Honoring my big brother

[JanaS]

On Nov. 11 will be the one year anniversary of the passing of my big brother. He was 13 years older than me and has always been my idol. (I am sure that I was always the pesty baby sister in his eyes). His daughters and I were in the process of planning his 65 birthday and retirement gift. (which was to be a patriotic quilt because he was a very proud vet). Not only is the 11th the anniversary of his death it is also my birthday.

I January I decided to honor him by making the quilt and give it away. My brother and sister purchased the fabric, I sewed the top and my mother (86 years young) hand quilted the quilt. We then donated it to our hometown's (population 250) fire department for their annual fundraiser benefit auction. I cannot tell you how many tears were shed in the making of that quilt between myself and my mother. However, it was a very healing process and I had no desire to sew on anything else until that was completed. It made me feel really good when it was purchased for $1200.

As this anniversay rolls aroung I am finding myself once again not interested in sewing. But I wanted to share with everyone a photo of the finished quilt.

[kensington]

That is just amazing. May your memories comfort you as you face this difficult time. God Bless.

[K. McEuen]

Very pretty quilt and it drew a good price for a great cause. It also allowed you to heal some as you worked. A very special quilt.

[Lisapc]

Absolutely stunning quilt filled with such meaning. Thank you for sharing that with us and I am sure your brother is very proud.

[tamsterg7]

Your quilt is beautiful, and also a beautiful way to remember his life. I would bet that in your hometown everyone knows everyone, so the person who pirchased it surely knee him and felt the love that went into making such a wonderful tribute. November is a toigh month at oir house as well.... 11/1 would be my first sijs 28th birthday. He passed away after 7 short years, and a piece of my heart went with him.

[Kgrammiecaz]

What a wonderfule honor. Thank you for sharing such a special memory

[easyquilts]

Thank you for sharing this stunning, and very meaningful quilt. You have certainly honored your brother in a ender full way.. As a former paramedic, I am a lifetime member of my fire department, so I know what this gift, and the money it raised, meant to your department.

God Bless...

[turena65]

Stunning... what a beautiful tribute to your brother...

[BellasQuilts]

Thank you for sharing such wonderful story about your brother's quilt. How awesome! I hope you come back to quilting soon, you have a talent for it and I think your brother would want you to keep it up! Blessings.

[bkthomas]

This quilt is extremely beautiful!!!!
Thank You so much for sharing it with us and the story behind it!