Heres the quilt top I made for my hubby.. finished construction of the top in three days ( took a day to DE-construct the flannel shirts.. ) I ended up using pellon on the shirts as some were worn and super stretchy.. I HIGHLY recommend using something to stabilize it.. it was a major pain without it... it made it a lil thicker and a lil bit stiffer but after a few times thru the wash it'll be nice and comfy cozy.. I machine pieced it on my baby lock until it started acting up then i used my pfaff for the border- it too was acting up as well. They are both in need of a good cleaning.. Not sure how im going to quilt it as of yet, might just tie it.. This will be for his birthday. He lost his dad a few months ago and of course its never easy losing a loved one, let alone a parent...he lost his mom 3 yrs ago to cancer, then his dad passes earlier this year, so needless to say things are a lil rough for him these days.. Well i decided to use his fathers flannel shirts, cut out and used the pockets too when I could.. made a simple block with red cornerstones.. I know its busy but i wanted to use his dads shirts and thats what i had on hand.. But now for the hard part, I want to enclose a lil poem with the top.. Do any of you have Any suggestions for the 'perfect wording' for my letter and/or poem that i want to enclose with the quilt?

very nice
Marilee

great job...it is a treasure for your husband...thanks for sharing

What a beautiful treasure for your husband!

Oh, and don't you love those pockets, still on.

Your quilt is awesome. I know it will be a great comfort to your husband. We lost our 50-year-old son to melanoma in January. His wife would not let anyone touch his clothes or empty out the closet he used. I offered to make her a quilt using his shirts and jeans, and she brought me a whole load of his clothes. I loved making the quilt--it was comforting to me to handle the things he wore so often. I have sent it to my friend to be machine-quilted, but when I get it back I will post a picture. I think it is a lovely idea, and an actual "security blanket" for those dear ones left behind. Good job, LTQ!

Love the pocket on there also. Outstanding quilt, don't see many men quilts, thank you for sharing.

www.familyfriendpoems.com

They have lots of wonderful poems

Quilt is beautiful. He will love it.

I think it is fabulous!!!

Beautiful quilt and memories

:thumbup:

Great quilt came from a fabulous idea. Looks very comfy. Put the poem in that pocket!

What a great quilt. One of my favorite "shirt" quilts. I love it.

Awesome quilt!
It would be neat to put a couple of his Dad's small treasures in the pockets...maybe a watch, a pocket knife, a picture of the Dad/Mom, etc.
He will love it! (just be ready to catch the tears that fall) He will cherish that quilt forever!

What about something like:

There is something so comforting about plaid,
this quilt was made using shirts worn by Dad.
May the memories found in this quilt make you glad.
And let the love with which it was made
help you through the days when you are sad.

Just some thoughts,
I am sure you can improve upon it.

Your husband will find great comfort in this quilt.

Good job

Just sit down and start writing, it is very theraputic and you will be amazed what comes out. It does not have to rhyme. What a handsome quilt!

And the poem:


He hates the fact you’ve gone away,
But in his Heart, I know you’ll stay.
You taught him right from wrong.
And with this knowledge, he will go on.
With hurt and pain in his heart,
I do know that, you’ll never part.
You made him laugh, you made him cry.
With those moments, he makes it by and by.

I know you’re in heaven watching down on him,
Just thinking that makes him grin.
But losing you is a great big deal.
I do hope one day, he will heal.
The suffering has ended, and you’ve gone home.
To sit with Mom and our Father, on his throne.
You made him laugh, you made him cry,
With those moments, he makes it by and by….

I hope each square, he does see
And remembers they were thee’s.
Memories found in these old plaids,
Help him please, when he is sad.
I know you’re in heaven looking down with a grin
Using this quilt, you’re hugging him.
You made him laugh, you made him cry,
With those moments, he makes it by and by…

Each stitched I stitched, I stitched with love
Took great care with gentle gloves
Wishing he finds comfort in this quilt
With my two hands I had built,
Make him laugh, make him cry
With these moments, he will make it by and by…

I love that idea.. !!! thanks..

I like it. I think Ill put this poem in one of the many pockets.. thanks..

Not knowing your husband or the relationship he had with his dad, it is difficult to come up with an appropriate way to say what you want. That, I think might have to come from your heart.
But as I am looking at this beautiful :thumbup: quilt you have made.... these words came to mind.
"You may have felt that you could never fill my shoes, but I want you to know I would gladly give you the shirt off my back"

thanks for the encouragement everyone..

YOU DID A NICE JOB

Nice