Tuesday, 15 January 2013

A Quilter's Hug


It is a fact, unfortunately, that bad things can happen to good people. It sucks, but it is true. For me it is happening to someone who has known me longer than anyone else in the world other than my family. Really, she remembers the day my parents brought me home from the hospital. That is a long history to share.

She lives about 2,500 miles away. I can't be there. I can't make dinners, hold hands, bake cookies, provide transport. All I can do is offer a hug, in the only way a quilter can from a distance. Salt Air is for my friend. I am hoping that every time she uses it she will know that I am thinking of her. When words fail me maybe actions might make do.


There are things I wish were better about this quilt. I wanted it to to be perfect. But I am not going to talk about them at all. This quilt is not about that. It would have been nice if I could find somewhere to photograph it that didn't get strong shadows cast upon it though. A beautiful day for photos, and shadows. So this is my favourite photo. Only half of the quilt but no shadows. I can compromise!


Salt Air is the perfect fabric for my friend. She is an outdoors person who loves the ocean. I can never picture her living far from it. She is strong, and funny, and so very determined. Bad things can happen to good people, but they can overcome them. I truly believe that.

I quilted words all around the border. It is my message to my friend.

hope * joy * happiness * faith * harmony * unity
family * friends * love * laughter

Well, the words are there, though they were very hard to photograph. You'll just have to trust me on this one. The binding was scrappy  made up of all the leftover bits, and a couple strips of Kona Charcoal thrown in. I quilted the front with Aurifil 50 2021, and the back in a variegated dark golden yellow Aurifil 40. I just did a looping stipple all over the HSTs. It measures approximately 58" x 66".


This is my hug for my friend, a quilter's hug.

Susan 
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56 comments:

  1. ScissorsandThread15 January 2013 at 14:02

    Beautiful quilt - hope it provides some comfort and a big quilters hug for your friend.

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  2. memmens15 January 2013 at 14:09

    It looks gorgeous even with shadows! A lovely gift to give I'm sure it will be well loved.

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  3. Leanne15 January 2013 at 14:09

    It is a perfect hug!

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  4. Cindy Sharp15 January 2013 at 14:25

    Perfect!

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  5. cheeky monkey15 January 2013 at 14:32

    All the best to your friend and a big hug too. The quilt is amazing and I am sure she will love it!

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  6. heart of charnwood15 January 2013 at 14:32

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. heart of charnwood15 January 2013 at 14:33

    It beautiful, and imperfections are part of the process of something made with love, none of us are indeed perfect, and it's what makes us interesting and unique. I am positive your friend will be greatly comforted by it! : )

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  8. Marjorie's Busy Corner15 January 2013 at 14:43

    Great quilt Susan..sorry about your friend.

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  9. moira15 January 2013 at 14:59

    what a beautiful gift x

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  10. melrosecakes15 January 2013 at 15:03

    I had a feeling that was who this quilt was going to. I'm sure she will love it and the thoughts behind it.

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  11. sew.darn.quilt15 January 2013 at 15:03

    It is absolutely perfect Susan because it was made by your hands and a heart filled with love, how could it be anything less?
    I'm so sorry to read about your friend. I know your gift will wrap her in your love and bring comfort.

    Sending you a much needed hug from Canada
    X

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  12. Archie The Wonder Dog15 January 2013 at 15:17

    It's perfect! Such a lovely thing to send to a friend in need. I'll be thinking of you both xx

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  13. Donna quilts15 January 2013 at 15:22

    What a beautiful gift! She'll certainly know and feel the love that went into it. I wish her well.

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  14. Jo @ life in lists15 January 2013 at 15:29

    I'm sure that your quilt will bring huge comfort and joy to the recipient - the love and thoughtfulness that has gone into every stitch will be felt over 2,500 miles.

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  15. Judith, Belfast15 January 2013 at 15:29

    A truly beautiful gift S! We know in Bee Blessed that giving quilts can say so much and bring comfort where words and presence can't. I've no doubt your friend will be deeply touched by this 'hug'. Jxo

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  16. Lucy | Charm About You15 January 2013 at 15:35

    Beautiful Susan, a perfect hug x

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  17. Chrissy15 January 2013 at 15:57

    It is beautiful. I know if I received that quilt I would cry for about a week. Your friend will know that you put love into every cut and stitch.

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  18. Kate15 January 2013 at 16:20

    There could be no finer "hug" than this. Your friend is lucky to have you in her corner.
    Your quilt is gorgeous!!

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  19. Isisjem15 January 2013 at 17:16

    A perfect quilt! I love the little squares in the boarder that give an extra pop of interest. In fact with the wordy stitching as well there are lots and lots of lovely details. Your friend will love that quilty hug!

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  20. www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com15 January 2013 at 17:24

    This is a beautiful gesture to your special friend. I am sure she will feel the hug over and over again. Your special attention to details make it even more special. A lovely post Susan.

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  21. Deborah OHare15 January 2013 at 17:27

    Next best thing to a real hug!

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  22. Kathy MacKie15 January 2013 at 17:39

    Hugs to your friend and to you also.

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  23. Quilting In The Cold15 January 2013 at 17:52

    Beautiful Susan, just beautiful

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  24. Cille15 January 2013 at 18:14

    A quilt hug that will last for ever... I understand why you want to be there but this is not an insignificant gesture and I know your friend will appreciate it and know exactly what your quilt hug means.

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  25. Pippa Parsons15 January 2013 at 18:34

    beautiful and a very loving quilters hug xx

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  26. Flo @ Butterfly Quilting15 January 2013 at 18:52

    It is beautiful...bith the quilt and the sentiment.

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  27. Sarah15 January 2013 at 19:16

    You've done such a lovely job sweets, I'm sure it will be loved and do just the job you want it to.

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  28. Unknown15 January 2013 at 19:25

    I think your quilt is beautiful. I love the fabric, I really want to make a quilt from that line now. What a kind gesture from you to your friend, no doubt they will love it and find much comfort with it.

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  29. Susan15 January 2013 at 19:39

    Lovingly made quilt and a well written post! Your friend will certainly know you are with her- if not in person, at least in every aspect of that gift!

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  30. Kelly15 January 2013 at 19:43

    It is beautiful and I am sure it is going to give your friend comfort in her time of need and for many years to come x

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  31. Claire15 January 2013 at 19:48

    Susan, you quilt is beautiful and the way you have included those words...I am sure this quilt will be a hug and a source of faith, hope and love for your friend. I pray all will be ok - hugs x.

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  32. Two Wednesdays15 January 2013 at 20:13

    It's beautiful Susan - I am so sorry that your friend is going through such a rough time. This quilt will tell her all that you can't put into words.

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  33. Susan15 January 2013 at 20:15

    And one of the very best kind of hugs too. Thinking of you and your friend. X

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  34. Indianna15 January 2013 at 20:20

    It's a fantastic hug that you can send through the post to a friend far away x

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  35. Katy Cameron15 January 2013 at 20:43

    Hope the hug does the trick for her, love the quilted in words

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  36. Sheila15 January 2013 at 20:50

    Here's hoping the Salt Air will do the trick.x

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  37. thea15 January 2013 at 20:53

    Such a wonderful hug to send to a friend. Hopefully she will feel your love through the quilt. Sorry you can't be with her.

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  38. Lynz15 January 2013 at 21:30

    That is a beautiful hug!! I hope it brings some measure of joy to your friend, love to you both! xox

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  39. Rhonda the Rambler15 January 2013 at 21:38

    What a blessed friend you have. Lovely job. Btw, I rather like the shadows!

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  40. Mrs Flying Blind...15 January 2013 at 22:18

    It's totally beautiful! Your friend will cherish it.
    Don't knock the shadows, it means it's sunny xxx

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  41. Trudi15 January 2013 at 22:21

    What a beautiful hug it is too, and only too well do we know the power such a gift can have! X

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  42. Catherine15 January 2013 at 22:40

    It is fabulous Susan. Your friend is going to love it and it will do exactly what you want it to Do. I hope all her bad things disappear quickly

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  43. Sarah15 January 2013 at 22:44

    It's beautiful and so personal Susan. Your friend will understand that distance means you can't do the everyday practical things to help her at this time, but she will also know that she is in your thoughts and in your heart when she wraps herself in your hug.

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  44. Kirsten15 January 2013 at 23:43

    She will love it and I am sure the words of comfort will help her feel better too.

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  45. Marg16 January 2013 at 04:51

    It's perfect Susan. A wonderful gift for your friend, something that she will be able to cherish even though you are miles apart.

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  46. Charlotte16 January 2013 at 07:46

    such a beautiful quilt, and a wonderful way to send your love xxx

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  47. Unknown16 January 2013 at 07:53

    This is just THE most perfect hug! I hope your friend overcomes the bad times soon. xx

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  48. Cindy16 January 2013 at 08:22

    It's hard being this far away from many of our friends and family. This is a perfect hug for your friend. Susan, Salt Air is absolutely stunning. A beautiful quilt. You should be so proud.

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  49. Sophie Belle Designs16 January 2013 at 14:43

    Oh Susan this is special. I love it very much. Well done you x

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  50. Jana16 January 2013 at 15:21

    This quilt is PERFECT. A wonderful way to send love to your friend. She'll get a hug from you each time she uses it. It's gorgeous.

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  51. QuiltCandy16 January 2013 at 19:19

    This quilt is perfect. And the words you have incorporated are perfect too. I am sure that she will be overcome with joy when she opens it and that in itself is great healer. You are so kind and generous. Well done on an extra special finish. x

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  52. Nicky16 January 2013 at 20:22

    Brilliant idea! I'm sure it's going to appreciated...It looks perfect to me.

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  53. Shay16 January 2013 at 21:16

    This post was so beautiful it almost made me cry ...

    You are beautiful too !

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  54. Salley16 January 2013 at 22:52

    Just seen it on (Aurifil) facebook page.
    Didnt know it was a special gift. Lots of heart, there. Lovely you.

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  55. Annabella16 January 2013 at 23:29

    So sorry I missed this yesterday -its's such a wonderful quilt for lots of reasons - and really is an extra special finish. You are very special.

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  56. tusen20 January 2013 at 08:51

    Susan, it is perfect. I love it and I'm sure your friend will feel the hug.

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