"I guess this is not the way you usually begin a Quilting pattern. However, it’s a true story and Geraldine has become one of the most loved patterns in my career.

I was in Kenya leading a Textile and Photography Tour for Craft Tours.
On one of our last days there I was working with Jim West in the office of the Safari Park. The rest of the group were out on safari with our Guides and my Husband. It was late evening and one of the staff came rushing in to the room shouting “Simba, Simba” Well, I wasn’t too sure if we were being attacked by lions or if I was in a Disney Movie. The staff ran to the fence at the edge of the compound, Jim and I followed close behind them.
In front of us we could see about 5 Giraffes. Directly in front of them were two lioness crouched in the tall grass. The giraffes were in front of two symbolic acacia trees with baboons silhouetted against the setting sun, they became very silent. Between the legs of the giraffes were several jackals waiting expectantly.

Looking closer we saw two baby Giraffes that had been separated from the group and the lions were between them and the rest of the group.
It was like a documentary and despite our fears for the babies we watched on in awe. Very gently the Giraffe group grew to about 17 huge giraffes, they bent their heads to the ground in a provocative stance against the lions. We noticed two huge male giraffes circle around the edge of the group, their heads visible to us above the trees and foliage but un noticed by the lions. They gently ushered the babies away to safety and the groups began to disperse. The baboons scattered, the Giraffes walked away with casual grace and the lions, stood up with a stretch and yawned, their tails held high in defiance as they sauntered off and disappeared into the veld.

Suddenly one of the giraffes came towards us at the fence and from about 8 meters away stood elegantly in front of us and I took her photo. It was a special moment.
I couldn’t capture her in the photo at her full length but I did what I could.
She stood quietly for a few minutes as if to say. “We did it” and gently turned to join the rest of the group.
And this is my Geraldine."