This quilt I made two years ago for our soldier son Lucas on his fortieth birthday.
It was meant to celebrate Lucas as well as serving as a memorial for his fraternal twin brother Matthew whom we lost in 2006, one week after their 38th. birthday.
Matthew lived in Hawaii, he was an Ironman and Triathlete, and we miss him every day. It isn't something I will ever "get over", but Matt had such joy in life that we try to honor that as we live with the grief.
Matt loved Hawaii and especially Maui where he and his wife lived. He thought he lived in the closest thing to earthly heaven in this tropical paradise, with his passion for the ocean and swimming.
So I designed this quilt using fabrics I had purchased in HI., appliqueing some beautiful tropical flowers and quilting hibiscus all over in between the photos.
I chose to use many of the twin's birthday pics from over the years, and at the bottom one of the last pics of Matthew and a recent one of Lucas.
I burned out on applique years ago, but I was grateful for all the practice I had when attaching these flowers.
I have made several memory quilts and designing the quilts to fit around the photos is always a challenge- it reminded me of when I wondered what earthly use all that math would ever be to me!
The photos have a narrow red piping and I made a piped binding to finish it off.
Out of all of my quilts this one will always be special.
12 comments:
This quilt is so beautiful and so special. The photos and the fabrics work wonderfully together and the appliqued flowers are just gorgeous-the red on the blue is simply fabulous.
You made a true family heirloom.
Questo quilt è meraviglioso, sarà sempre speciale, un ricordo di famiglia!
Ciao Domenica
I love the fabrics you have used and the way you have incorporated the photos. The quilt looks great and provides a wonderful memory for your family as well.
Ros...It's just beautiful...everything about it. The way you added the flowers is fantastic. I know it was a true labor of love. I'm sure your son will always treasure it. Thanks for sharing it with us. :o)
what a treasure! what a tribute and a wonderful gift all packed in one!
Thanks for sharing this.......
Greetings from France
http://busybeefree.blogspot.com/2010/10/bloctoberfest-and-giveaway.html
Quiltbenaco said ...
This quilt is beautiful, will always be special, a family heirloom!
Hello Sunday
This is a very special quilt! Thank you for sharing the touching story behind this beautiful quilt.
Thanks for the nice comment on my blog and for the link to the quilter's site . I already visited her......many tuto's thanks a lot.
Roslyn you have created a wonderful family treasure.
What a beautiful tribute to both sons. Thank you for sharing this very special quilt.
You know my thoughts are always with you and Walt. Matthew was such a good looking young man and it is such a loss for you and your family...biggest hugs to you all...Khris xxx
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