I did this really stupid thing the week of Thanksgiving. I always forget something when we go on the road. Always. I forgot my helmet one year for Ride the Rockies. Had to buy a new one in the first town. Forgot my cycling shoes the following year and had to buy a new pair in the starting town. The first time we were able to visit my in-laws after March 2020, I forgot my computer mouse and had to buy a new one so I could work from away-from-home. It never fails. I always forget something.
For my mother-in-law's birthday, I forgot to take her birthday present I worked so hard to finish in time. Now I have a choice of mailing it, or giving it to her at Christmas along with the matching quilt I hope to have done by then. (I mailed it, and she should receive it today.)
![first attempt](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4t2KcnV/0/ce9ea430/M/i-4t2KcnV-M.jpg)
I had ordered two fat quarters for her husband's Christmas present, a pin quilt he requested. The first fat quarter seemed too dark to me. The second one was pastel and just what I thought he wanted. He asked to see a photo of it during the Thanksgiving holiday, knowing it would spoil the "surprise" of the Christmas gift. Good thing I showed it; he decided he wants something completely different. Together, we designed it just the way he wants it. After I ordered the Spoonflower fat quarter, he asked if I could make one more change. I was just about ready to silently throw in the towel and try not let him see me roll my eyes, but all he wanted was a buttonhole beneath the insignia so he can attach a lapel medal he earned during his wartime service. Whew!
![the second print](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/ISell/My-Spoonflower-Designs/i-HFdcKrK/0/bf20d4b1/M/IMG_0069a01a-M.jpg)
The pin quilt will be what he leaves to his remaining daughter and two grown grandsons. Although Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of gathering, celebrating and enjoying, there were many memories shared by Lizard's parents and uncle, each of whom lost a loved one in the last year. The passing of Lizard's half-sister, aunt-in-law and uncle resulted in many conversations of what we leave behind when we, too, pass. Even though I am making this pin quilt for my father-in-law, it really is for those he will leave behind when he passes, hopefully not too soon.
![third time's a charm](https://photos.smugmug.com/Fun-Stuff/ISell/My-Spoonflower-Designs/i-Phv2MHN/0/b918eb62/M/3rdtimeprint-M.jpg)
The pin quilt will afford my father-in-law the opportunity to organize his war medals and patches in a way he can be proud of his accomplishments right now but also a way to pass them on in a way they might be appreciated and properly cared for. He seemed to really enjoy showing me many of the treasures which will be displayed on the finished pin quilt. I was hoping to have the pin quilt finished this week, but the new fat quarter has not arrived yet.
Now I just have to decide what to do with the first two fat quarters. I'm tempted to use them as pillow stuffing!!!
![Let It Snow Spoonflower pillow panel](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hLDSF9D/0/72fcad95/M/i-hLDSF9D-M.jpg)
Linking up with Alycia Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.
What a wonderful gift that is! So many people's memories and medals alike are lost, tossed or forgotten. His won't be. You've given a tremendous gift! I like the top quilt, too.
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