I read something poignant a few weeks ago that I cannot now locate to quote or reference correctly, but it went something like, “By the time you are in your mid-40s, you will have dealt with at least one major health crises (for you, your partner, your parents, or your children) and you will have the ashes of at least one pet.” I suspect it was much more eloquent and also referenced a few more items than that, but those are what seem to have stuck with me. I certainly meet that criteria, and I suspect that a good many of us are carrying heavier burdens than general acquaintances may know anything about. As a corollary, I have also found that my relationships have only become better and deeper; I don’t so much have friends in my life as an ever expanding network of community. I tell my friends I love them and I call them my extended family.
After Susanne Woods, editor of Lucky Spool Media, passed away, a whole network of friends and community came together to help bring a vision that Susanne and Heather Grant (a cancer survivor) had discussed: a book full of useful things for those going through long and hard medical journeys. Along the way, Samarra Khaja was brought on to illustrate the book. Samarra lost her own battle with cancer earlier in April, making this book release even more bittersweet.
The Sewing Guide to Cancer – Heating Pad Cover
I designed two projects for the book: a customizable heating pad cover (the pattern includes instructions for measuring your heating pad and adjusting the sizing of the elements for a custom fit),
The Sewing Guide to Cancer – Hot Water Bottle Cover
and a hot water bottle cover, which also includes sizing customization.
100% of the proceeds from books sales will be donated to Camp Kesem. I just placed an order for The Sewing Guide to Cancer from Lucky Spool, but you can also find it for pre-order on Amazon, or perhaps at your local quilt shop.
I’d sure like to see my local quilt shops put this book on their shelves. So often it’s hard to know how to help someone going through tough medical issues. This book would be a great resource. Thanks for sharing, Yvonne.
It is true that most of us have either had cancer or have someone close to us who has. Thank you for some ways to help show our love for those who have been stricken. Cancer hats are another way to help.
So bittersweet. Nice you were able to contribute to this meaningful project.
I’m a quilter with my cancer in remission. I took my quilts with me to my treatments and passed them out to fellow warriors in need of a hug. This helped me tremendously to support someone else. I also could be contributing and not become a complete burden. I emptied my shelves and never regretted giving them all away. They didn’t do any good locked away in a cupboard.
This book will help quilters with cancer, who are still able to make smaller, simpler projects, to help their fellow patients. Keeping hands busy and minds distracted is so beneficial.
Thank you for your contribution to the book and bringing attention to such a wonderful way to help for both healthy quilters and those that may not be.
What an awesome book. Thanks for sharing about it.
What a wonderful book!
What a wonderful idea for a book. It’s always hard to know what to do to support friends when things get rough.
I loved reading the comments about this post, and about this book. I followed some links to see Samarra’s accounts and it’s sad to lose such a whimsical and talented artist. So many, gone too soon. Like others, I was happy you have a contribution to this, and to the good advice within.
I am so glad to know of this resource and pleased you were able to contribute! I will watch for it in my travels or pick it up when shopping online…it seems a good reference to have on hand when the need does strike.