Good Karma Giveaway

I'm aware that I've not been talking very much on the blog of late - which is something I used to do a lot of! I often felt in the past I was revealing a bit too much personal stuff.  There's been no conscious effort to reveal less - I think I've just been 100 miles per hour of late and so blog posts have been kept brief.

And, to be honest, I'm in a really good place at the moment and I know that I tend to talk about emotions more when I'm feeling low - which maybe isn't so great for you reading it! 

But it is nice to talk about stuff when I'm on an up.  (Not a manic up you understand - just normal up!) Considering how dark a place I was in a few months ago, it's a really lovely place to be.  I'm feeling really positive about lots of things, even work - despite the fact that I'm looking at changing jobs and altering the area I work in slightly (work's been unhappy for quite a while) I feel really positive about it. It's feels like a good thing and something exciting that I can handle - whereas a few months ago it felt depressing and scary and like I was trapped.

Another area I'm feeling good about is the baby making.  I was sooooo obsessed with getting pregnant for so long and I'm feeling a lot more relaxed about the whole business now.  It was all encompassing before - it was all I could think about a lot of the time - which, of course, isn't the optimum state to be in to conceive!  But it was like I had very little control over my feelings and of course, when I did get pregnant and it didn't end well, it understandably knocked me for six.

And it's been a bit of a journey back but I'm feeling stronger than I have done in a long, long time. I feel positive and happy and really, really grateful for what I have already.  And what I've got is pretty fantastic.  I've a lovely son who is the bright, intelligent, sweet and fantastic company.  I've a gorgeous husband who loves me, to quote Bridgette Jones 'just the way I am.'  I've great friends - face to face and virtual (!), a lovely house, not to mention a healthy body.  Of course, these things were always there, it's just that for a while I couldn't really see them for what they were.

Which brings me onto the title of this post.  I've decided to spread some love in the world and give something away.  I made this baby quilt from some lovely, soft flannel Moda funky monkey fabric squares.  Not only was it my first experience of quilting, but the repetitive action of sewing the squares together, basting, quilting and binding was hugely therapeutic and was a key part to my nesting/convalescing a few months ago.  I had bought the fabric after my miscarriage so it was never intended to be for our baby.  I just loved it when I saw it so maybe there was something about piecing all these soft little pastel squares together that helped me to piece together my feelings about losing a baby.  It helped me to grieve, to process my feelings, and to come out the other side.

So this quilt is hugely symbolic and it feels only right that something so important to my healing now carries on it's journey and goes out into the world to be what it was meant to be - a baby quilt.  The thought of it actually makes me really happy.  It doesn't feel right for me to keep it ready for when I get pregnant again - that needs to be a fresh start.  But it should go to a good home, being that it's been made with love.  It's super soft, and the batting is 100% cotton with white flannel backing and a lemon yellow binding around the outside.  It measures 30 inches by 21.5 inches (75cm x 54cm).

To win the quilt all you have to do is leave a comment on the post.  Winners will be drawn at random on 24th August so you've got until the end of play (11.59 pm ET) on the 23rd to get your entry in.

To get an extra chance, just mention it on your blog if you have one - don't worry if you haven't (If you mention it, just place a link in your comment) or refer a friend (and tell me who you've referred.)

It's pretty lightweight so I'm happy to post anywhere in the world too.  Good luck

Jo x

Comments

[Heidi aka Digital Misfit]

Not only is it a lovely quilt, but it is a beautiful story of moving beyond heartbreak.
Thank you for offering this quilt in a giveaway. I would personally hang it on the wall as artwork, a testament to the strength of a woman.

[Andrea]

Thank you so much for sharing your story on craftster.com. My hubby and I have been trying for a baby for over a year without any luck. I have also turned to sewing to help me through this time of waiting and hoping. The love you have poured into that quilt is visible, God bless.

[Twiggy]

It's good to see you're getting back into the groove lady! Lovely quilt with an even lovelier sentiment behind it:)
Twiggy x

[Abby]

Thank you. I love reading your thoughts and your honesty is refreshing. What a generous item to giveaway even more so after reading the story behind its creation. Your work is beautiful.

[krista manton (WYOKrista of craftster)]

I saw your beautiful quilt in craftster.org. I recently had a baby on June 15, after 2 years of trying. While I was pregnant I had 6 friends become pregnant, sadly, 5 of them miscarried. It was a bitter sweet pregnancy for me as I saw close friends around me suffer a loss I could not imagine. The worst was when my friend who was to be my labor coach, miscarried the day before I went into labor. I cannot even describe the emotions the 2 of us felt as I brought little Anthony into the world with her help. For her, that was the best way she knew to make sense of what had happened to her. I admire you for finding a way to heal yourself.

[Lindsey]

What a lovely story about strength and maternal love. I would be proud to pass this quilt down.

[elizabeth holcombe]

Your post is so very touching. I think it is so wonderful that you went ahead and used the fabric. You are a talent and a wonder. Thanks for sharing your creativity and your story.~~XXOO, Beth

[Beth]

Thanks for sharing your story. It is amazing how many people struggle with getting (and staying) pregnant. I love the quilt-it is so cute!!

[amanda]

This quilt is just beautiful and what a wonderful idea! I saw your quilt on Craftster and have no bookmarked your blog! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, feelings, and creations!

[amanda]

This quilt is just beautiful and what a wonderful idea! I saw your quilt on Craftster and have no bookmarked your blog! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, feelings, and creations!

[Jodz]

Please enter me in your quilt giveaway. It is so beautiful and has such a special meaning of healing.

[Jennifer]

You are where I need to get myself.

We tried for a couple of years to get pregnant with no success. Then we decided to adopt from China. When we started the process, the wait was 7 months. When we decided to withdraw from the process in June, we had waited two years and were looking at another two-and-a-half years. It was a difficult decision to withdraw and I thought that I was okay with it.

But, almost two months later, I haven't made a thing, I sleep my weekends away, and have a another cry every time I look at the pile of baby things I need to give away.

So, after reading your post, I realize I need to clean the piles of junk off of my sewing table and sew, blow the dust off of my jewelry supplies and get making, and pull out some yarn and get to knitting. Creating really is a form of meditation, isn't it?

Sorry for the rambling comment. I really needed to read your words this morning. Thank you.

[Melissa]

I agree with the above comments... lovely story and such a great giveaway since it was truly made with love!

[Alice Hansen]

Thank you for sharing your story. And for the amazing chance!

[ce]

I would be honored to use such a quilt.

[Andrea V]

nice story, you have a way with words that few can do. I love quilts, my grandma liked to make baby quilts and it reminds me of her.

[Elizabeth]

What a lovely quilt!

[Esther]

Its a lovely quilt- congrats on your new job and your positive outlook!

[Sonya Sparks]

This is so pretty. Thank you for the chance.

[Genevieve]

What a lovely quilt! I've also recently discovered quilting--I've made ones for my brother and my sister-in-law's new babies. I'm glad you're feeling better--I can only imagine how hard losing a baby must be. Sending prayers!

[jennifer bowen]

wow how cute i love to win this its so cute and sockmonkeys are just one of my fav's this would go good with every thing in my little one's room

[Belinda P]

I love the quilt please enter me!

[Naomi]

Such a beautiful quilt, thank you for the chance to win it and for sharing your story.

[Kristie]

Adorable quilt! What a great gift for a new baby!

[bunny]

OMG! I don't remember if I've commented on this or not :( This is too cute to pass up the chance!!
And I'm gonna refer Sena and Hope! Keep a lookout for their comments :)