But when it’s a labour of love directed toward Heartland Hospice Moose Jaw, well, all the time and dedication to the project is more than worth it.
The butterfly-emblazoned quilt – known simply as the Butterfly Quilt – will be a centerpiece donation during the Evening of Love, Hope, Faith and Resilience taking place Mar. 28 at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.
The project was designed and overseen by local quiltmaker Colleen Oshowy, who was quick to point out that many people had put plenty of hours into making the massive covering come to fruition.
“Oh gosh, that would be hard to say,” she said when asked about the overall time commitment. “The butterflies are a lot of small pieces and a lot of time went into picking the fabrics and co-ordinating all that. So it was a winter project, a lot of work, hours and hours. And I think it’s all worth it when you know where it’s going.”
Among the many workers who dedicated their time were Shelly Wicks of Half Yard Quilting Studio, who helped with the fabric choices for the quilt, while Jeanne Large worked with Oshowy on designing the background for the butterflies and worked on stitching the binding.
Wendy Findlay of Long Arm Custom Quilting also received special mention for what Oshowy called her ‘stunning’ work on the stitching of the quilt itself, performing most of the work in free motion without a quilting machine. Then there was Lana Lalonde of Vibe Graphics, who designed a special label for the back of the quilt detailing the work that went into the venture.
Della Ferguson, Heartland Hospice board member and one of the Evening’s organizers, also put many hours into various aspects of the quilt.
The entire project is a labour of love for Oshowy for a very good reason – she’s dedicating the quilt in the name of her sister, Cindy Coutts, who passed away in palliative care in the hospital before she could arrive at hospice. Her brother in law, Gary Nordal, spend the final weeks of his life in hospice before also passing due to cancer.
“My sister was only 54 and my brother in law was 64, so this is really near and dear to my heart and I feel strongly that everyone deserves a proper covering and proper draping for their final journey,” Oshowy said.
That’s where the quilt’s practical use comes into play: after an individual dies, Heartland Hospice will use the Butterfly Quilt to drape over the person as they’re transported to the waiting funeral car.
“It’s a way of showing respect and dignity for their last journey,” Oshowy said.
Tickets are currently available for the Evening of Love, Hope, Faith and Resilience fundraiser, with close to 100 already sold at $25 each. The event, which will take place in the Mae Wilson Theatre, will feature special guests Greg and Leone Ottenbreit, who will offer their inspiring tale of profound love, undying hope and deep faith that enabled them to find the resilience to deal with some of life’s greatest losses.
A cash bar, silent auction and hor d’oeurves will be available. For more information, check out www.heartlandhospicemj.com
