In the tranquil halls of Franke at Seaside, where the memory of age-old tales mingles with the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee, resides an absolute marvel named Jan Donovan. At nearly 92 years young, this spirited soul has a story to tell — one stitched together with love, laughter and the timeless art of quilting.
“I started my quilting journey in the early 70’s in Madison, Wisconsin, where my husband and I chose to raise our family,” Donovan recalled. “In those days, good cotton cloth was only 69 cents a yard, as opposed to today’s cost of $12 to $14 and a big spool of thread was only 39 cents.”
With their five children off to school, Jan found solace and purpose in the gentle rhythm of needle and thread. “I couldn’t just sit with idle hands, you see,” Donovan chuckled, “so, when I quit smoking, which many of us did about that time, it occupied my hands.”
What does she love most about quilting, you ask? “There’s no fitting involved, unlike with clothes,” Donovan explained. “And quilts last a lifetime.” If you’ve ever read the book “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, you would see that Donovan’s love language is undoubtedly gift-giving.
But it’s not just about the stitches for Donovan; it’s about the people she quilts for. Without hesitation she noted that her family and friends are the reason she quilts. The joy she receives when her creations are appreciated is ultimately what it’s all about.
And the unexpected joy? “How much quilts today are appreciated and treasured,” Donovan mused.
But does quilting keep her young? Donovan let out a cheerful laugh. “Since I’ve kept on aging to my almost 92 years, not really,” she quipped. “But it’s kept me out of my children’s hair! I can no longer manage the tiny needles I prefer when hand-quilting and I miss quilting every day. But like skiing and scuba diving, my two other pursuits, one must move on without too many regrets, just wonderful memories.”
As arthritis dims the light of her tiny quilting needles, Donovan remains optimistic. While she may not be able to quilt as she used to, she has plenty of other tricks up her sleeve. “I can still knit, crochet and cross-stitch, which keeps my hands busy and keeps me from boredom,” said Donovan. To pass along her optimism she shared her motto to “just keep trucking.”
In the tapestry of life, Donovan’s quilts are more than just fabric and thread; they’re a testament to the enduring power of passion, resilience and the tough spirit of a woman who refuses to let age define her.
By Katie Finch
Leave a Reply