Lyda DeHaven’s Quilting Story Lyda has always been drawn to sewing and to quilting. She started altering her own clothes when she was about 12 years old. Lyda was a charter member of MQ when it was incorporated in 1978. Her interactions with Bonnie Ellis and Jeannie Spears were particularly memorable. Recently Lyda found a bag she made back when Jeannie traveled to Africa and brought home a pattern she shared with friends here. During those early quilting years, Lyda made a Sunbonnet Sue quilt but altered the traditional pattern to reveal an active little girl, reflecting Lyda’s own childhood. In the photo, Lyda holds the quilt. When Lyda was working, she was not able to find much time for quilting. But she never stopped thinking about it. She bought fabrics that called to her and planned quilts around those fabrics. She often made a few blocks and tucked them away with the fabrics with intention of returning to complete the project in the future. Since her retirement, Lyda has been busy making quilts for her children and grandchildren. She creates both small wall hangings and larger quilts. Like many quilters, she is working to complete her stash of unfinished quilts. During time spent at home during the Covid epidemic, she created 165 pairs of potholders! and distributed them to family and friends. Lyda’s preferred methods for quilting include hand piecing, needle-turn applique, and hand quilting. During the past few years, the creative act of quilting has been a welcome solace as Lyda struggled with health issues. Her motto for quilting and for living is “Never Give Up.”