New ribbons for the performance

Another week has flown. I'm gathering quilts for the exhibition (checking sleeves and labels etc) and came to this one that I made a few years back

with the title above. About a week ago I came across a poem that I wrote about it - I had forgotten that I had done so. It explains it all so I thought I would share it.


New ribbons for the performance

Don't throw those away -

Rachel's Mum will take them.



Miss Jan was strict, appearance paramount.

Ageing slippers in shades of scuffed pink

passed from girl to girl,

made good with new ribbons

trimmed at first wearing.

This first, unexpected test of Mum's sewing skills,

left pink satin scraps on the change room floor.



Don't throw those away -

Rachel's Mum will take them.

Growing feet (some too good to wear second hand)

filled the cupboard with possibilities.

Eisteddfods, concerts, emerging stars, troupers -

new ribbons replaced the tatty at each costume check

and intrigued wardrobe manager Mrs G,

her patience tested by non-sewing Mums,

still managed to call out on my behalf



Don't throw those away -

Rachel's Mum will take them.



A windfall came with the June decree

'New ribbons for all for the examinations'

and satin scraps fell like confetti onto the floor.

I made this wall hanging yet still bits remain

along with one unfathomed question -

why four new ribbons cut the same

produced four trimmings, all of different length!