Memory Quilt

When Nikki called to let me know her mother's clothing was on the way to Wyoming, she could not emphasize enough that everything was very simple and plain:  a LOT of blues.  The colors in this quilt top seem to exemplify the heart of Linda:   simple, calm and soothing.

And yet, she was very beautiful indeed:

yet simple:

I stated at the end of my last post that there is a happy ending to this story.  You see, though much heartache and pain was endured as the result of mankind's desire to rule his own life (sin), Linda is in the presence of the Almighty God and Creator of the Universe because of her faith in a resurrected Savior (Jesus).  I cannot imagine the beauty of what she knows now and the reality of being with the God she served and now worships constantly.  But God gave man a heart and the ability for emotions.  And with that heart, we are able to love the family in which we are born and the friends we are given and mourn their loss.  And that's a beautiful thing because without the ability to love we could not even begin to understand God or how to truly love for God IS love.  

So as we continue this journey, we can rejoice in the memories of Linda's life, using them as a reminder to future generations of her faithfulness to God.

Memory Quilt

As it does all of us, life found me busy for almost a week now.  The first of the year is always quite consuming with dismantling Christmas and getting a fresh clean house.

The new year also found me teaching my first free motion quilting class at Blakeman's for 2015.  I cannot believe it has been one whole year since I started teaching.  My basic four-part class has reached enough participants to include an advanced class AND a feathers class.  Teaching has been the catalyst to help me through the seasons of life.  My son turns 18 soon and no longer requires much of my attention and that is quite an adjustment.  As long as dinner is ready at the appropriate times, I'm ok (ha ha).  God always meets our needs and I truly love teaching and seeing ladies succeed.  Not to mention, free motion work is a blast!

So we return now to Nikki and her very special quilt.  Strips have been cut from the four cotton blouses sent.  These were part of the clothing in which Nikki remembers her mother the most.  Since nothing else appealed to me, I will probably go with the simple rail fence quilt.

And now, meet Linda:

Linda lost her life to colon cancer on December 20, 2013. The following is a note written by one of her daughters:

She touched many lives while she was here on Earth. She had a very special way about her. She was a simple, fun woman who was often worry-free and could light up any room by just walking into it. Being a lover and a giver made her so happy. She lived for her family and never expected anything, though deserved everything. She was an inspiration to many people and showed how life should be lived. She lived her life with a purpose and if it wasn't for her final six months here with us, you would never know she even had cancer because she masked it well with her infectious smile. 

How we can all learn from Linda:  living life with a purpose, being a lover and a giver and expecting nothing.  Sounds like the way Christ lived while here on earth.  Though this situation is sad and caused much heartache, many of us have gone through the death of loved ones.  The joyous side of Linda's story is that there is a happy ending.

Memory Quilt

Follow me along on a journey with a woman and her family I do not know.  Follow with me through the difficulties of life, a fight for life and an entrance into eternity.  Giving of ourselves to become involved in the lives of other people is not always an easy thing but as I read through the Bible, especially the new testament, it is all about people and the giving of ourselves.  There are hurting hearts all around us and God calls us to love, support and help the creations he has made and knew before they were in their mother's womb.  Sometimes we become so involved in our own desire for accomplishment and pleasure that it is hard to find time to help others.  So join me as I share parts of the story of a brave woman and the memory her daughter  has asked me to create.

In the fall of 2014 I received a text message from an extended family member asking if I might be interested in completing a quilt for a friend of hers.  I responded that I would consider the task based on the reason presented.  My family member has been the recipient of several quilts I have made and thought the task would be one to try.  When Nikki called to talk to me about the project, she quickly shared a little of the story of her mother with whom she was very close and who passed away within the year after a bout with cancer.  Her desire was to receive a quilt made from the clothes her mother had possessed; a way to remember her always and pass that remembrance on to future family members.  Could I say no?  No way!  The gift God has given is made to share and share it will be.  As I make a quilt for Nikki, join me in the process; I will even consider suggestions!  And while we travel, let's learn a little about the story of this precious family God made and perhaps He will teach us a few lessons of life.

I received a box in the mail in October of 2014.  It was from Nikki and was filled with blouses  owned by her mother.  A special bag was sitting on top.  Nikki explained that the blouses in the bag were those she remember her mother wearing the most.  So from these clothes I plan to make the quilt top.

Three of the blouses are cotton and cotton/polyester the other three are knit.  At first I though to add regular fabric to make the quilt but have since decided to try to stick only with the clothing sent.  So after much consideration, I think I have decided to go with a simple rail fence block.  There are two  darker blue prints, a light blue print and a pale yellow print.  

Before deciding for sure, I will begin the  most daunting and difficult task:  cutting the blouses into strips to determine how much fabric I have to actually assemble the main portion of the quilt top and whether I need to delve into the box for other fabrics.  Join me for my next post shortly and learn more of Nikki, her family and the mother who raised her.  And feel free to comment and make suggestions.  I would love your help.