At last I can tell you all about the elusive Project 51!!
I'm in a group of 12 ladies called the Brit Bee. We were born out of the flickr group Brit Quilt, and were the first 12 people to sign up in April. Starting out as a group of strangers we have got to know each other well and have lots of giggles and laughs each month as we try to make blocks for each other.
Sadly, a few months ago, one of our members experienced a very stressful time in her life, culminating in a diagnosis which no-one ever wants to hear.
Being the scheming, conniving group that we are (!!), the rest of us decided to make our friend (let's call her 'T') a secret quilt, in some of her favourite colours, to let her know how much we are thinking of her at this time.
After months of planning, piecing, sniggering and quilting, yesterday T received her quilt! I don't think there was a dry eye anywhere near where the 12 of us are!
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| That is a king-size bed! The design is based on Moda's Starry Eyed Quilt. |
T has been through the mill. She came home yesterday from a hospital appointment to find our parcel waiting for her to open! Talk about perfect timing!
The flickr discussion threads have been full of 'virtual' tears, laughter and more than one rude 'cupcake' joke! But the most important thing is that T loved her quilt and it brought her a wee bit of comfort and some quilty hugs from far away friends.
I am in awe of T's strength, courage and humour in what has been a hellish few months for her & her family. She has an amazing outlook on life and gutsy determination to take on this illness and fight it. It has been a privilege to be part of this Project and indeed the Brit Bee group - what an amazing group of caring & talented people.
A special thank-you goes to Laura-Jane (our Brit Bee mama) for organising us so well, for piecing all our Project 51 blocks together, and to Trudi, for the amazing quilt back she pieced, quilting on her long-arm, and binding and posting this huge quilt off to T. You are 2 in a million!!
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| The back, with all our individual messages & well wishes to T. |
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| Close up of Trudi's wonderful quilting. |
Finally, the lovely Laura is hosting a blogiversary giveaway today. Hop on over for your chance to win some beautiful fabrics.
And I'll have my v.own giveaway here v.soon!
Oh, what a wonderful quilt and such a fantastic idea - you are all amazing!! I hope T gains comfort from being wrapped in your love at such an awful time...she's in my thoughts x
ReplyDeleteWell done us and in particular you Terri for excellent quilting.
ReplyDeleteI had been seeing stuff about this project all over the place for some time but not being in the inner circle that is brit bee I had no idea what it was all about. What a lovely thing to do!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely gift :)
ReplyDeleteOh, what a wonderful gift for your friend!! You guys are great. I'm sure she loved it-- what a thoughtful surprise. It looks beautiful. I'm so glad to now know the elusive secret behind Project 51. Great job!!
ReplyDeleteNow you've made me cry again xxxx
ReplyDeleteWhat Judith and Flying blind said...
ReplyDeleteAww, what a lovely thought, and so beautifully executed. I hope it see her through this with flying colours
ReplyDeleteI was seeing these wonderful blocks appear, the final quilt is beautiful! What a wonderful quilt to send to a friend in who is in need, it will bring many smiles and much comfort.
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes again after reading your lovely post Judith x
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful quilt, made with love - well done all of you, you really pulled it off.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear the story behind project 51! So sorry to hear that T is having such a rotten time. I've no doubt you will all have lifted her spirits with this beautiful quilt!
ReplyDeleteBautiful post Judith :) x
ReplyDeleteA truly AMAZING quilt. I have watched lots of sneak peeks around the various blogs and knew it was gonna be good, but this is flippin fabuloso!!! So sorry for the circumstances that inspired this quilt, but I hope it is a great big blessing to T in her time of need. To all you sneaky Brit Bee-ers - A+!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that T is going such a horrid time. The quilt is such a lovely way of showing how much you care about her.
ReplyDeleteAh, now, that's just beautiful - the quilt and the sentiment and thoughtfulness behind it. Lets just say that if well wishes and positive thoughts have any bearing on ANYTHING, T will be victorious in her battle in no time! xox
ReplyDeleteabsolutely wonderful! What a lovely lovely project ... now T can cosy up under all that love ...
ReplyDeleteWow what a beautiful quilt and such an amazing thoughtful quilt, this online community is amazing isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely group you are! Gorgeous quilt and amazing gift :)
ReplyDeleteWell said. I too am thrilled to be part of this special group. Thanks for revealing P51.
ReplyDeleteOh Judith, pass those tissues again. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. You are the awesomest bunch of friends.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is so very beautiful, ladies! You guys are the best. xx
ReplyDeleteQuilting bloggers prove themselves to be wonderfully generous, thoughtful people time and time again. I'm sure your friend was greatly comforted in more ways than one. I'm sending her my good wishes via your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing project and group of people you are...
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