I've had a little time in my sewing room.
I've had a difficult time getting back to the shirt blocks. (feel free to photo browse and not read!) About a month before my dad died a friend's dad died. We've known their family for years. I asked her if she had any shirts from her dad and would she think her mom would like a quilt made from them. (overlook my terrible sentence structure) They had not wasted any time cleaning out the closets, so we went to the local thrift store and she BOUGHT back several shirts that had been her dads. The other place they donated them too handed them all to me when I went in. (the were happy to give them back for the cause but I neglected to check the labels for 100% cotton)
I was starting my project on
THIS POST.
The next time I was working on the quilt was 4 days later and was also the day my dad died. I haven't been able to get my heart back into it. Until this week. The widow got a call back from a yearly mammogram. She has had breast cancer before and although I am hoping and praying all is well, I do feel she needs the quilt. So, the photos are showing little piles of blocks in different stages.
Because I have melted several of the shirts that were not 100% cotton, I've dug into my homespuns and shirtings hoping to sprinkle them throughout to get a lap size quilt. Yep. A labor of love!!
On another note, I got a photo of this beautiful shirt quilt from Rose Cane. This is what I was attempting but the shirts and my sashing were not working for me. This quilt is in Bonnie Hunter's book.
I am hoping to find time and stay focused. I am working a lot as well and although I am enjoying it, it is cutting into my sewing time!!
Happy Wednesday!
What a wonderful labor of LOVE, and yes, it is hard when you are walking the grief path. I like Victoria Finley's idea of sewing 15 minutes a day. Every minute you can sew is another stitch closer to the finish line. Do not give up the race.
ReplyDeleteHow kind of you to be making the quilt from the shirts. I enjoyed reading the story about how the shirts were given away and how they came back into your possession. It will make a wonderful memory quilt for your friend.
ReplyDeleteCutting into your sewing time - such a pun :)
ReplyDeleteI think this sounds like a heart healing project and hope you can find the time for it. Your spirit of generosity is an inspiration.
The shirt quilt will be a wonderful comfort at this time in more ways than one.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story, especially the shop that returned the shirts. A healing project for everyone (hugs) Baby steps :0)
ReplyDeletetu amiga estará muy contenta con su edredón
ReplyDeletelos bloques se ven muy bien
el cesto precioso
saludos
I love the idea of making shirt quilts and really nice if they are from someone you have lost as a memory quilt.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Sewing can be so therapeutic. It must be hard to work on it while you are grieving too. It will be such a meaningful memory quilt.
ReplyDeleteMake sure you take care of you while you are being so generous to those around you. Cutting and piecing and pressing can be so therapeutic in times like these. Big hugs to you
ReplyDeleteIt is so kind of you to make this quilt for her. I've made several quilts from shirts and find it tricky, but your blocks look great -
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about you and hope you are doing well xx
Thanks for the reminder about staying with 100% cotton shirts. I spotting the word "melted" in this post, and that sent a shiver down my spine.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find more time in the sewing room. We need the relaxation that our quilting gives us, especially when sadness and stress threaten to take over our thoughts.
A big hug sent to you across the miles.
You have been hit with a lot of stuff at once. No wonder it is hard to get back to this project.
ReplyDeleteI love quilts made from shirts, but they are fussier to create than shirts from yardage. If you are already struggling to get motivated on a project, that can slow you down even more.
Good of you to think of the widow and her needs, just don't push your own needs totally aside. Is there something calling to you that could be worked on as your leader/ender while you create the shirt quilt?
You are a very dear friend......and I'm sure she will treasure the quilt with all the labor of love you have put into it.....
ReplyDeleteIt was funny to see your quilt today on my blog reader. I marked the same quilt by Bonnie last night. I am planning to switch up the pattern a bit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do for someone. I'm sure the quilt will be loved and cherished by the owner.
ReplyDeleteI need to get catch up on my baskets too. Is there anyone that could help you out with the quilt for a day or so? Really wonderful project.:)
ReplyDeleteI know this is so hard. I have tried to do the same with my brother's shirts, but the fabric just holds so much love and so many memories that I have to be in a strong emotional space to do the sewing. Sending quilty hugs as you tackle this labour of love.
ReplyDeleteLori, I wish I was closer and we could have a sew day! Sending you love and a big hug to do whatever you can do as you can do it. I have my Dad's shirts and I can't do it even yet. But I will. I guess the time will just have to be right. Take a little time for yourself today friend! Pam
ReplyDeleteYour basket block is wonderful. What a good friend you are to make the shirt quilt. It will be well loved and appreciated. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely basket block! I think it is amazing that you got the shirts back! I know the widow will really appreciate the quilt and your labor of love. When my Mom died a couple of years ago it took me a month to get back into sewing mode. Will you make a quilt with your Dad's shirts?
ReplyDeleteA labor of love! It's going to be a wonderful quilt!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful and kind thing to do!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing you are doing. That quilt will be so loved. I tried sewing with shirts and found it a bit difficult. I know you will make it all work. HUGS
ReplyDeleteLove the little basket quilt ... yummm cheddar fabric! It is too bad we don't live any closer cause I would sew a few blocks for you. Love the shirting you have and it is awesome that the store gave you back the shirts. Just AWEsome!!
ReplyDeleteThis post touched my heart. I'm sure your kindness will not be overlooked... and the gesture is therapeutic for you as well. Take care.
ReplyDeleteBoy is that going to be a special quilt! You are such a blessing to so many! Darling little basket block, too! That will be a super fun quilt in the end too!
ReplyDelete