Sunday, July 12, 2020

Motif Planning


When I select motifs for the inspirational quote quilt, I look for designs that are simple to stitch. Designs that are calming or whimsical, that potentially bring a smile or a sigh of contentment or peace to the viewer. But since it is made during a long time frame 2002-2020, I considered adding some historical reference. Since I had added the corona-virus block, maybe some references to other things that happened during this time period.


I immediately thought about 9/11, but that happened before 2002.  It was something that probably affected the fabric and the quotes that were chosen, but didn't happen in the 2002-2020 time range. Thinking about the other things that happened in this time range, the biggest thing that popped to mind are the deaths that have happened in the extended family. There have been several uncles and an aunt who have passed away in this time period. The more I thought about more I thought I should add their names to the quilt.

Maybe if I could think of a way to add the information, I could decide whether to do it.  I thought about adding a name of the family members near the each sprig of flowers. Maybe a cemetery block so they could be together and a name doesn't get hidden in all the embroidery. Headstones with names on them. With a cemetery block, people could avoid that one block if they were feeling especially vulnerable.

While I was debating whether I wanted to add these sad reminders in a quilt that was designed to be comforting, there was another death in the family. My brother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the end of June.

I haven't been sewing since then, but I do plan to get back to it soon.


2020:  Week 25-28 of 15 Minutes to Stitch

I didn't realize it had been so long since my last update. I stitched a dog the first week in this time period, but haven't done any stitching since then. I have chosen more designs to add to the quilt though.

15 minute days this week -- 1 out of 28
15 minute days this year -- 140 out of 194 days
Success rate  = 72%

14 comments:

cspoonquilt said...

Doing something in memory of loved ones can be comforting. I am so sorry for your loss. sincerely, cw

Robin said...

I knew I hadn't heard from you for a few weeks. I'm sorry to hear about the death of your brother. My sister was just diagnosed with liver cancer so death has been on my mind. I don't think seeing the names and dates of your loved ones would make me sad when I saw them on your quilt. It would tell me that you cared and bring a soft smile to my face. Just because they are gone doesn't mean that you have forgotten them.

Mary-Kay said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. May he rest in peace.

Allie said...

((((((((((((Shasta))))))))))))))) I'm so so sorry - no words - just virtual hugs....

Sandy said...

Shasta I am so sorry for your loss. Well, all of them, but especially your brother.

Kyle said...

So sorry to hear about the passing of your brother. Adding the names of those you hold dear to your quilt sounds like a nice idea.

Exuberantcolor/Wanda S Hanson said...

Sudden and unexpected deaths are particularly hard. No time to say good-bye. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear of the death of your brother. I hope you may find some comfort in adding memories to your quote quilt. Hugs.

Cynthia@wabi-sabi-quilts said...

So sorry for your loss. I think including names of loved ones in quilts is a meaningful lovely thing to do.

Tanya said...

What a hard post to write. A sudden passing is very difficult for those left behind. Do add his name to your quilt. I hope you have many happy memories of all the times you have had together.

Kate said...

Definitely not a fun start to the summer. So sorry for your family's sudden loss. Take care.

Karrin Hurd said...

So sorry for your loss.

Ann said...

I, too, am sorry for the loss of your brother. These deaths can overwhelm us, especially when unexpected. Thinking of you and your family in this sorrowful time.
Are there happy events with him or others you can add, too?

Kim said...

Shasta, I am saddened to hear of your brother's sudden passing. Such a difficult and horrible time you and your family are going through. Please take care.