Saturday, February 16, 2013

with love, and in memory ....

I have made many things for other people, other very special people, but this is the first time that I've made a quilt for someone needing comfort.  Someone in mourning.  Just a month ago my Grandma lost her husband of 67 years - my Grandpa.  She is brave and courageous, but she is sad and lonely too.  My mind automatically went to "she needs a quilt" but I wasn't sure - she's not exactly at the stage of life to be collecting more stuff.  But my mom said yes, for sure, go for it.  

{finished size approximately 54" x 65"}

My Grandma is not a modern lady so I knew that I wouldn't go with the usual designs or fabric choices that I would otherwise gravitate towards.  I decided on a traditional churn dash block, my inspiration being this quilt made by Svetlana.   Choosing fabrics was next, and that was a bit tricker!  I'm used to looking at orange/pink/red/aqua/gray combos which I didn't think would quite suit, but after a lot of back and forth in the fabric store I finally came away with a combination that I think she will really like.  I don't know what any of these fabrics are, except that the background is a solid called "burlap".  


I quilted straight lines approximately 1/4" on either side of each major seam line, including the sashing seams.  (As a side note, I used Wonderfil Konfetti 50wt cotton thread for the quilting, which I hadn't used before, and I really liked it.  I don't know if I would use it for piecing because it's definitely not as fine as my beloved Aurifil 50wt, but for machine quilting it was great.)  For the backing, I decided that Grandma needed a nice fuzzy minky backing, to up the cozy factor!


It was a special process, making this just for her, thinking of what she might like and just in general thinking of her as I worked on it.  We are not near enough to be able to support her in person, or to even share a meal or a cup of coffee, but I am hoping that this quilt will bring her some comfort and remind her that even those of us far away are keeping her always in our thoughts and prayers.

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30 comments:

Patti said...

Wonderful, Heather! Your Grandma is sure to love it, especially with the minky backing!

Debbie said...

oh so sweet, Heather! It really is beautiful. Love the tradition yet modern feel. I can't imagine that your grandma won't love it & be comforted by it...

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

Even if your grandma isn't collecting any new stuff, I'm sure she'll want this quilt. It is beautiful!

Jennifer said...

Heather this came out beautifully! How wonderful, i'm sure your grandmother will LOVE it. 67 years.. I hope i'm as lucky to love as long as they did, what an inspiration

QuiltNut Creations said...

It's a beautiful quilt! I love the colours and the quilting is perfect. Grandma will love it.

heidi said...

It's beautiful, Heather! Grandma will love it.

Angie said...

What a beautiful and loving 'hug of love' to your Grandma.

Gale, Ky quilter said...

God bless your sweet Grandma. This quilt will wrap her with love, of this I am sure. You are such a sweet granddaughter to make this for her and it is beautiful.

Katie B said...

Wonderful. And 67 years? That's incredible! I know your grandmother will find great comfort in knowing the time and love that you put into this quilt.

Carla said...

Very special Heather. I am sure it will bring her comfort and joy knowing the time that went into it.

felicity said...

What a lovely gesture. I'm sure your Grandma really treasures this gift!

Kirsten said...

This is such a beautiful quilt and I am sure it will bring comfort to your Grandmother.

Susan said...

It is a fabulous quilt stitched with so much love. My Mum and Dad were married for a similar and when Dad passed away, Mum was never quite the same. I hope this quilt brings your Grandma some comfort and solace.

Annabella said...

So sorry for your family's loss Heather - it's a wonderful quilt and your grandmother will love it. I'm sure it will bring much comfort to her, and knowing it was made by such a special granddaughter.

M-R Charbonneau said...

Aw, it's beautiful, Heather and I'm sure your grandmother will love it. Sending hugs!

Kate said...

Oh, Heather, it's wonderful. It's nice to make a quilt and know how much comfort it will bring, even if it's for a sad reason. I know your grandmother will treasure it.

Toni said...

This is beautiful, Heather! Your grandmother will surely love it. How incredible that they were married for 67 years!

mle said...

That is super sweet! I'm sure your grandmother will treasure it.

Alli said...

That's a really nice gift for your grandma. :)

Nat at Made in Home said...

A beautiful quilt!

Sewing Mom said...

It's so lovely. I think that everything you did to make it special will be appreciated. I love giving comfort quilts. I've never thought to use minki in the back, but I'll definitely think of that in the future.

Visiting from Show and Tell. Have a great day!

Dee said...

What an amazing granddaughter you are for doing this! My deepest sympathy.

Your quilt is incredible beautiful, almost as beautiful as the heart that thought of it.

Erin said...

That's so gorgeous. I love a churn dash quilt and I'm sure you're Grandma will too.

Mareenchen said...

It's a beautiful quilt and a wonderful way to show you care despite being far away. Lots of love to you and your grandma at this difficult time.

Jenelle said...

What a sweet gift! I think quilts can say so much. :)

randi--i have to say said...

This quilt is beautiful and I am sure it will be a sweet comfort. Such a wonderful thing for you to do!

Abby said...

What a beautiful gift to give to her! Labor of love for sure.

CitricSugar said...

What a lovely thing to do for your grandma! WIshing your entire family peace, love and comfort.

Kelsey said...

Absolutely beautiful Heather, your thought, sentiment and of course the quilt. I'm sure your grandma will treasure it! Thanks so much for sharing

Svetlana said...

I don't know how I overlooked this post?!?! What an amazing quilt, Heather. I'm sure your grandma will treasure it, it's beautiful.