This project actually began last August when my friend and her husband took me along on their trip to the Missouri Star Quilt Company in Hamilton, Missouri. You can read about our adventure here.
We had a great time visiting all of the fabric stores in this little town, planning multiple projects to keep us busy through the long winter months.
My friend was planning a Christmas quilt that included an embroidered top and pieced border. Here is a picture of it, a pattern from Crabapple Hill Studios.
We had a great day and came home with some beautiful fabric!
Here is some I bought that day, along with some other material from my stash.
I made them into a lattice-style quilt.
I machine quilted the interior and hand quilted the borders. As I was finishing up the last of the borders, my friend's husband called to tell me that my friend was in the hospital with a severe infection. I was concerned, but she was pretty ill and couldn't receive visitors.
I started binding the quilt and worked on it when I had the time during that next week. Each night, my friend's husband called or sent messages updating on her progress. I then passed these messages on to our other friends.
Her condition did not improve and each day we became more and more concerned. Finally, the unbelievable news came. She had passed away.
We were completely stunned.
I finished binding this quilt the day before she passed. We enjoyed getting together to work on our projects and I was looking forward to showing it to her. There would be no more get-togethers.
It is so hard to believe she's gone. She was such a kind and gentle person and will be greatly missed by many.
When I see this quilt, I'll remember her and all of the fun we had talking and quilting together. It will be bittersweet, though.
My friend and her husband had two daughters. The oldest daughter, Jenn, had a congenital heart condition and, after 21 years and almost completing college, she passed away. That was 13 years ago. My friend's husband said they drove by the cemetery on the day of my friend's passing and noticed two small daffodils blooming on Jenn's grave. They took it as a sign from them both.
I do, too.
Farewell, my good friend.
Sharing at:
Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Matters
Simple and Sweet Friday
Home Sweet Home
Roses of Inspiration
13 comments:
This story is so sad -- just breaks my heart. I'm so very sorry to read of your friend's passing. I, too, would see the two daffodils blooming as a sign.
Your quilt is absolutely beautiful!! I love those colors and that pattern! One day, I hope I might learn to quilt -- such a satisfying thing to work on.
I hope you have a good week.
Hugs,
Denise
I am so very sorry to hear about your friend. Just breaks my heart reading this story today. But what a wonderful and delightful way to remember your friend with your beautiful quit! It is absolutely beautiful! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I am so very sorry to hear of your friend's passing. I know what a shock this must be and how much you will miss her. The label I make for all my gift quilts includes this message, "each stitch is a prayer from me for you" and perhaps this quilt can represent your prayers for your friend and her family.
I got the chills when I saw those flowers..........I really think there is power in that my friend. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend.....I am sending you hugs and prayers right now. I'm glad you have that quilt because though it is bittersweet it carries a story now that makes it even more beautiful than it already is......Thinking of you.....Nicole xoxoxo
I'm so sorry; what a sad story...and then the daffodils. How lovely too. I hope over time your quilt will bring you only good memories and a thankful heart for a wonderful friendship. For now, my condolences for your loss. And yes, the quilt is lovely. ~Zuni
Your quilt is so beautiful, but what a tragic story about your sweet friend! I made that crabapple quilt 6 or 7 years ago and added borders to fit my King bed for Christmas. Now when I get it out each year I will think of your dear friend. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
What a beautiful tribute to her. I was so sad to learn that she had passed. May you find comfort in the warmth of that quilt. Prayers for you and for her family.
Oh my goodness, how terribly sad for you to have your friend pass away so suddenly. How tragic for you all! It is lovely you have such sweet memories of fun times and happy quilting reminiscences with your friend. Sending you oodles of love wrapped up in an armful of hugs!
I forgot to say how beautiful your quilt is! Gorgeous fabrics and such a lovely pattern. It will be a happy memory of those special times spent with your dear, sweet friend!
I'm so sorry about your friend, but what a beautiful reminder you have of her. I love your quilt display thing (I don't quilt, so I'm not sure what that's called), too. My heart goes out to you and to her family. Thanks for sharing at the Home Matters Linky Party! We hope to see you next week!
I am so sorry for your loss. Your quilt is just beautiful. May it remind you always of the happy times your friend and you shared. Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
What a lovely tribute. I hope you will print this post out and keep it some place safe so that the story of this quilt, and the memory of a special friendship will last as long as the quilt.50 years from now, 100 years from now the story of the quilt will still be touching hearts.
'Blessed are they who grieve for they will be comforted' -We are thankful for small mercies like the daffodils blossoming at just right moment, just the right spot.
Condolences to you on the lost of your friend.
Oh, I am so, so sorry for your loss! May you find great comfort and strength in the arms of Jesus during this difficult time...
Your quilt is simply beautiful and what a blessing to have it to remember your friend. Thank you for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Hugs to you!
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