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.