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Friday, May 13, 2011

Spring Quilt Bloggers Festival

 I am so happy that May has come and it is time to share our favorite quilts again on Amy's Creative Side!  Her Quilt Blogger's Festival draws huge numbers of quilters here every year--WELCOME to Margaret's Hope Chest! We are a non-profit quilting organization that shares HOPE and comfort with people all over the United States through the gift of a handmade quilt.
Most of the 1000+ quilts we have given away over the past 5 years have gone to strangers but we do occasionally give quilts to those we know in our community. 
This is my favorite quilt this year--made for a good friend of mine named Ellie.
It is called 'Ellie's Garden'


 There are two things you need to know about Ellie: 1) She loves to garden.  2) She is a wonderfully energetic and positive person--just talking with her brightens my days.
So when Ellie was diagnosed with brain cancer in January I was stunned and saddened. But thankfully, I am in charge of this wonderful ministry and I am able to give HOPE and comfort to her through a quilt.
I got to work within days of her diagnosis--I wanted her to have a 'garden' that she could take with her during her first hospital stay.  I started by Google-ing "Ellie's Garden"--I had a hunch that there was a pattern with this name and I was right--here it is
It was just perfect.
Next, I started hunting through my scraps for prints that would add to the garden feel--bright and varied! I found contrasting prints for the background in the blocks and then 
I took my blocks to my local quilt shop for advice on sashing.  
I wanted to add a little to the pattern that I had found.
Thanks to the sage advice of the quilt shop employees I was able to add a double sashing and border fabric (light blue).  I still am amazed at the result.  I LOVE this quilt. 


 I finished the top off in record time (one week start to finish!) added a little of the extra sashing pieces to the backing and decided to save some money and time and quilt it myself.



After binding and washing it, I added this label to the quilt--once again, I Googled 'poems about gardens' and found this poem--
'The kiss of the sun for pardon,
the song of the birds for mirth,
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
than anywhere else on earth'


I was able to give it to Ellie at church one Sunday in February--just a few days before she entered the hospital for her first treatment. She wrote a blog post about that Sunday HERE.



Ellie has now come through 3 chemo cycles, and she brings the quilt with her each time.
She has had a few complications but she is doing GREAT! 
Praise God that she is still able to garden between treatments and she remains upbeat and positive.
The future is still unclear--but we are all hopeful that the cancer is dying and she will once again be 100% healthy.

25 comments:

Angela Flicker said...

Lovely quilt --the colors really catch your eye from far away!

Cecily said...

A beautiful quilt and a lovely story! Love the colors - they glow!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful gift! Glad to see how many charity quilts are in the festival this year.

Anonymous said...

I love this. Beautiful.
And I especially love knowing how you've turned such ugliness into something so beautiful with all you do. 1000 quilts in such a short time is just incredible.

Jan said...

Wonderful quilt and story. Love the colors and pattern.

Janet said...

Beautiful quilt for your friend...and made with love....

Eileen said...

Love your quilt and net story is fantastic. How fun to havecfound an elli's quiltvpattern. Love yourcinterpretation of it! Good luck to ellie and to your ministry. Such a positive way to. React to something so sad!

Karen said...

Quilts have so much healing power don't they? But its really the love sewn in all the stitches. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful gift.

stitchinpenny said...

As i have read all the quilt stoties there have been other references to your charity, so I know you are touching many. This quilt is amazing.

Kelli said...

I agree with Panny above, Through this journey of the BQF, I have heard of your cause often so the word is being spread. Great work!
Great story!

Karen said...

Such a lovely quilt and a beautiful gift!

Sara said...

TY for sharing this magnificent quilt and it's story and most importantly Ellie:) Love the hand stitched label and poem!

Pattilou said...

The quilt is gorgeous and the label is very touching. I'm sure you have many heartfelt moments with what you do.

Sarcastic Quilter said...

Just beautiful. You have such a beautiful soul and it shows in all your creations. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Molly said...

I always feel that a quilt is a tangible expression of care and love and this one is especially so. I'm sure your friend felt like she was wrapped in love. LOVE IT!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing the story and the beautiful quilt!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful quilt. The colors and pattern are very striking.

Manda said...

Beautiful gift!

beth said...

What a lovely quilt for someone who needs some encouragement! Great job!

Isisjem said...

What a beautiful quilt and heart warming story. A wonderful gift. Good luck to Ellie. Gardening and a lovely quilt are sure to bring continued happiness and comfort.

Vicki said...

It's so pretty! I really like the design of this quilt.

JoAnne in southern California said...

May God bless you many times over for each and every heart you touch.

A Creative Life said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
A Creative Life said...

What a lovely quilt, made with such lovely sentiments.

All the best.

http://rashisquiltblog.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Beautiful quilt, and so lovingly made! Blessings to you and all that you are doing for your community.