Normally, a queen sized quilt can take months to put together. Sara and Ann were hoping to do Cedwyn's quilt in two weeks. That was the initial time frame for getting the quilt made and to Cedwyn once the fabric was in hand. The cloth that she had chosen was ordered last mid-week.
Then, last Friday, it became apparent that the quilt had to be done as quickly as possible. Sara learned that the ordered fabric would not arrive until the 19th. That was too long to wait. Cedwyn needed the quilt, to be able to wrap herself in all of your love and good thoughts - now.
Sara and Ann hit the ground running. On Saturday they were able to purchase wonderful fabric locally. The cloth that spoke to them so much of Cedwyn was brought home, washed, and made color fast. Then the cutting began. Hundreds of fabric squares were cut. Sara transcribed 108 of your wonderful messages onto cloth. Squares began being sewn together.
Anne worked her magic on the curving lines of the center "butterfly garden" square.
Sunday, llbear brought over more supplies and good food so Sara and Anne could keep working.
And that is just what they did. Sara and Anne worked late into the wee hours of the morning stitching all your love and good thoughts together into something far more than cloth and thread.
Today, Sara is making prayer ties linking together the top, the fine wool center, and the butterfly backing. Each tie is a prayer. It is a ritual she does with each quilt. Especially, this quilt. Ann is just as caringly adding the binding and quilting.
Music that Cedwyn loves is accompanying each whispered prayer as thread joins cloth. With each passing moment - love, music, memory, hope, comfort, joy, and strength are being imbued into the quilt.
Because of all of you, because of Sara's and Ann's extraordinary efforts, Cedwyn will have her quilt this Wednesday, instead of weeks from now. She'll be able to read your heart felt messages. She'll be able to enjoy each carefully chosen pattern. The butterflies she loves, the messages from your caring hearts, will cocoon her in warmth and love.
The quilt is already working its' magic. When friends who had driven across seven states to be by her side told Cedwyn that the quilt would be with her this week, she was "excited" and absolutely "thrilled."
What Sara and Ann are accomplishing is nothing short of wondrous.
And none of it would be possible without your generous hearts and caring.
Two amazing Kossacks stepped up to cover the added expenses incurred by the need to purchase fabric twice, and the cost of over night express shipping.
Ann has taken today off from work in order to get quilting done on the "butterfly garden" center and elsewhere on the quilt. Once the prayer ties are completed, Sara will be working through the night to hand sew the binding. The quilt will then be washed, dried, and shipped out to Cedwyn tomorrow.
Instead of Cedwyn having to wait weeks for badly needed beauty and comfort, she will have the quilt in two more days. To say the least, Sara and Ann are working over time getting the quilt done and on its way.
If you would like to give Sara and Ann a "tip" to show your appreciation of what they are creating in such a stunningly short time, here's the link to their donation page for Cedwyn's quilt.
https://www.paypal.com/...
Your support is keeping Sara and Ann company as they stitch away the hours. Together, you are all making magic happen. Together, you are bringing joy, love, and comfort to our Cedwyn.
Friends have flown across the country to spend time with her. Others have driven half way down the East Coast to be by her side. Yesterday, more angels showed up with a Therapy Dog to brighten Cedwyn's day.
You are all angels, blessings of the highest order.
Much love, blessings, and deepest thanks from Sara, Ann, and myself for all that you have done for our light filled, beautiful, butterfly woman. We love you, Cedwyn
Tue Jan 13, 2015 at 6:41 AM PT: Heard from Sara an hour ago. She had just finished the last stitches on the quilt and was sipping some wine while the quilt was being washed. After she hangs the quilt to partially dry, she's getting some much needed sleep. When Ann wakes up she will put the quilt in the dryer. Once dried, it will be packed and shipped out overnight express to Cedwyn. She will have it tomorrow. Thought you'd all appreciate the confirmation.