Melody Faye Rose
Age 49, Quincy
Occupation: Manager of retirement and short-term disability for Filene’s
Years quilting: 7
Story behind her quilt: ‘‘It’s called ‘‘Warrior’’ and it’s meant to be a kind of protection. I made it for my brother Samuel. He was trying to get his master’s degree with a fulltime job and a parttime job, and his responsibility in the Air Force reserves. He’s worked so hard and strived so hard and had a lot of things working against him.’’ Thoughts about quilting: ‘‘I am the first quilter in my family. I remember when we were little, my mother trying to teach us how to hand-sew and cross-stitch. She wasn’t successful. Now my mother is laughing because I’m using a needle and thread. I think of quilts as a gift of love I want to give.’’