Pieced Together Quilters is organized by a wonderful, loving woman named Joy Vail. Joy described her role as Organizer. Her background is in Human Resources and Event Planning. Although Joy is not a professional quilt teacher, she did home school her own children for 16 years. However, the format for Pieced Together Quilters is more sharing by the ladies in the group rather than one lead or teacher.
Joy originally brought together some of Kathy’s students and met in her home in the fall of 2009. Eight ladies sat and talked lovingly about Kathy, consoling each other and acknowledging their loss. Then Joy thought it would be fun to start a quilting group. Pam Ausmus, Lorraine Ryan and Joan Penrose thought that was a great idea, but who would do it. Joy said she would. Pam laughed and said Joy had the least experience, but they soldiered on. The group soon outgrew her living room so it moved a library meeting room, then into the Faith Lutheran meeting room. Joy described her role as organizer or facilitator. Members of the group share projects and demonstrate techniques.
Joy knows a bit about grief. She lost her husband in Feb 2003 and then her mother in June of 2007. She learned of a man in her church that had lost his wife in May 2004. Joy wrote condolences to him and shared that with a little time, it gets easier and that there is purpose in everything. He had shared how much her note meant to him so they talked. They talked for an hour and a half the first time. It was not romantic. It was all about life, family, and grief.
They had many more phone conversations then finally met. Just 12 days after that first meeting, Ken proposed. They were married February 5, 2005 .
A little known fact: Joy is a Wizard baker! She wants a Hobart
(Editor Note: The first day I attended Pieced Together Quilters, Joy explained her background, shared her history of loss and explained that loss had taught her to cherish every moment. She said; “I get to sweep the floor today! I can clean the cat box!” It changed my entire outlook. I was profoundly changed - I am a happier person for having met Joy Vail.)
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