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SHEFFIELD – Chester Reeves’ life was turned upside down in 2017.

He had been diagnosed with lymphoma.

Coupled with the treatment, he could no longer detail cars which he had done for years. His family and friends were worried. Knowing he liked to stay busy, they suggested he occupy his time with puzzles.

Chester Reeves isn’t a puzzle man.

But he remembered back in the 1980s, when Wilma Phipps had taught him how to quilt. A friend and neighbor, Christine Dyson, came by and got him started quilting.

Boy, did she get him started.

Reeves puts his all into everything he does – and quilting is no exception.

From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, he will host a quilt sale at his home on 247 Turkeyfoot Road west of Mocksville, next to Pallet One. He’ll also be selling throws, face masks and other handmade items.

“It helps me to have a little spending money,” he said. “Social security don’t pay that much.”

He’s got quilts and throws with farm scenes, with a Carolina theme, a NC State theme, traditional patterns and ones he comes up with in his head. Last year, the hot item was an old Chevy pickup truck with flowers in the bed. He’s counting on this year’s hot item being that truck with dogs in the bed.

He had depleted all of his savings after that cancer treatment, and then folks started sending him cards – with money. Some of them he barely knew. “I just fell out,” he said.

He knew he needed a new hobby – one that could provide some income. His masks are sold at Foster Drug, and some will be available Saturday, as well.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that machine,” he said, pointing at his new quilting machine. “I would have give up. Just looking at four walls is hell.”

When Chester Reeves starts something, he finishes it, he said. Many nights, he’s up until 1 or 2 in the morning working on a quilt. No television or radio required.

“Everybody fusses at me because if I start something, I’m going to finish it,” he said.

There will be more than 50 quilts, plus throws and masks at Saturday’s sale.