You can never really know what is going on in the lives of the people around you, can you? The struggles others go through behind closed doors are often unknown to the people around them. I live in a very small community and had the privilege of lending a hand and a little comfort to someone that needed it. In turn she gave me inspiration.
She is such an amazing woman, fighting breast cancer and being all the things all women wish to be. Strong, beautiful, inspiring. She is always cheerful and happy in spite of everything. Her love for and relationship with God shines through her.
When i first heard what she was going through i kept asking myself what could i do? how can i help her? My skill set is quilting...so, I presented our homeschool group with the idea to make this quilt for her and was pleased that they wanted to take part and participate by writing personal messages to her. I just pray that they do not fade or wash away...i wanted to have the chance to wash it first to see if there were going to be any great catastrophes but i ran out of time. Pray!! pray hard.
I could not bring myself to quilt through any of the personal messages so i just outlined each box in pink. Then i spent what felt like forever straight line quilting, of random sizes, the rest of the quilt. It looks beautiful but was a lot more time and work than i anticipated.
I also wanted to hand stitch in some things that would be personal to her so i did a pink on pink breast cancer ribbon...a purple on purple cross...and the names of her husband and children, so that they would be with her when she used this quilt no matter when or where. I had not originally intended to make it pink but it turned out that they were her favorite colors. What a perfect coincidence.
She in turn gave me a gift...the gift of gratitude and appreciation(and a few tears) which really meant a lot to me. It is hard to know what people really think when you make something like this and then mail it away...and kids don't necessarily love getting a blanket.
This is ironically Breast Cancer Awareness month. What a perfect time to honor her fight by bringing her this quilt. If someone around you opens that door a little and lets you in consider it a privilege to do what you can....what seems so small and insignificant can mean so much to someone that is struggling. I know you don't know her but if you think of her take a minute and say a little prayer, every single one counts!
I am linking this up to Fabric Tuesday this week, as well as Amylouwho's for sew and tell. Got to Amylouwho's and see what everyone else has made and leave a little comment behind so they know you were there.
44 comments:
That's really, really, really cool. It turned out beautifully!
Amazing post. You uplifted my spirits when I really needed it.
How like God, to bless you, the giver, as much as He did the receiver of your precious gift. I know your quilt will be a blessing to her in ways you may never know on this side of heaven.
You glorified God with your gift.
love the colors and fabrics on this one~lovely story~great job!
Beautiful quilt and even more beautiful sentiments. Lovely!
love the story and the quilt. Love it.
YEAH! So glad you got it done! You are an inspiration to all of us who aren't crafty at all! Have a good day!
Me
What a wonderful thing yo do, Leslie. I hope it brings her a lot of comfort.
Awesome job Leslie. You've done a wonderfuljob of this special quilt for a special woman in your community.
beautiful! I love the personal hand-quilted additions
prayers are a beautiful fragrance going up!
your heart makes God smile!
not much more can be said, except everyone is fighting their own dragons and battles and it's so important to remind ourselves of that before we speak or act.
thanks for a great dose of inspiration, encouragement and sense!
What a lovely initiative, Leslie! Gestures and gifts like yours mean so much to people in a desperate situation! Thanks for pitching in to make life a bit better!
It turned out so beautiful! All those straight line stitches look wonderful - a little prayer in every stitch.
Beautiful quilt! I am sure it reminds her that people are pulling for her to get better.
Oh Leslie--beautiful quilt and beautiful story!! Thank you!
Leslie - it is beautiful! It turned out perfectly.
(Sorry I never got back to you about the pen I used. I have some things going on in my life right now...)
This quilt was the perfect thing to give your friend. Thanks for sharing.
You wrote that so beautifully, Leslie. It is such a blessing to be able to share in the trials of others, isn't it?
My small prayer goes up for her and for all of you who are sharing in her trial. May God bless you all.
That quilt is a beautiful and lasting gift, too !
Way to go Leslie! It looks great and I am so happy that you were able to do something so wonderful for her. I am teary eyed reading your post.
talk to you soon!
Absolutely beautiful, Leslie. Both the story and the quilt. I love all the little details. You brought a depth of meaning into the simple fabrics, batting and thread. What you did on the back was a great way to bring all the people into it. Lovely.
Your first lines...so true. It is a good reminder for us all.
I am so glad you got to love on her this way. I love the special touches you "hid" in it.
Seeing this quilt, even unfinished at the time, was confirmation to me of another work of art soon to go to its new home. You finished it off beautifully Leslie. You are a blessing to many!!
beautiful quilt. beautiful story. very inspiring!
Beautiful, beautiful gift from the hart! The personal messages are a great way to share and touch her hart...
Thank you for sharing the story. And best of luck to her fighting such a terrifying illness.
Beautiful, all of it. Thank you for sharing. Mere
What a beautiful post about a beautiful quilt and special gift. I'm sure the love sewn into every stitch will felt every time your friend uses this quilt. Thank you for sharing your story.
A prayer for your friend and a prayer for you...the quilt is so beautiful and such a good thing for her and for you, as well. Best wishes.
this is very special and It made me teary! When my dear friend wen through this, I taught her to quilt. It was truly a special time, and now that she is recovering, (JOY!) I am still amazed at her beautiful strength. You did a beautiful thing.
hugs!
This quilt is delightful.
What a wonderful gift!
I'm such a sap, my eyes are all watery as I type this. What a beautiful quilt for such a beautiful purpose. Quilts truly designed from the heart are often the best kind! :)
This is such a special story to go such a special quilt!
Jennifer :)
What a special gift!
Beautiful. Simply Beautiful. And I mean both the quilt AND the story. How thoughtful, kind and generous of you. :)
You know we want to feature this now don't you? Let me know if you want another feature :)
i'm reaally touched by this!
Thank you for sharing this story. I am just beginning to quilt (have been sewing for a while) and I have so many ideas but only a few recipients. Giving a quilt to someone like your friend who is fighting cancer is wonderful! I really like that you put her family member's names on there...great idea!
The quilt turned out so beautifully. It's such a wonderful gift, and I'm sure all the other moms appreciated being able to contribute too. Great job.
You are an inspiring person! Great job on the quilt, and with so much love! It will be a treasure for always!
This is such an inspiring post. Thank you for sharing. It's hard sometimes to break out of our own busy lives and put our time and energy out there for someone else, but that is what life is all about, our relationships with other people, and considering it a blessing to serve someone else.
What a beautiful thing to do for someone else! I love the quilt!
What a beautiful post!
beautiful! what a sweet friend you are. I love how it turned out!
Hi Leslie ~ thank you for visiting my blog. This blanket is beautiful and a special gift. I know your friend will love it.
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