Memory Quilt

[jane-t-mommy]

I just found out that my cousin has been given 4 weeks to live with her diagnosis of brain and lung cancer. She has an 18 year old son who she's leaving behind. I want to gather some photos of her and make a memory quilt for her to give to him, but I don't know how to go about doing this. Does anyone have any resources to share? It is so terribly sad to say this goodbye.

[PGTlatte]

With such a limited amount of time it may be less pressure to promise her that you will give it to him, because it may not be ready quickly enough.

I would call any quilt shops in your area and ask if they can set you up with the software and equipment to print photos onto fabric. Some may even offer this as a service.

If you have made a quilt before then you know how to proceed once you have the pictures printed onto fabric. But if you have never made a quilt before, and you are trying to get a really important one made, and quickly, I would suggest paying for some professional help. Some quilt shops offer these services from the shop, and some have a list of quilters for hire. These are people who usually will put in the quilting stitches on a long-arm machine, or help people finish projects they have started but don't want to finish on their own. In your case, if you have never made a quilt, someone may be able to work side by side with you to help you piece the top, and then complete the quilt for you by putting it together with the batting and backing, quilting it, and binding it for you.

[momtoS]

Prehaps you and her could pick the pictures and you can print a photobook..there are a tonne of great places online to do one (I can give you ideas if you like) and then start working on the quilt. That way she can help pick the pictures and in the album she can also write to her son;

[jane-t-mommy]

Thanks for your replies. I went to see my cousin last week and she was totally consumed with some complex things. There was not any time or space to introduce my idea. I just found out that her father is coming on Friday (in two days) and the doctors have said that he may make it in time to say goodbye....I'm moving forward with the quilt (have made simple ones in the past...) and will give it to her family when it is completed. Just received the photos today. I would have liked to let her know that I am making this for her son, but the time is past it seems....

[PGTlatte]

You are very thoughtful to do this. I know her son will appreciate it.

I just had another thought. If there are any quilting guilds in your area, one may have a few members who would perhaps like to donate some time to help you finish this project more quickly. Area quilt shops should be able to tell you how to reach any guilds in your area.