Friday, May 18, 2012

Blogger's Quilt Festival : Bree

Hey y'all!
It's been a while since I've posted, and I apologize for that. Life just... sucks you in sometimes, no?

I figured there was no better way to get back in the proverbial saddle than to link up to the Blogger's Quilt Festival!

My entry for this spring's festival is none other than my recent Warden's Cross quilt, made with the fabulous Stars and Stripes line for Riley Blake Designs.



This throw sized quilt was designed for Cutting Corners College over at RBD, and there's a full tutorial posted there. It's my first original pattern, and it's named for the seriously awesome man it was made for.

Y'all.... getting to give this to my grandpa was huge. I've talked about how much I've been wanting to go home for a visit, how close we've come to losing him this past year. The kid and I managed to make it home to give it to him, and my heart was so full when we gave it to him. My grandpa has Alzheimer's, and part of me is sad to say he didn't recognize me at all... but the other part is overjoyed at how happy interacting with the kid made him. How he smiled when he saw his name on the label. How he felt the quilt in his hands, over and over, and inspected every block, every stitch, every corner. How he knew it was him, even though he didn't quite know why. It was a good trip and the Warden's Cross is now hanging out in the common room of his nursing home, available for any and all patients to use.




Do you see his smile? Makes me happy, and proud to have designed this quilt for him.

I'm linking on up to the Blogger's Quilt Festival... and I'll be around more. I've been working on a craaaazy Crown Royal quilt (the liquor that comes in those purple bags) for a coworker, and it's consuming me, but I've got some fun stuff on the way... including some more tutorials over at RBD!



26 comments:

FabricDonkey said...

So sweet. I just love those pictures and how meaningful that quilt is.

Lynne said...

I enjoyed reading about your beautiful quilt and your grandpa. Have a great weekend!

Kris from Duke Says Sew What said...

Beautiful quilt! I loved reading your story. That was so kind of you to give this to him.

Alisa said...

It's a beautiful quilt! And you must be so happy to have those photos of you and your Grandpa with the quilt.

carol fun said...

Wonderful quilt and those pictures show that this quilt, like your Grandpa, is very special!

Heidi Grohs said...

I have always loved this quilt...but the story of Grandpa? AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

Cindy said...

Love the pic of your Grandpa. You made a beautiful quilt for him and its so great that you got to give it to him in person. Memories.

Happy Quilt Festival.

CitricSugar said...

Special quilt - thank you for sharing the story.

Derrith said...

I LOVED this quilt and the story behind it. The colors are my favorite!

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

This quilt and it's story have touched my heart. Having an elderly mom I know my day is coming soon when she might not recognise me. You are a wonderful granddaughter

Leanne said...

This is a lovely quilt and I am so glad you were able to give it to him in person.

CathyH said...

Thank you for sharing this story. My Mom had Alzheimers also. She loved to quilt! A friend and I kept her sewing as long as we could. Then we would have her iron the quilts. Eventually she could only fold them and touch them. She loved touching the fabrics and seeing the colors. Even today, the joy of colors and textures and patterns are mingled with the memories of my Mom. You will always be glad you made that trip to see your Grandpa.

Janine said...

This quilt is wonderful and the story about your Grandpa is touching. It's wonderful that you were able to give it to him. Love it.

Mom said...

Great, festive quilt!!

Check out my blog if you can...

Margaret Gunn
www.quiltsoflove.blogspot.com

Kristy fordhook1 said...

I love the quilt, so Americana. And love your story, very touching.

Kristy fordhook1 said...

I love the quilt, so Americana. And love your story, very touching.

Lynne said...

Waht a wonderful story Bree; it brought a tear to my eye. My grandmother had Alzheimer's so I understand a little of your pain.

Anonymous said...

Your quilt is so stunning and the story behind it is even more beautiful, thank you for sharing!

Bethany (Make Me A Quilt) said...

You're making me cry! Your story is so sweet, it had to feel so good giving him that quilt. It's absolutely perfect.

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

A very special quilt for a very special person. What a touching story. My husband lost his dad to Alzheimer's not long ago. I love the fabrics of your quilt too. Nice combination. Makes me think of a picnic on a nice sunny day.

Jenniffier said...

Very sweet story and a wonderful quilt.

Marci Girl said...

Make me cry why don't ya...lovely story and beautiful quilt!

harleywife57/ Mickey White said...

the quilt is so lovely ; but grandpa about melts my heart ! wow !

Splendorfalls said...

Such love in that quilt and for your Grandpa. So lovely!

Athena said...

I've read this post twice now on my visits here and I teared up both times! wonderful job on the quilt!

Eileen said...

precious!! those pictures of your grampa are so great and the story is so wonderful and poignant. beautiful quilt--that's a fantastic block! on the crown royal quilt--as long as you're consumed by the making and not consuming what were the contents, i'm sure you'll be fine. those are beautiful little pouches. thanks for sharing this great quilt and story and have a great day

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