I don't consider this one of my favorite quilts, but it is one of the most special ones that I have made. Those who follow my blog will recognize this quilt right off...it's the one that I made for my sister after she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma this past summer. My sister was terribly ill and in the hospital when she asked if I could make her a "Linus Quilt". I knew that this wasn't going to be an easy quilt for me to make. The circumstances definitely made this a difficult quilt to work on, but I also knew that the quilt would have to be purple, my sister's favorite color and my least favorite. (Sorry purple lovers...please don't send hate mail!) While the quilt was in the planning stages I decided to add fabric from one of our father's white dress shirts. Another difficult task, I hadn't had the heart to cut into any of his shirts since he passed away, but I knew that my sister would be comforted knowing that one of his shirts was given new life in her quilt. However, the real challenge came with the quilting. Normally I send my larger quilts out to be quilted by a pro, but this one I wanted to do all myself. Straight lines wouldn't have been a problem, but I wanted curved ribbon quilting. It wasn't the easiest thing to do on my machine and there are a few imperfections, but I pulled it off. I gave my sister her quilt just before her 39th birthday in July. As soon as it was unwrapped she said that the pinwheels looked like they were blowing ribbons of hope all through the quilt which led to the name "Breezes of Hope". My sister's latest scans and tests showed a dramatic improvement just half way through her chemotherapy treatment, which has given us all more breezes of hope that she will have a full recovery.You can read the full details of the making of this quilt by clicking on the following links...
The Color Purple
Shirt Tales
No Slacking
Binding Back-Story
Made With Love And Hope
Thanks to Amy for organizing this virtual quilt show! Be sure to visit Park City Girl for a complete list of all the participants.
82 comments:
What a wonderful gift to your sister. It is sure to be a comfort to her while she is undergoing chemo. The purple is special since it is something that your sister loves even if it wouldn't be your first choice. We will keep her in our prayers.
Anne
http://filmandthread.com
I am so happy to hear that your sister is doing better. It is such a lovely quilt.
beautiful story!
You are forgiven a thousand times over for not caring for purple. This purple lover has been so moved by your love for your sister. She is in my prayers. Please keep us all updated.
Many blessings,
KT
I am glad to hear your sister is doing well. I think the quilting is wonderful! What a special treasure.
Thanks for sharing the quilt & the STORY. I am so glad to hear that you sister is doing well.
Susan, that was the perfect quilt to put in the Festival. I am so glad to hear your sister is improving.
Your love for your sister is clearly evident in this beautiful quilt. I am so glad that she has shown such great improvement. This was the perfect quilt to share as part of the festival!
What a beautiful quilt. I'm so happy to hear of your sister's treatment success. I pray it continues until she is completely cancer free.
What a beautiful quilt and story .I'm sure your sister treasures this quilt and knows the love you have stitched into it .
Wonderful quilt and wonderful story. You are a special sister.
I am so moved by the story behind this quilt. Thank you for sharing this!! I'm blessed to hear that your sister is doing well. Oh, and fabulous idea to add your fathers shirt fabric. Very inspiring!!! Be blessed in your future quilting, you have a special gift. :)
Hi Susan
The quilt is wonderful because of the story that goes with it. I love the brilliant blue in it. Our son had Hodgkins when he was only 12 years old. He's 34 next month! Just wanted to tell you that for encouragement. I'm sure your sister will pull through too!
Happy quilting, Rhondi
Glad your sister is doing better. Lovely, bright quilt! :)
Gorgeous. Love the color choices. Good luck to your sister.
What a beautiful quilt. I'm glad to hear your sister is doing better.
This IS a very special quilt. A gift for both of you, I think. I won't send you any hate mail, but the purple is perfect:)
Thank you for sharing ....... blessings to you and your sister as she is healed by the stripes on Jesus's back.
A lovely storey to a beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing.
Your sister is lucky to have you and the lovely quilt you made. Here’s to a speedy recovery for her. Thank you for sharing your story.
I am so glad to hear your sister is doing well...I remember when you made this quilt...it is so pretty.
Beautiful quilt! Thanks for sharing the story. Your sister must feel so comforted by this kind gesture.
Such a touching story. I have a lump in my throat. May your sister continue to progress and receive only positive reports.
Give yourself a hug from all of us who care, all your fellow quilters.
Another beautiful quilt and another touching story. Our quilts reflect our stories so well - good to know that your sister is doing well and that she continues to improve.
The stories I am reading about during this festival are heart warming. This is another wonderful quilt. Thanks for sharing!
A gorgeous quilt and a beautiful story of family love and hope and kindness :)
Lovely story, lovely quilt (and I like purple). I'm hoping and praying for a lovely outcome to your sister's predicament--I hoping for many more quilts to be shared between you two.
--ELIZABETH E, #115
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story and the quilt that goes with it!
Thank you for sharing you story and you made a great quilt.
Another beautiful quilt, and even more beautiful story. I feel so blessed to be able to read all the amazing stories that go along with the quilts.
Thank you for sharing that your sister is doing better. What a lovely bond the two of you must have. This was a wonderful post.
What a wonderful gift for your sister. I hope she makes a speedy recovery. x
Such a lovely quilt and moving story. Glad to hear your sister is doing better.
The best quilts are those made for a special person or special purpose. This one is beautiful and must be greatly treasured by your sister. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I'm just blown away by all the touching stories of quilts made for loved ones while being treated for cancer. Your quilt is beautiful and I especially love that you used your father's dress shirts. Thanks for sharing.
what an amazing quilt. That you made something like that for your sister is awesome...she must have felt so much love and comfort especially because it had a piece of your dad in it. Prayers for continued good results!
Thanks for sharing your amazing story and quilt. I wish your family the best.
Your quilt is beautiful and so is your story. Sisters are amazing to me.
Quilts heal! Especially when they come from your sister! :-) super!
thanks for sharing your story. It's a beautiful quilt.
Beautiful story, beautiful quilt! thanks for sharing both of them with us!
Thank you for sharing the story behind this lovely quilt.
Thank you for sharing...My sister-in-law is dealing with her own struggle now. She needs a breeze too!!! Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful quilt with us. It was made with a lot of love and you can see that right away. I love it.
Wow...the power of love~ I will pray for your sisters complete recovery~ Thank you for your wonderful story~
Beautiful! What a lovely gift for your sister.
What a wonderful gift of love that you have created for your sister. I am sure that she treasures it and derives a great deal of comfort when she is wrapped up in it.
It is hard to make a quilt when a loved one is sick, but a powerful experience for both parties when the quilt is given. I bet lots of tears were shed when you gave her your beautiful gift. Thanks for sharing your lovely story.
Sending warm thoughts for your sister's continued recovery.
Warmest regards,
Anna
What a wonderful quilt to make and receive; I'm so glad your sister is doing better. And I do love purple:-)
A word of hope:
I have known two people with Hodgkin's- they are both fully recovered and living good lives- with treatment, it is one of the most survivable cancers. I'm sending my good wishes that your sister will be fully recovered soon and able to enjoy the beautiful quilt you made for her for many many years to come.
What a lovely quilt for your sister. I love the title of the quilt - just perfect. I am sure the quilt brings much comfort to your sister. I LOVE the purple and that you used your father's white shirts in the quilt. Great job on the quilting. I can see why this was a difficult quilt to make. I am glad that your sister's health has improved and hope it continues to do so. Thank you for sharing your quilt and its story.
Thank you for sharing both the quilt and the story behind it. It must have been about the most difficult quilt you have made.
Thank you for sharing both the quilt and its story. I, too, am not a purple lover (blue, blue! make it blue!) but this turned out lovely.
so glad she is healing. your gift is perfect--difficult to be sure, but perfect.
What a gorgeous quilt! Your story about it made me cry. I'm with you on the purple, it's my least favorite color - good for you for making such a beautiful gift in spite of purple. I'm glad your sister is doing well.
What a beautiful quilt. Best wishes and prayers to your sister and family.
My grandfather passed away 5 years ago from Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Your story touched my heart.
Great quilt.
Never underestimate the power of love, belief, and hope! When ALL of that is stitched into a quilt...?! Thanks for sharing your story. Best breezy wishes to you and your sister! ; )
I think it's beautiful and I love how you incorporated your sister's favorite color and your father's dress shirts. What a special quilt. Glad she's been improving and hope she continues to do so!
P.S. I really like the picture at the top of your blog. I love the quilting, thimble, thread and the lighting is very nice.
What a lovely quilt. I happen to like purple, and the lovely colour was the first thing that struck me before reading your story. I am happy to hear your sister is doing better, and hope her improvement will continue. Thank you for sharing this special story.
Beautiful quilt and a beautiful act of love. Best wishes to you both for her full recovery.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful quilt and your sister's story .... hope and pray that she recovers to enjoy a very long life.
A wonderful extremely touching story and quilt. I started following you're a very gifted quilter.
Thank you for sharing "Breezes of Hope" and the touching story that is attached to it. I wish your sister success in her fight against this cancer.
PS. It's me again. I wanted to tell you that I think the name of your blog is oh so clever!
I can almost feel the love that was stitched into this quilt - it is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your quilt, and the story behind it. Sending more Breezes of Hope that your sister has a quick and complete recovery.
Beautiful quilt and such a touching story. I hope your sister is still doing well.
I love it! Purple is one of my favorites and I think I'm going to have to make my own whirly-giggle quilt after seeing a couple of really great ones at the quilt festival.
Touching story and beautiful quilt for your sister. Heartfelt love sewn into every seam. Thanks for sharing.
What a story. And what a blessing that quilt must be to her. It's beautiful.
you did something wonderful for your sister! and I'm so happy to hear that she is doing better!
What a beautiful quilt and even more beautiful story.
That's OK, Susan. I don't like purple either! It's so nice that your sister has been comforted by your quilt.
Beautiful quilt in many ways - thank you for sharing. prayers for your sister - that she continues to gain strength and healing.
What a beautiful quilt you made and the story is touching. Sisters are very special. Good wishes to her.
Your idea to make the purple quilt for your sister is so caring of you. I'm sure she uses it and loves it a lot while she has been going through her treatments. Thank you for telling us more about it. I hope she continues down the road with her recovery.
Lovely quilt and your a lovely person for making it! The name is very inspiring -- and our quilted ribbons look very good! I'm glad your sister is so much better now.
The gift of a quilt to a family member is one of the sweetest gifts you will ever give. Your sister will cherish this!
I'm glad your sister's health is improving. What a special quilt! Thanks for sharing it for BQF!
a lovely quilt, and a beautiful story behind it. I hope your sister will recover completely and can use her quilt forever and ever!
Kristina
What a wonderful sister your are.
What a beautiful gift of love
barb
thank you for sharing your quilt & its story... i have a similar story that goes with a quilt but i haven't shared it on my blog yet.. maybe one day i'll be ready to share!!
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