Blossom Heart Quilts

Modern quilt teacher and patterns

The Hardest Finish Of my Life

8430373587_9bdbe1c649_z.jpgStar quilting by SewBlossomHeart, on Flickr

For months I have taunted and teased with sneak peeks of the gender neutral quilt I was making for my sister. For months I have been planning and quilting first a pram quilt, and then making my Tea For Two quilt with the plan to give it to my sister should they have a girl. For months I have excitedly looked forward to travelling back to Australia to snuggle with my niece/nephew.

On Monday night we first heard the news that there was no heartbeat at my sister’s 39 week check up. She was induced on Tuesday. On Wednesday, 30th January at 9am Ariella Jade was born, and Heaven gained a sweet, beautiful little princess. On Wednesday night, I finished binding this quilt.

8431691430_97efe11cd0_z.jpg
For Ariella by SewBlossomHeart, on Flickr

My sister has always loved polar bears, and the second I saw Brrr!, I knew I needed to make my sister something from it. Shortly afterwards, I found out she was pregnant, and I bought it for The Baby Quilt. I added in some Sketch and Painter’s Canvas, and Ann Kelle Remix chevron for the binding. It took a few months to make, piecing here or there, trimming, more trimming, playing around with layouts, and procrastinating quilting it as I didn’t know how to quilt it. In the end I went for a mix of red Aurifil on top and white Gutermann in the bobbin, except for the stars which was white for both.

It was going to be a big surprise, but I’m not up for the emotion that would come with that in person so I sent her pictures. She loves it and thinks it’s a very happy quilt.

I will be wrapping this up, and taking it with me as it belongs with my sister and her husband. We leave Saturday night and arrive back home Monday.

I need to thank each and everyone of you who has bought something from my Etsy or Craftsy stores this week. The sale was a last-minute idea to help raise the extra funds needed to change our flights last minute. I have been overwhelmed with the love and support from friends and family in helping this come about. My sister would also like to pass on her thanks and gratitude for your support at this time – she is really glad I’m coming sooner.

I will be deactivating most of my Etsy stock tomorrow as I won’t be here to send anything. As it is, my husband will have to post everything for me next week. But March’s Kawaii Japanese Bundle Club will be still be available for purchase, although shipping will be delayed a week or so as I don’t get back until the 5th of March. Craftsy has automatic downloads, so you can still get all my patterns there.

Talking of patterns, I am also donating 100% of all sales from my Tea For Two pattern in February to my sister and her husband. It is only fitting, given the cover quilt was to be Ariella’s.

Finally, I have scheduled a few posts in for the next few weeks, but my internet access will be sporadic as my accomodation doesn’t have internet. So I will be relying on borrowing from family members when I visit them, and I won’t be able to respond to comments as usual.

Again, thank you.

Comments

  9. MsMidge says

    I am so terribly, terribly sorry for your sister’s and your family’s loss. I’m sure that your quilt will be received gratefully. Much love to you all xx

    Reply

  10. Waverlee says

    Oh Alyce, my heart is just breaking for you all right now. I’m so sorry. I will be praying for your sister and her husband x

    Reply

  12. Mara says

    I am so sorry to hear the sad news, it makes me cry, I was coming over to tell you about Kate Spains Honey, Honey, 40 lbs box giveaway, I wish you a safe trip and keep your sister company because that is the best medicine for her now is family love.

    Reply

  13. Aoife says

    I’m so sorry that you all have to go through this awful time. I’m glad you get to be with your sister sooner. I wish you all the strength and love you need, and I’ll have you all in my thoughts. *hug*

    Reply

  20. Caryn says

    I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of Ariella. Such a beautiful name. Your entire family will be in my prayers as you grieve her passing.

    My best friend’s son passed at two days old. It’s been five years and it’s still hard. I’m so glad that you will be able to be with your sister soon. Being able to be with her in her grief and witness will be so important later on. It’s hard to explain, but she needs someone deeply connected to her, other than her husband, to be there.

    Reply

  25. Books_Bound says

    I’m so sorry to hear this, Alyce. I’m very thankful that you are able to go and be with your sister, and I’m sure that she is too. Ariella Jade is safe and happy, and may God grant peace to her family who grieves for her.

    And the quilt is beautiful–I’m sure it will eventually be a treasured reminder of their baby girl.

    Reply

  26. Wendy says

    Alyce, forget trying to respond to us and don’t worry about posting or anything like that. You need to be with your sister and you need some time to grieve yourself. I’m so sorry to hear about this tragedy, words can’t express the sorrow. My love to you all x

    Reply

  29. Tammy says

    I am so sorry to hear of your familys tragedy this week. I can only imagine the heartache you sister is going through. I pray that God will grant your family peace and acceptance to deal with this and may time erase your fmailys hurting.

    Reply

  31. Sarah Lou says

    Alyce, I’m so sorry to hear your sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The quilt is beautiful and I’m sure it’ll bring comfort in the hard days ahead.
    I hope you don’t mind me recommending an organisation, but a colleague of mine lost her baby in similar circumstances and she found SANDS a godsend, their Aussie branch is here: http://www.sands.org.au/ xx

    Reply

  32. Flying Blind... says

    Alyce I know the pain you are going through, we have been there, helpless, heartbroken and needing to do something, anything to make it a little better.

    I am so pleased you can get back to see them and be with them.

    My heart goes out to your sister and you all xxx

    Reply

  33. Ginette says

    I am so sorry for your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I hope you have a safe trip back home and that your visit can bring some comfort to your sister and her husband, and to you too.

    Reply

  35. Amy DeCesare says

    Sending my prayers for the family of the new angel in heaven. I have been through a similar experience, and my heart still aches each day, but these little ones will never be forgotten. Time will heal.

    Reply

  36. Angela Bullard says

    I cannot even imagine what you and your family must be going through (I’m not an emotional person yet I’m sitting here crying). I hope you have a safe trip and are able to bring at least a little bit of comfort (or distraction maybe?) to your sister and her husband.

    Reply

  37. Crafty Tokyo Mama says

    I am so sorry to read this sad news. My heart and prayers go out to your sister, her husband, and your entire family. Losing a little one is something that tears at your heart forever. Your beautiful quilt is sure to offer her comfort and solace every time she touches it, knowing that Ariella was and is loved.

    Reply

  38. Janice says

    I’m so sorry, Alyce. How terrible for your sister. Have a safe trip. I’m glad you can get to your sister’s earlier and be there for her. The quilt is beautiful.

    Reply

  40. Sarah says

    I’m very sorry to hear this news. How devastating for your sister and brother in law. Also, so sad for you and other family members too. The quilt will be loved and cherished. It is so beautifully bright and cheerful.

    Reply

  42. Betty says

    How casually the question usually is answered whether everything is ok with mum & baby.
    Heartbreaking!
    You put it so well: heaven gained a beautiful princess.
    Wishing you and your family lots of strength!

    Reply

  45. Teresa in Music City says

    I am so sorry to hear about your sweet niece. I recently lost a grandchild the same way, so I know the heartbreak you are all feeling right now. It is good that you are able to go be with your sister and comfort each other. Blessings on you all!

    Reply

  46. Bonnie says

    So very sorry to hear your news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your quilt is beautiful. Glad you can be there for your sister and family. Travel safe.

    Reply

  47. Lucy @ Charm About You says

    Alyce I am so sorry. I send all my love to you, your sister and family. I am thinking of you. Have a safe journey xx

    Reply

  48. Heather says

    This is just heartbreaking… I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. The quilt is just beautiful… prayers for all of you as you go through this difficult time.

    Reply

  49. Sarah Craig says

    Alyce, I’m so sorry to hear your news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I hope your beautiful quilt will be a source of comfort and healing for your sister.

    Reply

  50. Angela says

    My deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wishing you safe travels. I am sure your beautiful quilt will give your sister comfort.

    Reply

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