Rachel

When you lose a loved one, you realize just how fragile life can be and let go of things that used to bother you. The little things that used to upset me don’t get to me anymore. In the big scheme of things, I now see the insignificance of them. I have also learned not to allow people in my life that make me feel worse than I already do daily. Trust me, I feel bad enough and don’t need anyone to add to it. Besides, life is too short to be brought down by those around you.I have learned that honoring and remembering those loved ones has been incredibly therapeutic for me and for those I have gifted these items to. This week’s blog is in memory of Rachel, a dear friend’s daughter, and my niece.

When Rachel passed, my friend asked me if I could make a quilt for each of her sons. And tall sons they are! I designed king-size quilts using my EQ7 (Electric Quilt 7) program. It took me over a year to make these. It’s not easy when you work full-time and only work on them in your free time. Luckily for me, my friend had no deadline for me to complete them. Thus began the process that is the most time-consuming—cutting and interfacing her clothes. I usually set my ironing board up in front of the television and watch while I do it. When my back starts to hurt, I stop for the day. My quilt guru, Deb at Simply Stashing Fabrics and Quilts, taught me that interfacing is a must with quilts made from clothes. There is too much give/stretch in them, and the interfacing gives it stability, so it does not morph when you sew the pieces together.

I had my friend pick out background fabric; patterned cotton worked well for both. Most of Rachel’s clothing was solid colors. It helped the blocks stand out. She chose similar colors to match the background fabric for the backings of each quilt. I had them long arm quilted at Simple Stashing Fabrics and Quilts with a Celtic trinity knot, as Rachel had a tattoo of this. We both agreed it would be very fitting to incorporate it. And to personalize each quilt, she picked a poem, “These are the clothes I used to wear, a simple reminder of my life with you there. By your heart I will stay, until we meet again someday. Your Sister, Rachel”.

I told my friend I felt the need to make her a quilt as well, she didn’t think she needed one, but I made her one anyway. Of course, she loves it. Hers is more of a lap quilt. This way, she and her husband can easily snuggle with it. Hers is a star surrounded by a piano key border.

A little while after, she requested pillows for other family members, nieces, girlfriend, daughter-in-law, and friend. These were fun and easy to make except for one that required an invisible thread to applique the pieces. I ended up making two of those. I do have to say that even though those were time-consuming, they look fantastic when finished. She wanted to know if there was a way to incorporate a pocket to include Rachel’s photo with the pillows. Of course, I said yes! They were a super easy addition as well. I embroidered the trinity knot on the pockets and embroidered a poem for Rachel on the pillows’ backs. I even added zippers, just in case they ever needed to be washed. I assume they will; the ones I have made from Brianna’s clothes get washed a lot because we use them. They are great to hug! Of course, I made one for my friend as well, a star to match her quilt!

I also created two wall hangings; one is a mini star. I kept this one for myself, and it hangs in Brianna’s room, aka, my sewing/quilting room. This way, I have a little bit of Rachel with me as well. The other I made for my friend’s best friend. Hers is simple but sweet. A large heart, made of tiny hearts, all from Rachel’s clothing, with one heart floating away above it. I wish I could say I thought of this one myself, but I did not. I found a picture of it online. Still, it turned out great. I added a hanging sleeve to the back along with a poem. Her friend loved it so much, and she cried when she gifted it to her.

Rachel had some jeans with bedazzled pockets, too cute to not use somehow. I knew that they couldn’t be quilted; you’d break many needles and possibly your machine. That’s a big no-no! I cut two of the pockets off and turned them into potholders for my friend. I’m not sure if she uses them, but I know she loves them and has them displayed in her kitchen.

Losing someone you love is hard to fathom. Losing a child is devastating. Trust me, I know. I live it every day, and I take it one day at a time. That’s the best I can do. It is lovely to have quilts, pillows, and stuffed animals made from their clothes to hold, snuggle and hug. It’s a healthy way to hold onto their things. And while you look at or cuddle with them, memories will arise just from seeing the clothing. It triggers those memories deep in your mind and always seems to bring a smile and maybe some tears about the time you had with them.

I hope these gifts help Rachel’s family and friends with their grief. I know it helps with mine. I miss you, Rachel! Until we meet again.