Good day everyone. Thanks ever so much for joining us. I appreciate all the new subscribers that have come on board recently.
Five years ago, my thirty-something son asked me to make him a quilt. I was a little taken aback. . . he had never seemed very interested in my quilting. I put Mike off for awhile; but he asked me again.
So I began to go through my fabric stash in an attempt to figure out what fabrics I could use for his project. Mainly, kid-themed fabrics dominate my stash, along with florals and bright feminine-styled fabrics. Finding something that I thought Mike would like was a bit challenging.
I came up with some brown and cream fabrics I had ordered awhile back – they were vintage type fabrics, American civil-war inspired. Here are some fabric examples on my Pinterest page.
Civil War Reproduction Fabrics.
Beginning to pull fabrics together, I really wanted to finish it before he asked me again. Unfortunately, I really rushed it; I wasn’t feeling particularly inspired or creative at the time…I just wanted to “get ‘er done!” So, I did. Including some machine embroidery here is Mike’s finished quilt.
I was not at all happy with the finished product. Not really liking the salmon-y coloured fabrics, I was disappointed I had used them. But, Mike seemed to like his quilt and he appreciated it.
Maybe a month later, our son’s best buddy who was also named Mike, asked me to make him a quilt. I was so shocked! Do guys in their 30’s really want a quilt? He, of course, offered to pay me for it, but I declined, knowing full well he couldn’t afford it.
Pulling more fabrics from my over-subscribed stash, I made Mike #2 his quilt. He smiled a lot when I gave it to him, so I think he liked it.
As many of you already know, our Mike passed away in March of 2018. One of the things I kept from his apartment was his quilt. He always had it laying very neatly across the back of his sofa. Mercifully, it still smells like him.
As hindsight set in, I regret not taking more time to design Mike a really special quilt – something just for him. I regret not sitting down with my pencil and paper and drawing a quilt pattern that would have suited just him. I regret not knowing that I would never have the opportunity to make him another quilt.
Recently, I discovered a hidden gem in Calgary – a section of the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway. It’s a pathway located in Royal Oak, adjacent to the car dealership where my vehicle is serviced. There are ponds and huge trees and beautiful City views along the way.
Beautiful Bullrushes
Bike Rider on the Path
Not really sure why, I wanted to get a few photos of Mike’s quilt in these exquisite, natural surroundings. Somehow, the backdrop makes the quilt look better.
My heart still aches at the loss of our son. It’s strangely comforting having his quilt here at my house. In the end, I’m glad I made it.
Thanks everyone.
Kim
P.S. One of the most outstanding birthday gifts I ever received was from Mike. He went to the local quilt shop and bought me this book called Color Magic for Quilters. He was a very thoughtful person.
r. It’s an amazing resource. Thank you son.
What a wonderful post. I am touched to hear about your son and his friend both wanting quilts in their 30s. Perhaps all men want one and just don’t know how to ask. I’m so happy you have his quilt back and that its scent can bring him to mind in an instant. God bless.
Thank you so much Rochelle. Maybe men do want quilts? All the best to you. You are very sweet.
Isn’t it funny how when we design/make a quilt, we don’t always like it ourselves, but the person who receives it, absolutely Loves it? I think Mike’s quilt is actually very beautiful and I would bet he really loved and appreciated it. I believe it was more the fact that You made it Especially For Him, more than what it was what it was as a project for you.
Unfortunately for me, I never got the chance to make my brother a quilt, before he passed away on September 1, 2019. I have made literally over a thousand quilts as gifts, samples, charity and so on. But I Never made a quilt For Him. The guilt of this weighs heavily on my heart. I am in the process of making several quilts to be donated in his memory, to the ICU of the hospital where he spent his final days. The making of them hurts, but is helping to ease the pain. My hope is they bring comfort to those who use them. I did bring a quilt for him to cover him as he lay in his hospital bed. It may not have been made for him, but it wasn’t hospital issue, either. A bit of cheer in his lonely place.
My heart hurts for you at the loss of your son. I cannot begin to imagine the hole he left behind in your very being. But, I am glad his quilt beings you comfort.
Take care. ❤️
Lynn – I’m so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. It’s still so new; a year hasn’t even gone by yet. It’s really great of you to make quilts for the ICU at the Hospital. I’d love to see photos of them if you have a chance. Please take care of yourself and thank you ever so much for taking the time to read my blog. You’re so sweet.
I wish i lived closer for you to teach me. You do such beautiful work. ((HUGS))
Oh, Kim, my heart aches for you. As a mother, it is the most awful loss in the world. Your son knew you loved him, and still do. The quilt is a reminder of the love you two shared.
As a Rotarian, I am glad the pathway gives you peace, and a place to reflect on his life.
Jill in Cochrane, AB
Jill – thank you so very much. Your words are so lovely. That pathway is truly amazing! I really love it.