The huge Christmas Quilt Give Away went great. I didn't get any pictures of the presentations because it was total pandemonium when we opened our gifts at my dad's house on Christmas night. Everyone seemed to like what they got, so that was good.
Oh, and my widowed brother in law? Who I was debating whether or not I should give him a quilt as I wasn't sure he really would know what to do with it? Well. That was the most gratifying presentation of all. He loved what he got. Then he started telling me how my sister who passed away a year and a half ago had a quilt I had made for her on their bed. He said that she loved it and he has continued to arrange it on their bed every day just as she had done. He told me he always positions the quilt just so and that the label I had sewn on one corner was his guide as to how it should lay. He was so sweet. I do not even remember what quilt I had given her that he was talking about! He said, "The green one, you know?" lol I had no idea. Clearly he loved that quilt as well as the one I gave her before she passed away. And the one I gave him for Christmas will be cherished as well.
You guys all overwhelmingly told me he needed a quilt too, and I am so happy I listened to you! I gave him the red and blue medallion quilt made from Minick and Simpson fabrics. He has a red couch it will look great on.
My sister Andrea posted a picture of the quilt I gave her. I am so happy it goes so well with her decor. It even matches her cat.
It truly is better to give than to receive. I was so happy to do this for my family.
Happy New Year everyone!! We are going to have some fun projects in the new year. I am raring to go!
How wonderful! It has been fun to watch you finish up the quilts - glad to hear they were so well received!
Posted by: Jennifer in Indy | December 29, 2016 at 05:46 AM
Isn't it fun to watch people receive a gift you hoped would be appreciated and know they love it!? Great gifts. You really nailed it!
Posted by: Betty | December 29, 2016 at 06:04 AM
As for your brother-in-law I think it is absolutely fabulous that your family means so much to him. The medallion quilt you gave him is stunning.
Your sister's quilt is my favorite among the many you gifted. I hope everyone enjoys their quilt to its fullest potential.
Looking forward to a great new year in 2017.
Posted by: pam hansen | December 29, 2016 at 06:06 AM
What a wonderful story! I know each one of your family members will cherish their quilt for years to come.
Posted by: Panto Pam | December 29, 2016 at 06:09 AM
Sounds like you have a happy heart, Nicole!! A lot of your time and money went into these quilts and I'm glad that they were appreciated. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | December 29, 2016 at 06:43 AM
You have a BIG heart and made so many friends and relatives happy. Don't you love the fact that your family appreciates your passion for quilting? I know I do.
Posted by: Judy Fox | December 29, 2016 at 07:06 AM
That made me cry a bit... He obviously still misses your sister very much. But you helped turn it around for me with the "matches her cat" line. It's always a plus when you can match the cat hair in the house.
Posted by: Jennifer Gwyn | December 29, 2016 at 07:12 AM
Wonderful memories Nicole for you and your family as well. So sweet about your brother in law. YOu are having a very special holiday season this year. may you have a very Happy New Year 2017.
Posted by: Mary Kastner | December 29, 2016 at 07:28 AM
Heart warming and sweet gifts for your family. It hardly gets any better. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Loris Mills | December 29, 2016 at 07:30 AM
Teared up about your brother-in-law following your sister's 'rituals' folding the quilt just so. Now he can arrange the one he was gifted the way it 'goes' on his red couch! And, what is it with pets & quilts?? As you said, the cat & quilt match!!
Posted by: Jan | December 29, 2016 at 07:48 AM
I loved hearing how your family will cherish your quilts. It is surprising how men react to quilts...they see the skill, time, and precision needed to accomplish such an item. I know it did your heart good to give to your family something you made yourself this Christmas and to know they loved your quilts so much. Looking forward to your posts in the New Year!
Posted by: Sharon | December 29, 2016 at 08:56 AM
It's so great to hear that everyone valued your quilts so much! I've learned to only gift handmade items to certain people. I think the reaction of your BIL is such a great story! No need to worry about that quilt being loved and used.
Posted by: Karen | December 29, 2016 at 08:59 AM
I'm so happy to hear that your BIL loves the quilt you gave for christmas it's such a sweet story!
Believe it or not the first thing that sprang to my mind when I saw the second picture was that the quilt matches the cat (lol, but I love cats^^)
I'm wishing you an amazing and fantastic nd beautiful year 2017 and looking forward to read your posts:-)
Posted by: Hildy | December 29, 2016 at 09:54 AM
I'm praying that 2017 isn't going to be as bad as many of us worry it will be. I will be burying myself in sewing, books, and the gym. #wishmeluck
Posted by: ina | December 29, 2016 at 10:55 AM
Sweet!
Big hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | December 29, 2016 at 12:39 PM
What a great story, it made me teary thinking about him rearranging the quilt, it's so sweet. He definitely appreciates quilts, which is nice. Glad to hear you had a nice holiday and can't wait to see what you're up to in 2017. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Anita | December 29, 2016 at 01:11 PM
A wonderful story. Bless him and you.
Posted by: Jeanna | December 29, 2016 at 06:52 PM
So glad to hear your gifs were greatly appreciated. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Laura Valdez | December 30, 2016 at 01:09 PM
I love how this all turned out. Very good. Happy New Year to you all!
Posted by: Taria | December 30, 2016 at 08:10 PM
Oh, touching. Thanks for sharing.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Pamo | December 31, 2016 at 08:19 AM