This post is from my mom, Jane Michel, aka Grandma Jane………..
Nothing is more precious than the health of our children and grandchildren. When we are blessed with the gift of a healthy baby, the world is wonderful and all is good! When our babies have problems, the heartaches and challenges can be tremendous.
I was incredibly touched by the story of Christie from Lemon Squeezy Home and her precious baby, Ruby Jane, who was born with a serious heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot in June of 2013. Ruby Jane had to undergo open heart surgery to correct the defect. As a result of the outpouring of support and love that her family received during this time, Christie started a project called Love From Ruby, to help bring comfort to other heart families who were undergoing the same things with their little “heart warriors.” http://lovefromruby.com/
There are all sorts of ways to help and donations that can be made but I knew right away that I wanted to make a quilt for one of the little heart warriors. I had open heart surgery in 2013 and know how hard it can be for an adult and can’t imagine what these babies and their families must go through. I’m a retired RN and know that hospitals are not easy places to be for any length of time. These babies with congenital heart disease have extended and many times, multiple hospital stays and surgeries.
I decided to use a cute quilt pattern from Missouri Star Quilt Company called the Zipper Quilt. This was the perfect lap size and I loved the symbol of the zipper. I named this the Heart Zipper Quilt as the four columns represent a zipper, not unlike the zipper-like scar on the chests of these little heart warriors after open heart surgery. The small heart appliqués that I added to the pattern represent the upward climb and steps for these babies to their big, healthy and strong hearts at the top!
The tutorial video for the zipper quilt can be found on You Tube for MSQC. If you have wanted to make a quilt—this is a really quick and easy one. Click HERE for the full tutorial for the MSQC Zipper Quilt.
Let’s spread the word about Love From Ruby! I know there are lots of mothers, grandmothers, quilters and sewers who would love to support these precious little babies and their families. Please take a look at the Love From Ruby website and share with a friend. Even if you may not be able to make a donation, you may know someone who can!
~Grandma Jane
XXOO
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
So sweet! You are beautiful Jane girl, inside and out! <3 And your work is too!
Oh it’s pretty!! I love it! 🙂 So so sweet!
What an amazing story and such a beautiful quilt!! You’re mom is a very talented and caring woman, Lindsay!! I see where you get it from! Hope you are well!
-Christine
I love this!! As the mama of a heart warrior, this made me smile SO big. I’ve tried to figure out what to do with all the gowns, blankets, etc. that my little one was given during her several surgeries and this would be perfect. I could use each item to make the zippers pieces. Thank you so much for sharing!! You were so kind and generous to make this sweet quilt.
I am so grateful to both of you for your generosity in spreading the word and for the beautiful quilt donated. Nothing makes me happier than to see how good and beautiful people are. Both of you are wonderful people and I’m so thankful I get to rub shoulders with you! Thank you for the post and for helping out these families. I know they are going to love this quilt so much. It’s a labor of love, time, and money and I love you for it!
Hi I have A little Zipper Power!!! And she is almost 1 year, I found this and I will love you give to here in here Bday, let me know where I can buyed!