But I have been quilting. It all started with a friend losing her father suddenly. How many times have I wanted to quilt something for someone to sit back and say, I don’t have time. I can’t get it done fast enough. Well, the familiar responses crept up again on this occasion.
But I took a different attitude this time. I told myself she’d have tons of people offering support at first. She’d probably need the quilted piece later--- after everyone else’s lives had gone back to normal and she was still there, without her Dad.
The minute the binding was complete.
I’d been to her house a few times, but for the life of me I could not tell you what colors her house was done in. I settled on red, thinking she could use the piece, Valentine’s Day, Independence Day, Summer, Christmas.
Karen found it when she got home and …loved it….
Stressing over nothing, I was.
It was worth it….
Gratitudes:
A gift that cost nothing but time – I even used scrap batting.
Working late, but learning new stuff
Don, that loves me.
29 comments:
Your friendship is a blessing to your friend. So often we pour support right after a tragedy or challenge but then move on with our lives and forget that support is still needed. Bless you, Melanie.
Beautiful quilt, beautiful expression of love.
It's beautiful, just like the good thoughts that went into the making of it. She will treasure it always.
What a lovely quilt and such a heartwarming thought to give that to your friend. I am sure she will cherish it!
What a wonderful story! And a beautiful present to your friend!
what a beautiful quilt! Anyone would be thrilled to receive it.
The quilt is beautiful and your love for your friend is heartwarming and inspiring. Thanks for sharing it with us.
It's just gorgeous, sometimes we just have to move beyond ourselves and do what's best for others...even if we know we could do better. Your friend has a gift to treasure.
What a pretty quilt and a wonderful gesture to your friend. I am sure she will appreciate it always. Hope you are doing well
Oh Melanie what a wonderful and lovely gift you made.. you do have a heart of gold... I like how you thought about this... the gift she will have for many years to come... No wonder Karen loved it..
You just have it in you to be a blessing, and that quilt is beautiful. Our mistakes always stand out so glaringly when we look at what we've made, but the recipients are just thankful to have a piece with so much love poured into it.
That's such a lovely gift .... you're right about how people need support after everyone's lives have carried on and gone back to normal. You're a good friend and I'm sure she appreciated it more than she said.
Lovely gift and the thought behind it will be greatly appreciated. And you're right lots of people there to start off with and not too many later on, when you need support just as much....that's what friends are for.
thanks for sharing this with us. Julz
What a lovely gift...I know she loves it and what a comfort it will be. Good for you!
It was wonderful to read your post. The quilt for your friend is beautiful. A very thoughtful gesture. Blessings, Karen
Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves and we expect every piece that we turn out to be just perfect. Your gift will be remembered long after the sympathy cards are read and the casseroles have been eaten. Blessings
beautiful quilt! and thanx for this post, i'm struggling with the same feelings and really needed to read this :)
Your gift is beautiful Melanie. I'm sure your friend appreciates the fact that you put thought and time into such a treasure.
This is a beautiful piece that anyone would love. What a blessing you are to your friend.
What a wonderful friend you are. And I love the quilt -- the thin sashing strips with the cornerstones really adds a lot -- makes this an extraordinary windmill quilt.
I am sure your friend loves the quilt and the love behind it.
I enjoy reading your gratitudes at the end of your posts.
What a great story and super quilt! we should all remember that it's the THOUGHT that counts and noone sees our mistakes as we do. Glad your new year is off to a peaceful start. Hugs to you and your family!
It is a wonderful, wonderful quilt...she's so lucky to have you as a friend.
Lovely! Time is a commodity - as my brother the bonds broker likes to say - so anything that takes time to make - he really appreciates! He can buy things at the store but no-one can buy time! So - don't discount the value of your time because it is a priceless gift! I am sure your friend is going to cherish the quilt!!! When my Nana's cousin's DH died I sent her a quilt - the post office lost it, but she got it 9 months later and really loved it! A quilt does offer comfort, I believe. Cheers! Evelyn
I do the same thing and I think people really love the thought as much as the item. I am so glad you were able to get yourself to go through with it. I am sure your beautiful quilt is a comfort to her every day.
What a wonderful friend you are...
Your quilt is breathtakingly gorgeous. We all tend to be our own worst critics.
You have such a beautiful heart. The quilt is lovely but care in which you created it is even more precious.
Your story reminded me of one of my own. My very best friend lost her husband of almost 30 years to cancer, and the last year of their lives together while they were battling it, I was working on this quilt, praying for both of them all the while. I finished it a year after he died and gave it to her when she came to my mom's 80th B'day party at my house. Later she told me that trip finally brought closure for her and was the turning point in her life. So...see us quilters seem to know best....even when we are not sure we know best.
Your story brought great memories back for me.
Beautiful quilt!
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