A first of it's kind. Amy from Park City Girl is hosting this one of a kind Blogger's Quilt Festival. What a great response she is having. She has over 350 participating so far. The festival will be running until the 24th of April. Check it out to participate. In honor of the quilt festival I have chosen to tell you about some very special quilts I hold dear to my heart. After my Dad passed away in December of 2003 I gathered up his snap down western shirts and his jeans to make my Mom a special remembrance quilt using his clothing. It took me almost 2 years to get the courage up to start cutting away at the precious memories of Dad. After I got over the hurdle of the first cut, I realized we would still have a visual reminder of such a great guy. We would be able to look at it at all times and think of him and his fun loving ways. Well one thing led to another and I was on a quest to not only get one done for my Mom but one for my brothers and sisters as well. Plus I did one for myself. I did this all for a surprise. I worked fast and furious from the end of October to December, making 7 quilts total. Christmas 2005 is one I'll never forget. I had them open their gifts all together at our family Christmas party. I will forever cherish the looks they had on their faces. A bittersweet Christmas present, they were all just a little teary eyed. I had sewn one of the shirt pockets on the back of each quilt. Inside the pocket I tucked a little note along with our last family picture we had taken right before Dad's passing. Little did we know this would be our last Christmas to spend with Mom before her passing in October, 2006. I just wish Mom could of enjoyed her quilt a little bit longer. I know she was thrilled with it by the way she bragged about it to all her friends and family. I now have two of these quilts in my possession, the one I got back from my Mom's house hangs in our home in St. George for all to enjoy there. It's going on 3 years since Mom's passing and once again I find myself in the difficult situation of making the first initial cut in all her duster's (or housecoats) that she was once known for. Maybe this little post is just the thing I needed to get the incentive to get something made from them. I need those sweet memories of Mom hanging around here to, just like Dad is.
17 comments:
such a lovely quilt!! love the red, white and blue!!
A wonderful story and 7 beautoful quilts! I hope you feel encouraged to make the quilt from your mum’s clothes. It will be comforting to make and cherish!
Oh my goodness- this brought tears to my eyes. What precious gifts from your heart. I have read several storys on this quilt festival but this so far is the best. What a special thing to do for your family in honor of your dad. I can't wait to see the quilts in honor of your Mom. Thank you for sharing.
A wonderful idea for two parents that are obviously very much loved. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon, what a very sweet story about the quilts you made for your family. I am sure it is a precious memory for each of them. And heirloom to be passed down to their children.
Shannon,
What a heart touching story. You are a sweetheart. I love your blog. You always seem to have such a wonderful outlook. Oh yea, Your quilts are great too!
Hugs,
Melody
That was a beautiful story!
That is an incredible story! You put in a LOT of work in three months. I can just imagine how cherished those quilts are in your family. And I must say they all look great too!
And being one of the very fortunate people to receive one of these quilts, I have to say thank you for such a wonderful and beautiful reminder of Dad. I have mine right where people can see it when they walk through my door. P.S. If there is anything I can do to help you with moms, I would love to see all those cute dusters again. You know, me being the great seamstress that I am. (NOT)
They turned out beautiful! I love that idea and it's a perfect way of remembering them both.
What a lovely story! 7 quilts to treasure. Yes, when you are ready, make quilts from your mother's housecoats. Thanks for sharing! This is what quilting is really all about.
The beautiful quilt is a reminder of your father and there will soon be joined by a reminder of your mom. Your skill has made great wats to remeber those dear to you.
Nice story and nice quilts. A friend of mine did something similar with her father-in-law's plaid shirts.
Lovely lovely story- I am sure that your quilt from your father's shirts brought your mother great comfort and solace- its such a touching way to make connections with a loved one.
I am sure you will find some special dusters and clothing to make a remembrance mother's quilt.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.
Regards,
Anna
What a wonderful gift to all your family those quilts were. And just think - when you get the courage to start on the quilts to remember yor mother, you'll be giving yourself and your family yet another priceless gift.
those are lovely rememberances.
this is the coolest thing! and the quilts turned out lovely! thanks for sharing the idea.
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