And a wonderful Wednesday to you , Sunshine! Welcome!
I am beaming for colorful butterflies are fluttering all about on my finished quilt!
Butterfly Kisses From Heaven is finished!
Butterfly Kisses from Heaven has been a quilt of love, joy, tears and yes at times anger. But I love this quilt! It is a tribute to my dear sister who was taken from our family in 2021.
The first place that I wanted to photograph the quilt was at her home which is a hop, skip and jump down the road from my home in the holler.
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| Butterfly Kisses on Amy's hill behind her house. |
It seems like yesterday, that Amy and I went through this small gate and up the hill.
Dad at the time was baling hay and my sis and I was working on trying to remove a key that was stuck in one of the tractors beside this old barn.
In no time, Amy had disassembled the front panel and was able to get the key dislodged. She was mighty crafty. Soon she hopped on the tractor and was ready to chug on up the hill to help in the hay venture.
I began this quilt in August of 2021 using precut butterflies that I had purchased at the Goodwill.
There are 20 butterfly blocks in this top . The blocks are 15" finished. I used 3" sashing and a 5" border. The quilt top went into the hoop in April of this year and was officially completed November 2nd. I have to admit I shed some tears when I put in the last few stitches.
🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
ADVICE FROM A BUTTERFLY
Let your true colors shine!
Get out of your cocoon.
Take yourself lightly .
Look for the sweetness in life!
Take time to smell the flowers.
And soar!!!
Butterfly Kisses is hand appliqued, embroidered and quilted. The blocks are machine pieced.
Butterfly Kisses measures 79" x 97".
I quilted 1/4" inch around the butterflies and along the seams of the butterfly blocks.
The sashing has a cable design while the border was quilted with a Baptist Fan design.
I did not photograph the backing , but I did write letters to my sister on the back. Each one is a special message or a not of how I feel or what was going on that particular day. We both always liked to keep each other "updated". Lol. (Oh, how I miss her!)
This block reminds me the most of my sister because she liked earth toned colors.
Soon I will begin working on a new butterfly quilt. I have oodles of these butterflies waiting to be put appliqued .
I appreciate all of the kind words of support that you have giving me over the last couple of years as I have worked on this quilt. You really have encouraged and gave me comfort.
Well , Sweet Peas, I better get off here and begin brainstorming on the next quilt. I have fabrics to gather and scraps to cut.
P. S. I hope to catch up on all of the sweet messages and blog posts since I have been away on our camping trip. It may take me awhile. So please forgive me. Hugs.
Have a beautiful day, Sweeties and...
Happy quilting and stitching, y'all
Whisper I love you to a butterfly and it will fly to Heaven to deliver the message.
I am joining these lovely ladies' link parties. I hope you check them out; they always have so many wonderful projects going on and provide the opportunity for other needleworkers to meet.
Susan at Quilt Fabrication for Midweek Makers Wednesday
Jennifer at Inquiring Quilter for Wednesday Wait Loss- Wednesday
Denise at For the Love of Geese for Put Your Foot Down- Thursday
Kelly at My Quilt Infatuation for Needle and Thread Thursday- Thursday
Nina at Creations, Quilts, Art , Whatever by Nina for Off the Wall Friday
Alycia's of Alycia's Quilts for Finished of Not Friday
Michelle at From Bolt to Beauty for Beauty Pageant - Friday
Wendy at Wendy's Quilts for Peacock Party - Friday
Sarah at Confessions of a Fabric Addict for Whoop! Whoop! - Friday
Un grand bravo pour ce joli quilt fait d'amour , avec ces couleurs joyeuses merci pour le partage
ReplyDeleteAaah thank you so much, Aline. It is hard to believe that I have finished this quilt. It is a quilt that I will treasure forever. Hugs.
DeleteDear Melisa, you have moved me with your post today!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to Amy who will smile from heaven seeing those butterflies on your quilt.
There are no coincidences and you finished it on November 2, which in Spain is All Souls' Day, the day of special remembrance for people who have already left.
Hugs
Oh thank you so much, Isabel; This quilt has giving me a lot of comfort to work on these 2 years. I did not know that the 2nd was All Souls' Day that just warms my heart and seems so befitting. Hugs.
DeleteMelisa, I love the tribute to your precious sister with this beautiful butterfly quilt. What a treasure you have in it. It is going to bring you so much comfort every time you touch it. 🤗❤️
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Patti. It is so hard to believe that it is finished. I have it in the living room where I can see it each day right now. Eventually it will go on my bed. I think my sister would love this quilt. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteOh Melisa, the quilt is just beautiful in every way! If heaven has a window, I'm sure Amy was looking down and smiling during your entire butterfly quilt journey. Now wrap yourself in your and your sister's love and enjoy your new butterfly quilt. So special!
ReplyDeleteAah thank you from the bottom of my heart, Penny you brought tears to my eyes. I truly think Amy would love the quilt and I know she would have cherished it as I will now. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteSuch precious bitter sweet memories & a beautiful quilt,I lost my only sister 4 yrs ago ,the quilt will bring you many years of joy
ReplyDeleteIt is a bitter sweet memory and quilt as well, Helen. It was comforting to work on . I am so sorry to hear that you have had to experience the loss and pain of a sister. I know there is a hole in your heart that never mends. Sending you hugs and Blessings. Thank you so much for the kind words.
DeleteSweet post today! I’m so sorry about your sister! I lost my sister too just six months after my husband of 49 years passed just four years ago! The two strongest people in my life. Now I’m the oldest. I live in a hollow too. My children and grandsons have built homes in my hollow. This hollow is certainly full of love! I love your posts, so much inspiration and love for me!
ReplyDeleteOh my, how heartbreaking. I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your dear sister and hubby. If you are like me, it almost seems like time stands still at times and it was only yesterday that your sweet loved ones were here. How fortunate that you are surrounded by your children and grandchildren ; the love of your family makes all the difference in the world doesn't it? I do not know what I would do if it was not for mine. It warms my heart to hear that your family lives right in the holler with you. I am sure y'all draw strength and support from one another. Sending you love , hugs and blessings and wishing you a warm holiday season. Thank you so much for the kind words ; you touched my heart.
DeleteCongrats on the lovely finish. What a great way to remember your sister.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Kate. It is a quilt that I will always treasure. I am feeling a bit lost without butterflies to work on so I will begin a new one. Seeing yours in the works has also brought me much happiness and inspiration. Hugs.
DeleteSuch a beautiful finish - so many treasured memories went into that quilt. And thank YOU for sharing your journey with us, We're honored that you would be so open with us. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAah , Donna your kindness means to much to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I feel fortunate that everyone has been so kind as I work my way through this. It was quite a shock and still is. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteThis quilt is a wonderful tribute to Amy. You two had a special relationship and it still continues. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much , Gretchen. We sure did; I still feel like she is with me and talk to her daily. I feel is though she is smiling down on me and would cherish the quilt. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous quilt and a beautiful tribute to your sister.
ReplyDeleteAah, Jennifer, your kind words means so much to me; thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is a quilt that will be cherished . Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteOOOH!!! Genial!! Qué maravilla!!! Y con la historia de tu hermana aún es más entrañable y llega al corazón.
ReplyDeleteBesos,
Pilarín
Oh thank you so much, Pilarin. My sister was a vibrant young lady; I miss her more and more each day. The quilt has been a great comfort and will be for years to come. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteYour Butterfly Kisses quilt is a beauty, Melisa. What a treasure you have created in Amy's memory!
ReplyDeleteAah thank you so much, Robin. It has been a comfort to work on this quilt. It is hard for me to believe that it is finished, but I look forward to wrapping up in it and thinking of her. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteButterfly Kisses is a beautiful finish, Melisa, and holds many lovely memories of your dear sister. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you can wrap yourself up in it and feel her hugging you! ❤️
ReplyDeleteAah thank you from the bottom of my heart, Diann. It is a quilt that I will treasure forever and even as I worked on it, I could feel her love. I do look forward to wrapping up and remembering all of our grand adventures. She was and is a jewel. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteBravo pour cette magnifique courtepointe papillon et un bel hommage à ta soeur .
ReplyDeleteAah you are so very kind, Monique. Thank you so much. It is a quilt of comfort, joy and tears and I love every inch of it - just like my sis. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteVery sweet finish, Melisa! It shows sweet memories, thoughts and hugs from your dear sister.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Nancy. It is hard to believe it has been 2 years and this quilt has given me comfort. I will cherish it forever. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteIt's such a beautiful quilt in memory of your lovely sister. Tears or not, it must have been very comforting as you continued to work on it, with your love, loss and remembrance in every stitch.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jenny it was very comforting to work on this quilt especially when I started the hand quilting. I could just feel her right here with me. Thank you so much for the warm words. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to honor your sister. I understand your loss, I too lost my only sister in 2021! Love your message from a butterfly!
ReplyDeleteOh , Judy. I am so very sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart to hear that you have experienced the same pain of losing a sibling. 2021 was when I lost mine and it is still not easy. There is a hole in your heart isn't there? Sending you a warm hug and many blesssings.
DeleteI certainly understand the mixed emotions you had while finishing up the butterfly quilt. It's a beauty and I know you will cherish it.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Susie. You are so right; there were mixed emotions, highs and lows , but I will always cherish this quilt. I look at it daily and think of her. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteWhat a lovely memory of your sister, captured in a quilt. So sweet and gorgeous. So sorry for your loss. I know what it's like to lose a sister, especially one as close as yours. Thanks for sharing on my weekly show and tell, Wednesday Wait Loss.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.inquiringquilter.com/questions/2023/11/15/wednesday-wait-loss-354
Oh thank you so much, Jennifer; it was a comfort to work on this quilt these last few months. I am so sorry to hear that you have lost a sibling as well; it is a pain in your heart that never goes away isn't it? Sending hugs and Blessings.
DeleteHugs. So touching. Love to read your beautiful posts.
ReplyDeleteAah your are so sweet , dear . Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Have a blessed day. Hugs
DeleteWhat a special backing for an extra special quilt. I teared up reading about how the two of you would visit and I laughed about her removing a stuck key from a tractor.--TerryK(OnGoingProjects)
ReplyDeleteI loved writing messages to my sis on the back of the quilt , Terry. I would see her just about every day. She was a hoot and was always up for adventures ; she never let grass grow under her feet that is for sure. I miss her so. Thank you so much for the warm compliment. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteOh, Happy Day! Now you can wrap yourself up in this quilt and know that Amy is looking down and smiling on you. I loved hearing about the messages you've written on the back.
ReplyDeleteI am doing just that, Ginny; this quilt is bringing me so much comfort and I know Amy would love it. I already have cut out fabric to begin a new quilt for her. Thank you so much, Ginny. Hugs.
DeleteLovely way to keep Amy in your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Cathy. This quilt is giving me a lot of comfort and brings back so many memories. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
DeleteDear sweet Melissa,
ReplyDeleteDid you know that a group of butterflies is called a Kaleidoscope? You have stitched your love, griefs and lots of memories into this Kaleidoscope of butterflies for your dear sister. In the long run I hope it gives you peace.
Oh I did not know that but it is so befitting. Butterflies take on a whole new meaning to me now. This quilt will always hold a special place in my heart and yes bring me comfort. Thank you for the sweet visit and warm words, dear. Your kindness means the world. Hugs.
DeleteOh Melisa, this is such a wonderful tribute to Amy. I know much love went into each stitch along with those tears and memories you shared. I love that you wrote notes to her on the back. I know you will enjoy this treasure for years to come! Hugs, my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Brenda . It has been a labor of love and grief, but I treasure this quilt and all of the memories wrapped up in it. It has brought me comfort. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteSuch a wonderful tribute to your sister, Amy. This will be such a special quilt forever with notes on the backing. The butterflies are very appropriate for this beautiful quilt.
ReplyDeleteOh Judy, you are so very kind; thank you so much not only for your sweet visit , but warm compliment. This is a quilt that has brought me comfort and is filled with memories. Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs and Blessings.
DeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your sister and a beautiful butterfly quilt. Ironically, I have a similar story that I posted and another butterfly quilt!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Dawn. It is a quilt that I will always treasure and has brought me great comfort. The quilt that you made for your friends niece is gorgeous. I just love the butterfly pattern that you used. Have a blessed day.
DeleteA beautiful tribute. I could see in your words the love and bond you shared. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope making this quilt brought you some solace.
ReplyDelete-Soma
Aah you are so very kind, Soma. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My sister and I were very close. I felt much comfort in creating this quilt and will cherish it forever. Have a blessed day .
DeleteA beautiful quilt with a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Michelle. It is a quilt that I wish I didn't have to make , but it was a comfort during this time. Have a blessed week.
DeleteSuch a beautiful quilt - and wow - your story behind it is so amazing. I hope it brought and continues to bring you lots of comfort - that has to be so hard losing someone so close to you.
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much, Alycia. It has been a great comfort especially adding the letters to my sister on the back. I will cherish this quilt forever. Hugs.
DeleteOh Melisa - what an absolutely wonderful quilt you have made in memory of your dear sister. Of course it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAaah thank you so much, Peg. It is a quilt of great comfort and love - a quilt that I wish I didn't have to make, but a treasure nonetheless. Hugs.
DeleteSorry - I didn’t mean to publish my comment as Anonymous. Regards - Peg
ReplyDelete