Friday, December 20, 2013

The rest of the story

If you have read my blog for a while - you might remember that  2 1/2 years ago we lost my cousin and her 3 daughters. You can always see the effect of this on your own family... but what you forget is all the other people who knew her from the rest of her life.

One of those other people has reached out and become my friend as well. And it has been wonderful to learn of the other side of my cousins life.  My cousin was a Quilter - and she inspired her friend Jen to make a quilt in their memory.

Jen worked very hard on this quilt, and not only did she do a fabulous job, she stitched symbolism into every part of it... and it was wonderful.

She asked me if I would quilt it - and of course the answer was yes! It was actually a bit therapeutic for me as well. It was fun to see how she viewed the girls, and what things she thought of when she was choosing her fabrics.

Without further ado.... Here is her masterpiece:





And the back:

I will admit that I was a lot nervous. I wanted the quilting to be symbolic as well, and I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted all that Jen loved about the girls to be evident... and that's a lot of pressure. I think that she loved it - and with her input, I think that we got it right.

I think that the girls would be tickled, and would highly approve ;-)

15 comments:

Maja said...

Beautiful in every way!!!

Gemini Jen NZ said...

The quilt is absolutely beautiful and even more so because of the story behind it. I know what it is like to lose family - my husband's cousin, her husband and baby were lost in a car crash two days before we got married. Family and memories are a wonderful part of Christmas - enjoy your day.

Snowcatcher said...

My gosh, it's gorgeous. What a beautiful tribute, and what a wonderful way to celebrate their lives. You have to be happy looking at the bright and beautiful colors in this.

Terri said...

So sorry for your loss, Alycia. The memorial quilt is lovely, and the quilting makes it! Thanks for showing it.
Hugs

swooze said...

Beautiful....

Elaine M said...

Looks perfect to me, the quilt and the quilting.

Anonymous said...

Simply beautiful. Such a treasure!

Vicki W said...

Well done...... both of you!

Missy Shay said...

It is beautiful!

Kate said...

Beautiful!

Judy V. from Thornton, CO said...

Oh my, your quilting is just exquisite, and it is a beautiful way to honor the little girls!

Renee said...

This quilt, the quilting, and the story are all beautiful! What a treasure to have, what a sweet way to remember and honor a special family.

LizA. said...

Wow! Has it really been 2-1/2 years already? I think of them everytime we camp in our bus and there's water anywhere close....beautiful quilt! Great job both of you.

Barb in Mi said...

Just beautiful - and I can only imagine the therapeutic effect it has brought!

Michele said...

Simply stunning! And I so know how you feel. We lost my nephew 9 years ago this month, a week before Christmas and just a week after he turned 16. The holiday season has and will always be tough for our entire family.