It is easy to get distracted by the media and the craziness, especially this time of year.
We can forget those important little things. And then someone reminds you…
I was having one of those moments recently. Trying not to doom scroll through the news. Avoiding social media. working through my to-do list that wasn’t dwindling as quickly as I hoped…
Then, I received a DM in Instagram from an unexpected person – my college roommate. I had not heard from her in quite a while, so I was really surprised.
It was a picture with a simple message attached “Love It.”
She was at the International Quilt Show in Houston. And she saw my quilt “11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month“. It was a finalist in the Cherrywood Poppy Challenge. The poppies are made with my 3-D applique technique. And the stitching (which is hard to see in this photo), says “Lest We Forget – Remembrance“.
Her simple message brought so much joy to my day. It is amazing how such a simple thing can make such a difference. But it does. She certainly made my day, especially since the quilt was made with such a heartfelt sentiment.
The quilt was inspired by the poppy we typically see on Veterans Day in the US. In Europe, it is known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day. It marks the end of the fighting in what was called the Great War, or the War to End All Wars. Today, we call it World War I.
Some countries mark that specific date an hour with a moment of silence. People often don a poppy to honor of those who died in the war.
Why poppies? They were reputed to be one of the first flowers to bloom on the graves of the soldiers buried in Flanders Field. This is commemorated in the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Doctor John McCrae.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
What inspires your quilts?
What simple things have brought joy to your day?
What simple thing can you do to bring joy to someone else’s day?
Happy Quilting.
P.S. I received another message from another asking if there was a pattern for the quilt. I have one, but it isn’t published yet. It will be soon. Please watch for it if you are interested.
This made me cry. You are so right on all counts. Thank you!
Heather – Isn’t it amazing how one little flicker of light can brighten your day. It is something we all need to embrace and perpetuate. Keep smiling and shining. Laureen
Wow, your quilt is powerful! How nice of your former roommate to message you. I enjoyed reading the poem again too. More people need to remember that poem and your quilt’s message right now.
Thank you, Carol. It was one of those times when the design came easily and powerfully. Those are my favorite types.
I agree that we all need to take some time for perspective.
In Canada we also refer to Nov 11th as Rememberance Day.All our news media,politicians and most citizens are seen wearing poppies.Poppies are seen on flags,painted on sidewalks
and on the wreaths laid at the cenotaph on Nov 11th.They are also the emblem of the Royal Canadian Legion.Love you pattern
Thank you so much!! It is so important to remember those who gave their all. And the poppies are a beautiful way to do it
Around our Memorial Day, we use a quote “All gave some. Some gave all”
Laureen, what a wonderful quilt. I look forward to the pattern; I’d like to make one for each of my cousins who are veterans, Sadly, the next older generation have all passed on; would have loved to have made these for my uncles and grandfather. You continue to inspire!
Thank you Katie!!