One thing in missing him is doing something about it. Writing his story and memories have been on my mind but I still find it too hard to do. I've written in a notebook a lot but it brings me down. I just have to try and balance it all I guess. I've also wanted something tangible of him, just to have him with me always. I have a couple of his hats, shirts and sweatshirts I wear often. I love those.
My mom was able to part with a good amount of his clothing. She said seeing it in the closet made her so sad and she wanted us all to have things. There are 7 of us kids. My brothers each have hats and jackets from my dad. Heather and I also received some of my dad's dress shirts so we could make our own memory quilts. He is from England so it is really neat to have an image that represents him. In his office he had a lot of Union Jack things. We also made him a Union Jack quilt for Father's Day a couple years ago. Here is my progress so far.
The only block in this set that has my dad's shirt is the plaid blue/gray. I couldn't wait to get started so I made two blocks before I had his shirts. The rest of my blocks will contain his shirts.
I laid all his shirts in the middle and on each side I started piling different whites, reds/pinks and blues that coordinated.
This one below, which doesn't contain any of his shirts, is so sweet to me. I ordered a couple of these prints specifically for this project. The crowns (from Sarah Jane's "Let's Pretend" line) were the perfect royal blue and exactly what I wanted in a Union Jack quilt. And the hearts...of course were perfect.
These pictures are all from my phone so some quality is better than others. I really love the white flowers in this block (from Tasha Noel's "Simple Life"). I really like the stripes too except where they meet in the middle. Hopefully that won't bother me in the big picture.
And the block with my daddy.
I quite enjoy making these. They don't make me sad just really happy with each finished block. I have other things going on so I try to sneak in some paper pieceing here and there.
Speaking of which this is a free paper pieced pattern from traceyjay quilts that I found on Craftsy. I searched quite a bit online, different tutorials and patterns to find the exact Union Jack I wanted. I wanted a bigger block (many are much smaller) this is 12 x 18. Also on the diagonal pieces I like where they are thin on one side and thick on the other. Just looks more like the real flag.
Thank you for taking time to stop by the blog today and for reading about me and my dad. :)
19 comments:
I'm so sorry for the pain you are suffering.Your dad sounded like such an awesome guy. What a wonderful way to remember him. This is already going to be the most beautiful memory quilt I've seen - your choice of blocks is awesome and I love how you've integrated his shirt into the block.
So sorry for your loss - my thoughts are with you as you come to terms with this. But what a lovely way to keep your dad's memory alive and with you. This is the true joy and meaning of quilting! And it will be a quilt to treasure down the generations. xCathy
It is wonderful that you have found the perfect way to remember your dad by using his shirts. That quilt will give you great comfort.
This is awesome Megan! I love how you can incorporate his shirts into this. Not only is the Union Jack special, but it's made with a part of him as well. Hang in there girls. Hugs!!
This is awesome Megan! I love how you can incorporate his shirts into this. Not only is the Union Jack special, but it's made with a part of him as well. Hang in there girls. Hugs!!
These are beautiful, and I'm so glad that you're finding a way to work through some of the pain. Quilting can be so good for that. I think of you girls and your family often. I know that it's easy for the rest of the world to move on after a loss when you're still reeling from the pain, and I'm praying for you as you keep walking this road together.
Beautiful and such a bittersweet read!
From someone who is an adult 'orphan'- we never get over missing our parents. But this quilt will be a very special way to hold your father close! The Union Jack pattern is such a strong motif.
The blocks look great! Such a nice way to honor your dad. I think of you girls often and keep you in my prayers. My dad has been gone for 10 years and I still miss him terribly. My heart hurts for y'all and your family.
This is a difficult thing to go through. I have been through it with my father and father-in-law. I like what you are doing with the Union Jacks....very nice!
The blocks are turning out beautifully! What a nice way to remember your dad.
Thank you so much for sharing this very special quilt with us. Your Union Jacks are wonderful, such a lovely way to remember your dad.
Thank you so much for sharing this very special quilt with us. Your Union Jacks are wonderful, such a lovely way to remember your dad.
Thank you so much for sharing this very special quilt with us. Your Union Jacks are wonderful, such a lovely way to remember your dad.
Thank you for sharing this with us! My dad died in November, and I wish I'd thought of doing something like this. I only kept two of his shirts. You have done something very smart and thoughtful!
These beautiful blocks will be a fitting tribute to your father. What a fabulous idea! Love what you have done so far! Praying this project will aid in your healing and help you to remember the good person that he was.
Thank you for sharing this. This is a wonderful way to remember him each piece will help you heal and also bring back many happy memories xx
Such a beautiful way to remember your dad and keep him close. HUgs to you. I hope you read all of these and know you are never alone.
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