Today is the final day of the We Support You Blog Hop which was the fantastic brain child of the fabulous Madame Samm of Sew We Quilt. The master manager of all of the participants was Pat of Life in the Scrapatch, who has done an equally fabulous job of keeping everyone on track.
A huge Thank You must go out to both of these ladies for the idea, the support and the inspiration and if you'd like a copy of the pattern, you can contact Madame Samm direct to purchase one for yourself..
This blog hop was originally envisioned as a way to show support for those we know that has or is currently battling cancer. I wasn't actually going to join in on this hop when it was announced. You see, the only person that I could think of at the time that I know that has battled cancer is the kidlets' PopPop and there is no way he'd like to have a quilty gift made in the shape of a lady's brassiere.
But then a few weeks later, I thought that perhaps it didn't have to be for someone battling cancer. Instead I could make something for someone in my life who just needs support....a lot of support. And I had someone specific in mind.
Some of my longtime readers might remember that my friend Kris is the person who asked me to make the 100 Good Wishes Quilt for Joey when he was diagnosed with his very rare renal cancer. No I didn't make this project for Joey's mom, I actually made it for Kris. You see Kris is a single mom, a nurse who works very long shifts working with others battling cancer. If that isn't enough, her amazing daughter E has medical issues that requires serious physical care each and every day. Kris is beyond amazing with all that she deals with and I can't imagine how she manages it all day in and day out.
When the first word of this blog hop was announced, Kris and her daughter were in another state (during Christmas too) so that E could have some very intensive surgery that was supposed to make her life better. Unfortunately it didn't turn out the way they had hoped and they will have to return in a few months to try again. So Kris needs support. Lots and lots of support. To help her get through each day, to help her deal with the struggles both physically, emotionally and financially that is part of her normal life and to help keep her strong when the going gets the toughest.
So I started with these fabrics. The dragonfly print was the focus for this project as it has deep symbolic meanings for us in the Asian community, specifically Strength and Harmony.
When the first word of this blog hop was announced, Kris and her daughter were in another state (during Christmas too) so that E could have some very intensive surgery that was supposed to make her life better. Unfortunately it didn't turn out the way they had hoped and they will have to return in a few months to try again. So Kris needs support. Lots and lots of support. To help her get through each day, to help her deal with the struggles both physically, emotionally and financially that is part of her normal life and to help keep her strong when the going gets the toughest.
So I started with these fabrics. The dragonfly print was the focus for this project as it has deep symbolic meanings for us in the Asian community, specifically Strength and Harmony.
I wanted to create a silent but powerful message that Kris can see each morning when she gets up and each evening when she gets home. No words were needed, the visual reminder will be enough.
Here is my completed wall hanging for Kris. I'm calling it Friends Support Each Other.
When I started the project I only had the plan for the middle portion and the outer borders were designed and created as I went along.
Unfortunately with the over abundance of snow we have gotten lately, the sky has been anything but bright and sunny and even the wind made getting the pictures a bit challenging, but the colors are truly a lot brighter in person.
The quilt top was actually completed pretty quickly and then it sat for a couple of weeks while I contemplated how to quilt it. I doodled many ideas but nothing seemed to suit it. Then while chatting with my sister Tina last week, we came up with the idea of sewing a frame around the center design and then quilting outside of that.
Instead as you can see that is not what I ended up doing after all. While browsing other blogs a few days ago, I came across something done in a simple crosshatch and that seemed perfect to me for this piece. I love how it doesn't take away from the design but gives the quilt some soft texture.
For the border quilting I did some rows of elongated zigzag stitching and finished the binding by machine. I love the way the zigzag reflects the same design that is in the blue fabric.
This mini quilt was such a pleasure to create and I know that Kris will be thrilled when it arrives at her door.
The idea of this hop was to let the recipient know that they are surrounded and supported by those that love them and I think this project will help keep that thought in Kris's mind when the going gets tough.
I enjoyed making this project so much that I've actually decided to make one for each of the members of the little group that Kris and I are members of. Each in their own way struggles and they will become a symbol of our combined strength and that we are there to support each other no matter what.
Please remember to visit the other five blog hop participants that are sharing today.
Sew We Quilt
Sometimes it is the little things that remind us that we are stronger than we think and I hope this piece will do that for Kris.
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53 Comments:
What a wonderful quilt! Kris will certainly know exactly how you feel whenever she looks at this! Thanks for sharing your awesome creation today. Blessings!
What a beautiful quilt. Kris will be very appreciative of your wonderful creation. It is a lovely reminder of your support. Thank you for sharing.
What a lovely and thoughtful quilt for Kris! Thank you for sharing her story.
Love this quilt and it's colors. A fabulous way to show support for your friend.
A powerful show of support to your friend. The simplicity of your quilt is very pleasing. It does give you that feeling of support, serenity, and love. You must have stitched in! Great job!
What a wonderful way to support! And you are right. We all need support and it is amazing to see how much support is out there. I love your vibrant colours and I love the quilt. Your friend will love it! Thank you for sharing her amazing story with us.
I think your friend Kris will be blown away by the beautiful quilt you have made for her and the love that is shown through it. Beautiful!
Michele, Kris is going to cherish this wonderful gift, I am sew sure of that! The love you put into this project will boost her with energy, this is great!
Your quilt is really lovely and I'm sure Kris will adore it.
A beautiful quilt and a great tribute to your friend. I know it will bring a smile when she needs it most.
Your quilt is beautiful in those fabrics and the quilting looks perfect for it! Thanks for a great post to honor caregivers such as Kris! I'm sure this will be a gift she'll treasure.
Thats beautiful! I knowvKris will love it. Great job.
The quilt is fabulous and the fabrics you chose make it rock. Kris will treasure this always. The quilting was perfect....great choice!
What a lovely quilt you made to show Kris your love and support. Awesome job!
Kris is sure to love and appreciate your beautiful quilt!
Kris will be so delighted! It's beautiful and will give her strength and courage for a long time to come.
This quilt is absolutely perfect for Kris. What a delightful display of support and friendship for her. She is blessed to have you as a friend. It seems that many of the people who have their own struggles also do much for others - I think they know what it means to need help and support. You absolutely epitomized the theme of this hop - SUPPORT. Thank you for sharing your story, the quilt, the meaning of the butterfly, how you chose the fabrics, the quilting, the border, the entire process, and your friendship with Kris and her struggles. The entire story is one of hope and inspiration.
Oh Michele, what a joy this quilt is going to be for Kris! I agree that the crosshatch quilting was the very thing to set off the bra and the border is just perfect too. Thanks so much for telling us about Kris so that we can remember her in our prayers. blessings, marlene
Michelle, you did a fantastic job on this quilt for Kris....she will be so excited to receive this!!!!
Beautiful quilt for Kris.... she's going through sooooo much and I guarantee that this will give her a badly needed lift! Love the fabrics that you chose.... it's nice to see this quilt in colors outside of pinks and reds. Wonderful job!
Your quilt turned out to be beautiful! What a great idea for your sweet friend!
Prayers of support sent from this Kris to your Kris! What a beautiful tribute to your friend!
That is fabulous and is a sure sign of support. I wish Kris and her daughter good luck with this next surgery.
so pretty, you have given this project such wings....may everyone be awed by your sharing and here is to Kris and her daughter as the days unfold. blessings
Stupendous! I love the colors! She will love it! You are a great friend!
What a beautiful quilt. I know she will treasure it always as it was made and given from the heart.
Your fabric is beautiful, as is your quilt, I'm so glad you decided to join in with us. Kris is sure to love this, she and her daughter are in my prayers. You are a great friend to have.
Blessings
Tonia
Gorgeous quiltie with such wonderful meaning. I love that part that your inspiration came from others blogs. That's really what it's all about. I know that Kris is going to treasure this forever!
I think this is my favorite "uplifting" quilt. Thank you for explaining the significance of the dragonfly. I'm partial to butterflies for a similar reason, and dragonflies come in a close second.
Thank you sew very much for Supporting and hopping. This quilt is so Beautiful and Thoughtful it will be a comfort just knowing how much Love you sewed into every stitch. Prayers and Healing Energy for Kris and her daughter.
Beautiful, Michele! The fabrics are lovely and your quilt uplifting. May Kris and her daughter feel the love and healing energy. Thank you for sewing your support and joining us in the hop ... <3 Pat
I love the cross-stiching on the quilt and the fabrics. Healing and support it says and it shows.
I love it!!!
Your quilt is beautiful. And you are right. we are supporting anyone who has cancer!!!
What a bright and cheerful quilt!
Love the fabrics that you used for you quilt! Absolutely fabulous!!
Your quilt is beautiful and has such meaning. Love the crosshatching!
awesome quilt
What a very special gift of support to your friend. Lovely quilt.
Great fabrics and love the idea of the quilt.
What a thoughtful person you are. I'm sure that Kris will be overjoyed with the quilt. I do love that dragonfly fabric (I have some of it myself.) and it is a great center piece. Wonderful quilting. Support the cause and the girls!
what a wonderful way to let someone know that you give them support just as they give it to others
Great quilt.
in stitches
Wow! Wonderful quilt with great fabric and colors. Beautiful work.
Kris will love it. The colors and stitches are wonderfully done. Your support is so heart felt.
What a lovely quilt! I love your fabric choices.
Michele,
It is beautiful. Kris will love the beautiful vibrant colors. What a great show of support and good friend that she has.
Beautiful quilt and lovely fabrics, I am sure your friend will appreciate it and the support behind it.
That is gorgeous! I'm sure that Kris will love it! The idea that we had for the quilting was good but I think the one you ended up with is better.
What an amazing quilt to share your support with your friend. Kris and her little E are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Michele...a beautiful quilt to support Kris and her sweet E. Your love and caring will make their hearts smile!! Thanks for sharing your support...Pauline
Michele, it turned out so nice. Love the fabrics.
Beautiful! Great fabric choices and lovely quilting!
That is such a great quilt! Love the fabrics you used (and I wish they made a real bra in that one!). What a great support to your friend you are!
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