I
was excited when I was asked to participate in the One Million Pillowcase Blog
Hop. It seemed like such a worthy cause and a wonderful way to share a few of
the fabrics from my upcoming collection Snapshot for FreeSpirit Fabrics.
When
I went to the All People Quilt link http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/millionpillowcases/freepatterns/index.html
I was thrilled to see the many pillow case ideas/patterns that were available
to choose from. I knew I wanted something simple enough to make but with some
feminine detail. Of course I chose Pillowcase #1 because of the girly ruffle on
the casing.
Because
the body of the pillowcase was the largest area I knew that would be the focal
fabric. I immediately gravitated to VM115 Blooming Border Stripe in Blush. It
was the perfect place to feature a stripe.
As with all my collections there is one fabric that is my favorite. In
Snapshot it is VM119 Love Birds in Slipper. This vintage inspired toile is so
lovely and the pink version just makes me want to sew. I knew I wanted to
feature it on the band of the pillowcase. It made the perfect romantic accent.
In an effort to set off the ruffle I chose VM120 Moire in Mint. The combination of the three just screamed
“little girl”.
I
ran my choices by my sons Milo & Nico and they too gave them the thumbs up.
The pattern was quick and easy to follow. As I worked on the project I began to
reflect on something personal. I tried to imagine who might use this
pillowcase. I began to think of a time several years back when my youngest son
was just two years old. He became very ill and was diagnosed with a disease I
had never heard of called Kawasaki.
In
a matter of days we found ourselves admitting him to the hospital for very
serious treatments. It was such a scary time for our family. I remember taking
comfort in the few things that were familiar. His favorite stuffed animal, my
husband’s hand or my mothers reassuring words, that all would be ok. Luckily my
son is healthy and strong today. He is a striving student, athlete and all
around happy child. I am so grateful to all who diagnosed and took care of him.
We were so lucky that our stay in the hospital was less than a week and that in
a matter of months we knew he was healthy and strong.
There
are so many families with children who are diagnosed with illness that is way
graver and requires much longer stays in the hospital. I remember taking comfort in the little
things and decided I would donate my pillowcase to Children’s Hospital in
Oakland, California. As long as I can
remember they have been treating sick children in my area. I hope that this
simple gesture of making a pretty pillowcase can somehow bring a sick child
some comfort or bring a smile in an unsettling time.
I
hope that you will join me, and all of the others who are making pillowcases
for their favorite charities. One small effort can make such a change in the
world and I am honored to be a part of this amazing effort.
Or
to participate in the American Patchwork & Quilting First One Million
Pillowcase Challenge 24 Hour Sew-A-Thon on September 19-20, 2014 go to http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/sewathon.
Join virtually or find a participating shop in your community. BE A PART OF IT!
Verna Mosquera
