Chemo quilt for a friend...

A local quilt shop employee was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery and began her chemo treatments this month. The day I found out she was facing this battle, I asked the quilt shop owner to collect 9" blocks with 'any shade of pink' from anyone who wanted to participate. 

Most of the blocks were actually 9" and all of them had pink. I expected there would be variations. :)

I used a butterfly I had leftover from another project. It's actually a vintage butterfly that I added to a new background. It seemed like a fabric and pattern she would like.

Once I collected all the blocks and trimmed/sashed them all to the same size, I set them in an alternating pattern. I wanted blocks that would have space for friends to sign if they wish. It's not a masterpiece, or my best work by far...but I felt like getting to my friend was more urgent than getting it perfect. I think I was right. She loves it. She plans to bring it to her chemo sessions for comfort.

I machine quilted in the ditch and simply followed the block piecing. Each block was different, so each block was quilted differently.

I used a backing that was almost big enough. I added a strip each direction to make it large enough. I wanted to get this done and the quilt shop was not open at 10pm on Saturday night when I decided to quilt it. Funny how that goes... I think it turned out very well and I'm just glad it will be a reminder to her that we are all thinking of her and pulling for her!

Enjoy every stitch!

Diane