Today is my day for this blog hop! I LOVE doing them- getting inspired by the other participants, discovering great how to tips on working with and/or trying new techniques, and showing off what my brain came up with! (Try not to laugh so hard Frankie and ERnie- you know how difficult a time WHN has!)
As usual, I had lots of ideas, but could not figure out how to make them work! (Yes, the story of my creative life) HOWEVER, this month marks the second anniversary of the death of my very first dachshund, Ginger, who left me suddenly in 2012 while I was sewing- she slipped away in her sleep keeping me company. Blogville residents will remember that the first two weeks were a blur- the pain was overwhelming and I simply had trouble getting up each day- I swear that I could feel Ginger and hear her tags at night. I can still feel her and I still speak to her daily, even just to say hello. Some people will find my behavior strange- I know that I myself would have, before Ginger entered our lives in March 2008. Having not been blessed with two legged children of our own, Ginger and her canine companions are the blessings that God did bestow upon us, and I am forever grateful for that.
Now, I was starting a small cottage industry at the time, making small quilts utilizing pet photos and creating fabric appliques of the pet, for lap quilts, placemats, pillows and now Christmas stockings. I have always intended to make such a quilt of Ginger, Thai and Anna Rose, but have never been able to bring myself to do so- I have, however purchased the fabric needed for each of their memento quilts, just cannot bring myself to start for some reason.
Anyhoo- last year I started using printer fabric, which enables me to print out photos on fabric and then sewing them onto stockings and other such items. I printed out a photo of Ginger on half of a sheet of fabric, in order not to let it go to waste (the other half was used for a stocking for a pug). I used a photo of Ginger dressed up as an angel from her first Halloween, which is my favorite photo of her. (I actually misplaced the photo in my lair, and it turned up last week, after a frantic search ad lots of prayers to St Anthony! ) A happy incident, as I had finally admitted defeat on my most recent flag design!
Since we had lost three of our babies in 2012, I decided to finally make something by which I I can remember them - using leftover turquoise fabric to represent the sky, I used a rainbow fabric for a paw print, to represent the Rainbow Bridge that our beloved pets cross when they die. The paw print by itself was lonely on the vast expanse of turquoise cloud, and that is when I found my Ginger! My very own angel now has her own flag and I will be hanging it in my sewing room so that I can see here whenever I look up from my machines.
Please check out what my fellow participants today have created- the links to their blogs follow immediately the photos I have posted .
April 3rd
DachsiesWithMoxie
Just Keep Swimming
The House on the Side of the Hill
Texas Quilting Gal
Madame Samm
Pigtales and Quilts
Your flag is a wonderful tribute to Ginger. Our pets may come and go, but they will always be in our hearts. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA great flag; love the paw print!
ReplyDeleteGood to remember...
Really beautiful flag and lovely to connect with someone who loves their dogs just like I love mine. Animal lovers are the best.
ReplyDeletelove the quilt,xx Rachel
ReplyDeletea lovely tribute....certainly a reminder of how doting and precious our pets are to those fortunate enough to open their hearts to their devotion
ReplyDeleteYour flag is precious. And your behavior is not strange at all. My hubby lost a saint bernard over 20 years ago and he still cries about it.
ReplyDeletePlease add my link to my blog to your schedule please. I was moved to today. Thanks so much.
What a treasure this is going to be in your sewing room! blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet flag! You will, I'm sure, have wonderful warm, fuzzy feelings each time you look at it!
ReplyDeleteYour flag is a lovely remembrance of your beloved Ginger.
ReplyDeleteLove your flag with Ginger, so nicely done!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wondrful way to remember your beloved Ginger.
ReplyDeleteAw, you should have warned Kleenex Alert at the beginning..it is so sad when we lose our pet but she lives on in your heart and now on your flag :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to your beautiful angel Ginger.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeletePrecious memories and precious flag.
ReplyDeleteTake care!!
what a nice way to remember a loved one and to keep them close..... our pets are family and have a place in our hearts. And i see your heart is full with yours.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
in stitches
Ginger's Memory Flag is Marvelous. We love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet reminder of Ginger. Beautifully made.
ReplyDeleteYour flag is a beautiful tribute to your little precious one.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great flag to remember your Ginger. I listed how you used rainbow fabric for the paw for it brightened it up.
ReplyDeleteAgnes what a sweet flag of your dog and a wonderful loving memory.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet remembrance of a loved one. Thank you for sharing it with us!
ReplyDelete~Brandy
My pets are so much a part of my life and I know how hard it is to lose them. Your flag is a beautiful tribute to your sweet baby. I love the angel costume!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to Ginger. Thank you for sharing ... {{{hugs}}} ... Pat
ReplyDeleteAwe, what a beautiful flag with a beautiful story. Love your tribute quilt idea! A must for anyone who loved and lost their special pal!
ReplyDeleteI love your flag, and I know how your heart hurts for your sweet angel.
ReplyDeleteWe lost our Pom we'd had for 16 years in 2010, and I still see her following me and sleeping in my closet. She would sleep in the bottom corner of my closet so I had to leave the doors open. I caught myself leaving those doors open for a very long time just out of habit.
Your flag is wonderful with a memory of your lovely Ginger
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to honor the memory of your beloved Ginger! I hope it brings healing each time you see it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely way to remember Ginger. She looks like such a sweetie. I like the idea of the rainbow bridge and how you worked it into the pawprint.
ReplyDeleteGreat tribute flag. Love the paw print, too.
ReplyDeleteShiloh here - oh there iz my sweet Angel Ginger - such a great flag fur such a sweet little gurl.
ReplyDeleteMy mom wishez she wuz az crafty az u.
By the way, we all herd'boutz the stormz around St. Louis - hope all iz ok with the DWM. Shure hope the arch iz ok - so much fun tue due my fly0thruz around it in my sopwith camel - can't wait tue due it agin! PLEEZ tell Miss Tasha I miss my sweetie.
Shiloh
I love your flag and what a wonderful memory of a treasured fur baby. Thanks for the memory and sharing. Susie x
ReplyDeleteThis flag is a wonderful memorial to Ginger! Rainbow fabric for the paw print is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely tribute to your Ginger and she will greet you everyday. Thank you sew very much for Hopping and Flag Flying...
ReplyDeleteOh Gingers flag is the most beautiful...just beautiful....stella rose
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful way to remember a loved one....your flag is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your memory flag!!! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful flag!
ReplyDelete-Soma xx
Meaningful and beautiful! Well done :)
ReplyDeleteHow creative to make such a loving tribute. Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Ginger. I do think God works magic in our lives and Ginger was your magic.
ReplyDeleteAgnes-I understand your feelings. We have three rescue kitties, but have lost two in the past. A friend had to put down her little shih tzu last year and I made her a memorial quilt/wall hanging with pictures of her sweet Nina. Now she has a new sweetheart, Lulu, but the memorial wall hanging is a daily reminder of one who meant so much. I printed pictures she has posted on Facebook and she was really touched. You have to stop and relish every minute when they sit on your lap or by your side because you know time passes quickly. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAgnes-I understand your feelings. We have three rescue kitties, but have lost two in the past. A friend had to put down her little shih tzu last year and I made her a memorial quilt/wall hanging with pictures of her sweet Nina. Now she has a new sweetheart, Lulu, but the memorial wall hanging is a daily reminder of one who meant so much. I printed pictures she has posted on Facebook and she was really touched. You have to stop and relish every minute when they sit on your lap or by your side because you know time passes quickly. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRecreating animals in a small space, my hat is off to you! That is a very special skill.
ReplyDeleteLovely memory flag to remember your little angel.
ReplyDeleteI am a pet lover and have buried a few wonderful pets of my own over the years. I can understand your grief. I think your flag is a great way to honor her.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Gmama Jane
Mommy starting crying when she saw Ginger's flag. It is beautiful.
ReplyDelete♥♥♥Prissy and a special {{[hug}}} for my Chip.
Mommy starting crying when she saw Ginger's flag. It is beautiful.
ReplyDelete♥♥♥Prissy and a special {{[hug}}} for my Chip.
Agnes, you have such a wonderful talent. That is a beautiful flag. I look at the one you made of Twix every single day...and yes, I talk to her too. I, like you, miss my girl every day and I also went through a time when I thought I could hear her.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
Teresa