I recently made a picture quilt for my sister’s mother-in-law. She is gravely ill and in hospice care. My sister has 2 little boys who are their grandmother’s heart. She takes the pictures they draw and puts them all around her room so she can always see them. I asked my sister to e-mail some of her favorite pictures of the boys, then I went on-line and found some simple grandparent poems (that were a little corny, but cute!) Since I am very busy with work and I know she is getting sicker I needed to make this quickly. My idea was to find some kind of transfer paper that I could use to make picture squares. But I also wanted it to be soft enough for her to use as a throw and able to be cleaned. I wanted it to be a “hug” from the kids. I found an amazing product that is 100% cotton, 8 1/2″ X 11″, 200 thread count fabric. It comes with paper on the back and I downloaded my sisters pictures, then fed this fabric through my color printer. I was amazed by the resolution. Then I removed the paper back, heat set it with my iron for about 30 seconds and placed it in a tray of cold water for a minute, placed them on a towel to dry and they were soft pieces of fabric that I could then trim to size and use as squares in my quilt. I was amazed at how simple it was and how quickly I was able to get this done. I am NOT a quilter like the rest of you — I have never taken the time to really learn the process — but I do enjoy a simple project. I thought you might be interested in seeing how it came out – I have added the pics to this post. I can send you to the web-site for this product if you are interested (is that allowed on these sites? This is all new to me ..). Thanks! Kristen
Replies
That was an awesome quilt, and you are an awesome quilter. You did a great job, and the memories will be forever. This is a grand way to preserve the past and give it to the future generations. Good Job.
If you can put together a quilt sandwich, by hand or machine, you are a quilter!
thanks for the kind words!! This was definitely "divine inspiration" as I was unsure through the whole process what I wanted to do - it just all sort of worked out. In my next life (after worklife, that is!) I'd like to learn more quilting techniques -- Thanks again -- Kristen
What a wonderful keepsake for your sis's MIL. It will be like getting a hug from the boys every time she uses it.
Being a grandmother myself, I can well imagine how the grandmother that received this quilt felt. How our hearts get so attached to those grandchildren!! How thoughtful of you.
TW
Good Morning Kristen!That quilt is beautiful - and so thoughtful of you!Sure, you can link to other sites here; and it's simple, too ~
Just copy-and-paste the address from the top bar of the page into your message, and remember to check the HTML box at the bottom of your Reply. I believe the forums program automatically shows it as a link (underlined in blue).We're always happy to hear about particular products that worked well (or not!) for others, so please share!Bright Blessings!Kharmin
Thanks, Kharmin --
I will get that link to you all. I was thrilled with how simple it was. Technology has come SOOOOO far!!! I appreciate all the comments and will get that link posted as soon as I can. Take care all --- Kristen
the quilt is simply lovely! your MIL is blessed to have you and what a legacy of love you are giving your kids. You thought that quilt was to brighten her day, it's an ongoing tangible hug that's filled with beautiful love and support. Plus the kids will have the memories of you making the quilt for their beloved grandmother. what a circle of love!
Sniff,Sniff, What a beautiful thing to do. My heart sings for you. Cathy
What a wonderful gift. Sweet idea, and good job.
You did a fantastic job! Kudos! What a wonderful gift for your sister's mother-in-law. It will indeed feel like a hug from the grandkids, & will cheer her up & comfort her. How thoughtful a gift.
Yes, you are allowed to post links on this forum, as many posters do to show us a pattern, instructions, etc. - a great form of sharing. Welcome aboard!
Gloria
Thanks, Gloria. I will post that site in case anyone is interested in the product. I look forward to visiting this site and learning what I can from the experienced quilters. Thank you -- Kristen
I am writing this with tears in my eyes. You are an angel to make that lovely heirloom for your sisters' mother in law! You did a great job on it so don't doubt your abilities. The photos turned out nice and clear as did the poems, the blocks and sashig look great, as does your binding. I'm so glad the fabric remained soft for you, I've seen many of the photo quilts that didn't work out so kudos for you, especially this being your first quilt. Wow!
Oh Kristen; I just saw your post and the pictures ...and I had to swallow hard and grab a tissue before responding. Like many others on this website, I am a grandmother, and I cannot even begin to tell you what your beautiful gift of hand and heart means to the grandmother who received it. You will have so many stars in your crown some day that you'll need a neck brace. What a loving, generous, thoughtful gift. Bless you.
Thanks so much for your thoughts!! I am very touched by everyone's response, especially all the grandmothers. I have already been approached by family members to make them for in-laws etc.... It was simple but certainly a divine inspiration. Thank you for letting me know how you felt about it. Take care ----------- Kristen
I am amazed at the way you went ahead and tackled this quilt. You are an inspiration, to say the least. I think about doing something nice for someone and procrastinate until it is no longer an issue and what a shame that is. I too am a grandmother and like the others who have commented, this is so heartwarming. Your sister's MIL must be a wonderful person for you to make this for her. We need more people like you in this world!
Thank you for the kind words. She is a lovely person who unfortunately just passed away this week. That was one reason for making the quilt to begin with. I wanted her to have something of the kids to have close to her while she was in hospice care. We had hoped she would be with us another few months, but she really needed the peace - she suffered a long time. I was glad I got the quilt done while she was still aware and able to enjoy it. Now her husband will have it as one of many memories of her -- it is a sad time. Thanks for the lovely thoughts -Kristen
My most sincere condolences and sympathy to you in this most difficult of times. My prayers are with you. Cathy
I too offer my sincere condolences for your loss.
I lost my mother in March. But I finished curtains for her sitting room in time for her late December birthday. They were simple things really, that I took way too long to complete. Like everyone else, running too fast and waaaay over committed. Once they were completed, she was so pleased. And she told me often how she liked them. Sad to say I had that fabric for probably a year before she got them... but I'm glad she was able to get 2 almost 3 months enjoyment out of them before she passed. Never finished the kitchen cushions for her....
May you be comforted that your dear MIL knew and understood your abiding love for her in a tangible way before she left you. And may you and your children continue to sustain her memory now lovingly memorialized in your creation. As it warms your two generations and even future ones, so shall her love warm your hearts even now.
KRISTENWDS: This thread reinforces for me the importance of doing what we think is important for others. Life is fleeting and you gave your sister and her inlaw family a beautiful gift of joy even in the midst of their sadness. Thanks for sharing the beautiful quilt pictures, your inspiration of "just do it" and your lovely thoughts. Scrubble4
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