The Magical Blanket

Here is the much anticipated surprise project I was frantically working on for Christmas. Years after my little sister Michelle died, my mom had mentioned that someday she wanted to make us all a quilt using pieces of Michelle's clothes.

As the granddaughters have come along my mom would start sending a few things home with us here and there for them to wear and then when they were outgrown we'd send them back to her. A few months before Christmas, my mom sent Linz and I home with the majority of her clothes and she told us to get use out of them with our girls and that when we were done with them she didn't need them back.

As I got looking through them many were extremely worn, some stained, some I couldn't bear the thoughts of them getting ruined and some just plain out of date. So I got to remembering when Mom had mentioned the quilt idea and mentioned it to Linz. We decided it was a great idea for Christmas, but then time flew by so quickly and she got wrapped up in many of her own projects. So...2 1/2 weeks before Christmas I decide I'm going to make this quilt by myself. (Side note: I haven't sewn in over 7 years and even then, I had step-by-step help with making a simple pair of pj's for Taylor.)

I kept questioning the project wondering if I could do it emotionally and then if it would turn out decent and be satisfying to both my mom and I. A good friend at work was very helpful throughout the project with giving me hints and telling me what my next steps were, and Linz helped sew a couple rows together. Other than that, this was my baby!!

Before I cut into any of the clothes.
There was multiple reasons for taking pictures of the clothes before I cut them...the main being that I was terrified that my mom would be so upset that I cut into them, so I wanted a way that she could remember them whole if my bright idea ended up as a catastrophe.

When I cut the first several squares I just sobbed. It was a good cleansing cry and many memories resurfaced throughout this project. My entire family was in on it and were so excited.

This is before all of the rows were sewn together.

The completed piece!!

Everyone at work and around me knew about this project. I was so excited I could barely contain myself and it was so hard keeping it a secret. For that reason I'm glad I didn't start it much sooner, it just would have been that much harder waiting.

So when opening presents we saved this one until the very last. We had kleenex ready to go around and everyone's attention and cameras ready.

Some pictures and expressions are priceless!!
Even Miss Hollie was so excited to see her reaction, as you can tell.

When she opened it and realized what it was, she immediately began crying and said, "You did it!!" Many tears were shed and I just kept asking her to tell me it was ok that I did it. I still was so scared that she'd be upset that I cut into the clothes. And she reassured me that it was perfect!!

Sometimes there are no words.

She went through each square and identified what article of clothing it had come from and whether or not it was one that she had made for Michelle.

Such a proud moment, I must confess! It was the most magical gift I have EVER given someone. I don't know that I could ever give and receive the same feelings of excitement and love as I did with this quilt. It was an honor and tribute to Michelle and a way to keep her memory alive. And something that will be cherished forever.

I love my mom more than she'll ever know!!

All us girls under the quilt!

“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.”

This quote comes to my mind when I think of Michelle! She came and went so quickly and I will never be the same! She will forever be in my heart!! I love you Michelle & I hope this quilt will be of comfort to my mom as she wraps herself in Michelle's memories.