"Walk Beside Me Quilt"
Diane was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer last summer. Diane’s friends wanted to show their love and support, but wanted to make something special and unique specifically for Diane. So 26 of Diane’s friends and family came together to create a "Walk Beside Me Quilt" for her. Here is Diane with her quilt:
Diane’s friends wanted a tangible way to demonstrate their support. The idea came from one of her friends, who had seen a quilt in which each square was created by a different woman. The particular quilt she saw was of dresses and each dress square represented the maker in some way. Diane’s friend presented the idea to others and they decided to make the quilt, but thought that maybe shoes would be a better way to represent the fact that they were all walking together with Diane on this journey (like walking in the Komen Race for the Cure).
They came up with a design for a number of different shoes: everything from flip-flops and clogs to high heels and running shoes. They had eleven patterns in all and asked each women to pick both a shoe pattern and material that reflected her personality.
There were women who made their own squares at home and others who came to a couple of work parties where they could get some help. Because they had a number of women who wanted to participate but didn't sew, some of the other women would show them how to make squares using a fusible fabric binding.
When the quilt pieces came together, the women ended up with a wide variety: everything from leopard print high heels and a heart-covered hiking boot to oilcloth rain boots and pink ballet slippers.
Diane loved the quilt and she was the one who named it the "Walk Beside Me Quilt". She took the quilt with her to every chemotherapy session. To go along with the quilt the women made a small book ...
which goes in a pocket on the back.
Each page of the book has a fabric sample on the front and a note from the person who used that fabric on the back. That way, Diane knows who made each square and each person could write a personal note.
The women who made this quilt created a masterpiece of love and devotion for their friend. Diane knows that no matter where she is in her journey, she will always have someone walking beside her. The “Walk Beside Me Quilt”.
Now through Breast Friends, you can create your own “Walk Beside Me Quilt”. For a donation of $12.99 we will send you the pattern.
If you'd like to make a donation to us through PayPal, please the link below. You do not need to have a PayPal account just use your credit card.
