I met Eva for the first time about two years ago. She is married to Bill who started out as a co-worker but ended up being a friend. Since his retirement, they live in New Jersey.
Eva and I connected over our love of spicy food and gold jewelry. When I showed her the first of the International Sister Quilt Blocks, her response was immediate. She loved them.
This was the first year I participated in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge and the International Sister Quilt Block was a perfect block for the purpose.
After 10 months of block-making I had enough blocks for making two quilts. Of course, I would give one to Eva and make the other for display in the Quilt Show (Quilters Unlimited) in summer of 2020.
The plan was to piece and quilt them over the Christmas break.
If you want God to smile, tell him your plans.
On November 19th, I received the news that Eva had a stroke and that she was in a rehab facility. And I knew that I had to drop everything to complete her quilt. Because she needs it now.
The backing was pieced with a Christmas inspired backing and green floral fabrics.
I chose a yellow striped fabric for the binding.
Eva's quilt finished at 57" by 72".
But there was a small problem.
One sister's headdress almost blended/merged with the background so much so that it looked like that a part of her head was missing - at least from a distance.
I had to think outside the sewing box. Fortunately, orange fabric marker provided the ideal solution.
I started using the marker on the headdress and then realized that I should take a before picture.
Here is what it looked like after it was touched up.
I love the fact that the marker-enhanced print is absolutely perfect and no one would know unless I told them. Of course I am telling you because this is totally worth sharing with my quilty sisters.
I even found a young model to show it off.
The completed quilt was delivered to Eva the day after Thanksgiving. She was overwhelmed to receive the quilt and I felt overcome to see her.
The quilt waits for Eva on her bed in the rehab center where she will stay for the next several weeks.
I just want God to smile kindly on Eva and help her make a complete recovery.
And if she ever feels tired or disheartened in her journey, she has 32 sisters cheering her on.
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties including Sandra's Dreami. As usual, I'd love to hear from you.
Remember the baby-maker quilt? This is the baby that the baby-maker made. I met him for the first time on Thanksgiving day.
I am still tickled to think (believe) that I made the quilt that made this baby - the cutest baby ever!!!
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| On the Design Wall |
Eva and I connected over our love of spicy food and gold jewelry. When I showed her the first of the International Sister Quilt Blocks, her response was immediate. She loved them.
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| Setting Triangles |
This was the first year I participated in the Rainbow Scrap Challenge and the International Sister Quilt Block was a perfect block for the purpose.
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| Piecing the Sisters |
After 10 months of block-making I had enough blocks for making two quilts. Of course, I would give one to Eva and make the other for display in the Quilt Show (Quilters Unlimited) in summer of 2020.
The plan was to piece and quilt them over the Christmas break.
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| 32 Sisters |
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| So colorful |
If you want God to smile, tell him your plans.
On November 19th, I received the news that Eva had a stroke and that she was in a rehab facility. And I knew that I had to drop everything to complete her quilt. Because she needs it now.
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| Kristi with Completed Flimsy |
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| Walking Foot Quilting |
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| Christmas inspired backing |
The backing was pieced with a Christmas inspired backing and green floral fabrics.
I chose a yellow striped fabric for the binding.
 |
| Binding in process |
But there was a small problem.
One sister's headdress almost blended/merged with the background so much so that it looked like that a part of her head was missing - at least from a distance.
 |
| No, I did not notice it before quilting |
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| BEFORE - Not enough contrast (see left side of the headdress) |
I had to think outside the sewing box. Fortunately, orange fabric marker provided the ideal solution.
I started using the marker on the headdress and then realized that I should take a before picture.
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| Permanent Fabric Markers |
Here is what it looked like after it was touched up.
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| AFTER - Light Orange Headdress |
I love the fact that the marker-enhanced print is absolutely perfect and no one would know unless I told them. Of course I am telling you because this is totally worth sharing with my quilty sisters.
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| Completed |
I even found a young model to show it off.
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| Christmas is in the air |
The completed quilt was delivered to Eva the day after Thanksgiving. She was overwhelmed to receive the quilt and I felt overcome to see her.
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| Sisters in the Sunshine |
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| Love each one |
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| Pieced Backing |
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| Labelled |
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| Delivered |
The quilt waits for Eva on her bed in the rehab center where she will stay for the next several weeks.
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| Quilt for Eva |
I just want God to smile kindly on Eva and help her make a complete recovery.
And if she ever feels tired or disheartened in her journey, she has 32 sisters cheering her on.
I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties including Sandra's Dreami. As usual, I'd love to hear from you.
_____________________________________________________________________
Remember the baby-maker quilt? This is the baby that the baby-maker made. I met him for the first time on Thanksgiving day.
I am still tickled to think (believe) that I made the quilt that made this baby - the cutest baby ever!!!
I bet your friend loved the quilt - it is always nice to have a quilt on the bed in recovery to help cheer you up. Nice idea about marking in the color on the fabric! I didn't see what you meant until you pointed it out. Such a cute baby!!
ReplyDeleteGreat true story. Love how quilts have that magic for those who really need it. It is a beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteWell, who wouldn't want to be wrapped in a quilt from Preeti?! I'm sure she loved it, and felt completely loved as she wrapped herself in it. I hope she has a full recovery! What a lovely thing to do, Preeti.
ReplyDeleteWell, now, don’t I have goosebumps all the way down to my toes after reading this delightful post! You have such a gift for expressing yourself, in words and deeds!
ReplyDeleteAnd now your friend Eva has all of us quilty sisters cheering her on, too! Eva's quilt is wonderful, Preeti, and the perfect gift for a friend who needs some love and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous finish and a special gift. Turned out to be the perfect block for Eva's quilt on many levels. Love how you solved the color problem. No one will ever know.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift! I'm sure the sisters are wrapping her in there love.
ReplyDeleteLove the sisters quilt. I hope Eva gets better soon. Every time I see your sisters block, I'm amazed by your eclectic fabric collection. I have some sisters too - made from your pattern but just not enough for a quilt yet. I love them!
ReplyDeletePrayers for Eva and that beautiful little baby! Life deals some curves once and a while... I hope She makes a full and speedy recovery! LOVE your ladies quilt... Pondering making one:)) GB
ReplyDeleteSometimes a DrEAMi is riotous fun, and other times it is heavy-hearted. However, inside a heavy heart hope glows and grows as we see, and these 32 ladies dancing away are perfect rays of sunshine and care to wish Eva a speedy full recovery. Thank you so much for linking this up and for the good you bring into the world!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story - thanks for sharing! Sending prayers for Eva's speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteRehab places do really great work. But heartfelt deeds to cheer up a friend do oh so much more, Preeti. Beautiful story, my prayers are with Eva today. I have made two Int'l Sisters blocks, and now I know I need to make 30 more to have a quilt as perfect for snuggling as I am sure yours is. So lovely, thank you for sharing. ~Diana from Hamilton (Canada)
ReplyDeleteWhat ❤️ felt sentiments are surrounding Eva. I’m sure your quilt will be a comfort to her during her recovery. Oh and the baby that was made by the wut is adorable.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute baby and your baby maker quilt is stunning Preeti! The Sisters quilt for Eva is beautiful, sending her all the wishes in the world for a complete recovery. Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteThis is the best quilt with the best quilt story!!! Love that you are sending love to Eva with this loving quilt. Great quilting, too!!! Sending prayers for Eva. 💗 (Great marker save!!!)
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful and meaningful quilt, Preeti. What a lovely gesture from a lovely person to a sister in need. Please keep us posted on Eva’s recovery - we’re all cheering her on. I’m looking forward to another year of using the RSC to make more (and more and more) International Sister blocks. xo
ReplyDeleteEva has a whole lot more prayers being sent on her behalf now. Quick thinking on using the fabric marker to darken up those pretty flowers. You have sch a good heart. And the baby is adorable.
ReplyDeletePat
That is a beautiful quilt, and so good to finish for Eva. Best wishes to her for a full recovery!
ReplyDeleteHi Preeti! Many many prayers for Eva. With all the love and good wishes that quilt holds she cannot help but make a full recovery. I hope those 32 sisters whisper encouragement to her and help keep her spirits up. I know there are more than 31 of your quilter friends that will pray for her and keep her in our thoughts. What a beautiful and thoughtful quilt this is, Preeti. And the extra coloring is just extra care that you put into all of your quilts. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful finish and clever idea to use the orange marker.
ReplyDeleteYou just have the biggest heart!!! I love that you were far enough along that you could finish the quilt for Eva - I bet the happiness that it will bring her will totally help her heal. and the Baby Maker... so sweet!
ReplyDeleteEva's quilt is beautiful, as is your heart. I am sure your 32 sisters will go a long way to helping the healing. What a great idea with the colour pen! I went back and read about the baby maker - that's a lovely story.
ReplyDeleteWishing Eva all the best with rehab. You wrap her in a quilty hug every day even if you can't be there in person. What a great save with the marker!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful gift! I always loved your sisters but never really imagined how they would look as a quilt. I love the on point setting. I would consider a small sashing but nonetheless... I am tempted... I hope it warms Eva and that she will make a full and fast recovery!
ReplyDeletePS: I do remember the baby maker (after takinig a peek of course). It is a gorgeous quilt and so fun that your quilt "made" this baby :)) Cute picture of you two! xo
Preeti, what a wonderful way to show love and support for your friend. I am sure Eva treasures it and the friendship from the 32 sisters!
ReplyDeletePreeti, i look forward to reading your blogs. You are a generous and thoughtful person and i do hope your friend Eva makes a full recovery. The sisters will be a great help in her journey. Barbara W.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a kind and wonderful person/friend! I hope Eva's recovery is speedy. Certainly this quilt will help in so many ways! Beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt, as I am sure Eva does as well. And, in addition to the 'ladies' who are there for Eva, I am sure she also feels your love when she wraps up in that quilt. Now, as for using a permanent ink marker on the quilt - what a great idea. I'll have to try that sometime (LOL!)
ReplyDeleteYour quilt turned out great. I love your marker skills. I hope you friends recovers quickly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet story, topped off by a sweet baby at the end. I love the first of your Sisters quilts. It turned out so nice, and I really hope it helps Eva. Great idea with the marker. What a nice save! Have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious gift for Eva. I'm sure she adores it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you rushed this finish and it has gone to a deserving friend
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog post... you made me laugh with the baby maker movie clip, and you made me cry with such an emotional quilt story! I do hope this beautiful quilt will bring your friend comfort and healing!
ReplyDeleteOh, Preeti -- what a great story. I've admired the International Scholar block. I'm so glad that it will brighten Eva's hospital room and beyond. (And the baby is a darling!)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely quilt you made for Eva at a time when she needs to be wrapped in love.
ReplyDeleteOh, Preeti, who knew that these sisters had such a heroic task ahead of them. I do hope they will bring Eva much comfort and healing, as I know you have already done by your gift of love to her. I think you win the prize for best interpretation of RSC this year. I always think of carefully demarked colors for each month, but your prints show that the fabrics can be so much more lively. And the solution to that one little piece of fabric was genius. Yes, no one will know, if you don't want them to, but what a wonderful tip for quilters!!
ReplyDeleteHoping your friend Eva is getting much better and enjoys hanging out with all those lovely, well dressed ladies in her quilt.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful act of kindness and love beyond measure. Blessings to you and your friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special friend you are to Eva, Preeti. I know the sisters will give her comfort and blessings during her recovery. Time and therapy can do wonderful things, my friend, and love can do even more.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, for a loved friend, you are such a precious lady, Preeti! And your painting on fabric was just the perfect thing to do, so clever!
ReplyDelete