Tuesday, October 16, 2007

John's Quilt

The day after we found out John had cancer, I decided to make him a quilt to use during his treatment and stay at the hospital.

I had big plans to give it to him on his first day of chemo and radiation.... well... it ended up taking me a little longer than I thought to complete it. John is now on his 4th week of radiation - but it's finally done!

I started by stitching together about 40 squares and mailing them off around the country to his family and friends. I had everything planned... except I didn't plan on how long it would take to get them all back!

I finally had to give up on some people and I ended up with 32 squares. 32 squares of personal messages, prayers, drawings and signatures for John keep near him and to help him through his cancer treatment. I gave it to him for his birthday on Friday.

When he opened the package - his first words were, "It's a blanket. Thanks."
I had folded it wrong side up - so he couldn't immediately see that it was a quilt. So I said, "why don't you open the blanket."

When he finally gets the clue... he opens it and finds the quilt.

John's Quilt


I was so nervous! I wasn't sure if he would like it... he doesn't really like quilts - but he loved it!

John's Quilt

He was so touched by everything his friends and family wrote. It is such a wonderful expression of love.

Here's the entire piece:

John's Quilt

(A little head kept getting in my way while I was trying to take this photo!)

John's Quilt


Here's the square I made:

John's Quilt


and a few of my favorites:

Quilt Squares


I tied the quilt instead of hand or machine sewing (deadlines!) and I used a technique where the ties are on the back of the quilt and the front looks like x's. I really like the way it came out. Here's the back - showing all the little ties.

Back of Quilt

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this and special thanks to Jolene and my mother in law for helping me finish the sewing! It's definitely going to be well used and well loved.

Me and John

23 comments:

DPUTiger said...

Hi! I've been lurking for a while, admiring your Jaywalker scarf as I leap in on a similar project of my own. I knit and quilt, and you did a fantastic job on John's quilt! After you posted the link to his blog, I read some of that too. Lots of happy thoughts headed in your direction!! :) amy

Coleen said...

Wow Jody! it's amazing. You did a fantastic job. I know it will be a family heirloom. BEAUTIFUL!!
xoxo

chacha / Jen said...

Jody, the quilt is absolutely fantastic! What a great way to keep a tangible reminder of everyone's thoughts and well wishes! :)

Anonymous said...

The quilt is so lovely. Jody and John... you are in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to both of you...

Anonymous said...

That was such a wonderful thing you did for him. Great job on it.

bySarah said...

It came out beautiful.

Stacey said...

that came out amazing. what a beautiful sentiment!!!!

Jenn said...

That is so lovely! And your husband is looking great. Hope he's feeling well too.

Pheelya said...

That is beautiful!!

Heidi said...

Looking good, looking good. Actually John's looking great and the quilt is just fab-u-lous! Next thing you know Hurley will be trying to claim it as his own.

Diane said...

What a great idea and a beautiful keepsake. Wonderful idea!

futuregirl said...

This is a wonderful idea! I'm so glad he loved it. :)

turtlegirl76 said...

What a wonderful expression of love and hope.

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful!

Anonymous said...

wow, Jody - that is fantastic! How thoughtful and absolutely heart-warming. There's something remarkable about being able to literally wrap him in love. I'm keeping you both in my thoughts...

Knittymama said...

That is so, so lovely!!! What a way to keep the love going.

Diane Doran said...

Great job Jody! It's a wonderful quilt.

Nittany Knits said...

Jody, it turned out soooooo awesome!!! What an amazing gift for him.

CiCi and CAJtalk said...

Thanks so much your story is so touching... I have been enjoying following your progress You rock girl... I just tagged you as rocking girl blogger!

knittish said...

What a beautiful work of love and support for an amazing human being! Continued positive vibes for steady and full healing to you, John.

And Jody, only if you want to be tagged, please consider yourself tagged. =) My blog has more info.

Warm hugs to you to wish you a wonderful week!

Mira said...

Just beautiful! Each square is filled with love! Great job Jody!

You can call me Betty, or Bethany, or Beth ...Just don't call me late for dinner. said...

That is so great!
I love the story... and the typical "guy response" when he first opened it up."a blanket".. hee hee.

I hope you and John are feeling strong and happy and soon: all well.

Jinann said...

OMG Jody! That quilt is wonderful! What a fabulous gift - it's the most touching gift I've even seen! Hugs and prayers to you both.