Meet two more caregivers

This week I'd like to introduce another two caregivers. Caregivers are those that care and often time put the needs of others ahead of their own.   They are driven to insure that others are comforted, loved and their needs are met.  They do this without expectation of reward or recognition. They simply can't themselves, it's just how they are with every fiber of their being.  Even caregivers need some care and that's what Helping Hands is about, trying to provide a little self-care when they need it.  I hope each of the caregivers will wrap themselves in the quilt when needed and feel all the love and care that was stitched into each of the quilts.  This year we made 11 (I snuck in one more for a very special care giver).  I'll be introducing them over the weeks to come.  Here's two for this week.  First up is Kathleen.  She has on of the most caring hearts I've witnessed in my life. Cari nominated her and here's what she had to say "Not only is she a full time caregiver for her failing husband, she takes care of all aspects of running her household.  She devotes her time and resources to our guild, maintaining our website, instagram and facebook pages, serving on the board of directors, handling publicity and opens her home to us for workshops and sew-ins.  She makes herself available for almost anything that is asked of her; she is a caring friend.  And she does it all so lovingly, always with a smile on her face and joy in her heart.  She is truly selfless, a real hero in my eyes, someone we call all aspire to be like."  Very well said!  Kathleen joined our group this year, she wasn't able to join when we got together but that didn't stop her from helping.  She made a quilt, she quilted and bound two quilts, and binding on another. Wow!!! It was a very special presentation at our Guild meeting to Kathleen.  She is so humble that I don't think she realized it was being given to her.  Thank you Kathleen for all you do, the world is a better place because you are in it.

Kathleen was very surprised to receive her quilt

This is the beautiful quilt that Kathleen made for your group, custom quilted an all!!

The next nomination was for Cathy.  She was nominated by a co-worker of my neighbor Nancy (thanks Nancy for spreading the word).   Cathy has an adult son with cerebral palsy and is blind.  Not only does she provide care and love for her son, but she also works as a special education paraprofessional at a local school.  The heart of a true caregiver.  The quilt was delivered by Jennifer last week.  When she presented the quilt she found out that Cathy was recently diagnosed with cancer.   My heart aches for her.  The amount of love, care and tenderness that she provides to her son and those at work, and now she has to deal with cancer.  I hope this quilt wraps you in love, helps to heal.  My heart goes out to you Cathy, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.  I hope the treatment is swift, as painless as possible and completely eradicates the cancer.  Thank you Cathy, for all you do.   You have touched many hearts and this world is better because of you.

Next week I'll share the story of two more caregivers.  Check out the linky parties in the sidebar, have a great week!

Kim's Christmas Figs BOM

Christmas in June!  Oh this was so much fun.  You know how much I love the custom quilting. Well this was custom to the next level.  I was like 20 mini quilts oh so fun!  Different designs in each block but almost all having a feather or two. And ya'll know how I feel about those feathers!!!  Here ya go, some pics of this incredible holiday quilt!

Christmas Figs BOM

The back is a puffy as the front with two layers of Wool batting

A bit of ruler work, Quilted Pineapple curves, 30, 12 and 20.   Circle 2 - 8in and the quilters rule 4 in one.  My go to rulers!  Even though I pull almost every ruler out, these 95% of the time the ones that are used.  Very little marking on this, one but there is some, mostly for registration lines and whatnot.  This sweet thing has two layers of Hobbs wool batting.  It was the first time I've done this and learned a lot.  Really wish I would have done a practice piece.  The one thing to watch out for is the puff you have on the bottom is equal to the puff on top.  There were a couple of times I had to rip out stitches  as I didn't fully appreciate this fact!!  I used 60wt  glide thread on top.  I originally intended to use 3 different colors but with the thin thread I really liked the white on the colors.  I have 80 wt wonderfil thread in the bobbin.   With the thinner thread and dense quilting, it help to keep this soft and cozy..  I'm really gonna miss this one.  But I've got some real beauties coming up.  Can't wait to get started on the next!!

Don't forget to check out the linky parties in the side bar, you don't want to miss all that sweet quilty goodness.

I'll have 2 more caregiver stories on Monday.  Have a great weekend! 

Introducing 2 of the Caregivers

I'd like to introduce two of the caregivers from our Helping Hands 2019 quilt drive.  Caregivers are those that care and often time put the needs of others ahead of their own.   They are driven to insure that others are comforted, loved and their needs are met.  They do this without expectation of reward or recognition. They simply can't themselves, it's just how they are with every fiber of their being.  Even caregivers need some care and that's what Helping Hands is about, trying to provide a little self-care when they need it.  I hope each of the caregivers will wrap themselves in the quilt when needed and feel all the love and care that was stitched into each of the quilts.  This year we made 11 (I snuck in one more for a very special care giver).  I'll be introducing them over the weeks to come.  Here's two for this week.

Jodi nominated Bev

The first is Bev, Jodi's sister.  Jodi joined our group this year and she really livened things up.  The things she does with prints and color are just amazing.  She's making me rethinking a number of fabrics in my stash.  We are so glad to have her!  She nominated her sister,  Her sister works in an environment that is demanding and yet she insures those that don't get visitors as often or need a little more care and attention get what they need going above and beyond as those with a true caring heart can only do!  Here's what Jodi had to say "...Over the years, hearing what Bev has experienced in her job, I've marveled that my very sensitive "little sis" could continue to do what she does in a relatively thankless profession. When you put out the call for caregivers, I couldn't stop thinking of my sister, Bev. I was thrilled that she understood the spirit of the gift."  As you can see in this quilt, Jodi's bright shining personality shined through.  I'm so glad they both chose this one for her quilt.  

The next is a nomination from Roseanne.  She nominated Jeanette.  Here's what Roseanne had to say "...she is 85 years old and has been a caregiver her entire life.  Recently she lost her daughter, then her son a few months later.  One had a 10 year-long battle with cancer, the other was a quadriplegic.  Now that they are both gone, she takes care of her two great-grandchildren.  One is 20 months old and the other is 4 months.  She is always the person that if you need help, she will be right there with a dish in case you're hungry or to help if she is able.  She has her own health issues but tries to go swimming each morning to walk in the pool for leg strengthening.  That's the short version - I have her over for coffee every weekend if she is able to come.  We share a cuppa, maybe a cookie or two if I have any, and chat.  Usually in the mornings and sometimes we watch the Food Channel for ideas.  Jeanette was thrilled to get her quilt.  She uses a quilt every day and this is the perfect size for her.  Thanks Roseanne for nominating Jeanette.  Oh and look at that beautiful quilt on the back of Jeanette's chair!!

Roseanne nominated Jeanette

Next week I'll share the story of two more.  The world is definitely a better place because of these caregivers.  

Happy Fathers' Day to all the dads out there!!

Grand Finale - 2019 Hands to Help

The quilting Gods were with us on Sunday. We were able to hang all 22 quilts in the backyard.  What a sight!  I love seeing them all hanging. My heart is so full. The love the care that went into making these quilts is amazing. I've seen two caregiver quilts delivered and the reaction from the caregivers touched my heart and will be an experience I will never forget. Such deserving souls need a little bit of self care. We have 10 caregiver quilts, 5 quilts for Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo, 5 quilts for Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project, 2 for project linus. Thank you all so very much for participating, thanks for fun days sewing like crazy, and spreading some quilty love throughout the world. The world is always a better place when you wrap up in a quilt! 

Half of the quilts

Quilts one and four are for caregivers

the first and fourth are caregiver quilts

the first and fourth are caregiver quilts (I swear it wasn't planned that way)

The second and fourth are caregiver quilts.  Just switching it up a little!

The middle quilt was made by a caregiver

There are 2 more caregiver quilts to be chosen and then I'll split the remaining quilts between Quilty Hugs - Happy Chemo and Carolina Hurricane Quilt Project.  I'll be posting the stories of the caregivers over the next few week.  One of our new members had a great experience with Project Linus so the two baby quilts will be donated to the local Project Linus chapter

That was a record breaking year, 22 quilts for 4 different causes. LOL and you still can see a dent in my stash and I still have a huge bag of strings!!

Don't for get to check out all the linky parties on the side bar, so much inspiration out there!