Tuesday, January 14, 2014

A Wonderful Quilted Surprise

You know when you're trudging along in life and everything seems hard? When you have to bundle up, putting on your boots, coat, gloves, scarf, hat just to be able to walk outside in minus 30 degree weather and scrape the snow and ice off your car, and risk your life driving on icy roads to get to your on call job in the middle of the night? And you're tired, and sick of winter, and the flu and cold viruses that everyone has, and life in general seems like such a struggle? ME TOO!

Last week on the very sad day that my dog Molly died, I came home to find a big package on my doorstep. In the box was this beautiful quilt!
It had come to me from Laurie in Ottawa, someone I don't even know! Laurie told me the quilt was a gift from "Quiltville Hearts" who are also members of Quiltville Chat.  She said they heard I was going through a rough spell last year with the death of my brother, and nominated me to be a recipient of one of their "hug quilts". 


OMG! 
I was "snottin and bawlin" (translation... weeping) about that! How can people I have never even met, do something so kind and generous for me?!?
Some of the hearts are signed and some are not. Some of the names I recognize from Quiltville and blogland visiting.





Of course I had to go outside and take some photos of this amazing colourful quilt in the snow. 

Don't you love everything about this quilt? The rainbow colour progression of the hearts, the awesome striped border fabric, the scrappy binding, and the pretty machine quilted flowers in the borders are some of my favorite things about this quilt.





And just look at this fancy label! 
So beautiful!
In her email, Laurie said "May it provide some of the comfort you need, knowing other quilty-sisters are thinking of you".
Well Laurie, it sure does! This is an incredible quilted hug and I do snuggle up in it, and remind myself of all the wonderful quilters who are out there in this big world, doing such loving and generous things for other people that they have never even met. You have no idea the depth of comfort this brings to me. I send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who had a part in creating this gift of love for me! 

50 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

What a wonderful quilt to receive and beautifully labeled, too.

swooze said...

I'm glad you like it. I was a recipient too and felt you could use the hug. Enjoy!

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

Wow what an amazing gesture! I am so sorry for your loss of Molly. Dogs are the best animals for unconditional love. I know how devastating it is when they are gone...

Dasha said...

How beautiful! Must say it had me tearing up. And what a perfect day for you to receive it too. Hugs (belatedly)

margaret said...

how lovely to have so many being so concerned and sharing their love in this way, a lovely colourful quilt.It could not have arrived at a better time for you, take care

Mary said...

That Block isn't mine after I biggie size it and read Mary H WA. I'm not in Quiltville Chat either. I would have sent one if I was in it though. Glad it arrived on the perfect day.

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

What a wonderful bundle of cheer. You can't help but feel happy looking at that!

Linda

Razzle Dazzle Quilter said...

What a wonderful bundle of cheer. You can't help but feel happy looking at that!

Linda

Sharon E said...

What a lovely gesture. It's nice to know you're not alone when going through something sad. It's a beautiful quilt and the theme fits the need.

Terry said...

What a beautiful quilt and what a wonderfully sweet gesture! :0)

Ellen said...

Kathy, I am so glad that you have received such a pretty quilt. It was such a lovely gesture from wonderful, caring quilters.

Lesley said...

It really is so special! The quilt is beautiful and the thoughtfulness must make you feel a hug every time you look at it. Fantastic gift!

Diane said...

wow what a beautiful way to be comforted! (hugs)

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

What a sweet, sweet gesture ... and a beautiful quilt, too!

The Cozy Quilter said...

That quilt is just what the dr ordered! What a beautiful and timely gift!

Karen said...

What a thoughtful thing to have done for you. I like the way the hearts move from light to dark on the quilt. A special quilt to have received for sure.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Quilters are THE BEST! Sending hugs . . . (GREAT photos - just awesome)

Jackie J said...

The quilt is very beautiful, what a great gesture from your quilty friends in Ottawa.

Laurie said...

I'm so glad you like it Kathy... the ladies at Quiltville have the biggest hearts... with so much to spread to our quilty sisters. Hugs come in many forms... and they're always appreciated.

Beth said...

what a sweet thing to do! Quilty hugs are the BEST!

Rose Marie said...

I'm so happy for you .... enjoy your group hug .... such wonderful ladies!

Deanna W said...

Here's hoping this quilty hug is the start of all things good and happy!!They choose a well deserving person I think!!!

Barbara said...

What a beautiful quilt and a lovely gift.

Laura said...

It is a beautiful quilt!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

What a special gift, and on a day that had brought more heartbreak.

Janet O. said...

How absolutely wonderful to receive your own rainbow in a box! Who doesn't feel better when they see a rainbow? This is such a beautiful gesture. I am so glad they thought of you, Kathy.
Did you post about Molly's passing? If so, how did I miss that? I'm so sorry.

julieQ said...

Good!! I am so glad that this quilt happened for you, sweet dreams undercut!!

Karen said...

What an awesome gift. The pattern reminds me of all the hearts of love who helped in sewing this quilt. I am glad these group of ladies thought of you needing a quilty hug. I sorry about the loss of your dog. They are also a very important part of our lives.

Marei said...

What a beautiful heart quilt from people with beautiful souls. May it provide you comfort and joy for years to come.

scraphappy said...

After the tough times you have had this year, I can't think of anyone more deserving of a warm quilted hug. I hope that it helps keep you warm and brings you warm thoughts during the rest of the long cold winter. Quilters really are the nicest bunch of people.

scraphappy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nell's Quilts said...

What wonderful, kind and thoughtful people at Quiltville chat! I think the quote about "the good you do comes back to you" is definitely true. You've definitely made your share of comfort quilts and after the time you had in 2013 you deserve a little bit of comfort back.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful! So glad it arrived on just the right day :).

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathy,

What a wonderful quilt. I was very sorry to hear of Molly's passing, You will miss her very much.It has been a sad year for you at times. I'm so glad you can talk to us about it. You do some wonderful things for the quilting world. Your slow stitching Sunday is the best. Thanks for all you do.

Dianne

Sheila said...

You have had a tough year. You make wonderful things for others. It warmed my heart to read that you had been gifted this beautiful quilt of hearts.

Denise :) said...

OMGosh! How lovely and sweet!! Awww, it's like getting a hug in the mail!!! :)

Ivani said...

Lovely Gift, beautiful quilt.
[[hugs]]

Deb A said...

Beautiful quilt. Very worthy recipient. Hugs to you Kathy.

audrey said...

SO SWEET! Love that you got this quilt. It's beautiful and just perfect.:)

Susan P said...

There are so many wonderful, generous people in the quiliting world.

Lixie said...

This is a wonderful gift and we'll deserved. I don't often comment but I always read your blog.

Kate said...

What a great way to send you a much deserved hug!

Doniene said...

I'm sniffling how as I read this post!!! What a wonderful gift for you in so many, many ways!!

Blessings sweet lady!

Kyle said...

What a wonderful story and a truly loving gift from the hearts of many caring women.

Jacqui's Quilts said...

What a lovely gift and having it arrive on such a sad day was so perfectly timed!! I read your blog in spurts and missed the post about the death of your beloved brother!! So sorry to hear about his passing and wanted to still send you my deepest sympathies and extra hugs. I hope that this year will bring you many blessings!! Hugs, Jacqui

Val's Quilting Studio said...

I got tears in my eyes reading this post!! I absolutely love this quilt...but even more the love sent with it!! WOW!!!

Sarah said...

Ive shed a tear also. There are some wonderfully kind people in the world and your hug in a quilt is beautiful (and you're right a great block to make for the RSC)

Mystic Quilter said...

What an amazing gesture and what a beautiful quilt.
I, like many others who have left comments, was quite teary reading your post. I lost my dog Mollie two years ago and know just what you are going through. So sorry to read also that you lost your brother, my sympathies to you.

Created by Kathi said...

Kathy, how God is that for that quilt to show up RIGHT when you needed it :) Love the quilt and glad you made it your blog header! How blessed you are and loved from all over the world... :) Kathi

Cathy Tomm said...

Oh Kathy what I gift. I saw the quilt on your header and went looking for more information on it. WOW a gift. I am sorry to hear about your Dog and how sick you were, and that you lost your brother. Hugs.