The Story Behind the Quilt



In a matter of weeks I finished up the Brown Bear quilt that I've been working on. I'm so proud of this quilt and almost wish I could keep it for myself but it's for a very special person - my son's preschool teacher. When I mentioned this to someone recently, she was a bit surprised that I would spend so much time and effort to make something so beautiful and costly for someone I hardly know.

Under different circumstances I might have agreed and knitted a cute little baby hat like I've done in the past. But not this time. This time is different because in the last few months we've learned that my 3 year old son has autism, dyspraxia, and sensory processing disorders. This past fall he started school in a 5-day-a-week intervention preschool program, one that specializes in working with preschoolers who are behind developmentally in an effort to get them up to speed in time for kindergarten. In that time we've witnessed him communicating more, even having short conversations with us. When he picked up a pen and drew a circle on a notepad, it brought me to tears. I don't take for granted the impact that a great teacher or mentor can have on a child. We still have a long way to go and no idea where this journey will take us but there are good people - special people - who are there to help us. THAT is why I chose to make this.




On my son's first day of school, I walked into his classroom and saw that it was decorated in pictures and posters of Eric Carle's book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" which is why I chose the Andover fabrics. It just made sense. Here's a photo of the label and the back:


  

Instead of adding the label after the quilt was done, I used the method that Kelly, from My Quilt Infatuation, shows in her tutorial. After much debating (on my part) I've decided I'm going to wash this quilt before I gift it, mainly because I'm dying to see what it looks like all soft and crinkly. Now I just have to wait until March!

Comments

  1. I love your quilt and the story behind it. It's interesting that people would think you are spending too much time making for someone who has such an impact in your kid life... your life too. Of course, it would be hard to make a quilt for everyone that touches our lives or our children's lives but preschool teachers are so important and don't always get the recognition. The fact that this person is working to improve the life of your little guy with special needs and that that you see him blossom... that's something that deserves the highest recognition, and I think that the quilt will show her just how much her efforts are appreciated - not just by you, but maybe for the other moms and dads out there who are not all quilters!

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  2. That's a lovely quilt. I'm sorry for what your family is going through, but glad you have support and are making such strides. The best of luck to you all.

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  3. What a great quilt! My girlfriend made one for her grandson. They are just so adorable. Great job!

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  4. That's lovely and extremely thoughtful! So wonderful of you to acknowledge her in such a special way!

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  5. What a special gift for a special person. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your beautiful quilt. You are paying it forward!

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  6. oh Diana! this is so wonderful. She is going to love it! This is a really special gift!

    Thanks for linking up to Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  7. this really is a beauty and fit for someone that has helped your son so much, I pray he will get another teacher that works so well with him and he will continue to come on so well with is development.

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  8. Thank you for sharing the story behind the quilt. I wish you the best through all your challenges. I am sure she will treasure this quilt, and will always remember your son.

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  9. As a former teacher of children similar to your son, you will have the teacher in tears...

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  10. What a wonderful way to show your appreciation! Brown Bear was one of my son's (and MY) favourite books when he was little. How awesome to have had the diagnoses so early in his education so that the right programs can be put in place to give his the best support and chances of progress - wishing you and your family all the best on the road ahead!

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  11. What a beautiful quilt for a special person! Your story moved me deeply. I spent my working years caring for children with disorders like your son's, so I can imagine how happy his teacher is going to be with that quilt! Sending positive thoughts to you and your family in all the challenges you will face in your son's future.

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