Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative

Here is my latest quilt for the  Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. I'm calling it "Almost Amish".

I wanted to use some pieces of fabric from the Sunflower Amish quilt I finished that Libby hand dyed. Then I found the wonderful funky black fabric which kind of reminded me of cells and when I came across the lime it all worked- hence the name, Almost Amish.

I used the broken dishes pattern to honor all those with Alzheimer's that used to be wonderful cooks, including my mom.
Last week she had an old cookbook on her kitchen table and while I thumbed through it we talked about her previous job (s) as a cook for hospitals and nursing homes. We found one of her weekly  menus in the cookbook and I'm came across several large serving recipes.  (to 50 pounds of hamburger....) I am always amazed at the good feelings food can evoke. (is it any wonder I'll always struggle with my weight?!)  I left her house feeling peaceful, which isn't generally the case.
This little quilt is the result of that morning with my mom.

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Carol said...

Oh Lori...it's great and full of so much thought and good memories.

AnnieO said...

Wonderful little quilt. I am currently very fond of broken dishes blocks. Glad your mom still likes to talk about food even if she isn't cooking anymore! My Grandma had vascular dementia, not Alzheimer's, but lost her ability to cook as well, and she was a terrific cook who worked as one for many decades--she met my Grandpa in the restaurant his dad owned, and G&G catered my wedding. I miss her.

Loris said...

This is really a sweet,little quilt. The memory and honor it represents is meaningful. But the colors and blocks are also interesting and kind of striking.
Really a treasure. Like the peaceful moments you find with her and can cherish. A lovely expression.

beth said...

Wonderful quilt!

Brandie said...

I love that lime color. Perfect!
I've never had a "good" relationship with my bio-mom. now she seems to be going through similar issues. I just don't know if it's drug induced or Alzheimer's. I also can't talk to her about it, or she tunes me out and I feel that until she is willing to see it, there is nothing I can do.
It makes me feel even worse for you, because it sounds like you have a better relationship. Cherish the good days!

WoolenSails said...

Beautiful piece, I love the colors and design.

Debbie

Gayle said...

What a sweet experience you had with your Mom Lori - I've never cooked for a crowd of people that big - what an accomplishement for her to have done!

And your little quilt is so sweet - I've heard of the Alzheimer's Project but don't really know the details - I'll have to check into it more.....

julieQ said...

I really love your broken dishes quilt! but...I really, really love the story of your precious mom...your love and honor for her is so evident.

Donna in SW PA said...

How nice. Great cause.

Jeanne said...

It's a wonderful quilt, Lori!

Dawn said...

Very sweet quilt, and touching post. Thank you for your generosity.

Michele Bilyeu said...

Wonderfully done, Lori! Striking and truly more than almost Amish!

Cheri said...

Another great little quilt for the cause Lori.

quiltsbycheri said...

The good morning spent with your Mom shows in your colorful quilt....

Cathy said...

Lori your block is stunning. I just sent mine in and am trying to figure what to do next. I really love your quilt. Hugs.

ann hermes said...

I love that green. Wow!

SueB said...

What a wonderful little quilt. It is the sweetest little quilt. great colors.

Linda said...

Gorgeous quilt inspired by a wonderful story

Country Log Cabin Quilter said...

I love the bright colors in the "Almost Amish" quilt! It will make someone happy.

Sue said...

That quilt is a little stunner.
Glad you have such nice memories of your mum. Cherish them.

Merilyn said...

What a wonderful way to honour your Mum!!! I love the colours you used in your little quilt, you did a lovely job!!!

Anonymous said...

Lori ~ love the little quilt and all it's symbolism. It's just PERFECT! Such a touching and lovely story of your morning with your Mom.

Jill in New Jersey

Maureen said...

Very attractive quilt, Lori. I think it shows that a lot of thought and feeling went into it.

Beth said...

Lori the quilt is so cute. I love lime green. The broken dishes block is a cute one and I love your symbolism.
It is such a gift when you are able to have such a good time with your Mom. Luckily my Mom has mellowed as her dementia progressed so it is usually much easier to spend time with her and talk.
Great work as always.

Karen said...

The lime makes things pop. Good memories for you in this piece.

Nicky said...

Jewel like colours have become a real gem of a quilt. What a thoughtful way to capture a very special moment!

Alice said...

After seeing a quilt top on e-bay in this pattern I've been planning to start one too. Your quilt caught my eye straight away. Best wishes for your mother.

Barb said...

when can I bid on this wonderful little quit.
I'd like to make a quilt for this cause in honor of my step mother in law - I'll have to get the details.
jill and susan are coming over today - I wish you were too!

Sharon said...

Adorable little quilt! and such wonderful memories!

MARCIE said...

Very striking little quilt! And always good to have a nice day with your mom!

libbyquilter said...

this is so striking~!!~
love it~!

:-)
libbyQ

Nyima said...

What a delightful quilt! Those cheddars are perfect inclusions. Subconscious food theme? Lovely that you had a mellow moment with your mom. It is something to relish. (Unintentional food pun ...)

Hope itʻs okay to comment waaay after the fact, but I wanted to send you kudos.

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