This quilt was finished on a Friday, but not this Friday. It was a gift to my brother David and his family and had to wait patiently for a few weeks until they were ready to receive it.
My brother lives in Houston, and his house was flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Until last week, they've been displaced, living in hotels and an RV parked in his church's parking lot. I wanted to wait until they were back in their home to send them this quilt.
My sister-in-law, Dianne, grew up in British Columbia among the beautiful mountains and trees, and green is her favorite color. I made each of these Lady of the Lake blocks from different green fabrics and most of them have trees or leaves on them. I named the quilt British Columbia Dreams, knowing that there might have been times when Houston wasn't her favorite place.
On the back, I put this large scale, pretty print of koi fish, and surrounded it with a mottled green fabric that was given to me by my DH's aunt.
I thought these serene fish might remind my family that not all waters are floods, and that they swim in a sea of love.
I thought I had taken some close up photos of the quilting, but alas. I did simple dot-to-dot triangles in the large green pieces, squiggles in the small cream/gray pieces, and a rising sun FMQ motif in the large cream/gray pieces. "Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain..."
I'm happy to report that this quilt was received in Houston and now graces their new couch in their renovated living room. The quilt was finished before I saw photos of their accent wall, painted green. They seem very pleased with it, which makes my heart sing!
Linking up with TGIFF over on Sandra's blog.
Oh, so lovely, and the thought that went into your choices for fabric, design, and quilting motifs even better. No worries about the lack of a close up. Your photos are so clear that zooming in shows the quilting just fine. It's neat that you could use the stairway into your boat as the perfect prop to hang the quilt. The design is beautiful, but what struck me is how you used that framed panel on the back. It makes a wonderful two-sided quilt. I think that those of us who are far from Houston (or other hurricane-damaged areas) or have no direct connection to the people living there just assume that life has gone on and is back to normal, not realizing the stressful conditions that go on for months. It must be wonderful for your brother and sister-in-law to finally be home again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story with a happy ending. Beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteOh how I agree a million percent with everything Janine said. Just heard last week on the CBC news a whole bunch of kids cheering...it was because they'd finally got power back on in their school, in Puerto Rico. Two months with none. We do not realize how the trauma physical, mental, etc, lasts and lasts. This is truly a beautiful quilt; I went ahh! upon seeing the koi swimming on the back, just perfect. BC is a beautiful province, very very different from Houston - I've been to both, BC many times, so I can totally see this reminding your SIL of her home. Rising sun, great idea - how I love, as you well know, meaningful quilts from fabric to pattern to quilting motifs. :-) Thanks so much for linking this up with TGIFF!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story and 'British Columbia Dreams'. You made a quilt in love to comfort your brother's family. That's a wonderful way to quilt.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful quilt, from the fabrics pattern and quilting and recipients, wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt, and such a special gift. I am sure it will be cherished.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtfully and lovingly made quilt! I'm sure it will not only be a reminder of the good that comes from bad, but also the love they are surrounded with. Thanks for sharing, Louise!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt, front and back! What a great gift to get when you move back into your house. We lived south of Houston for many years. Can't imagine how hard it's been for those displaced since the hurricane. Glad your brother and family were able to rebuild and are finally back home.
ReplyDeleteLove this! It is so special. You put so much thought into the quilt to cover and love your family.
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad your family is back in their home! This quilt is just lovely! Talk about stitched with love!
ReplyDeleteOh the devastation that Harvey caused was great and far for so many living in Texas. It is hard for us to wrap our head around it because we didn't live it. I do hear from time to time about people there that are still not in their homes, or those you have been living in it with renovations still happening. The scars will be with them for a long time. You were so thoughtful in each step of making this absolutely gorgeous quilt, they will treasure it forever. Good work Louise!
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is such a thoughtful gift. I miss Seattle so much and all the beauties of B.C.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift for your family members. It turned out beautiful and has some much love stitched within it's borders. I like the name you gave it too.
ReplyDeleteI love all the meaning you worked into the fabrics you chose. Very special.
ReplyDeleteLovely gift and thoughts. Beautiful photos, too!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful and I am sure it was very well received. They will treasure it for years.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a pretty quilt, Louise. I do love Lady in the Lake quilts, and I bet the rising suns quilted in look fabulous with it. That koi fabric on the back is so interesting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and well thought out gift.... It's come out beautifully
ReplyDeleteHugz
Of course they are pleased with it - not only is it beautiful, but it is full of special meaning. Just lovely!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful Welcome Home gift filled with layers of meaning!!
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