of doing things..... something that I find very refreshing. I am like Oma in more ways then one, as I am sure many of the grandkids and family are. I love that. I love Oma, and all the characteristics I have gotten from her, they are a constant reminder of her and her love for me and EVERYONE she knew and hoped to know. She wasn't afraid to start a converstation with a complete stranger. I wanna do that more. Her confidence was incredible!!!!

things i've gotten from Oma

~ wash dishes before they go in the dishwasher

~ an eye for color

~ $ store shopping

~ story telling

~ compassion for all

things I admire and want to work harder to do

~ be confident with myself and others

~ use my talents to help others

~ reach out to others

~ be more accepting

Lochlan Phillips

Email from Dad...

2009-11-15T00:31:00.001-08:00

Dad occasionally sends out an email to the family telling us what's going on...this one was sent on Sept 13:

All good plans do not always work. Mom was going to Lake Tahoe for her yearly week long quilting retreat, and I and the Mealeys were heading for Morgan Hills to attend church and Garrett's ordination.

Well mom's nose has been bleeding, off and on for a week, and because of not getting any sleep and holding tissues in her nose she was pretty well tuckered out. A visit to Kaiser showed her platelets were way down but not yet at the critical stage. Then a second visit on Saturday (the emergency room was the only place that could deal with that ( what ? ) problem. So we spend 4 hours there going from room to room with the final news that we had to come back Monday to cat-arise ( could not find correct spelling ) the leak in her nose. The gave her something temporary to stop the bleeding which has worked so far. So back we go tomorrow.

Songs from Emma's Memorial Service

2009-11-15T00:26:00.001-08:00

Opening Song

'Each Life That Touches Ours for Good'

LDS Hymns #293

Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends,

whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hearts

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

Devotion to the Savior's name,

Who bless our days with peace and love,

We praise thy goodness, Lord above.

Sung by Emma's Grandchildren

'I'm Trying to be Like Jesus'

LDS Children's Songbook #78

I'm trying to be like Jesus;

I'm following in his ways.

I'm trying to love as He did,

in all that I do and say..

At times I am tempted

to make a wrong choice,

But I try to listen

as the still small voice whispers,

"Love one another as Jesus loves you.

Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,'

for these are the things Jesus taught."

Closing Song

'Love One Another'

LDS Hymn #308

As I have loved you, Love one another.

This new commandment:

Love one another.

By this shall men know

Yes are my disciples

If ye have love one to another.

Dear Shenna

2009-11-14T21:26:00.001-08:00

Now that things have settled down just a bit in my life I have had some time to think about you and your sisters. I appreciate so much what you did for your mom during her last couple of weeks on this earth. Your dad, Heather and Reaka were there for her when I couldn't be, taking care of her every need. I am so proud of you all. I just wanted to express my appreciation. Emma was an amazing person, friend, family member and artist. She accomplished so much in her lifetime. I will proudly wear her shoes and perhaps as a result it will make me a better quilter? To be able to finsh her last quilt will be an honor and pleasure for me.

....Our family hope all is well with you and yours.

Love, your Aunt Millie, (Mildred in my other life)

'Keep Your Fork'

2009-11-14T11:52:00.001-08:00

This is from an Ann Landers column - Ann commented that it has been attributed to Roger William Thomas. Mom liked to refer to this 'story':

A woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live.

She asked her pastor to come to her home to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at her funeral, what Scriptures to read and which outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Then she said, "One more thing. I want to be buried with a fork in my hand."

The pastor was surprised. The woman explained., "In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.''

"It was my favorite time, because I knew something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple piece - something wonderful. So, I want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and wonder, 'What's with the fork?'"

"Then, I want you to tell them, 'Keep your fork, because the best is yet to come.'"

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he bid the woman goodby. He realized she had a better grasp of heaven than he did, and knew something better was coming.

At the funeral, when people asked him why she was holding a fork, the pastor told them of the conversation he had with the woman before she died. He said he could not stop thinking about the fork, and knew they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.

He was right.

Keep your fork. The best is yet to come.

SAQA Donation

2009-11-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

SAQA Donation in Memory of Emma Allebes

Cal Expo Anniversay Quilt (2008)

Our region collected $506 to donate to the CREAM fund of SAQA in memory of Emma Allebes, who passed away October 6, 2009 from acute myeloid leukemia. The Cathy Rassmusen Emerging Artist Memorial (CREAM) gives awards to emerging artists at Visions, Quilt National and ArtQuilt: Elements. Why SAQA? Emma was a true supporter of SAQA and had renewed her membership up to 2012; she donated to SAQA at the Donor level; she regularly attended our regional meetings and was committed to broadening awareness of the art quilt. Why the CREAM fund? Because we don't know many area quilt artists whom Emma did not mentor or foster in some way. She was very interested in new techniques, the diversity within quiltmaking, and helping emerging artists find their voice. Thanks to all who donated and to Noelle Tamborini-Olson, who coordinated the donation.

Emma Allebes

2009-11-13T10:50:00.001-08:00

Hi Shenna

Thank you for letting me know about Emma’s passing, my deepest sympathies to all of the family. She was an amazing woman and I’ll miss working on quilting projects with her for Cal Expo. Every day I see her creations and am thankful for her ability to wave her hands and produce such beauty, her quilts are one of Cal Expo’s treasures and hang for all to see. So in some ways she will never leave us here, her work, heart and soul will forever be admired and loved.

Sincerely

Greg Kinder

Greg Kinder
Deputy Manager, Programs

California Exposition & State Fair