As soon as those words popped into my head, I knew I had to include them in Violette's quilt. I kept the tones of the word "sugar" close to the color violet. 
I wanted the word "and" to disappear into the background, so I picked a color that was close to the background. For the word "Spice," I wanted colors with punch.
I didn't like the "R" so I redid it. Then I didn't like that it was sewn so evenly, so I ripped it apart and resewed it together. The word "Everything" had to bend slightly so it would fit on the top of a twin bed. And I wanted the colors to be reminiscent of a rainbow.
The word "Nice" looked a bit boring, so I replaced the dot on the "i" with a little flower.
After that came the name panel, along with some butterflies I designed.
Violette's family has a big tabby cat, and I knew I wanted to include him in the quilt. Hiding him in the flower patch at the bottom was the solution.Here is the finished quilt.
I was so excited to join Tonya's Summer Class. But I couldn't start posting until after I had delivered this quilt to its recipient, my godchild Violette.
I visited her family in July for the Christening and gave them her quilt. Everybody loved it, and thought it was perfect. Everything -was- perfect.
Ten days after I left, Violette suffered a tragic accident and died. I flew down to Maryland to attend the funeral. The family covered her coffin with the quilt at her funeral. It was beautiful, and perfect in its own way, but that's not the image I had anticipated.
~~~~~
It's been hard for me to get back into making quilts or being excited about much of anything. I'm not related to Violette's family, but I loved her very much.
Today the quilt is on Violette's big brother's bed. He's 5-1/2.
He placed it there.
21 comments:
I'm so sad about the loss of Violette. My condolences. But aren't you glad you finished her quilt and put all that love into it. It must mean a great deal to her parents now.
It is a gorgeous quilt. So creative!
wow...I am so sad, for your loss and for her family. I had been watching this quilt come together and it is so beautiful and seemed to be put together with so much love. You are a gifted quilter and blessed to love so greatly. Sometimes the work of our hands can bring us to the other side of our grief. Thank you for allowing us to be a small part of Violette's life through your love for her. I am really touched by your story.
i'm so sorry for your loss and her family's loss. you created a beautiful quilt that will hold memories for the family.
OMG, what a wonderful quilt, and such a sad story. Condolences to you and the family.
That is so so sad. The quilt is beautiful - so vibrant.
the quilt is beautiful and I love how you made color and design decisions.
I am so sorry for your loss and pain.
And, I hope that you will continue to quilt and find it's healing for you. You have a gift.
It's a lovely quilt and you did such a great job on it. I'm glad that it's providing comfort for Violette's brother.
What a fun quilt... what a sad story. What a blessing that Violette's brother can be comforted by her quilt.
ah, the rest of the story on this quilt-how comforting for her brother and the family to honor her memory in this way-and at the funeral...all the love you put into it lives on-I can understand that it will take time to work through this experience-hugs to you. I agree, you are a gifted quilt artist and I am sure that talent will guild you back to enjoying quilting when you are ready.
Oh Lynne, oh your heart must be breaking. So much beautiful work for a lovely little girl. I am so sorry for you and for her family. I can understand your lack of enthusiasm, grief is its own thing. May you and everyone close to this little girl find comfort and peace in some way as you grieve together and individually. Know you have many people thinking of you and praying for you. May your loving effort in making this quilt bring love and comfort.
"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." God bless. You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry for the loss of Violette. I hope you and the family find some peace in the future.
How absolutely horrible for everyone involved! The loss of a child never, ever makes sense. I always say that my quilts are big hugs for the kids I give them to -- her big brother, no doubt, can feel your warmth and love and comfort when he wraps himself up in it.
So so sad.
Christine
My condolences to you and to the lovely Violette's family. Your quilt will help keep her memory with them, especially for her brother.
aww my condolences too,,, that quilt is special and brings so much comfort its lovely that her brother can hug this quilt to remind him of his such special sister.
Oh my goodness - "bittersweet" is the only word I can think of at the moment.
What a beautiful quilt! I love the thought and planning that went into the quilt. And knowing that it meant so much to the family to have used it as they did must have truly been an honor, even if that (of course) was not its intended use.
My thoughts fly out to you and Violette's family....
How very sad but I believe that this very personal quilt will be a comfort to Violette's family in a way that another traditional quilt wouldn't be.
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
It's so difficult to lose a child, my sympathy to you and to V's family. Your quilt is BEAUTIFUL, a rainbow of colors. What a loving tribute.
Andrea, Lake Elmo, MN
It's difficult to lose a child, my deep sympathy to you and to Violette's family. Your quilt is a beautiful rainbow of colors and a loving tribute to Violette. How special.
Andrea, Lake Elmo, MN
So sad. At least you have happy photos of Violette enjoying her quilt, and it will be a comfort for her brother, both physiacally and emotionally.
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