Mom realized how hard it was for me to lose a friend. She took a plastic bleach bottle and cut a girl out of it. Together at the kitchen table she let me draw her face and hair. I wrote her name on the back of the head so that I wouldn't forget her name. Mom sewed shorts on her and shoes. Then we made clothes that looked like some of the dresses she wore to school. I sewed sequins on her clothes so that she would have shiny buttons.
It's been a lot of years, but you never forget those difficult good byes. Mom did a special thing to help me remember Stephanie and enjoy the friendship we had.
What a lovely sentiment. Your Mom was so thoughtful.
ReplyDeleteJudy, what a mother! How wise she was, and the fact that you have such a strong memory of how she helped you to deal with a friend's moving away is truly touching. Is the doll that adorns your quilt the actual one your mom made, or a replica? Whichever, this story is really touching!
ReplyDeleteI have the original, so I just traced around it and drew the face on the way I had done when I was 7. That is why the whole eye is blue and the nose is 2 dots:)
DeleteJudy that is a wonderful keepsake - you are so lucky that you kept it and that you know where it is.
DeleteHow cool is that! Your mom was very creative and compassionate. A great memory of a friendship and the very essence of the importance of having friends.
ReplyDeleteCute quilt, too.
This is very cute!! This obviously was so special for you to have a physical reminder of your friend to help ease your sadness when she left and to still have it!!! How thoughtful of your mom to help you!!
ReplyDeleteJudy, this is so special. There is nothing like having to give up a really good friend, and what a lesson this was for you! I absolutely LOVE that you used the original "doll friend" in this friendship quilt. Perfectly perfect!
ReplyDeleteHow special it is that your mother realized the loss you were feeling. This is such a precious little quilt.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy .... Your story is one of those real life stories, that you and your Mom were able to handle so beautifully. Thanks for sharing this part of your life through your lovely quilt !
ReplyDeleteThe quilt by itself speaks of childhood innocence and connections - the story combined is fabulous. Your Mom was so creative - easy to see how you came by your creativeness and love of fabric and thread
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely moment to share with us friends! Love your quilt there is an innocence about it! Great colors!
ReplyDeleteTo most of us friendship does conjure up best girlfriends. Those young BFF's are the best and last forever. What you see is the real person. Great child like representation of the theme. Reminds me of the chubby paper dolls.
ReplyDeleteWhat a clever idea your mom had to make such a unique
ReplyDelete"doll" to represent your friend Stephanie, and now you have been able to use that treasure as your inspiration for this very sweet quilt. Thank you for sharing the story of the very special friendship.