Years ago, I was visiting teaching a newly married gal in my ward, who's mother had just made her this awesome quilt pieced together with tee shirts she had collected over the years. I immediately knew that was something I wanted to do for my kids. So each kid got a new box in their closet labeled "quilt tee shirts". Every time we clean out the dresser, we throw a couple more shirts into the box.
My plan was to make Taylor's quilt as a graduation gift, but since he'll be leaving not too long after graduation to serve his mission, he begged me to get it done now. And NO, we don't have his mission call yet. We are close to getting it all sent in, but we're not there quite yet.
I found a pattern idea on Pinterest, and used it to cut out my squares in varying sizes. I used my queen sized futon to lay them all out and move them around until I was happy with the overall look. Every piece got a numbered label, just in case I got them mixed up.
This is the top all sewn together. Can I just say I would have LOST my mind about 20 minutes into this project without my serger? I LOVE that machine more than I can say! Also not sure how the ugliest shirt in the stack got center stage. Darn you cub scout day camp.
Here's the back. I struggled with what to do.... Taylor wanted soft and cozy, but buying flannel sheets in anything other than white was hard to do. I ended up getting maroon and black flannel and piecing it like this. Thanks Kate for the suggestion. If you know you have to have a seam on the back, you might as well make it look good, right? It was also Kate's idea to quilt it using big stitches and embroidery floss. I ended up buying the thick silvery floss and it looks awesome!
Here's the front after I added the binding. How many episodes of Downton Abbey did it take to get me through all the sewing and quilting? A LOT!
This took me so many hours to complete, but I am so pleased with the results. And, no, he will not be allowed to take this baby on his mission. It will stay here and be safely boxed up awaiting his return!
Two and a half years ago, we got a new Seminary Teacher. Brother Goss was a welcomed relief after a string of teachers who didn't exactly get the job done or connect well with the kids. Half way through the first school year, they received the devastating news that their baby girl, Abigail, had cancer. Her cancer is called Neuroblastoma. It's very rare, and very deadly. When I heard the news, my heart sank. No parent should have to go through such an ordeal.
With all the odds stacked against her, Abigail beat cancer. She spent about a year in remission with no sign of disease. During that time, they were constantly working to make sure the cancer didn't come back. Kids who get Neuroblastoma might be able to beat it once, but they never beat it twice.
On Christmas Day, the Goss' found out that Abigail's cancer is back. Again, we are all heartbroken. Even with the Chemo that began immediately, Abigail isn't expected to live past April. Over the last two years, my kids have grown so close to the Goss family. They skype with Abigail and her siblings on a regulary basis and they genuinely care about her.
In January, we attended a Fun Run for Abigail. It was long in the planning before they knew Abigail was back. The proceeds benefitted several families dealing with pediatric cancer. Brayden and I just happened to cross the finish as Abigail ran across with her daddy. It was the sweetest moment I have ever witnessed and I will always treasure that memory.
Just before the Fun Run, a big group of boys (including Taylor) decided to shave their heads for Abigail. She was sad that she would have to lose all her hair doing chemo again. Just after the Fun Run, a couple of girls from our ward put together this sweet video. If you haven't gotten teary yet, go grab a kleenex now, then hit the play button below.
The thing I love about the Goss' story, is that they are making the conscious decision to "Choose Happiness". Despite this terrible tragedy in the making, they continually inspire us with their faith, love and optimism. We have been so blessed to be a part of this journey and we pray for Abigail every day.
