Deadlines

Some of my deadline are client-driven. But many of them are self-imposed. This Jinny Beyer table runner was something I wanted to have finished by Wednesday, but life intervened when my mom was hospitalized for two days. So now, thanks to the onset of a cold and skipping a workout, this table runner is now on our dining room table and I can move on to the red scrap project I started at the Chicago Modern Quilt Guild retreat. And the new purse kit that just came. And the Drunkard's Path I started at the retreat. And the pile of batiks that are just begging to be used. And - well, you get the idea. And if it's March, that means June graduations are not far behind. There are 3 t-shirt/jersey quilts in the works which have real deadlines.

The final deadline for Christopher - his quilt from Bradley's shirts - has been met, and he's coming over tomorrow to pick it up. I'll be sad to say goodbye to Chris - he's been great to work for. He's a great guy who has been instrumental in helping himself and his family grieve Bradley's death.

A Morning with the Three LeGrand Brothers

Christopher LeGrand was in the studio this morning. The pillow he commissioned from Bradley's shirts for his brother Michael is ready, and Chris is putting in the mail to Mike in Texas. This pillow - 12" x 16" - is made from the cuffs of Bradley's shirts. The back of the pillow is one of the shirt backs. And there is one of Bradley's trademark Fleur-de-lis buttons in the center of the front. The words on the back on this pillow are the same as the ones on the back of sister Linda and Mr. and Mrs. LeGrand's quilts.

Chris worked on the layout of his own quilt - I had already cut the 9.5" squares from the shirts he brought over last week.  This final layout took us two hours and is one we are both at peace with.  It's not easy figuring out what isn't right, but we both knew this layout is the one.  We also know there is going to be a narrow inner border of black from one of Brad's shirts that has an interesting black-on-black design.  The outer border is one I need to shop for - a very dark navy/black fabric, perhaps a batik.  I'll go to quiltfabric.com in Willowbrook to find what I need.

Bradley's birthday was this past week.  He would have been 45.  It was a difficult week for his parents and for Christopher, Linda, and Mike.  And every future February 9 will be difficult as well, I expect.  But after these moments of intense grief, there are also moments of peace. 

Today in the studio with Chris, Mike, and Brad was one of those peaceful moments. 

Christmas in Missouri with the LeGrand Family

This Christmas Christopher LeGrand will be making the drive to his family home in Missouri by himself. Normally, his brother Bradley would go with him. But Bradley passed away August 30. Because Chris lives in the Chicago area where Bradley lived, Chris has had to deal with many of the details of Bradley's death. As painful as attending to all these details has been, this means that Chris has had a headstart with his grief. This first Christmas without Bradley is going to be difficult. Grief will be strong, and emotions will be on display. These quilts and pillow made from Bradley's clothing commissioned by Christopher will be a part of the family's Christmas celebration.

This quilt is for Bradley's mom, Mary Francis.  Notice the pockets in the upper right corner - there are three of them.  In the center of the quilt there's lovely Fleur de Lis button that was at the neck of one of the shirts.
67" x 76"

Bradley's sister Linda is getting this quilt.  While similar to the one above, it is overall a bit lighter.  It does have that same fancy button right in the middle block.
67" x 76"

Both quilts were quilted in a similar fashion, creating an almost plaid effect on the back.  While we all know these quilts were made from Bradley's shirts, Chris wanted words on the back of the quilt.  I'm sorry my date stamp interferes. They simply say "Always with you.  Bradley C. LeGrand."

This pillow is for Bradley's Aunt Jane.  They shared a special bond, including one involving the grief over the loss of their life partners.  It is made from all the cuffs of the shirts used in the above quilts.

Christopher may have a head start on his grief by organizing this project from Bradley's clothing, but his pain is just as acute as everyone else's in the LeGrand family.   However, he has identified an important path for his and his family's grief. They will mourn Bradley's death. And then they can begin to celebrate his life.