Grandpa Biscuit

I am very lucky to not only have the most wonderful parents who have always supported and helped me but also to have a superb mother and father-in-law. You hear so many stories of people who don't get on with their husband's or wife's family but mine are exceptional. I can honestly say that Margaret, my mother-in-law, is one of my best friends (she as batty as me, definitely!) They are wonderful Christians who would do anything for anyone and are an excellent example for all of us. I love them dearly.

They were christened Granny and Grandpa Biscuit by Dorothy when she was a baby. Whenever we went to my parents' house she would start saying "Dohh Dohh" (Dog) as we walked to the door because she was excited about seeing their dogs. So they became "Granny and Grandpa Dog" - I'm not sure if they were very flattered!!!

At my in-laws' house Dorothy would say "Biscuit" (or something that sounded like it) because she knew her Granny was a soft touch! And the names stuck. Occasionally we group the four of them together as the "Dog Biscuits" but not if we want any supper!

Anyway, as most of you know, my father-in-law Andrew had two strokes earlier this year - the second one quite devastating. It has been a hard time for the whole family and I wanted to do something to show Andrew how much I cared - even if I couldn't do what I most wanted to, and magically make him better. So I decided to make him a small quilt. I found the Moda Chocolat plaid charm packs on the Hancocks website and they are so perfect for him. Calm, friendly and reassuringly lovely!

I have stitched a prayer onto the back that was written by one of his distant relatives when she woke in the night and felt compelled to put pen to paper. It so perfectly expresses what we want for Andrew and finally it seems as if some of our prayers are being answered. The really bleak days seem to have passed and he has been reassessed and is now receiving physio and speech therapy again. Our long term goal would be for him to be able to return home but he still needs to improve further before this could be possible.

I hope the quilt will show him how much I care for both of them. It is wonky and uneven and I have chickened out of quilting it properly because I always end up with huge puckers - so I have just sewn on some random buttons - but it is made with lots of love and I promise I will iron it properly before I give it to him tomorrow!

Lucy x

P.S. I have updated my Etsy shop