Saturday, September 2, 2023

For Kathy

 

Sometimes life dictates your next project.

A close friend and I talk often via Messenger video.  Once, when I mentioned I was working on a blanket for Project Linus, her response was "You could make one for me."  Replying that I'd be happy to and asking what colors she'd like, she gave the least favored answer of "You choose."  

I'd thought about it off-and-on over the next year or so but kept working on other project until...

She called to inform me the police had shown up at her door.  Her beloved son had been shot and killed.  There is no way to describe her pain.  

Others, who live close to her, were able to attend the wake and funeral, send flowers, and drop off food.  With her living on the East Coast, and me on the West Coast, none of those were good options.  Plus I've always hated flowers at funerals as their dying only makes things worse.  

"Now!" the Universe said. "Now is the time to make a blanket in which she can wrap herself in warmth and love.  It took some time to choose the colors, but I based them on the chair in which she usually sits when we talk, and the colour of the walls behind her.  To make it extra special, I added the heart and attached it over where her heart would be when covered.  Then, on Etsy, I found a woman who made personalized tags for quilts.  Normally, she only finished the top side of them, but when I explained the situation, she graciously agreed to finish all three sides of the label.  

So, here it is:  "With Love for Kathy."

Pattern:  Shell Stitch Baby Blanket by Amy Ramnarine
Finished size: 
45" x 72"
Colors:
Caron One Pound:  Cape Cod Blue
Red Heart Super Saver:  Country Blue, Light Grey, Grey Heather
Begun on July 2nd Finished on August 13th, 2023
Complete details can be found here: