Thursday, June 14, 2012

emergency quilting

Tuesday the hubby went back to work after two weeks of vacation.  (Whew!)

He e-mailed that morning to ask me to make a quilt.

A gal who previously worked for him, who quit to pursue cancer treatment, had been given a terminal diagnosis.  Her hubby still works there (different department) and was beside himself when he shared the news.

A handprint quilt was requested.  The hubby tried to work out logistics for me, I told him to go get those hand tracings and I'll worry about the rest.

And I did.  I sketched out a little idea on my lunch, figured yardages and headed to Hobby Lobby on the way home that night.


I asked for color suggestions and he said "light".  Men...

The fabric on the bottom was on the clearance rack and there's enough for a border and the back.  Into the cart it went and then on to figure out what else.

There's JUST enough of the brown dot for background.  Whew!

And the blue...well, I actually left some on that bolt, but love it so much maybe I shouldn't have!

Wash and dry Tuesday night.

Press, cut and sew Wednesday night.


Raw-edge applique with a scant seam.  I will probably quilt some inside the hands to make sure everything stays put because there's no fusible in there.  Just a bit of basting glue to hold them down while stitching.

And how perfect is that...20 hands exactly.
Her whole department plus the plant manager and a few other higher-ups.
Sometimes life just works out.

They went to work with the hubby last night with a pen/marker to have everyone sign theirs.  Names are safety pinned on so everyone gets the right hand.

(What a variety of sizes!)

I can't believe I got these all done last night.  The first one took forever...I've never done this exact technique before...but I got faster as time went on and I was only 20 minutes late for my bedtime.

(And no, I didn't dream about making more all night long.  I crashed and was o-u-t!)

I'll share the finished quilt soon!

Happy quilting,
Katie

PS I have made a handprint quilt before, which is where the hubby's inspiration came from.  One of these days I'll get a good photograph of it and share.  But it's been given away, so I'll have to chase it down first...oops...

10 comments:

Life with Rob and Jess said...

Very cool!

Ruth said...

That is so sad! I'm sure the thoughtful quilt will give some comfort during this time. Maybe a miracle will happen and she will beat it. Good for you to dig right in there and get it done!

---"Love" said...

What a great idea! What a comfort that will be to the lady! I couldn't have done all that in a week, much less one night! Good job, and certainly the right motive! ---"Love"

Beth said...

How wonderful is it that your hubby thought of a comfort quilt right away? And equally wonderful is your getting it all together in such a short time. The colors are so pretty and I know this quilt will be loved and greatly appreciated. Great job Katie

canuckquilter said...

Wow, that's cranking out a quilt in record time! It will be much appreciated at this difficult time.

Marsha B said...

I'm sorry to hear the purpose of the quilt, but it is going to be really special. I love the fabrics you found to make it!

a good yarn said...

What a beautiful quilt in resposne to such tragic news.

Liriopia said...

Katie, you are just the most amazing person! The quilt is beautiful!

Liri

A Left-Handed Quilter said...

Tragic news but a beautiful quilt - she is sure to love it - all of the handprints and signatures make it truly special - good job. - ;))

lisa said...

how wonderful that he thought of that, and that you made the time to make it. it looks wonderful!! I am sorry for the co-workers (and their family) I will keep them in my prayers. (I dont think I could have left the blue on the bolt!)