The Golden Duck and the Heart of Mother Goose 🦆✨

Hi everyone! I want to tell you about a very special project, my “From Rags to Riches” Mother Goose, and how it came to be. It’s a story that starts with a tiny, golden duck 🦆, a touching gift from a patient.

I was a nurse caring for people with viral hepatitis. It’s a challenging field, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You see, amidst the medical struggles, I’ve witnessed the most extraordinary acts of human kindness and resilience. One patient, in particular, stands out. She was facing her own health battles, yet she never lost her spirit. She always had a smile, a kind word, and a genuine concern for others.

One day, on my birthday, she presented me with this small, golden duck. It wasn’t an expensive gift, but it was given with such sincerity and love. I was overwhelmed.

The creation of the Mother Goose was a practical application of various crafting techniques, but it was also a deeply inspired process. Machine quilting provided structural integrity, while blanket stitching offered a clean, defined edge. Fabric yo-yos added a playful, textured element. I chose these techniques not just for their functionality, but because they allowed me to create a piece that felt both sturdy and lovingly made. The repurposed tin lid for the hat, and the use of fabric scraps for detailing, were driven by a desire to reflect the patient’s own resourcefulness and the simple, heartfelt nature of her gift. It was important to me that the materials themselves told a story of making something beautiful from what was readily available.

This project was more than just a technical exercise; it was a way for me to channel the inspiration I received. The patient’s gift sparked a creative drive that pushed me to use my crafting skills in a meaningful way. Each stitch, each carefully chosen fabric scrap, became a tangible expression of my gratitude and admiration. I wanted to create something that captured the warmth and sincerity of her gesture, and the strength I witnessed in her and so many others. My Sentimental Mother Goose.