The story behind... SILENT SYMPHONY

There is always a story behind every quilt. But there is a truly special story behind “Silent Symphony” so... I would love to share it with you.

My beloved mother would be so proud!

Back in 2002, my mum's patchwork group ran the friendship block activity. Everyone chose a "theme" ad then all members of the group made a block to suit each person's theme. For some strange reason my mum decided not to receive a set of blocks but still made one for every other group member.

So, unbeknown to mum, I decided to make her a friendship quilt. It was easy to select the theme -- mum loved classical music and was a gifted "pianist" in her younger days. Amazingly, I found 3 musical prints that combined perfectly, all at the same store!

Over the next few months I began to create this quilt and as things panned out, it becAme a true labour of "love."

In mid-2003 my dear mother was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery and it was found that she had colon cancer. Unfortunately, this was the beginning of the end. Although the tumour was successfully removed, it soon became evident that a secondary cancer had formed in her liver.

The pressure was on --I had to get the quilt made and real "quick!" I was on a mission.

Mum's "passion" for music began as a young child, when at the age of five she learnt to play the piano. She was quite gifted and quickly achieved her grade four certificate. However, she was unable to continue beyond this as her family could not afford to purchase a piano. She would have loved to have been a music teacher and passed on her skills to others.

She later developed a keen interest in classical music and particularly loved the Three Tenors: Carreras, Domingo and Pavarotti. As luck would have it, late in 2003, "Jose Carreras" performed at a concert in Perth. We purchased tickets for mum and dad to attend and mum was so excited. However, as the date drew near, it became obvious that she would not be well enough to attend.

I was so disappointed for mum and wanted to give her some special souvenir of the event. The idea suddenly dawned on me -- I must get Jose's "autograph" -- and it has to be on a piece of fabric that can be included in my quilt. I created a block with his profile and by some miracle I did get his signature - I believe it was one of only two he offered that evening.

So, the quilt was taking shape but much slower than I would have liked.

By mid 2004 the specialists could no longer offer any further treatment and we knew her time was limited. Everyday we prayed for her "healing" but God had more special plans for my mum.

It was mum's 66th birthday in September and by this time I had managed to complete the quilt top. This was my gift to her. She was so surprised and completely "overjoyed." But no sooner had I given it to her when I took it back to get quilted.

There was never going to be time for me to do the quilting myself.

I managed to get it quilted in time to give back to her for Christmas. Dad made a lovely shelf and rail to hang the quilt so mum could see it each day. She told everyone about it and was so proud to show it off to "everyone."

In February this year, mum finally lost her battle with the silent killer. It was so "sad." I miss her so much.

All the ladies in my patchwork group said I must put my quilt in the Quilt West "exhibition." I was a little reluctant at first but then I thought, why not? Mum would be happy to see it on show.

No one was more surprised than me when I received a phone call to say I had "won" a prize. It was an even greater shock when they announced that I been given "first place" - wow! As if this wasn't enough...

... when I went to collect my quilt the ladies told me that my quilt had been voted as the "viewers choice." You couldn't wipe the smile off my face!

I wish mum had been able to see her quilt on display and that I could have told her about the "awards" but I'm sure she's aware and I know...

... she would be so proud!

Thank you to everyone who voted for "Silent Symphony." I'm so pleased you liked the quilt.

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