A Quilt in Tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness- Share Yours!
To honor my sister and breast cancer awareness, my tribute quilt and decorated bras made an appearance recently.
It started one morning, while writing in my daily journal. I was arguing with my lizard brain - that part of myself that tells me to retreat - no need to take chances or risks. This is a term coined by Seth Godin, author.
I had received a phone call requesting a speech and demo about the Bra Decorating activity I did at my studio in October. I've got the samples, and I’ve done speaking in public before. But speaking in front of a large group? What would I say? How long could I talk? Certainly not for very long.
But challenging myself to go outside of my little realm is GOOD for me. It builds character. It takes courage, yes. But what an opportunity to speak to many women at once about the importance of getting mammograms. So I called and said yes, I will speak, and show my tribute quilt and decorated bras.
This quilt was designed and quilted by my daughter Lauren, in honor of my sister Susan. It was the first quilt I helped make (I stitched some of the applique) and it got me started in my quilting adventures. But even more meaningful, the back of the quilt has hand written messages from family members to tell Susan how much she meant to us. The quilt was presented to my sister the year she passed away.
Then I started dream-thinking. What if, my dreamer said, you collected pictures and stories of what other people made with fiber in tribute to their loved ones? I know there are others out there who have celebrated a survivor through their fiber art. And those who have honored a loved one who has passed away, by making a garment or quilt.
Is it time to share? You bet it is!
So here’s my request to you. If you, or someone you know, have made a garment, quilt, picture or fibery item in tribute to a breast cancer patient, can you please share? Tell us what you have done, what it meant to make it, who received it, and how they are now. You can post pictures of what you've made too. Your fiber tribute can be an inspiration to many others, if you will just step outside your safety zone.
