Sunday, June 6, 2010

I Couldn't Stop!

So I'm finally done. Wow, does this feel good. There have been so many creative and beautiful quilts posted here and I think that held me back, thinking I couldn't make mine look nearly as creative and individual as you all did. But I am very happy with how mine turned out. I took a break and came back to things and this is the final result.
It finished at approx 30 x 42. I want to hand quilt this one, maybe feathered cables up the black bars, I've never hand quilted feathers before so it would be another first....or I might "big stitch".
Background on this project/design:
My husband passed away in Dec 2007, a few months after we moved to a new town. I spent 2008 with lawyers and bankers and creditors trying to settle his estate (no will). Dec 08 came along and I thought I best take care of myself so I did all the dr check ups and everything was great. I'm thinking, 2009 has got to get better, this has got to settle and I have got to move forward. During this year, I was basically paralyzed with fear. Fear to spend a penny, fear that I was going to loose everything, fear that I would have to leave the U.S. (I was initially denied my green card right after my husband passed), fear that I was not going to be able to get up out of bed and go to work and function. 2009 rolls in and in April I found a lump in my breast. Yes, it was cancer, and yes, I had a mammo in Dec 08, so I spent the next 6 months dealing with that. And the estate did settle, in June 2009.
Anyways, people keep using the word "survivor" and I have never felt comfortable with that word. I was surviving when I couldn't function the year before. With cancer the doctors have a plan and you follow along and hope for the best. But I think the word survivor sounds like you are barely getting by. Thriving is how I like to think I am doing. I'm living, I'm thriving, I'm gardening, I'm quilting, I bought a home and I'm doing great. So this quilt has quite a bit of "recovery" in it, I'll treasure it and I THANK everyone for participating and making this a great project.
May you all be "thriving"
Best,
Sharon

18 comments:

Michele said...

What a beautiful quilt! I loved your story too! You are thriving and it is quite evident in your work. Keep it up!

Wendy said...

Outstanding quilt with such a deep meaning!

Brenda said...

thanks for sharing this story. Blessings to you as you continue to thrive.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Congrats on the finish and hugs with all best wishes as you continue to thrive ... thanks for sharing your quilt and your story!

Tonya Ricucci said...

oh, Sharon. So glad you've come though into a lighter happier time. wonderful quilt and I'm so glad you added more letters. congrats.

Cheryl said...

I love your quilt and the story behind it. A truly inspirational story of moving forward and thriving. I like the ideas of some kind of cables going up the bars.

Yvonne said...

I think your quilt is awesome....it sparkles. Thanks for sharing your story.

Sharon said...

Thanks for all the kind words, it's been great to work on this project, those letters can be addicting! I'm sure there will be more in my future quilts.

Sujata Shah said...

Sharon, what a meaningful quilt this is! I am glad you are thriving and hope to see more quilts coming out of your sewing room!

Kathleen C said...

Sharon, Thrive is a wonderful word, and you certainly have thrived and grown and will continue to do so. I admire you so very much. I know that sewing in all its forms can be very therapeutic-hand quilting and hand applique helped me for years- and your quilt is wonderful.
Take care,
kathleen

Heidi said...

What a joyous quilt and a beauty, too.
Keep on thriving :-)
Best wishes
Heidi

Anonymous said...

What a great word "thrive" is. I love the bright stars with black. Cables quilted in the black will be great. Your quilt and story are inspiring.

~Erin

Ati said...

Your quilt looks beautiful! You are a very brave and strong women! I wish you all the best!

Kim said...

You go girl!
You came out the other side a stronger person. I don't know how you did it and the thought of having to go through what you have... it is just terrifying.
So pleased you found some comfort in the project and continue to be strong and "thrive"! You are an inspiration! I do hope you continue to enjoy good health and happiness.

Happy Sewing

Sharon said...

Oh wow, your quilt is just awesome! And your story is so inspiring. I think "Thrive" is a great word for this quilt and for you. I can't imagine what you've gone through, and the strength it took.

This quilt, with it's bright cheerful colors and strong stars, and the perfect word, is a wonderful statement for you to make. May you continue to thrive, both health-wise and creatively.

Kathy said...

Continue to thrive!!!! I am sending this to my mom, another thriver!

Ann Champion said...

Wonderful quilt! You've done so much more than survive..thrive just fits? :) Well done!

Rosalyn Manesse said...

What a great quilt! And you have overcome so many troubles and not only that--you are thriving. What an inspiration