Breast Cancer quilt information
 

Hi quilters,

My son's friend found out his mother has breast cancer and I was surprise that my son said maybe I could make her a quilt.

So here are my questions:

How big do I make it?

Does it have to be pink? (I don't think so, but just getting a majority vote on this.)

Light, med, or heavy batting?

Thanks in advance, and if you have any suggestions, I am willing to read any and all of them.

Sue

I have made comfort quilts for folks in many lousy circumstances. See if you can find out what colors she likes ,what kind of personality...ie. girly- girl,outdoorsy,modern,traditional. I make mine light weight( easier to fold up and haul around) with the backing flannel or minky( soft and comfy). I find out how tall they are,and add 12 inches to make the length just right. Mine tend to be bright colors on a white or beige background, simple patterns that are fast to sew up. I FMQ words of encouragement( peace,love,faith. Etc) in the sashing.

I agree that I don't think it has to be pink. You could always embroider the crossed pink ribbon symbol (small in size) on the quilt if you wanted it on there. I have also seen some of the pink ribbon printed fabric somewhere, but can't recall where just now if you wanted to add it in a block or a piece on the back. Otherwise I would just go for a nice comforting quilt--a lap size might be nice because I think chemo patients are often cold, especially during infusion, and it might be nice to use during that.

Just a personal opinion. I am
A breast cancer survivor and really don't like anything as a reminder - I never wear pink ribbons or hats or shirts - and for me personally would never want a quilt to remind me. The reminders are on my body and in my mind already. I love the idea of a comfort quilt in her favorite colors. Can you find out what she would like?

Ditto..as a breast cancer survivor I can honestly say I'm SICK OF PINK! I try to forget as much as I can.

I agree with Stitchnripper. As a cancer survivor I would't want to look at pink ribbons or a pink quilt. I would want a warm soft quilt out of some muted colors that would be soothing. I don't think being reminded of having cancer every time I used my quilt would be very comforting.

There are various opinions on whether breast cancer survivors want pink items. I have seen responses on the board for and against. Some even object to being called a "survivor".

My really great wonderful inspiring friend is a breast cancer survivor and she is also a clothes designer. She became an ambassador for Susan G Komen. she goes to the breast cancer treatment center to encourage other women in their journey. She has produce several "Think Pink" fashion shows in which she designed all of the clothing in various colors of pink and has other survivors participate in modeling them. And someone gave her a pair of pink boxing gloves when she was first diagnosed that she cherishes and brings with her to the different events she hosts.

My SIL is suffering from Stage 4 ovarian cancer and still through all she is going through manages to try to encourage others. She has been given much pink stuff from coworkers (though pink is not the color for ovarian cancer) and she brings it home to share or use herself. I made my SIL a red minky backed comfort quilt with the topside in flannel of Joe Boxer teddy bears dressed in red flannel pj's. She loves her quilt.

I guess it really depends on the personality of the person you are making the quilt for. Have your son or yourself talk to her son and find out what she really likes. You certainly wouldn't want to make her something pink that she really wouldn't like. After all it is a comfort quilt so make something that she would find comforting getting as much information before hand as possible.

Just a few thoughts here. Is the person definitely in for chemo? Not everyone is. If so, I'd think a comfort quilt would be very much appreciated. I'd go for something very soothing and easy, myself, knowing that after the storm is over, the patient may or may not love it so much. Myself, I took the turtlenecks I wore to radiation and chopped them into small cleaning rags. It was very satisfying. I wouldn't have done that to a quilt, but I certainly wouldn't have displayed it where I'd have to see it every day. Sometimes you have to do what's necessary to move on.

hugs,
Charlotte

I just want to say again that my comments reflect how I feel. I understand there are so many who do love and use the pink ribbon symbols. That's why I suggested trying to find out what the person would appreciate most

I agree with a lot of members here..it is personal preference but I think it would be appreciated no matter what color. With that said I made my cousin a Breast Cancer quilt around Christmas and sent it overseas to her (which she LOVED) and it was pink and used a prayer panel in it and flannel. Here is the original thread where I showed it:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/persona...n-t237188.html