An old friend texted me last summer,
“Hey, are you still quilting and do you take on commissioned projects?”
I immediately thought ‘baby quilt’.
‘Who needs a quilt?’
“I have a lot of my kids old clothes sitting in bins, but don’t have time to quilt something.”
‘Well, that could be sort of fun, I’d be worried about disappointing you…’
“You couldn’t disappoint me, plus you know my kids so that would make it more special. Let me know what you charge…”
The truth is you can never really charge for something like this (although I don’t turn down wine). This is a gift, as there are more hours in it than anyone would believe. You do it for the creative endeavor and the challenge and to make someone happy.
Then the clothes arrived.
It was a rather imposing amount. There were many piles of clothes as I went through them multiple times trying to figure out what could work together and keep all 3 children represented.
My Friend was interested in a more modern quilt. She’d given me full creative license, which was good as I don’t enjoy it when people tell me what to sew or do or how to do it…
I’d had the fore thought to have My Friend signify a few special pieces from each child. She went a step further and included a dress she’d worn as a child and that both her girls had worn as well.
That pink dress became the compliment for both corners of the quilt, paired with the special pieces from each child.
I choose one piece of clothing for every ‘band of color’. In this combination, the brother’s purple shirt becomes the constant.
The problem with all the different fabrics is some stretch more than others. Sewing on the diagonal only exacerbates this problem.
The only solution is to trim each and every small square otherwise you’ll end up with a quilt that, how shall I say….is a Bad British Word.
The 9 patch. I tried to keep little pockets, buttons or appliques wherever I could.
There was enough of the Brother’s purple shirt to make it the stopping border. I managed to use the placket complete with buttons and button holes that were only a tad tricky to quilt around.
This quilt was a challenge. I think I touched each piece of clothing 3-4 times, but then I’d fine something new that needed to be represented like these sister dresses.
All in all, I was pleased with the finished product. It is always more difficult to use other people’s ‘colors’.
The gift is now in the hands of My Friend…
I got to use my time and my talents for someone else, so I am blessed.
Your work of art has so many layers of blessings. In the midst of the difficulties, your love for your friend, her kids and the Lord is in every stitch. You are truly an amazing person, not that we all didn’t know that already. But this… this is a treasure of love for your friend that will never be forgotten.
Kathleen, Your words sink into my heart. Bless you and Merry Christmas.
Wow! You outdid yourself on this one! Keeping the buttons and lace and such is so special. Such creativity. And the over all design is gorgeous! Looks like you have a wonderful spot to do your sewing next to that window looking out on your porch too! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thank you my dear creative friend, I appreciate your sweet feedback. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and hugs to all of your family.
That turned out amazing! I remember seeing the huge box of clothes, so it’s fun to see it finished. I love that you kept all the little “hidden treasures” of buttons and pockets and such. You are something else!
Thank you Cousin, it is fun for me that you saw it in the “what’s in that box” stage. Appreciate your kind words, Merry Christmas and much love,
That is just beautiful and what a gift
Thank you so much Doris! Merry Christmas to you and Dick,
Oh Ellen… I’m crying all over again, seeing all these precious dresses and outfits as your beautiful work in progress, in your sacred work space. Honestly don’t know what is more special…the quilt, or the love you put into it. I can’t even describe what this means to me. It represents so much blessing all wrapped into one… the blessing of being a mother, the blessing of each of my children, the blessing of watching them grow, the blessing of a treasured time we shared raising our children together, the blessing of your love, creativity and friendship. It’s a one-of-a-kind, just like you I love you dear friend. These two little words, “thank you” just don’t seem adequate… but I hope the wine coming your way will keep you as warm as this quilt does my heart! 💝 💝 💝
We are both blessed, thank you and your welcome. Much love to you my dear friend.
This turned out beautiful!! It’s so special ! Love it!
Thank you so much!
What beautiful quilting! My Mama was a quilter
Thank you, Sue
Wow! What an incredible quilt! I remember seeing it in bits and pieces and wondering how it would come together. It is gorgeous! What a wonderful blessing for you both. Merry Christmas!
Thanks my friend, Merry Christmas to you all as well