On topic: Your advice wanted

One of the volunteers at the hospital has just been diagnosed with something dreadful and inoperable. Her doctor gave her 6 to 8 weeks. I want to make a hug quilt for her, with some of the pieces in a solid light-colored fabric for friends and staff to sign. Obviously, time is critical here. I thought I would do a lap-sized Charm Star ( I have lots of 6" charms) in purples, with a solid light turquoise for the points so people can sign with permanent pens on the points. The lady is seriously into semi-precious stones, and turquoise and amethyst are her favorites (she spends two weeks at the Gem Show every year). I *think* I can put it together in a week if I drop everything except work, then leave it in the office for a couple of days for signatures, and machine quilt and border it within the two-week time frame I have set for myself.

Anyone have any faster ideas? I will check the group tomorrow morning and am open to suggestions.

Prayers and good thoughts for this wonderful, sweet woman are deeply appreciated. We understand that nothing can be done and that the end is inevitable; but I hope for a painless end for her, and that she is surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Reply to
Carolyn McCarty
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Carolyn, I have absolutely no ideas, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about the situation.

Reply to
Sandy

Carolyn-

What a sad occasion for a quilt and bless your heart for making this hug quilt. I'm so sorry that your friend is facing this- of course, I'll pray for her.

One thought... what if you prepare the signature fabrics (whatever shapes) with freezer paper on the back and use a water soluble marker to outline the area in which the folks are allowed to write- as in 'inside' the seam lines. Then leave those sitting out at work for signatures while you start the piecing? That way you will be a few days ahead rather than wait for signatures and then start the top? Also, it would be a tad awkward to have the entire top being passed around for the signatures- there would be a chance for it to be damaged or soiled or who knows what. And if she sees it, it might spoil the surprise- if it is a surprise???

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Good idea, Leslie. Your idea won't spoil a surprise as she won't be returning to the office. I've sorted my purple/amethyst charms tonight, and will buy the pale turquoise solid tomorrow. I can cut the 6" squares and mark off the signing area, as you suggested, and leave them at the reception desk for signing by all who want to participate.

Thanks, friend, for the suggestion!

This will not be a fancy or even a durable quilt. We just want Donna to know that we all are holding her in our love and keeping her in our thoughts during this difficult time.

She's in her 90s and has always been more active and has more energy than MSM, or (for that matter) me!

Reply to
Carolyn McCarty

Thanks, Sandy, you are always so responsive!. Thanks for being there.

Volunteers are very special people. It's amazing how someone who may interact with you a few hours a week is so important in your life. I know I was surprised how hard this news hit me, had to run for the restroom for a good cry.

Reply to
Carolyn McCarty

What if you use masking tape around the four sides to mark off the area? I'm assuming ppl wouldn't write on the tape whereas they could go outside the lines with the pen markings. Maybe hold the stack of them together with a BIG safety pin with a lil sign next to it, sign on the empty square and then flip it for the next person...that way they have a better chance of not getting lost.

HTH Butterfly

Reply to
Butterflywings

Another good idea! Thanks so much, Butterfly!

Are you on the ballot yet? I'm voting for you!

Reply to
Carolyn McCarty

If I were closer I would help sew but since I'm not, I'm sending prayers for a peaceful death and healing for those that love her.

Reply to
maryd

You will be so surprised at the cooperation you get from your fellow workers; it sounds like everyone will want to share in such a comforting hug. We didn't have time to do something so grand as a hug for a much loved member of our office group. I simply made an angel outline on plain sheets of paper and invited everyone to sign or decorate an angel as they wanted to. We chained them together and sent her a band of angels to let her know we cared. Some were beautiful, some simply signed, all of them meant a lot. No advice on doing a signature quilt hug from me, I've never tried that - but I do send you a big (((((hug)))) of your own for loving your friend this way. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Not too sure what happened to my Campaign Manager, I didn't get notice that she was jumping ship...but ya never know. Bet she doesn't think she's getting paid enuf. I keep tellin her that 2xs nuttin is still nuttin.....

Butterfly (glad I could help)

Reply to
Butterflywings

Rather than draw the bounderies for the siggies with water soluable pen, why not hand baste with big stitches. Then you only have to pull the bastes out - much quicker than washing, and no risk to the siggies.

Wonderful that you weren't put off by the time constraints

Hugs to your friend and to you.

Reply to
Sally Swindells

I'm in Sandy's boat. I can't offer anything that might make it go faster for you, but I think it's a lovely thing you are doing for this lady. Good on you!

Reply to
Debi Matlack

No ideas, just prayers that her remaining time can be as painless as possible and that she will be surrounded by loved ones.

Reply to
Charlotte Hippen

Carolyn, I don't have any suggestions. I just want to tell you that your friend will be in my prayers and thoughts. Having faced this situation in the past year I can tell you taht nothing prepares you for the absence of a bright light. I am glad you're making her a quilt. Blessings be on your work of love.

Sunny

Reply to
Sunny

Prayers and hugs for you and your friend, Carolyn.

Reply to
Donna in NE La.

Hey, thanks to you all for your support and ideas! I know lots of folks who didn't post are sending good/warm/loving/concerned thoughts.

The turquoise didn't work, so I settled for a cream with tiny purple and violet dots for the signature triangles (purple and cream are the colors of the hospital logo, so that seemed okay and MSM loved the way they go together) I was sorry that the turquoise fabrics I found at the LQS would not work, so went with the cream.

Again, thanks to all for your input and help.

Reply to
Carolyn McCarty

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