I haven't done much sewing the past couple of days, and my hand and arm are feeling much better. Will probably finish up that pink bunny block today--maybe.
Thought I'd show you another kind of snowball quilt that I made several years ago. I started this in an Ami Simms workshop when she visited our guild.
I'll start right out by saying that while this was a fun quilt to make, it wasn't easy--at least not for me. The black squares between the snowballs are dimensional and are done by a process of sewing and folding and turning and twisting--a process that can get a little confusing. A different button is sewn onto each of the black squares. I bought a pack of buttons from Ami for this, but I think I used some of my own as well.
The pattern came from Ami's book Picture Play Quilts, which contains lots of fun patterns for kid's quilts, most of them not as complicated to make as this one, which is called Hugs & Kisses. Can you see the Xs and Os?
I made the quilt to raffle to raise funds for a playground project that my church was doing at the time. But by the time I finished the quilt, some people in the church had decided that raffling a quilt was gambling and that we couldn't do it. So they decided to sell the quilt on Ebay. I made a donation to the playground fund, took the quilt back, and here it is. My friend Lena Colley at New Traditions Quilting quilted it.
My pastor asked me a couple of weeks ago if I would make a quilt to hang in the nursery at church. I wonder if this one would work. I think I'll ask.
***
One year ago today, Vann and I received the diagnosis of his pancreatic cancer. We came home and immediately asked everyone we knew, including all of you, for prayer. How would we ever have made it through this terrible year without those prayers? Thank you all so much.
And while it has been a terrible year, there was joy as well. Vann and I spent some of our most intimate times together, talking of how much God means to us both, and how death is just a trip home. In the end, Vann had his spiritual bags packed and was ready to make that trip. I hope I can be as ready as he was when my time comes.
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On 11/19/2009, Courtney Short-Prudhomme said ...
that is a really cool quilt.. and obviously a lot of time was invested in it.. if only I had the crafty discipline to do such things.. I just dont.. I have tried and just come to the realization I am not "rules" kinda gal :0) I love looking at your stuff though - very pretty.. I hope you know that reading your and Vann's story has really helped me appreciate my husband even more.. and trying to look over tiny stuff that is really not important in the grand scheme of things.
On 11/19/2009, Kai said ...
I love your quilts - ALL of them! Each one is detailed and special, and has a 'happy spirit' worked into it! Has it really been a whole year, Susan? It's been such a journey for you - it was such a journey for BOTH of you - but I believe Vann was well-prepared, and I know you both grew together so very much through the year. I love you & admire you more than I can ever say!
On 11/19/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
You make some of the prettiest quilts! I love this one! And you've been an inspiration to me this year. I'm so glad to know you. Take care!
On 11/19/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Big hugs to you on this kind of anniversary that is sadly memorable. I hope your wedding anniversary will be/was a celebration of the wonderful life you and Vann shared for so many years and how extra close he is now.
I agree that your quilts have such joy in the colors and fabrics, no matter if they're fun like this quilt or beautiful and serene as other quilts of yours are. Applause!!
Glad to hear that your wrist and hand are feeling better.
More hugs!
On 11/19/2009, Loribelle said ...
How much is that doggie in the window? Bark! Bark! ;-) You and Vann have been and still are such an inspiration to me. Your love is strong and your faith is stronger. My life is better for knowing and loving you both! (((HUGS)))
(glad your sewing arm/hand is better!)
On 11/19/2009, Sandy said ...
My prayers and thoughts go to you, especially this time of the year. Family and friends will help you get through the holiday season. Your quilts are so creative and I've enjoyed looking at them. Where did you get the patterns for the stained glass quilts you were hung in the sanctiary of the church?
On 11/19/2009, Nancy said ...
Susan, such a sad memory, but your beautiful words "Vann had his spiritual bags packed and was ready to make that trip" truly touched me. Your strength through all of this has been an inspiration to me, truly. I also pray I will be strong enough to accept whatever God allows into my life before I make that trip and that I am as spiritually prepared to 'go home'. God Bless. You are in my prayers.
On 11/19/2009, valerie said ...
I love this quilt and it looks like it is a lot of work. Sunday I hope to be putting a video on of a group in my church 20 years ago and when I hear the song I think of Vann. I especially will think of him now as you have shared with us that he was packed and ready to go. I hope that I am that ready. You have honored him so much!
On 11/19/2009, Laurie said ...
Amen.
On 11/19/2009, Chris said ...
Your story is so touching. I lost my husband quite young and quite suddenly so I can feel your sorrow. It has been three years now. Thank you for sharing and you are in my thoughts and prayers on this sad anniversary.
On 11/19/2009, Gayle said ...
My thoughts are with you during this difficult day.
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