Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

Debbie’s Quilt

January 10, 2008 By Carole

When my dear friend Debbie was killed last summer she was working on a quilt. No surprise there, as she was just about always working on a quilt. However, this quilt was for her son and Debbie’s husband asked if Sharon, Lois, Wendy and I would finish it. We agreed, knowing it might be painful at times but also knowing that Debbie would have wanted us to do this.

debbies_quilt_1.jpg

Debbie had the center squares all pieced and sewn together so we just had to decide on the border and do the final quilting and binding. Lois really pushed us to get it finished, I think she felt the burden of it the most, maybe because it was “living” at her house.

debbies_quilt_2.jpg

I would have been happy to ignore it for a good long time as facing that quilt was just a little too much like facing my grief. But I was dragged through the process by my friends and now it’s done.

debbies_quilt_3.jpg

If you know any quilt folklore then you know that the red in the center of a log cabin block represents the hearth or the heart of the home. Since Debbie’s death I have realized that she was truly the heart of our little group so it seems fitting that this last quilt is a Log Cabin design.

debbies_quilt_4.jpg

The fabric for the piano keys border came from all of our stashes so this quilt is truly a combination of all of us — our efforts, our fabric, our time and our love.

debbies_quilt_5.jpg

It’s a legacy and an heirloom and completing it is one more act of friendship towards Debbie. I guess it was a gift for all of us, too.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailJelly Roll Quilt Default ThumbnailWant A Quilt? Default ThumbnailSometimes I Quilt Default ThumbnailBrown & Blue Quilt
« Christmas Light Socks
Eye Candy Friday »

Filed Under: Quilting

Comments

  1. Paulette says

    January 10, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    Beautiful quilt–I love Log Cabin quilts! I, too, have helped finish a quilt for a friend who died. The quilt was for her daughter—She loved it! God brought quilting into my life 2 weeks before my Mom died in 2000. My first quilt had been planned for her – and I finished it in her memory (Log Cabin, by the way). Quilting and knitting can be very healing–both were brought into my life at difficult times (knitting when our only child/daughter moved from WI to CO) and I consider quilting & knitting, along with the wonderful friends I’ve made, true gifts from our Heavenly Father.

  2. Romy says

    January 10, 2008 at 2:30 pm

    Thank you for your story, Carole. I finished a project that my mom had been working on before she died — she had asked me to finish a crocheted tablecloth and give it to the intended recipient. I know how hard it is to sit down and really face that project because with it comes facing so much pain. But, just like you, it was so helpful in my healing process and it totally reignited a passion for knitting and crochet that brings me such comfort and closeness to my mom.
    I read your blog everyday but when you write a story like this one — I just need to delurk and make a comment!

  3. Cookie says

    January 10, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    It’s a beautiful quilt, Carole, and a beautiful reminder of Debbie and the bond you all share. I hope you found some comfort in working on and completing that quilt. ♥

  4. Kelly says

    January 10, 2008 at 2:53 pm

    How wonderful that you were all able to finish it even though it was hard and honor your friend. I’m sure this will mean so much to her husband and son.

  5. ~Kristie says

    January 10, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    Thanks for sharing this with us Carole. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been to finish that quilt, but the finished quilt is so beautiful. I’m sure that while you were picking out your fabric, and working to finish something she couldn’t, that she was watching over all of you and smiling.

    That quilt has the best “story” for her family to pass down with the quilt for generation after generation.

  6. DebbieB says

    January 10, 2008 at 4:39 pm

    Just read this, Carole – I cried the whole time. How hard this must have been for you guys. To do it anyway is the measure of your friendship.

  7. Julia says

    January 10, 2008 at 5:22 pm

    It’s beautiful in every way.

  8. Danielle says

    January 10, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    Carole, the quilt is lovely, but the sentiment is even more beautiful. What a tribute not only to your friend but to your friendship.

  9. Hillary says

    January 10, 2008 at 5:46 pm

    I know how hard it must have been working on that quilt and I admire you for doing it. That’s a very special gift.

  10. anne says

    January 10, 2008 at 6:04 pm

    wow, what a beautiful and poignant piece of work . . well done carole (and to your friends too).

  11. Katy says

    January 10, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    It is a beautiful representation of the connections and love she brought to all of you. Perfectly lovely.

  12. Jen Lamb says

    January 10, 2008 at 9:50 pm

    What an absolutley beautiful quilt and rememberance of your dear friend, Debbie. I’m sure that she would be proud of how all of her friends came together to finish such a beautiful piece of work! Well done, ladies!!

  13. Caroline says

    January 10, 2008 at 9:57 pm

    It really is a stunning quilt. I can imagine it was also a difficult time for you working on it, BUT her son will treasure it always, I’m sure.

  14. Alarming Female says

    January 11, 2008 at 12:51 am

    that quilt will absorb many more tears in its lifetime, Carole. I think of a mother’s son wrapped in its warm embrace. What a lovely, loving gesture.

  15. Debi says

    January 11, 2008 at 1:24 am

    A beautiful gesture and a beautiful quilt. I’m sure Debbie is smiling!

  16. Lolly says

    January 11, 2008 at 8:31 am

    A wonderful and beautiful tribute to your dear friend, Carole – thanks for sharing the quilt with us via the blog~

  17. liz K. says

    January 11, 2008 at 9:03 am

    I’ve been thinking about this since you posted it yesterday. It really touched my heart.

  18. margene says

    January 11, 2008 at 10:17 am

    A beautiful quilt…beautiful memory and tribute. Debbie lives on through her friends.

  19. Knitnana says

    January 11, 2008 at 10:51 am

    OH, Carole, what a moving tribute to your friend. I hope you were all able to work thru a bit of your grief as you went.
    You can all be proud of a beautiful work of art. Oh my.
    Bravo, gals!
    (((hugs)))

  20. Teyani says

    January 11, 2008 at 11:40 am

    oh Carole ! what a marvelous tribute to your dear friend. The quilt is so lovely – and your friend Deb must be smiling down on all of you for finishing this treasure for her son.

  21. Lynne says

    January 11, 2008 at 11:50 am

    A fitting tribute and an incredible opportunity for all of you. Blessings.

  22. Linda says

    January 11, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    I’m so glad to know you.

  23. Ann Rose says

    January 11, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    Carole — That quilt is so lovely, and though I know that the design is the treaditional “barn raising” layout, I saw it and thought, “The center diamond is Debbie, radiating such joy in the green tones, and the four sides of green could be Carole, Sharon, Lois and Wendy, surrounding Debbie with their love.” And when you mentioned the piano keys border, using scraps from each of your stashes to finish off what Debbie had started… That’s a lot of friendship, right there.

  24. Julie says

    January 11, 2008 at 5:54 pm

    The quilt is just beautiful. I know how hard this must have been for you. But, I imagine it also made you feel so very close to Debbie again. I’m sure her son will treasure it.

  25. elisa says

    January 11, 2008 at 8:01 pm

    How beautiful, Carole. And what a tribute to Debbie you just helped create.

    xoxo.

  26. paula says

    January 13, 2008 at 10:46 pm

    That is a gorgeous quilt. What a touching act of love and friendship

« Older Comments

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I sw One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I swear we are taking it down tomorrow. Yep. I swear. #turkeydinner #dontjudgeme #mychristmastreeisstillup #saturdaynightathome #saferathome
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday N It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday Night Snacks photo so here we are. Cheese and crackers, salami and grapes and apples, and witty cocktail napkins ... nothing has really changed, friends. #fridaynightsnacks #thosenapkinsthough #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers #happyfriyay #helloweekend
On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #baking On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #bakingwithjackie  #bakingbrownieswithlove
A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to dr A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to drink coffee and read in bed. #rainysaturday #cozyvibes #readinginbed #mudandyarn #christmasbedroom #ignoringmytodolist
Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close now, I think. #amaryllis #amarylliswatch #waitingtobloom #amaryllisvelvetnymph
Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in