Thursday 8 October 2009

"Hot and cold; 7 1/2 years"

is my most important piece. It tells the story of being a mom during my daughter’s illness, and was finished on her 19th birthday in 2006. It was the first quilt I ever sent out in the world.



The quilt is made from solid cotton fabrics, with raw edge appliqué and free motion quilting. The background is quilted with the first part of the artist’s statement, written in different coloured threads.


Artist’s statement:
“7 1/2 years ago, at the age of 11, my precious daughter got Anorexia. She hit rock bottom two years later, when she did not even have enough energy to keep up her body temperature, and spent most of her time in a chair, wrapped up in one of her favourite quilts.
At the age of 19, still struggling on and off, she is a brave, smart, strong and independent young woman - a truly genuine person - on her way out in the world. I’m so proud of her!

The orange stripes and figures represent her bright and shining spirit that never has broken, and the fact that she has always been the sunshine of my life. There are 7 ½ figures; one for each year she has been ill. The ½ figure symbolises the fact that she is partly out in the world on her own, and partly at home. The holes in the figures symbolises how fragile she has been, both physically and mentally, in periods. The little red circles represent the constant love and support that always have surrounded her.”


The quilt was a part of the European Quilt Association’s Suitcase exhibition “Hot & Cold”, and travelled through Europe for 3 years. All the quilts were shown together at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, England August 2006, and then distributed (one quilt from each country) in 17 suitcases, one to each country, and then swapped once a year.

After more than 3 years my quilt finally returned home. A file accompanied each quilt where all the places it was shown were noted, even with some nice comments from some countries. My quilt travelled the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Denmark. It even won two awards at exhibitions: a judged show in Scotland, and a visitor’s choice in England.

It also made the cover on The Norwegian Quilt association's magazine, Norsk Quilteblad.



I cried when I made the quilt, and I cried when I finally got it back.

Some quilts are not easy to make.

Want to see the rest of the Bloggers Quilt Festival? Click the button in the sidebar.

126 comments:

  1. What an amazing story your quilt tells, I truly love its honesty and symbolism. I shed a tear for you - when your child struggles or is ill a mother suffer immensely. I am so glad your daughter is strong and brave, I wish her all the best. Thank you so much for sharing your quilt and its story.

    Rita

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  2. oh wow. this quilt is amazing.
    it inspires me to try to make a quilt about things in my life.
    i never saw a quilt that sort of meant something so meaningful.
    thank you for sharing your quilt.

    now i'm going to look at some of your other quilts.
    hooray for the quilt festival (through which i found your blog)!

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  3. This is a truly amazing quilt. You did a beautiful job of explaining your daughters illness. WIth you by her side I am sure her path to recovery will be smoother.

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  4. Your quilt on it's own is a remarkable piece, the story behind it is both heartbreaking and uplifting. I can only wish both you and your daughter the best of good luck for the future.

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  5. The story and the quilt - both beautiful and so moving. I want to go hug my 16 year old daughter after reading it - but she wouldn't appreciate being woken at 6.30 in the morning! I just finished blogging about my own entry to the Quilt Festival - another personal story about mothers and daughters. Quilts are true connectors across generations. I wish your daughter continued healing and strength. She is lucky to have such a mother.

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  6. What an amazing quilt - thanks for sharing both the quilt and your story. Best wishes for your daughter on her journey to recovery.

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  7. What a labor of love. The story is told so beautifully in the quilt and it deserves the recognition it has received.

    Best wishes to you and your daughter.

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  8. What an inspiring story and amazing quilt. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  9. What a beautiful quilt and such a touching story. My heart goes out to you. I'm glad your daughter is doing better. Thank you for sharing this quilt and story with us.

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  10. I cried when I read the artist statement. What a truly wonderful gift of healing for you both. Thank you for putting your love out into the world in this quilt.

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  11. Youe story brought tears to my eyes and I could see the emotion in the quilt even before I read the story. I am glad to hear that your daughter is doing better.
    Happy quilting, Rhondi

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  12. What an amazing quilt with such a touching story! Best wishes to your daughter!

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  13. What a beautiful and touching representation of such a difficult situation. This has brought tears to my eyes and a warm feeling to my heart. Be well.

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  14. Your quilt is beautiful, and made even more beautiful by the story you shared. I suffered with anorexia a few years ago (and still struggle today as we all do), and wish that my own Mother had noticed I was struggling. I am doing much better today, and it is very inspiring to see the strength you had and I'm sure shared with your daughter. I know that she really does appreciate all you did for her and the strength you gave.

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  15. amazing quilt with an amazing story. keep up the good work and i'm glad your daughter has pulled through her illness.

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  16. Wow. What an amazing quilt, and the story to go with it. I can only hope that I make such a beautiful and touching quilt.

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  17. The power of a mother's love should never be underestimated -- what a touching way to express your love.

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  18. Wow, what a powerful quilt and story. You can see the love that was poured into it with every stitch sewn. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. And congrats to your daughter for making it through such a terrible illness.

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  19. Amazing story, and an amazing quilt. Best of love to your daughter.

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  20. I was touched by your story, and moved by the way you translated it into art. A beautiful thing, and congratulations on your honor.

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  21. That is an amazingly powerful quilt. Beautifully done.

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  22. What a marvelous quilt and such an inspiring story.

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  23. Your sense of colour is wonderful. A truly moving quilt... even before it's history is revealed. Congratulations on both your quilted creation and your perserverance and never-ending commitment as a mother.

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  24. How amazing that you not only made the quilt, but have been brave enough to share with the world. It's quite beautiful.

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  25. Quilts with a message or a true meaning are the best kind, even if they are the hardest to make.
    thanks for sharing,
    Margaret
    www.quiltsoflove.blogspot.com

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  26. What a wonderful story! The message is amazing and the quiltsuch a fitting salute to the story it tells.

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  27. Thank you for sharing your inspirational quilt and story.

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  28. Wow!! That's an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it with us. The quilt is amazing. We can see that you put so much into this quilt. Thanks for sharing that with us.

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  29. Your daughters quilt is simply beautiful and such a touching story with it. Thank you for sharing.

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  30. What an incredible quilt to commemorate your daughter's triumph over this disease. Thank you for sharing!

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  31. What a wonderful quilt! Wishing you and your daughter nothing but happiness in the years ahead.

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  32. OMG, you gave me tears reading this! As a mom and nurse I can see how important doing this would have been for you. This is a beautiful quilt and I love the colors, the writing, the symbolism. Thanks to Park City Girl, we are finding inspiration from many others! Love your blog too! Thanks for sharing, Stephanie

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  33. What a powerful quilt! You and your daughter are very brave. Thank you for sharing her journey through that gorgeous powerful quilt.

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  34. This is what quilting is for,,,feeling and loving and supporting and comforting...All of that rolled into one quilt.

    I love this one, you should be proud, both of your daughter, and of yourselt!

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  35. Your quilt and you and your daughter have touched many people...what a journey you have made. May it continue to be a good one for you both. Wishing you and your family all the best in everything you do.

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  36. Oh wow, what an amazing and beautiful story. Touching... I hope your daughter is feeling better. Your quilt is just beautiful, lovely colours and design. My favourite in the festival. x

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  37. This is amazing - the journey of your daughter across that field of colour and text is remarkable. Art is about ourselves. I hope that by sharing you have been able to find strength in the response to your work. My own daughter is almost 11 and I try not to worry about her future every day, but sometimes it is so hard!

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  38. Wow, amazing quilt and a touching story. I'm so glad your daughter is doing better.

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  39. What an incredibly moving story. Your quilt is so lovely and made all the more so by your expression of love for your daughter. You are amazing!

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  40. The way you expressed yourself in this stunning quilt was very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  41. Such a moving story to accompany this beautiful quilt. Amazing.

    I love how you incorporated the artist's statement through quilting. Beautiful

    Thank you for sharing this with us!
    -Jaclyn

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  42. that was a great story, and I cried reading it. My girl is 9. I'm sad that at 11, your daughter began to feel her pain... Well done, mom. a nice little quilt with a whopper of a message

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  43. I agree I was in tears reading this! Thank You for your quilt, for your daughter, for your gifts to the world.

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  44. Such a wonderful quilt! So colorful and fun. It put a smile on my face.

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  45. What a lovely heartfelt work of Art your quilt is. Your story brings tears to my eyes. I will say a prayer for you and your daughter.

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  46. What an amazing quilt and wonderful story. I hope your daughter is doing well.

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  47. Blessing to you and your amazing daughter. She must be amazing to bring out the love and creativity in you to produce this beautiful quilt. I will now look at quilts differently for each must tell a story of something special to the maker.....thank you for opening my eyes!!

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  48. What a source of pride for both you and your daughter to have gotten through what I personally know to be such a difficult illness. A beautiful quilt to represent a beautiful spirit.

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  49. It's so good to see people delving back into storytelling as an art. Congratulations to you & your daughter for turning such a difficult time & illness into something a beautiful & unique piece of art.

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  50. What an amazing quilt and story to go with it. Congratulations on all counts.

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  51. So far I have visited about 70 of these blogs on the festival list... Your quilt and story are the most moving. When I saw it at first I thought, "how fun! I can't wait to read the story" and by the end I was choking back tears. Amazing quilt, Amazing story. Best to you and your brave girl- Vivika

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  52. Your quilt is a wonderful testament to the love of a mother and the beauty and strength of the human spirit. May both of you thrive!

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  53. this is amazing and tells such a personal story. thanks for sharing and it is good to hear that your daughter is doing better now.

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  54. amazing story. thank you for sharing with us.

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  55. Your quilt is wonderful and the story is so touching. My child inspired my quilt too. Please visit if you have time. Best wishes to you and your lovely daughter.

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  56. Wow, what an amazing quilt. Thank you for sharing your story.

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  57. What a beautiful and inspiring quilt of hope and healing. And what a tender story of family love and caring. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.

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  58. So amazing! Love the quilt and the writing.
    Thank you for sharing and my best to your lovely spirited daughter.

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  59. This is a shining example of why I love the bloggers quilter's festival. Thank you for sharing so much. It's a gorgeous quilt and a touching story.
    :Diane

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  60. Wow! As a mother, I can only imagine what emotions you experienced during the making of this quilt! I am in awe. Simply awed!

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  61. Thanks for your sharing your quilt. I am all teary after seeing it. I have 2 young daughters (1 & 4), and the thought of going through something like that seems so hard. What an amazing mom you are. Thank you for taking the time to do that for your daughter.

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  62. beautiful quilt. thank you for sharing your quilt and your story. blessings to both you and your daughter.

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  63. Waht a wonderful quilt and story. Please tell your daughter that I love her and wish her all the best in life

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  64. Your quilt and its story are beautiful. Please tell your daughter that quilters all around the world are reading about how brave she is, how strong she is becoming, and we all wish her the very best. And her mother has created a stunning tribute to her. Hugs to everyone. Vivian in Iowa, USA

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  65. Hi Nina........what an extra-ordinary and wonderful quilt.
    It made me take a second look........I love when that happens.
    Continue to share your work with the world.
    LuAnn in Oregon
    http://luannkessi.blogspot.com/

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  66. I remember the quilt from the magazine, - it made an impression then as it does now. So glad your daughter is doing better.

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  67. Such a beautiful quilt and a tremendous story behind it. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

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  68. What an amazing story! What an amazing quilt. Thanks for sharing.

    Jocelyn

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  69. An amazing tribute to the human spirit...yours and your daughter's. I've worked closely with young women who have eating disorders and can truly appreciate your artistic statement. Congratulations to you and your beautiful daughter! Bless you both. Thank you for sharing.

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  70. What a touching, tender, beautiful tribute to the amazing power of love and the human spirit, but most of all, to your gorgeous daughter.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  71. What a moving quilt. Thank you for picking this one and sharing your story with us. You are a wonderful mother who loves your daughter so much. She is so lucky to have you loving her and rooting for her.

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  72. Wow. I have tears in my eyes. I can't imagine the pain you have gone through trying to help your daughter. I am so happy for you and her that she is doing better.

    I love quilting in that it is therapy when life gets too hard.

    She is blessed with a wonderful mother who loves her very much. I'm sure she already knows that.

    Thank you for sharing your quilt with us.

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  73. I hope your daughter continues to heal. And that you continue to find strength.

    This is an intriguing quilt. I'm especially drawn the to the text as quilting.

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  74. Thank you for sharing your quilt, and your story. Blessings to both you and your daughter.

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  75. What a beautiful quilt! I love how you incorporated your artist' statement into the quilting background - very clever idea. And the story is heart-wrenching - all your little details - may your daughter continue to blossom.

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  76. An amazing story and an amazing quilt!

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  77. What an amazing quilt, and thank you for sharing the story behind it.

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  78. Amazing quilt, amazing Mom and amazing daughter-may she only get stronger with each passing day!

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  79. I love the story of your quilt and the idea of having the figures with holes in it (very sad but lovely).

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  80. Thanks for sharing this wonderful quilt and special story behind the making of it!

    It’s a very special and beautiful quilt.

    I hope you and your daughter are doing fine now.

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  81. Wow!! What an amazing and powerful story. Not only were you brave enough to share your daughter's story, but also so wonderfully creative in communicating that message. I love that you quilted the artist's statement. Beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing your quilt, your story and the meaning behind all the design elements in the quilt.

    Your daughter seems like an amazing person. I wish her all the best.

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  82. Such a difficult quilt to make, but it really tells the story well.

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  83. You have brought tears to my eyes this morning. What a glorious quilt and all that symbolizes. I am glad your daughter is on the path to recovery, but I know it is a long and difficult path. Take each day that you can.

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  84. that is an amazing story and an amazing quilt, congratulations! A big hug for you and your daugther.
    Diana Zamora
    From Costa Rica

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  85. That's an amazing work of art and a testament to your love for your daughter. I wish her well as she continues to heal.

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  86. i am almost speechless. your quilt is amazing. when i first saw it, my jaw dropped. it is so beautiful. then i read on. and i cried. my best to you and your daughter. do let her know of the well wishes sent to her. thank you for sharing your amazing art and heart touching story.

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  87. A niece of mine had the same problem and it was such a joy to be able to see her take control and move on. Your quilt and story brought back heartfelt memories. Thank you for sharing.

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  88. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational quilt and story.

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  89. I am so glad she is doing well. I am very familiar with what you have been going through.

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  90. What a great story I am glad your daughter has come through this.

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  91. This is the most touching quilt I've ever seen in my life. I cried when I read your story. May God richly bless you and your daughter.

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  92. I love this quilt and the story that goes with it...so inspirational and touching. The symbolism on the quilt is very unique.

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  93. Very touching story and a wonderful quilt!

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  94. I love this quilt, I loved it when I first saw it and I loved it even more after I read about it. I too have a daughter who struggles with anorexia it is such a difficult thing for them as well as us as mothers who want nothing more than to help and make it better. I want to send many wonderful thoughts to you and your daughter. Thanks for sharing your quilt and story...

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  95. You have a wonderful way of sharing strong stories from the hart in a way that touches other peoples harts, and you are very brave to do so! Your quilt is lovely, it made a very strong impression the very first time I saw it, and it still does. Thank you for sharing your stories, Nina Lise, you have a very special voice. And best wishes to your young daughter, too!

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  96. what can i say...an amazing quilt. i can feel the love for your daughter...my best to you both.

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  97. What a beautiful story! The quilting on this is stunning!

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  98. quelle belle histoire chargée d'émotion, felicitation

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  99. Beautiful quilt, your story is one of the kind, hope your daughter is better now, lots of emotions when I saw your quilt and read your story, you touched my heart, thanks for share your quilt.
    Ale

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  100. Wow, what a story and what an amazing quilt...God bless you both.

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  101. What an amazing and beautiful story! The quit alone is one that absolutely stole my heart at first glance, but then to read its story...I have to say I still have goose bumps on my arms. Thank you for sharing your story and for sharing this quilt. I'll remember this one in my heart and mind forever. ~ Sarah

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  102. What an incredible story, and what a beautiful quilt. Thanks for sharing.

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  103. The story of this special quilt is touching. I hope she can somehow overcome this illness someday and keep her spirits up.

    I love that you put the words in and the fragile holes in the dress. It is a perfect portrayal of the illness.

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  104. Thank you for sharing such a moving a personal quilt with us! It is beautiful for all that it represents and in all the details. I love the quilted words!

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  105. Love your wonderful quilt and the story behind it emotionally moved me!

    Thank you for sharing.

    geni
    @ Loose Ends

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  106. This is a beautiful quilt telling such a personal story. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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  107. This is such an amazing quilt, really inspiring and just wonderful to look at. Thanks!

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  108. Now this is a quilt with a story! Wow! I'm so touched by your story and the story of your daughter. Thank you for sharing your beautiful quilt and making me see how quilts can be so artistic and also sentimental. :)

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  109. A very touching and beautiful quilt with so much stitched into it.

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  110. what an amazing quilt and the story behind...wow. i love the words that you stitched into the quilt. i hope that your daughter continues to heal. i can't imagine how wonderful it was to get the quilt back.

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  111. I love the quilted words on this quilt. I have 4 kids so I certainly can relate to your mother's heart for your daughter. I'm glad she is growing stronger! Thank you for sharing; may God bless you richly. :)

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  112. Oh my, what a story. It especially touches me right now because I have an ill granddaughter. I do hope your daughter continues to heal.

    The quilt is amazing, both in its beauty and in its meaning.

    I had a quilt that traveled for one year, and was a dedication to my father. I have a little inkling of how you felt while you made it, while it was away, and when you got it back.

    I am going to check out more of your blog.

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  113. Fabulous quilt. My friends 13 year old is battling anorexia too. I enjoyed visiting your blog.

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  114. Your quilt is so meaningful, Nina. Thanks for sharing the story.

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  115. What a beautiful quilt and even more beautiful story; God's blessings on you and your daughter.

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  116. That was a beautiful story and it is a beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing.

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  117. I noticed the quilted words first, then the figures. What a difficult, heartfelt and deeply meaningful journey you and your daughter (and the patient husband) have had these 7 1/2 years. Thank you for sharing your amazing quilt's story.

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  118. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing. What an amazing quilt, journey and woman you are!

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  119. Thank you for sharing that. It's beautiful and your story is an important one to share.

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  120. It is a beautiful quilt. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I wish all the best for you and your daughter.

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