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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

My Day on the We Support You Blog Hop


Greetings from Texas
and welcome to my stop on the
"We Support You" blog hop.


Shortly after I made the commitment to participate in this hop,
and while passing through Massachusetts on my way to TX,
I was dining out with some old family friends.
While catching up on each other's news, 
one of my dear friends said, 
"We just got some bad news.  
 My sister has been diagnosed with breast cancer." 
So, sister Sarah, this is for you, honey!
It is truly an honor for me to be able to dedicate
this project and my stop on the hop
 to you.
WE SUPPORT YOU, Sarah,
worldwide!
Because I wanted to put the WE 
in WE SUPPORT YOU,
I decided to start by making a tote bag,
so my friend could fill it with some of the items
Sarah might love and need during her big challenge.
   
        



And a little closer look.




Measuring 13" x 13" x 4",
I took a few liberties and changed the lettering for a better fit.
Inside hangs a tab with a clasp for keys.

I also included a few matching accessories.




a covered journal (I'll be making more of these!!
I love the little pocket on front for pens.),
a key lanyard, and last but not least,
a chapstick cozy to hang off the inside key clasp.

The layout for the tote was inspired by
Gail Pan in her book,
patchwork loves embroidery
which was my Christmas gift to myself this year.

Here are the facts, ladies,
approximately 12% of women in the US
will develop some form of
invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
(I wonder what the worldwide statistics are?)

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death,
exceeded only by lung cancer.
  
There are currently over 2.8 million breast cancer survivors.

To help me celebrate this blog hop,
honor all women who are breast cancer survivors,
and cheer on those fighting this dreaded disease right now,
Mary Burns, Marketing Coordinator for Martingale,
is graciously offering
a copy of the e-book version of
patchwork loves embroidery





by the renowned Gail Pan,
to one lucky visitor!
Just leave a comment to be entered to win!
A winner will be selected at the end of the hop.

Thank you so very much for stopping by today.
I hope you've been enjoying the hop.
Please take a moment to visit today's other participants:

My Quilting Adventure

Creativity Amongst Chaos

Peanut's Patchwork

To peek at the full schedule, visit Pat, our wonderful cheerleader,
at Life in the Scrapatch.  Thanks, Pat, for all your hard work!
And a special thank you to Madame Samm,
who is always there to remind us
that everything is possible!







84 comments:

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

oh...number one, it will be lucky...right???? Lol
Your tote and accessories is just adorable.

Carol Swift said...

I'm sure Sarah will totally love this bag full of needful items. It turned out so beautiful!

Sparky said...

she will be in lilac uniqueness love...very nice additions too

Barb said...

You have made some lovely things for her, she will love them.

Anita said...

Gorgeous tote and accessories! Thanks for sharing.

Mary said...

What a fitting present for Sarah. I love all of your accessories and the care you used in creating everything. Thank you for sharing.

Thearica said...

Sarah is going to love the bag and accessories. Great job.

StitchinByTheLake said...

KaHolly your bag is so perfect for anyone going through treatment for this dreadful disease. Every little thing you added just added to their comfort and their thankfulness for your gift. I love the color you chose - bright and cheerful for those difficult days. Thank you! blessings, marlene

Calicojoan said...

What a wonderful tote bag filled with all the necessities! You definatley shared the love! Best wishes to your friend Sarah

Linda said...

Oh, Karen! You have such a big heart! Your bag is beautiful and how wonderful that you filled it with all those matching items!

eileeninmd said...

What a pretty tote and wonderful accessories.. sending my prayers for your friend Sarah! Have a happy day!

JudyCinNC said...

An amazing tote with all things needful for her journey. I do love that little notebook cover with pen storage. Thanks for this generous opportunity and thank you for your kindness in sharing. Judy C in NC

hetty said...

Your tote and accessories are fantastic. I am sure Sarah is going to make good use of them. You are the kindest person I know. Best wishes and prayers go out to Sarah. Oh, and hugs too.

Needled Mom said...

That is wonderful. You did such a nice job on it, as well as all the added items. Sarah will love it.

Joanne said...

What beautiful gifts you have made! They are sure to remind Sarah that she is loved and has the support of so many people. Thanks for sharing your creations with us today.

Kathy L said...

Your tote is fantastic, I'm sure your friend will love it.

Renee said...

Your tote and all of the accessories are just fabulous! What a sweet and lovely gift!

Kwilt Krazy said...

What a beautiful tote. Lovely accessories too! Prayers up for your friend.

krislovesfabric said...

Beautiful group of handmade loveliness! Best wishes to Sarah!!

Judy B said...

Wonderful and thoughtful gift for Sarah! Thank you for sharing.

Tammy said...

I am late starting the hop. I love every single thing I have seen so much care and thought has gone into all these projects. I am a 1 year breast cancer survivor. I did my first Susan G Komen Run for the Cure this year. It was an amazing experience.

Vickie said...

That is the most thoughtful gift anyone could EVER receive who is facing a battle with cancer ! The items you chose to include and the fabric are A # 1 perfect my friend ! You have top spot of this entire hop in my opinion ! Fantastic Karen !

Vickie said...

This is the most A#1 perfect gift anyone who is facing a battle with cancer could receive ! The items you added and fabric you chose are spot on my friend !

Heleen Groot said...

I love all your projects. The fabric is just so cute. The tote is gorgeous and so are all the necessities! What a great way to support your friend. I hope all news is good and stays good from now on. Thank you for your story.

Sheila said...

Your tote is wonderful along with all the accessories , Sarah will love them and your kindness . Best wishes for a full recovery for Sarah and all others dealing with this disease . Hugs Sheila

Scrapatches said...

Wow! I love it, Karen! The bag is a beautiful gift by itself, but all the little accessories are sew wonderful.
Thanks for all the links to the projects. Thanks also to you and Martingale for the chance to win the Patchwork Loves Embroidery eBook.
Healing wishes going out to Sarah ... <3
Thank you for sewing your support and joining in this hop ... {{{quilty hugs}}} ... :) Pat

Jane's Quilting said...

Your bag is perfect for your sister. I love all the c assories that you made for it. I will say a prayer for your sister.

Mary Ann said...

Truly a thoughtful and useful gift. Sending best wishes to Sarah. I hope all goes well for her. Thank you for sharing.

The Slow Quilter said...

I think your tote is wonderful along with the matching accessories to support it.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

my mother was a two time breast cancer survivor and one of my fathers sisters - my aunt had it and survived too another of his sisters did not. My sisters and I get checked yearly and hope if we get it we will catch it early. Good luck to your friend

Sandi said...

What a lovely gift for your friend Karen, may she enjoy it for many, many years to come!

Deonn said...

What a wonderful gift! I know she'll appreciate the bag and all of those great little accessories. Thank heaven for supportive friends like you.

Createology said...

Healing Energy to Sarah. Thank you sew very much for Supporting and hopping. Your loving and thoughtful tote filled with accessories is fantastic. Blessings...

Carla said...

Beautiful bag for your friend. The colors are awesome. Hugs to her.

sandra said...

Beautiful bag and lovely usual accessories to go in it. I am sure Sarah will love it. Blessings to Sarah on her journey may all go well.

tink's mom said...

Your bag is great and the idea of adding the accessories is wonderful. I'm sure it will help brighten her spirits.

Gmama Jane said...

I just love your entire project!! What a great group of gifts that fit together perfectly. I had not heard of this book before but it is certainly a winner! If I am unlucky to NOT win I will have to go out and buy myself a copy. That journal cover looks lovely.
Blessings

Lesley said...

What a wonderful tote you have made in support of Sarah. You have filled it with such treasures I know it will be much appreciated. Well done!

apple blossom said...

love your bag thanks

JuliaP said...

Wonderful tote with lovely accessories! Thanks for sharing.

Sondra said...

It's just gorgeous...I know she is going to love and cherish it!

LJ said...

What a lovely gift and project. I liked that you made the "S" much bigger. All the little accessories inside are just perfect - wonderful, wonderful. My grandmother and my youngest sister both died from breast cancer - it stills brings tears to my eyes and it's been 10 years since my sister's death. Support the cause and the girls!!

Doris Rice, The Quilting Queen said...

That is a lovely bag to show Sarah how much we support her. The matching accessories are a wonderful addition.

Kathy H said...

Love the bag and those accessories will surely help cheer her.

ChitterChatterDesigns said...

What feminine colors.. pink and purple. AND who doesn't love a polka dot bra? Adorable! What a fun collection of goodies to go inside! Love it all, such a beautiful gift combo. Hugs, ~Cori

Amy said...

Your bag and all those handcrafted goodies are just fabulous. Sarah will absolutely love all the care and support that you have shown her.

Marcy said...

What a great idea to make a bag and matching goodies. They will be used and appreciated.

Sewgirl said...

What a lovely gift you have made for a special friend. Just delightful. Thanks for sharing!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Love your bag filled with all the lovely goodies. Such a wonderful supportive gift.

Baa. xxx said...

Your bag is beautiful in pinks and purples! And all those handmade goodies inside are stunning - Sarah will be very blessed to receive them

Terry said...

What a beautiful and thoughtful gift ;)
cwayons(at)yahoo(dot)com

Quilt n Queen said...

A beautiful bag that Sarah will cherish... I know the thoughtfulness and support you have shown will give her great comfort.. Love the fabrics...love those dots!! Thanks for sharing your support!! Happy stitching, Pauline

Karen Ackva said...

Oh, sew lovely, Karen! You thought of everything too! Sister will be very happy and honored to receive such a warm and loving gift! Very beautiful!

sandi s said...

The tote bag is adorable! She will love it. Hugs,

Marian said...

Love your tote bag, great colors used and a fun design.

FlourishingPalms said...

What a truly wonderful gift of love, Karen! The bag and all it's accessories are simply adorable! As you already know, this cause is close to my heart... and remaining breast. I appreciate what a generous friend you are to Sarah, and I wish her all the best. Thanks for the chance to win the book too. You've shown that it has some cute ideas.

Sandy said...

What a beautiful gift for Sarah. Thank you for sharing with us.

Anonymous said...

HI, your tote is adorable!
Thanks for sharing+a great giveaway too!

msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Anna brown said...

love the tote bag...........I have some breast cancer bra's fabric tooo.....

mboykin said...

What a great gift! Very thoughtful items included.

The Lueken Family said...

Wow! you sure have a following, it took me a while to scroll down ;)
Beautiful bag and a labor of love, she will be blessed!
Another gift that keeps on giving,
Love you, P

In stitches and seams said...

cute tote.... and little extras. It sure is fun to see what everyone has created. Thanks for sharing and hosting a giveaway as well. institchesandseam@hotmail.ca

Lawana said...

Thank you for your support. Just lost a dear friend to this evil disease

Rambling Woods said...

That is perfect... So happy that breast cancer is in my past... Michelle

SpottsCrafts said...

My older sister died from breast cancer four years ago. Your sister will be thrilled with her beautiful gift.

Corrie said...

What a very sweet gift. It's all so lovely.

Julia D @ Jada's Quilting Adventures said...

Beautiful items that you made, Karen. Good luck to Sarah and all the other fighters out there! I'm sure she'll love all the items.

Janet said...

Great story and a reminder wouldn't it be wonderful if we all had a few items - quilt, tote, notebook cover, etc., etc. on hand to give when someone has been diagnosed with cancer to show how much we care. Thanks for sponsoring the great giveaway!

Carrie P. said...

How sweet of you to make the bag and "extras" for you friend. I pray all goes well with her.

Linda said...

Just fabulous Karen! She will definitely be very happy to receive such a wonderful gift. You are so sweet!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Wonderful project!

Michele said...

The tote and all the accessories are just wonderful and I'm sure she will appreciate them all so much as she goes through her treatment.

Judy said...

Sarah, my thoughts are with you today as I read about you.
What a lovely bag and other items-so unique and cheery-they will be sure to brighten Sarah's day. I was just thinking of buying that book as I saw it the last time I was in my favorite QS. Great post.

Michelle said...

Oh, your projects are just so pretty.

Allie said...

I'll be praying for Sarah- what lovely, lovely gifts you made for her, you are just so thoughtful hon!

DeniseinVA said...

Here's to Sarah, sending as many healing energies as I can muster your way. I love your tote and I won't put my name in for the giveaway. It is a lovely gift but am not that clever with a needle and think it should go to someone who is. Have a great weekend :)

Just Ramblin' said...

Once again you've blown me away with your creative and thoughtful talent and gifts. Sarah will be so blessed to receive this bright and cheerful tote filled with wonderful accessories she will be needing as she goes through treatment. And, she will always know someone is thinking of her with love because of your generosity and kindness. You bless so many lives through your sewing abilities. Nola

Karen said...

You have made some very lovely gifts for Sarah. I am sure she will using them through this journey.

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

You're the best; what a loving and generous act of kindness for your friend's sister. I am praying for her health and healing.

Julie Cefalu said...

What a beautiful project for a beautiful cause! All of the extras show how big your heart is, Karen. I wish your friend health and a successful recovery.

Anonymous said...

Looking at your stats, I must be an anomaly or people around me are good at keeping secrets! I am the oldest of four girls and I have many female cousins around the country and have not heard of one who's had BC! My oldest works in a major teaching hospital so she's well acquainted with BC. My sympathy goes out to all who have suffered or have family/friends who've had to endure this terrible disease.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful project dear Karen!! Good luck to Sarah and all the best!!
Hugs, Deborah

Raewyn said...

A fun gorgeous bag and a beautiful thoughtful gift for Sarah - wishing her all the best.

Teresa in Music City said...

How wonderful to be able to put a person in your heart as you were sewing these beautiful gifts Karen! The bag is gorgeous all by itself, but then the treasure trove of matching accessories you added really makes it special. I know she will feel loved and surrounded by your good wishes for her recovery every time she carries her new bag. Great job!!!