LLWinston44

Well, one of my best friends just shared yesterday, that her breast biopsy came back with malignant breast cancer. I'm really shocked. I thought for sure it was a fibroid.
I'm so sad for her. I mean, I know that it's highly treatable, and that the outcomes are very positive these days, but still....... what a crappy journey she's about to embark on.

I would like to make her a quilt. I am still very very new to quilting, and some of the things I've seen are just so beautiful.... I don't want to throw together something just for the sake of throwing something together.

I also don't know what to do for a theme. Being new, I have ZIP stash built up, so am going to just have to go and shop. But do I do a breast cancer theme? I was kind of thinking of something in pink and white?

UGH! I always put SO much pressure on myself because I want it to be SO perfect a gift. My heart is totally in this so it's even worse.

Sadiemae

I am so sorry for you and for your friend. You can use Pink and white, or if I knew what her favorite colors were I would use those.

familyfun

I totally know how you feel. My best friend at work had breast cancer 3 years ago. She was only 43 and had a double masectomy. I praise her courage for what she went thru. I did not quilt back then but did put together a very nice package of gifts from everyone in our dept at work. I personally think a pink and white quilt would be lovely. I know that my friend appreciated all the breast cancer awarness gifts she got. I think you friend will love whatever you make. I am sending a hug and prayers.

Vanuatu Jill

So sorry about your good friend, but it is such a nice gesture to lovingly make her a quilt. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't do a "pink ribbon" quilt - only because once this is behind her, that quilt might remind her of her terrible journey during this time. But that is just how I would feel-I would want to make it in her favorite colors, or maybe with a theme that might mean someting to her - like if she has a special hobby, "collects" shoes, loves food, gardening, the rugges outdoors, etc. If she is a "girlie girl", lovely floral fabrics in rich colors might be nice. There are a ton of free patterns available on the internet which would be easy and quick to make, letting the fabric choices be the focal. Let us know what you decide and post pics when you can. We are here to help if you need anyting!

A thought, a rag quilt is cozy and warm with winter coming, and it doesn't need separate backing or binding!! Flannels would be lovely. They are simple squares sewn together with the front and back seams connecting the squares and rows all on the front, then cut in to fringe. When it is washed, it gets all soft and fuzzy and cuddly. At the top, do a search on "rag quilts" and several come up so you can see if you aren't familiar. These are very good for beginners and quick-plus are quilt-as-you-go, meaning you quilt each square before joining them.

Rose L

I'm sorry for your friend's sad diagnosis. I'm sure she'll do well with treatment. Were it me...I'd use some other lovely colors. Pink and white may just be too much of a reminder for her right now. At least that is how I would feel about it.

QM

go with her colors, maybe images she likes. I just made a kittens lap quilt starting from nice panels. Several people who saw it werewild about it. IMHO having it done and delivered is what matters.

I had only one already made quilt when a dear friend was diagnosed. I called my DH to bring it right then. Later I offered to swap for a more complex one. She said, "This is the quilt that healed me." Feelings matter greatly.

LLWinston44

Okay, so no on the pink and white. I agree. I can save that for the "after" quilt.
I did think maybe a rag quilt, but what kind of pattern would I do? I see they are I spy style, how could I make it more.... Pretty?? I'll search around. Is flannel more expensive than cotton?? Not trying to be miserly, but we are (like everyone else) on a super tight budget. I usually buy from the sale wall at the LQS and I don't remember seeing flannel. Maybe I'll go check it out tomorrow.

Vanuatu Jill

You can do your rag quilt without a pattern! It is really easy. I just did my first without a pattern, though I did ask for help a little late-things I discovered : decide on a size of square. I used 8" flannel, with two matching squares per block (one is the backing, so the back design will be the same as the front, only the front has all the fringe, and the back are straight seams. I used Warm and Natural batting, which I wouldn't use again unless I wanted a REALLY warm quilt. I would stick to a low-loft poly, or just another layer of flannel in between. If using batting, make sure you cut it smaller than the flannel, so when you make your seams (mine were 3/4"), the batting isn't caught in the seam. Check the tutorial on the board, and go from there. Flannel isn't any more than fabric-is is usually less expensive. They say do not pre-wash your flannel, but wash it after it is done to make the fringe soft and fluffy. I pre-washed mine with color catchers anyway, then washed again with 2 color catchers, and the purple ran on the white, but the fringe fluffed just fine. You might find a lovely print, then pull a color or two from that print and make it simple on yourself. Even a variety of one color looks nice. Or you can go scrappy, making it with a variety of flannels in no particular order. You will find a wide variety of solids or mottled to go with most prints.

Willa

How about rainbow colors if you don't know her favorite color. Or make something with hearts. Some have made log cabins into a heart or make a postage stamp type quilt which form a great big heart. You could always put flannel on the back for softness. Good luck and I hope all goes well for her.

margoee

Sorry about your friend's health....but, she is very luckily to have a friend like you. I am sure whatever you piece together willl make a lovely quilt and she will cherish it.