The Making of Merci La Vie for the American Cancer Society

If you haven’t heard

If you haven’t heard, over the last 6 months we’ve been making a second Merci la Vie quilt at Bunny Hill. Yes, I said a second quilt!  It’s a very special version of Merci la Vie because it’s been hand appliqued by women who have either experienced breast cancer, or had a friend or relative with it.  Every stitch is dedicated to women all over the world.

I’ve had a lot of help from some very special women, and I’ve shipped blocks to be appliqued to Norway, Australia, Utah, Arizona, California and Idaho.  As the blocks have come back with the applique complete, I’ve watched this quilt come together and I realize how special this second quilt is.   The quilt will be donated to The American Cancer Society as soon as it’s quilted.  The American Cancer Society was the place we turned to when we found out my daughter-in-law Diana had breast cancer.  It was also the first place to step in and offer free help with programs and classes to support women who have been diagnosed.

To all the women who helped me with this second quilt I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

From Norway, Asne Kostveit a friend and the owner of the quilt shop Quiltefryd in Norway.   She makes me smile, laugh and I love to be around her.  I only see her when she comes to Quilt Market, and it’s never long enough.

From Idaho, Bonnie Olaveson the amazing Moda designer from Bonnie & Camille.  Not only did she complete a block for this quilt, she coached and encouraged my daughter-in-law Diana, as she went through breast cancer treatments.  For Diana, Bonnie’s friendship, and support was like having someone hold her hand along the way.

From Utah, Jill Finley, the amazing designer who completed her block while finishing up her own breast cancer treatments and surgery.  I love and admire this woman so much!  To my amazement when she returned her block she volunteered to stitch a second block!

All the way from Australia, my friend and fellow designer Rosalie Dekker whose talent and personality brought happiness and sparkle to this quilt.  I’m so honored to have her be a part of making this quilt.  She’s an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

From California/New Zealand, my friend and professional organizer, Sandy Newman who English paper pieced all the hexagon flower blocks in this quilt.  Her delicate stitching brought the hexies to life.

Many other women have joined me in completing this quilt.  Thank you to Kim Stephens for her beautiful work preparing the applique for stitching along with her perfect embroidery.  Thank you to Sue Falkowski and Chickie Ricciardi for their wonderful applique, Nancy Ritter for her perfect “piecing together” and binding of this quilt.

Karolyn “Nubin” Jensen from Arizona will work her quilting magic on this quilt.  She’s won awards with her beautiful quilting and if anyone can make this quilt come to life it’s her.

I’m not sure what The American Cancer Society will do with this quilt, but it’s my wish that it will take on wings bringing hope to everyone who sees it.  It felt so good to be a part of this project!

Much love to all of you,

Anne