Thursday, June 9, 2016

Memory Quilts, Pillows and a card!

 Hello my crafty friends, I'm here with my 7th card today and one of my favorites. Although, I would like to try and remake it so that it is more softer in the coloring. This is also one that I didn't make double of this time. I tried to make this card extra special, not sure I achieved that as I think it should look more soft, but I tried. A good friend of mine told me after Dwayne passed that she would make me a quilt out of his clothing if I wanted her to. Well....I did and I was so touched that she offered to do that for me! The thought of snuggling under a quilt made from hubby's clothing sounded like heaven to me. Not only did she make a queen size quilt for me, but she also made a lap throw for when I watch tv in the winter months....and 6 pillows for the grands....and 3 more pillows for me....and a lap quilt for Bret since he was the youngest of the boys and had less time with his dad than the other boys did. Now is that a wonderful friend or what?!!! First we went through his clothing and I picked out the clothes that I wanted her to use. Dwayne had 40 t-shirt alone! Yes, he had more clothing than me because businesses would give him t-shirts all the time. Next she took the clothing home with her and she sat down and hugged his clothing and cried a few tears, then she got to work. And work she did! I just can't believe all she did for me, the grands and Bret. So I just had to share how they came out. 


This is the lap quilt, it is pretty large in itself as it goes the whole length of the couch almost.

 The grandchildren's pillows-each has a piece of his jeans, a sweatshirt he wore all the time, a dress shirt and a piece of his jammy pants.

 And here is the queen quilt! The 4 squares, two on each side where you see the triangle pieces, are the quilt pattern: Stairs to Heaven. Those we around the center t-shirt, which was his Corona t-shirt. He enjoyed having an ice cold beer after unloading hay and straw. He didn't drink a lot, if he got a case of beer it would last over a year down in the basement fridge. But when it was hot and he was hot, then he enjoyed a bottle of beer. My friend included buttons, labels, stains at my request, zippers, etc...The red pieces you see, the really real red fabric is his one piece long johns. Half is in my lap throw and the other half is on the bed quilt. Love that! Now see the pillows? The one on the left was made from his sweatshirt (he had a lot of them since he dressed in layers for work), she took the pocket and put on the shirt with his jeans. The pillow on the right was a t-shirt and his jeans are inside the neck line. The middle pillow are his hankies, in the center my sweet friend cross stitched a heart and in the center of the heart she put "I love you Dear". That's how Dwayne always said he loved me. Well, we always called each other "dear", rarely used our given names with each other. Now I need to find some blue pillow shams to go behind the pillows she made. Bret's throw is pretty much like mine, so I didn't take a picture of it...yet anyway. Now am I blessed or what?! What friend would do all of this?!! A very good one that is who! She knew what I was going through as her sister passed from cancer too many years back. And she made her nephew a quilt from his mother's clothing as well. She also made herself and her mom some pillows from her sister's clothing. My friend is just a very special person to me and I just adore her and I am so thankful for her.  I just love snuggling under in my bed and placing his clothing up to my cheek. So this is why I needed a special card.


And here it is. I hope it is special enough cause I really don't know how to thank her for all she did for me. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them please! How do you thank someone for all of that? What can I do to repay her?? Or to let her know how thankful I am??? 



Recipe is at the bottom. As always, thank you for stopping by and visiting with me a spell. I hope I didn't bore you with this long post but I appreciate you hanging in with me this long. You always bring sunshine into my life which now a days isn't always an easy thing to do. But I find that this is one of the first places I want to be after I get out of my funks. Crafty hugs, 






Card Recipe:

My Creative Time Stamps and Dies-"Mom"-flowers
                                                         -"You Are Fabulous"-sentiment
I won a $50 gift certificate to My Creative Time and this "Mom" is one of the stamp and die sets I got. Isn't it a beautiful one?!!! 
Zig Clean Color Brush Pens
Score Board-Martha Steward- to make my score lines around the card
sequins


28 comments:

Bonnie said...

WOW! What an awesome friend and what treasures to keep you warm with memories of Dwayne! This is a beautiful card and one I'm sure your friend will treasure!

Lisa said...

This brought tears to my eyes, Brenda!! What an amazing thing she did for you...it's so touching and thoughtful!! A quilt of his clothing to snuggle under...more tears!! And for son and grandkids, too!! Someone with that generous, caring heart...your heartfelt gratitude is probably the only thanks she needs. But your card she will treasure!! The flowers are stunning!! You colored them perfectly!! It's so gorgeous my friend!! Okay, I've got to go find a Kleenex!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Sharon said...

Oh gosh Brenda!!! You are so very blessed to have a true friend that would do something as awesome as this for you!!! I know God has some special blesses in store for her!! They are so beautiful!!!
Your card that you made her is awesomeness for sure!! The flowers are just breathtaking!! Your coloring is right on spot. And the sentiment is perfect!!! She is going to be thrilled with it, I'm sure!!!
Just want you to know that even though I don't visit you here often enough, you are in my prayers everyday. :)

Sue said...

Wow Brenda I'm sat with tears rolling down my face..what a wonderful person your friend is and those pillows and quilts are outstanding and memories forever!!! great idea and will bring you such comfort..lots and lots of huggles Sue xx

Loll said...

Hi Brenda. Your friend IS AMAZING. This post brought tears to my eyes. What a special way for your friend to honour the memory of Dwayne and give you the post precious gift. Thank you for sharing. This has really touched my heart. And I think that the special card you made for your friend will touch her heart. Loll xx

Sheila H said...

Your friend has a beautiful and generous spirit, Brenda. Her gifts to you and your family are awesome and priceless. Your card is gorgeous and will be treasured, I'm sure, as you all treasure her handiwork. Yours is an amazing friendship. Thank you for sharing. This has really touched my heart.

Di said...

Crying here too Brenda. What an amazing thing for your friend to do - wonderful quilts and pillows and so very special. I believe that your thanks will be more than enough reward for gifts that came from the heart.

Love

Di xx

Carol L said...

I'm so touched by your friend's thoughtfulness and generosity in making all these items for your family! What a wonderful way to remember him each time you cover up or snuggle with a pillow! This is just the coolest idea ever, and she did a beautiful job. I love the card - it's beautiful,and I know she'll love it, but I too would be at a loss for the proper way to thank her for all she did! What a great friend you have :)

Karen Petitt said...

That's more than a keeper of a friend huni! That is a fabulous and uber kind thing to do and I can just imagine you sitting or sleeping under one of these come winter time. They are all beautiful and your card is too - stop being so hard on yourself Karen xx

Happy Dance said...

You are blessed. Your friend is truly a real friend. How sweet of her to make the throws and pillows as well as the quilt from your sweetheart's clothing. Treasures one and all. I'll tell you a story about a pillow one of these days soon.... And your card for her is really pretty. Those flowers are perfectly colored and that sentiment is perfect. Love this pretty card. Hope all is well with you. xo Bev

DIANA L. said...

This is so sweet. What a wonderful Friend I love , what a great idea
Thank you for sharing this story, I got all choked up, as I am sure there is not a dry eye on your blog after they read this post. Big hugs my friend Have a blessed day
DIANA L.

DL.ART DESIGN TEAM MEMBER
DL.ART crinkle ribbon
http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com
http://dianamlarson.ctmh.com

DIANA L. said...

Ps I love the card you made your friend. I am sure she will appreciate.

LesleyG said...

What a fabulous friend, and such an amazingly awesome thing to do, and the results of her efforts are just magic. Love the card, and not sure what could express your gratitude. Suffice to say, she probably knows, and your friendship is probably reward enough, but you'll think of something xxx

MaryH said...

This is an awesome & treasure of a gift from your friend to you. I know it is going to comfort you in the long winter nights to come, and I'm so pleased there were pillows included for the grandchildren too. You are indeed blessed to have such a talented friend who thinks so highly of you to do this wonderful quilt. I think the card is equally beautiful, and I'm sure your quilter friend will feel just exactly the same way! I'm glad that you have each other as friends! TFS & Hugs

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh Brenda what a wonderful. thoughtful and creative friend - what joy and comfort these stunning patchwork creations must bring you.
Blessings
Maxine

Joan Smith said...

OMG How awesome, Fabulous and Sweet!! Your friend sure did an outstanding creative job....and all the love and memories in everything she sure did gift you all of her God given talent and now you will have everything to treasure and wrap yourself in all the sweet love and memories each piece holds!! I so enjoyed reading your sweet loving heartfelt story!! YOur friend will LOVE the card you created for her it's very precious!! YOU SO ROCK!!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Mmm silly blogger... it ate my first comment. 😕
As you say Brenda, truly generous giving on part of a wonderful friend. How very precious it all is.. Adam your son and grandies must have been thrilled too.
Every blessing dear friend, a truly wonderful card.
❤️❤️❤️ Shaz in Oz.x

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful friend. So many treasures including your friend.

I Card Everyone said...

Oh Brenda!!! I could not offer any advice on how thank your friend, but your post might be the only thank you necessary - I sure hope she sees it! How absolutely fabulous - just a heartwarming, loving, unbelievable gift. You'll sleep better now, I'm betting! How about a photo of the grands with their pillows? Your friend would love it, too! xx
=]

Darnell said...

This brought me to tears, Brenda! I'm telling you, it doesn't get any more special than this. I know a company that makes teddy bears with loved one's clothes, but what your friend did for you and Bret and the kids just exceeds anything I've ever heard. I'm sure if she wanted to start a business and you published her name, she would get work from all of us. It's just the best idea I can think of for bringing comfort to pull that up to your face every night. Gah, I'm crying again!

Your card is beautiful!! You put all your love and appreciation and talent into it and it shows. She will cherish it, just like you do her work!! Love and hugs, Auntie Darnell

Tina Campbell said...

She is an amazing friend indeed :) WOW are those quilts just fabulous and the hours put in for all the quilts and pillows a time of love :) Truly a wonderful friend you have there Brenda and the card you made is absolutely gorgeous for her. Hugs my friend :) Tina

Anita in France said...

A truly special friend, Brenda ... to make such marvellous treasures for you, Bret and the grands that bring back so many wonderful memories of Dwayne ... she must walk with angels! Your card for her is beautiful ... such gorgeous colouring and shading ... those fabulous blooms really glow! She will treasure the love and care you put into her card, as much as any words you say or actions you could take ... you put yourself into it! Hugs, Anita :)

scrappymo! said...

The card for your friend is beautiful but her quilts steal the show. They are truly wonderful!
My son in law was very close to his Grandmother. She looked after him when his Mum went to work. They had a close bond and his Auntie made a quilt like this for each of the grandkids. It is such a beautiful idea!

Leslierosek said...

How wonderful Brenda. I love it all. That is a kind, thoughtful and giving friend indeed. You will be blessed and comforted by these for the rest of your days I am sure. Sorry I am late in seeing them. Can't wait to see them in person. Love you my friend.

Brenda in IN said...

I'm among those with tears to Brenda. What a lovely tribute to Dwayne and something for you and the boys to keep. I hope the quilt and lap quilt comfort you and remind you of wonderful memories. I think your friend will be thrilled with her card and know how much her kindness meant to you.

D- said...

OMGosh this post has me crying. What a wonderful friend. These will bring all of you so much comfort today and in the future.
Brenda your card is gorgeous. She will loVe it. Thanks for sharing.
Crafty hugs,
Dawn
DesignsByDragonfly.blogspot.com

Maarit at Violets Corner said...

Such an amazing friend and very thoughtful gifts from the heart to hold and treasure. I'm sure she loved the fabulous card and that she knows how much this meant for you. Blessings!

Love and hugs
Maarit

cm said...

*Sniffle* Brenda, tears are spilling all over my cheeks in reading this post and seeing the beautiful, heart-warming, heart-melting, heart-touching gifts your angel-friend has created for you and your family. Her gesture is that of a deep soul, who knows exactly what to do to help you along this new journey...and yes, you most certainly are snuggling up to your Dwayne every night! Treasures...marvelous treasures! Your post, my sweet, is infused with joy and love - for your friend and, especially, for Dwayne. I love the 'exuberance' of your words as your describe, in loving detail, the articles of clothing she used, and their special significance. Yes, I love this post. Oh...and your card: gorgeous! A loving friend showing love for another loving friend. Makes me smile (even though I'm still crying!)
Hugs and love,
~c