Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Circle of Friends: Such a Wonderful Surprise

Every day I appreciate my quilty friends.  You guys inspire me, give me a laugh, put life in perspective and remind me how real and touching friendship is, no matter how close or far you live from one another.  Monday afternoon, though, that friendship came into my home in a very real way.  And I broke down and cried in the kitchen. 

Let me (with great humility) show you the most gorgeous quilt that has entered this house: Circle of Friends.  


Goodness I wish I had prettier, more inspired photos to show you.  I was just running around like a loon trying to snap photos before the rain started and/or the sun set! 

This quilt was made for my partner and I by a lovely group of ladies separated by miles and miles (in Ireland, England, Morocco, N. Ireland, Scotland, Australia/NZ, Canada and the USA), but who support one another in any way we can.  I am so grateful to call these ladies my friends: Annabella, Emily, Hadley, Helen, Judith, Lucy, Nicky, Kat, Leanne, Rhonda, Sarah, Sarah and Susan.  We met one another through blogs, swaps and bees but over years became very real life friends.  Many of us have met in person, many of us have not.  That does not in any way diminish the bond we all share.   


You see, my partner and I have been through quite a difficult spring due to illness.  Each day we heal and take one step closer to re-gaining what was our normal life.  This circle of friends popped in/out with well wishes, giggles in the evenings when the house was quiet, and sanity checks when I was pretty sure I was loosing it.  All the while, they were secretly stitching away.  Who knew?

I can nearly mentally assign each block to each buddy with their fabrics shining through.  They were stitched together with love, then quilted in an amazing, symbolic spiral pattern.  The back is an adorable heart print with the biggest (most fantastic) quilt label I have ever seen!




I so wish I had a better photo for the siggy block/label.  Susan (in general) has a way more beautiful, more complete post here you can read.  I'm still scattered and a-buzz with emotion trying to put this post together. Her post is way more coherent.

They even thought to make a gorgeous cushion cover of coordinating blocks in a matching quilted spiral.  Perfect!  It has a super green cord back.  I'd love a skirt in this fabric!  This is going to look so amazing on the couch and I'll think of you guys each and every time I walk into the living room.


Honestly it's prettier in person.  I should have ironed it before taking photos.  Sorry, guys!


Let me tell you, though, of Brian's impression when seeing this quilt.  I had about 30 minutes to mentally digest its arrival and meaning, then I ran outside (ripped the laundry from the line) and popped the quilt up to take photos before the big rain drops came.  Brian came home during the photo shoot and our conversation when something like this:

Me: Come on over here and let me show you something.
Brian: Sure.  Ooo.  That's pretty!
Me:  Amazing, huh?  It's a gift.
Brian: That's way to nice to give away.  You should keep it.
Me: Um...no.  It's a gift from my friends to us.  A little love after our spring.
Brian: Seriously?  Look at the little pieces.  Wait.  Is this all quilted in one continuous spiral?  Holy (bleep-'n) frijole!

He loves it.  I love it.  And we both thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  xx (with kisses and more tears...the good kind)




50 comments:

Nicky said...

Aw big hugs and there is a bit of moisture in my oculars too!

Strawberry Patch said...

Now my children want to know why mummy is crying! It was a huge pleasure to sew it and an honour to call you my friend. Real life hug in 3 weeks!

Diane-crewe said...

beautiful.. and so much love is stitched into it x

Charlotte said...

awwwwww!!!!!

Tomomi McElwee said...

That's absolutely beautiful quilt! You are so lucky to have great friends!

Betty said...

snif, heartwarming!!, snif
and a lovely quilt too
This'll give you both a lift, lots of plusses, anything positive!

cheeky monkey said...

I am sorry to hear spring was so hard for you. This quilt is stunning. what a great surprise and wonderful friends. amazing

Indianna said...

Wonderful friends to make such a thoughtful design too.

Susan said...

I am sad to hear that your Spring was a sad one...the quilt will go some way to bring brightness to your Summer... and beyond!

memmens said...

One stunning quilt and lots of lovely friends, I'm sure they will all go a long way in the healing process. xxxx

Fran said...

Wrap yourselves up in it and enjoy! It's beautiful.

Canadian Abroad said...

Oi, don't make me cry - again! So pleased you and B love it. Glad to bring a smile to your faces.

Rosy Sews said...

That is so amazing - you have a really lovely group of friends.

Laura said...

wow... what a gorgeous quilt - and to be given it! fantastic :)

Sarah said...

glad to have been able to join in, love x

Lynz said...

Aaw, bless them! And I hope your summer is better than your spring.

prsd4tim2 said...

What a lovely gift. It is gorgeous. I hope that you both heal and are back to normal in no time. All the best.

Lucy | Charm About You said...

I'm joining in with the teary eyes! So pleased you both like it and he's right Susan did a fantastic job on the quilting!

Unknown said...

I've usually found in my long and varied journeys, that it's only the truly good, best people that get to make the truly good and best friends. May your tricky Spring be behind you, and may this stunning quilt be the first of the many joys you surely deserve. xx

Tina Short said...

A beautiful gift from some true friends indeed. You must be very special people to generate such love.Hope things start improving for you. x

kathy said...

Sweet

Molli Sparkles said...

This is so very #mollisparklesapproved. Thank you for sharing this special story with us!

Leanne said...

I am so glad you like it, it was so nice to be able to be part of the group doing this for both of you.

needle and nest said...

Goodness, what a beautiful quilt. What a very blessed friend you are to have such a generous and thoughtful group of friends. xoxo

CapitolaQuilter said...

Wishing you all the best in the new season. Your quilt is so wonderful as are your circle of friends.

www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com said...

I don't know what you have been going through, but I know almost all the ladies behind the scenes on this quilt and you are blessed to be in their circle of friends. I hope things have gotten better and good health will soon be restored to your home

sew.darn.quilt said...

This gift is absolutely spectacular and your friends are amazing. I hope things are looking brighter for you both :)

Jan said...

Quilting friends surely are the best. I love the quilt, and totally agree with Brians comments.

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hi Cindy! I'm sorry to hear you have had difficult spring and I do hope you both are well now! You have amazing friends - that quilt is adorable! Hugs! x Teje

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Just thinking 'Lloyd Christmas in Dumb & Dumber' - Be strong, sniff xxxx

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs said...

So glad you and B love it xxxx

Vicki said...

I would say that that is the ultimate GROUP HUG!! Bless you guys.

Ella said...

So beautiful! May your summer be filled with lots of love and good health...

Agnes Warren said...

Absolutely gorgeous Cindy. I hope that Summer brings with it all you wish for. I have no doubt that every time you look at that quilt it will bring a smile to your face. What a wonderful gift..

Judy said...

What a really neat quilt and how nice to have such a supportive group of quilters who care about you. Aren't quilters grand? They really are the best people in the world as far as caring for others.
I hope this finds both of you feeling better.
Judy

Sarah said...

It's a beautiful quilt Cindy and an overwhelming gift. You are lucky to have such good friends. I didn't realise you both had been unwell recently. Of course, it's not something that you would put in a blog. I hope you are both recovered and well now?

Rhonda the Rambler said...

CRAPP!!!! Now I am crying! Was this necessary?

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

It's a beautiful quilt full of friendship and love for two beautiful people that we adore xxx

Sheila said...

Wonderful act of friendship. Wish you both well.x

Katy Cameron said...

Gorgeous gift from fabulous friends :o) Hope it wraps you both suitably in love

Elita@Busy Needle Quilting said...

Sniff, sniff, that's beautiful!! Hope summer is looking up for you two. xx

Annabella said...

Aww Cindy, I just saw this post (one of a hnadful I have read in the last month)...it was such an honour to be part of this quilt and so pleased you and B love it. The convo made me smile :) BTW, I just watched your FSQ video and think you were amazing!! Do I detect a slight Irish twang to your accent?!

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Just so lovely in every way...

NANA said...

does anyone have a pattern for this, would love to make it for a wedding signature quilt. chevymom53@hotmail.com

Heidi said...

Did you find a pattern? I would love to make this for my daughter who is getting married.

Janeth said...

The pattern is here:
http://toefeather.blogspot.com/2011/01/circle-of-squares-block-information.html?m=1

Debbie said...

It is true friends that people feel better in times of need . Such a sentimental gift is a treasure for life . Lay under the quilt each day and feel your friends giving you a hug.

Kris said...

Beautiful, what a treasure!your trunk is full of wonderful friends!

Kris said...

Beautiful, what a treasure!your trunk is full of wonderful friends!

solavad29@gmail.com said...

I just saw this quilt on Pinterest. It is beautiful- I've got to make me one😃

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