Z

The first quilt that I made for the neighbor couple, for more than 50 years, of my husband's family was a small Christmas table topper. The hand written thank you note said that it was being used under the Christmas arrangement that was taking the place of their big Christmas tree. Several years later I made quilts for their chairs that were large enough to really keep them warm in the winter. Again the hand written note expressed thanks from the heart. His went with him to the nursing home and stayed on his bed for the rest of his days.

sherneff44

What wonderful stories. As I have read them the tears have been rolling down my cheeks. I have made many quilts and gifted them, but I believe the 2 that have given me the greatest joy are the ones I made for my twin great grandbabies
that almost didn't make it into our world last February. I showed pictures of the quilts on here. My grandson tells me that they use them everyday. They are very much appreciated and loved.

rj.neihart

A very generous gift - one that will be treasured for a long time!

rj.neihart

My story is about a woman who takes elderly dogs into her home. These dogs have been pushed out for various reasons - some of their owners were placed in nursing homes, and families didn't want them - others have had their owners die, again the family didn't want them - then there are those dogs who just grow old and the owners don't want to deal with them anymore. I decided to make each dog their own blanket - using double knit material - when I provided her the first few blankets, small/medium/large, she cried - I'd also had someone borrow her grieving blanket (when an animal expires, she uses this special blanket to catch her tears) it was in shreds from the many years of use - I rebuilt it with materials that matched it almost perfectly in color - and she cried again when it was handed to her. I'm now the blanket maker for the senior haven dog shelter. Each dog is wrapped into their own blanket when they expire - never to be cold on their journey.

Kimcatlou

Although this gift was a pillow, not a quilt, I will always remember my grandson's treasuring it. When he was married, I magnified the picture on the wedding invitation. It was a picture of a tree with many small leaves in fall colors and leaves in the air falling to the ground. Beneath the tree were two bluebirds with a small red heart between them.
I made this scene on a pillow with each picture appliqued including the tiny leaves. Then I satin stitched the edges. On the back I embroidered the names of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding.
They have this pillow displayed in their living room!

EmiliasNana

I was only one of the quilters, not a presenter, but our guild decided to make quilts for the children of women who were incarcerated in the local prison. At first no prisoner would fill out an application as they were skeptical that anyone would make something for them without asking for something in return. Once one woman did, the rest reluctantly followed. We were only given the age, sex and favorite colors or interests of their children, as the prison agreed to mail for us to protect individual privacy. A few guild members, after going through security, were ushered into a room where the recipient's mothers were gathered for a sneak peek of their children's quilts before mailing. As each was called up they were in awe. Some cried and some didn't want to even touch the quilts for fear of getting them dirty. I was so glad we succeeded in making Christmas better for both Moms and kids.

mjpEncinitas

This one is more cute than anything. I make name quilts for my grand nieces and nephews. My sisters grand kids were all together and she gave the youngest one (2) his quilt. The three other children 2-4 thought it was their quilt and when they realized it wasn't started discussing the quilt they had at home. I wish I had been there to hear the discussion. I've only briefly met one of those kids. Maybe someday I'll get to meet them.

sewmuch

This is the best thread. Have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your stories. Perfect for this time of year. Merry Christmas everyone.

Suz

I had been involved with QOVs for several years and often sent quilts to Afghanistan. One doctor would always send a note saying he had distributed one of my quilts to an injured soldier and explain how it was received. Later, I received a note from him saying he'd (the doctor) had been injured and one was given to him. The thank you said the flag that hung over the hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan that night was dedicated to me and this flag would be sent to me. I now have the flag and obviously cherish it.

Suz

These stories are so inspiring and tells everyone how special we quilters are in the care and comfort of others. Thank you Red Garnet for starting this post.