Every now and then an opportunity presents itself to let someone know how much they mean to you.
My friend of nearly 20 years, Carol, was recently diagnosed with a chronic leukemia. Uggghhh! Sad and worrisome, and frustrated by things out of my control.
And that’s just how I felt!
I decided to make Carol a quilt – as my way of telling her how much I appreciate her. She told me her favorite colors are taupes, browns and mauve. That translated to calm and restful to me.
My friend Alice of Fresh Modern Fabrics came up with the suggestion of using fabric from the Larkspur collection and she pulled a few of those together for me along with some Heath in brown that I used to frame the birds with.
A few days later, while in Columbus, Anita from Sew to Speak suggested a natural linen that brought a nice texture and complimented all the other fabrics.
So I played with some layouts and cut fabric, and started making blocks. Every time I worked with these fabrics I thought about Carol and what she was likely experiencing.
So I prayed.
I prayed while I cut fabric and I prayed when I sewed the blocks together. When it was time for the free-motion quilting, I prayed.
And while I attached the hand-sewn binding – I prayed some more.
Carol and I met for breakfast early one morning and I gave her the quilt and shared what I felt God was prompting me to tell her… that every time she looks at this quilt, lays under it or wraps up in it – she is to remember that she is to rest… and to rest in God.
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:26-27)
Sometimes making a quilt is so much more than sewing fabric together into a pleasing design. It’s a reminder of why we care about someone and a way to let them know.
Lucinda,
What a lovely story and a lovely quilt. I wish Carol success with her treatment.
Debbie – thank you! I really took pleasure in making and giving this quilt to Carol. She’s in the beginning of treatment and very optimistic.
CI DY! THE QUILT IS BEAUTIFUL! I know how creating something for some one you care about, means so much to them. You have been an inspiration to many of us, and always thinking of others. God has given you a special heart,and a kind soul!
Thanks Jeana! I know you know a good quilt when you see one!
Lucinda, this quilt is lovely and I think the linen is perfect. Your friend will most certainly find comfort in this quilt.
Mary – thank you for the compliment – I really value it coming from you! And Carol does find comfort – she already told me that when she covers up with it she knows she is “covered in prayer”.
What a beautiful gift, Lucinda. The quilt is striking and the sentiments behind it are full of such comfort. I’ll be praying for your friend as well.
Hi Joy! I know Carol appreciates prayer, so thank you.
It is a beautiful quilt and such a beautiful thing to do for a friend. I often will be praying for someone as I’m quilting and sewing on binding….they are so much more than just a quilt, they are comfort!!!
Thanks Jamie! Carol told me that on one sleepless night she went to the couch and covered up with her quilt and told herself “I’m under a covering of prayer…” and she truly was!