Threads of Meaning LLC
  • Martha's Blog
  • About Martha
  • Patterns
  • The Quilts
  • My DVD
  • How To Videos
  • Contact Us

Two Quilts From Their Father's Shirts

11/18/2012

2 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Let me start off by saying that this is a poignant story.  This sort of work, machine pieced patchwork with machine quilting, is not the kind of project that I would typically do.  But the story behind the project, and the experience of working on the project, and the two boys who were the final recipients of the project, all made it so worthwhile and well within the parameters of Threads of Meaning.  I got a phone call from their aunt last July asking if I would be able to use some her brother's clothes to make two quilts for her nephews.  Her brother had unexpectedly died while he was in an isolated cabin in Alaska and she wanted the boys to have something to remember him by.  I had her bring the boxes by so we could sort through them and see what we would have to work with.  I wanted to involve her in every step of the project that I could because I could tell that she was grieving and I thought it would help.

Picture
Starting in September she began to come by in the afternoon and help me with the work.  She is not a seamstress herself, but she did the cutting, the ironing, and was involved in choosing the fabric combinations and planning the quilt.  One of the things we incorporated was this idea of a Pocket Patch.  I made the quilts so that they can hang on the wall or lie across the bed and we thought it would be good to have a pocket on each one to put keepsakes in (jack knives or tape measures) or even Christmas and Birthday gifts.  I should also say that his clothes, when they came out of the boxes, when we ironed and sewed them, still smelled like him.  This caused some tears, but also made the whole feeling of the project so real.  And his sister found, as she worked on this project, that it did make her feel better.  It seemed to her as if she were still in touch with him and using his things to pass something meaningful along to his boys. 

2 Comments
Teresa
11/18/2012 09:57:42 am

This is such a demonstration of what a true healer you are Martha.
Clearly this mother planet embraces and infuses you with her love.

Reply
Jennifer Worthley
11/21/2012 07:54:20 am

I can't thank you enough, and so wonderful for my soul. I can't wait for our next project. Jenn

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    About Martha


    The Threads of Meaning is a collection of my hand made creations and the materials I use to make them.  I quilt, sew, spin, knit, crochet, weave, make dolls, rugs (hooked and braided) and tat. I have had articles in Art and Antiques (May 2001) and American Quilter (Ultimate Projects 2004). I have sold work to the State of Hawaii and some very dedicated private collectors. I dye my own fibers and use vintage and new materials. I tend to prefer traditional techniques and natural materials used in innovative ways.

    Archives

    February 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    May 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    February 2015
    October 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Materials & Supplies
    Pattern
    Quilts
    Studio Whims

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photo from anemoneprojectors (through the backlog)