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Pink Quilt for Friend

This week a friend got back bad results from a breast biopsy.  She still doesn’t know what course of treatment she is facing but I want to make her a quilt.   Because of other commitments, I need something I can make fairly quickly and this is what I’ve come up with.

Questions for those who know more about this than I do:

  • Is 62″ x 75″ a good size?  I don’t know if it should be smaller that she can carry with her for treatments.  I’ve heard it’s cold in those rooms, but does she want to drag her own quilt with her?  If she wants to just use it on her sofa for lounging, is it too small?  The blocks are 12″ so to make it bigger would be in increments of 12″ or, I’d have to add borders and without using a pieced border, the borders could be made an inch or two larger, but not much more.
  • I was thinking of using Minkee for the backing because it’s so soft and snuggly, but yet it’s also heavier than a regular backing and makes the quilt heavy.

Anything else?  Having not gone through this, I want to do what’s absolutely perfect for her but I just don’t know.  Thanks for any suggestions.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. 62 x 75 is a good snuggle size. i wouldn’t go smaller for an adult.
    making a quilt to warm her up in those cold rooms is a really sweet thing to do, but pink will always remind her of cancer and do you really want to do that? maybe something more cheerful. it’s a shame that pink has become associated with such a terrible illness, but it has, so i’d stay away from it as the major color.

    • I don’t see it that way at all. I think for those who have beat breast cancer, pink is like a badge of honor.

      • judy~ for the record i have not ever gone thru a cancer battle, so i’m not speaking from personal experience, but, i’m with barbara on the color issue. pam, one of my best & closest friends passed away from her 2nd battle with breast cancer within 6 years, 5 years ago. excitedly, one evening i told her that i had picked out all these bright, beautiful fabrics one day while at work in which to make her a quilt (at the time i worked at my local quilt shop). before i could even finish my story or tell her the colors, she shot right back….”as long as it’s not pink…..i HATE the color pick, i’m SO SICK of the color pink. i hate what it stands for.” i responded, but, pam…it’s THE color for breast cancer….it means you’re a fighter…that you’re going to fight this disease and win. she said she didn’t care. she still hated pink. “make it any color other than pink” she said. case closed. in the end i ended up making her a gorgeous christmas quilt and matching gift bag pillowcase….prettier than any pink quilt i could’ve ever imagined. she LOVED it!

        so while your intentions are lovely….and to YOU the color pink is a badge of honor for all those who have fought the disease, those that ARE fighting the disease and HAVE gone thru the battle don’t necessarily feel that way. and perhaps in the beginning of the battle the patient may NOT have an opinion one way or the other, but further down the road once they have fought the fight, they too may end up repulsed by the color…just like pam was. maybe they won’t….but why take a chance??? stay neutral with your color choice.

        i think the size sounds perfect. and don’t worry about the minkie being too heavy. i honestly don’t think a patient receiving chemotherapy (you referred to cold rooms for threatment; which makes me think your friend will be receiving chemotherapy) can ever be too warm. the minkie would feel sooo soft, snuggly and soothing to them.blessings to your friend as she starts on this journey and to you for being such a kind friend. she’ll love her quilt……

      • Judy, I agree with you on the pink, it is a badge of honor that you beat cancer and hopefully she won’t go thru it again.
        As to size, depends on the size of the person, my neighbor had breast cancer, twice,,, but survived both times, last being much harder on her as it was in her lymph nodes also. She was a small person, so the 62 x75 was perfect for her as she would come home from chemo and just lay on the sofa all covered up with her quilt. Her husband lovingly said, Don’t she look like a little child. I am pleased that you are taking your time out of your busy schedule to help a friend. Thank you

  2. I think the size is perfect. I made a quilt for a friend for exactly the same reason. It was 60″ x 72″ and she took it with her to each appointment – at home she often had it wrapped around her in her lazy boy. I love the pattern you came up with.

  3. It’s a great size & when quilted with a very thin batting can easily fix in a tote bag. Also when going through treatments covered in a quilt made with love, she will feel it & get many compliments from others which will boost her spirits. That’s the way my girlfriend felt while going throug her treatments. Hope that helps.

  4. I like your design a lot but I’d be darned sure she likes pink! I kind of agree with Barbara and would worry that the color would always make her think of cancer…..even after the cancer is gone. However, if it’s her favorite color then I’d go for it.

    • I think for those who have beat breast cancer, most I’ve talked to have loved pink afterwards because it represents that they’ve won the battle.

      • oh, judy….please consider the other side of the discussion…your friend may NOT agree with you and others….please, please stay neutral on color…..

  5. I made quilts for my Mom to take to dialysis. The rooms were cold. The size you have chosen is great – big enough for her to wrap up in and tuck under her feet. I used flannel for the backs, warm and snugly. I also used flannel as batting which made it lighter and easily folded into a tote bag for her to carry. The pattern you have designed is beautiful.

  6. I think it sounds like a great size for whatever she chooses to do with it. I do not have the same diagnosis as your friend, but I do go for chemo every 2 weeks to keep me in remission. I’m sure she’ll be so touched and grateful for whatever you do for her. As far as taking it to her treatments, there are lots of other sick people where she’s going and she may not want her beautiful quilt to be exposed to all the germs, etc that will be there, and that will then be transported home, requiring it to be washed pretty often. Or it may become her security blanket and she will always take it with her. Each person copes with treatments in his/her own way. But, as I said before, she will definitely appreciate whatever you end up making for her. I personally would think that plush on such a large quilt would make it heavy and would avoid it if there is a chance she might be taking it with her. Also, depending on the facility, she might not necessarily have a “room”. I go to one of the best ny city hospitals, and am often in a room with 4 other people, each of us in a recliner with very little room for personal items.
    Your friend is fortunate to have you.

  7. When I was having chemo fleece throws were offered; how much nicer to have a quilt made by a friend!

  8. Hi, I’m a 5 year survivor and proudly show my pink. I’ve heard it said along the way that we use a strong, bright pink to show our strength in the battle. Thanks to early detection I didn’t have to have chemo so can’t advise you there. I love the quilt!
    Priscilla

  9. I had breast cancer in 2005, and had chemo for 12 months. Some friends made me a quilt – it’s red, white and blue with stars, and I love it. It’s about the size you’re making, and that’s perfect. You can see it if you find me on facebook. I have cancer again now, and I love my quilt all over again. Both times I’ve had my chemo treatment (since August 2011) at home, so I never had to take the quilt anywhere. For me, I’d rather not have pink, but your friend will love it because you made it for her.

  10. I love the design and think she will too. It is cheerful and shows just how much you love her. I agree with you that the color pink is a survivor color and motivator. In the beginning, that was what it was meant to be and I believe it has grown to mean that and so much more. Hugs and prayers to you and her as she goes through this. Your being there will mean the world to her.

  11. My experience was like Jevne’s – I was offered fleece throws, but would have loved a quilt and now wonder why I didn’t take one of my own, but I think one from a friend would be much better. The size is perfect and the Minkee backing would be comforting. I did not have breast cancer, but kind of agree about the pink. Maybe use it in the quilt, but as a secondary color. My opinion only as I know whatever you make will be appreciated and loved.
    Elaine in MA
    Ehquilts@me.com

  12. A wonderful idea. May I suggest an additional idea. If you know other friends maybe they could each make a block of their choice (same size) that could be made into a tote bag that she could carry the quilt in

  13. i made my sister a quilt when she was battling ovarian cancer, color teal. i used primary colors in vintage fabrics and white on white–a log cabin pattern. it was sooooo cheery! she liked the colors sooooo much!! she used it every day, all day long. she never took it to chemo though. my niece has the quilt now.

    she had another throw for chemo. it never came into her house, but always stayed in her trunk. my other sister gave her that one and received it back after my sister passed.

    some people like things that are “their” cancer color. some don’t. you know your friend. do what you feel is best. and, the size seems great.

  14. I made a quilt for my husbands aunt when she received a similar diagnosis 3 years ago. Sadly her battle is in its final stages but her daughters tell me she still has it with her in hospital as a homely comfort.
    I am sure your quilt will bring similar love and comfort, regardless of colour.
    C x

  15. I understand the idea that pink represents breast cancer, but I would still make sure she likes the color. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and she didn’t like pink before and she likes it even less now. Just one data point, I know, but something to think about.

  16. I think pink is the most appropriate color. As I spoke here about 3 wks ago my Mom had a cancer scare, it turned out she has cysts instead of cancer. Such a blessing. I have finished the top I started for her and it is done in pinks and reds. I love it. I am not in as big of a hurry as I was to get it quilted. I am sewing for 2 new grandsons due in October. DD1 just called and said she has dialated between 1-2, she’s due Oct 3 so I need to get some things done. Sorry I got sidetracked, as always love the pattern you’ve chosen and I’m certain your friend will feel the love and good wishes you have for her everytime she sees the quilt. Hoping for good results for her with treatment.

  17. Sadly I have made a number of these for friends. And YES the size you planned is perfect. Its easy enough to carry but big enough to ver your friend. I love the idea of using Minkee. If you use flannel instead of batting in the quilt sanwich it should make it lighter but still warm.

  18. I think the Minkee would be extra-snuggly and comforting. Don’t have any opinion on the color, though. 🙂

  19. Have you considered the jelly roll race quilt? Go thru your stash for various pinks, cut 2 1/2″ strips, enough to make a jelly roll. Sew them end to end like you would a binding (angled) then bring the two ends together 5 times for sewing. What I’ve done is added some pink awareness ribbons to it, added a border, backed it with muslin & quilted a meander on them. I run a charity for Breast Cancer & this is a fast, cheap quilt that comes out really nice for auctions.

  20. Perfect color, perfect backing. Minkee is the best! I hope to God I never have to go thru that, but if I do, I will pay you to make me one!!

  21. I made a quilt for my mom to take with her to chemotherapy during her recent battle with breast cancer. She bought everything pink as a symbol of what she was going through. It is important that the quilt will fold small enough to fit in a tote bag and carry along. Mine was a bit smaller — just a 3×4 setting of 10 inch ribbon blocks. I used flannel for the back which made it soft and snuggle but not heavy. There is a photo on my blog which is here: http://superscrappy.blogspot.com/search/label/cancer%20quilt
    Love the patten you chose, it will be perfect.

  22. I think it is great! I make comfort quilts for the hospital and do 48×56, but that’s because that is what works for my setup. Normally I would go bigger to about the size you are making. I like flannel for “batting” and cotton backing. Whatever you do make it smooth to the touch – minkee would do that where flannel tends to pill more after heavy use – my mom’s skin got very sensitive to textures during and after treatment.

  23. after my dd had breast cancer should couldn’t look at the color pink any more and she had a 4 year old that loves that color so she had to get over freezing up everytime she saw it but I would go for it unless you know she doesn’t like pink….My dd like pink till the cancer tho…

  24. Some BC survivors
    don’t like pink at all and feel it is a way to ‘pretty up’ what can be a disfiguring disease (no offence intended by “disfiguring’. I have had a bilateral mastectomy w/ no reconstruction and am comfortable with my decision.) I wear pink, but I wore pink before I got cancer. I am a member of a BC BB, and I would say the women are about 50-50 on whether they wear/like pink.

  25. I made my mother a quilt when she had breast cancer in 2003. I made it 40 x 60, just big enough to cover her but not so big it would be awkward to take to treatments. It turned out to be just the right size. I made her the japanese pine bark pattern. The pattern represents longevity. In the end she didn’t need chemo, only radiation and has been cancer free since.

  27. I think the size is perfect. I’ve made many “chemo” quilts for breast cancer and always do them in pinks (even tho I personally don’t like pink for myself) those that have received them consider it their badge of honor/strength. Your design is bright and cheery and it will be coming from you to your friend which is the most important part so you can’t possibly go wrong.

  28. My comfort quilt is turquoise, red, green and white stripes, cheerfully bright and is always over me while in the chemo-infusion chair. Definitely go with the Minkee on the back because the drugs really do also make you cold inside. She will be so pleased you have thought of her and to have a quilt from you … may as well make it her color choice. Judy C

  29. I like the pink for reasons beyond the cancer establishment connection. It is feminine, light, cheery. Sure would not want anything dark and depressing.

  30. That’s a good size for a throw or snuggle quilt. It works fine for a quilt on the couch too. It’s very pretty in pink, but you might make it up in her favorite color combination, depending on how she feels about pink.

  31. Speaking only from own experience, I love the idea of a pink quilt. I have been in treatment for ovarian cancer for 5 years. Our color is teal. When a person goes for treatment, it is an easy way to identify the type of cancer without being invasive…sort of a support group without saying a word.. Lots of times it becomes a catalyst for a new friendship

  32. Love the design. I think that would be the perfect size for anything. Personally, I don’t like Minkee, but I know many people do. The weight issue is a serious consideration, because chemo weakens a person, too.

  33. Mom had breast cancer. I think she would have been fine with pink, but I made one with hearts (she loveshearts) that would match her decor. My cousin was diagnosed with prostate cancer–I had him come and visit. I had several quilts (never used) displayed when he came to visit (varying colors, sizes and styles). I told him to pick each one up and look at it and see how it felt–find the one that he thought would bring him comfort as he went through his treatment. I told him is was a “quilt for the cure” and when he used it–it would be like me giving him a hug! He still loves his quilt and continues to use it even though his treatment finished a long time ago. The quilt he chose was not the one I guessed he would pick.

    Judy, I do love your pattern and the way it is colored. It would be one that I would see myself picking. If you feel comfortable asking your friend and don’t mind it not being a surprise (or if she lives close–you could ask her to choose from some you have–it would still be a surprise, but she would pick the one she bonds to), you might want to ask for her input.

    So sorry to hear this sad news. Amy

  34. Judy, I didn’t take time to read all the comments before posting so hopefully you are on the way with your quilt. It is wonderful of you to do this for your friend. As a two time survivor of this battle I think she will will love a pink quilt forever. I have received a pink with with a minkee back in pink this second time around and will always cherish it. The one I received is a little larger and in beautiful bright colors of flowers that make up the design. I love it for on my couch or bed. I took it to treatment with me and it was fine there too. I’m not having chemo this time but the smaller size would be fine. I have used it a lot since surgery in my recliner. I wish your friend all the best and a speedy recovery. She will be in my prayers. You might want to knit her some caps for this winter! Bald is beautiful but winter is cold and drafty. One of the best gifts I received was lightweight caps to sleep in.

  35. My daughter-in-law has always hated pink. She’s been battling metastisized breast cancer for 2 years now and seems to be winning.
    The strange thing is she loves pink now, it means survival to her.
    I would ask what color your friend likes and go from there.

  36. That is a beautiful quilt! As someone who has sat in a cold chemo room in all seasons for two years plus, the size and backing sound perfect. You could find a coordinating bag that the quilt would fit in and your friend can proudly carry it to her health care center. She will be the envy of the other patients, for sure!

  37. I’m in the “ask your friend” camp, but I’m sure she will love it and the fact that you made it for her. Have you thought about knitting a shawl? I’ve done that a number of times and they were well received. Might be a faster option, don’t know. Have been down this road twice, and just the thought that someone would spend time making something just for me was very comforting.

  38. I think the size is perfect. I love the pattern and the color of the fabric. I try to use flannel on the back of lap quilts because that makes them warmer. I am sure your friend will love this quilt of love. What a wonderful gift of caring.

  39. Every cancer has a color, we are just more familiar with the pink is all. Make it pink, truth is once you have had cancer it is always in the back of your mind, in the decisions you make everyday. What will happen, is the warmth she will get when the treatments are over when she sees it. Go with your heart on this one, you know her better than any of us. Will put in a
    prayer for her and her family.

  40. I’d go with the colors you chose initially. I think your gut feel is almost always right. You know your friend better than any of us. I’ve made lots of comfort quilts (unfortunately) for friends in treatment. The size you’ve chosen is perfect & using either flannel or minkie on the back makes it extra special. What a good friend you are!

  41. it is perfect…i have in the past put a border around some appropriate fabric and quilted with a thin poly batting and minkee backing…perfect for a cuddle quilt and fast too..

  42. Never thought the color would be an issue! Have had many friends who have dealt with this “beast” and now sport pink hats, ribbons, t-shirts, gloves (yes, gloves!), head bands, pins, etc! The size you have chosen is the size I make most often and put a “Minkee”-type fabric on the back and bypass batting entirely. The quilting pattern may not be as defined as with a batt, but the results are cuddly soft and reasonably light weight. Blessings to you for such a heartfelt endeavor! Hugs, Doreen

  43. I do quilts for cancer patients – we make them 50″ x 70″ or nose to toes …. we also put them in a bag so patients can carry them to hospital. We make the bag lining from polycotton so it is easieer to get the quilt into the bag. Bag also has an outside pocket for keys, or a book or whatever. Quilt tops are cotton, but we put flannel on the back for warmth – and use flat batt – nothing polyester because it can cause static electricity and interfer with the machines. These recommendaitons all come from Victoria’s Quilts – an international group that makes quilts for cancer patients. look them up for more info.

  44. If it’s not pink, maybe it should be a color she looks good in. Something she wears a lot of, with pink as an accent? The size is perfect, small enough to carry around, but large enough to tuck around herself for a nap or to keep warm during chemo.

    The pattern is beautiful.

    If I used minkee, I’d leave out the batting. I love the idea of using flannels.

  45. Judy,
    Last summer I went through my own treatment and my dear sister in Michigan presented me with a pink quilt (about the same size) at a quilting retreat that we both attended in Shipshewana, Indiana. I used that quilt through all of my treatments including many nights trying to sleep on the couch, surgery and radiation. I thought of her every time I wrapped it around me. Now I am back to work and travel a lot between Kansas and Missouri. I take that quilt to every hotel that I stay at and use it instead of the hotel blankets. Looking at that mostly pink quilt makes me extemely happy that it looks like I’ve beaten this cancer and always makes me think of my sister who thought so much to go to the effort to make it for me.

  46. Judy,
    I am an 18 year survivor of breast cancer, and have gone thru both chemo and radiation. The size of the quilt is perfect. If she ever has to be hospitalized, it is just the right size to put on the hospital bed. I do not know where your friend lives, but I would try to keep the weight of the quilt down. Wool batting would add the extra warmth, without the weight. Just speaking from my own experience, I had severe radiation burns and any extra weight on my chest would not have been welcomed. Everyone experiences their treatment different. Just the diagnosis alone is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Just the fact that you are showing your love and support will mean a great deal to your friend and she will love any blanket that you give her and will wear it with pride. If you want to put the minkee in the blanket, may I suggest putting it in a corner block. That way, she can always touch it and keep it close if she wants.

  47. I think it matters not one whit what color it is. Having had breast cancer myself, and TWO of my stitch buddies, too, we all think pink is just fine. It IS a badge to others around us, and we are proud to show them off to our friends and while at treatment. On the other hand, if your friend doesn’t like pink, then that should be the reason it’s another color. But it really doesn;t matter, it’s your love she is going to feel when using it. I like the idea of minke – mine was flannel backed which was nice. The size is nice too, and the only other thing I might consider would be to make a pillowcase bag (lightweight and simple) that she can carry the quilt in going to and from treatments. If it’s just a pillowcase, she can use it at home too.

  48. The size you have selected is just about right.
    I would prefer flannel on the back instead of minkee.
    As for the color, I think I would stay away from pink. I have been a breast cancer survivor for five years, and my first reaction to your quilt picture, before reading any of the comments, was that it should not be pink. My second thought was that the care and effort that the quilt represents will override the negative vibes of the pink color.
    By the way, it’s not that the treatment rooms are cold, the chemo drugs have to be refrigerated. Cotton blankets were provided at the treatment center, so if I had a quilt like this I would have probably left it at home to use on the sofa. An old cotton sheet blanket helped me through the sleepless nights when I had to take steroids. Like someone else mentioned, the cancer is always in the back of my mind, and I think of it every day, but the cotton blanket has only pleasant memories associated with it.
    Whether or not your friend gets a wig, she would appreciate a knitted cap to wear to bed and around the house.
    Good luck with your decisions, I’m sure your friend will be so appreciative of your efforts.

    Linda Enneking

  49. Judy, I am a 5 year cancer survivor and pink is definitely my favorite color. Pink is like a badge of honor for being a survivor-I still buy the pink breast cancer shirts and other trinkets. I went throught a mascetomy, chemo and radiation and yes it was very cold in rooms when getting chemo and radiation. I would have treasured a pink quilt like the one you are going to make. That will make her feel so special and loved. You could even add a handle bag so she could put the quilt in it for travel. I know she will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Size is great too!!!

  50. Another option is to make a smaller quilt – a lap quilt that would just cover the person’s lap and legs and is just wide to fit in a chair. I made several for my mom – one for the car and one for the chair she sat in at home. It had a flannel back to prevent sliding around and when she stood up, she didn’t risk a trip and fall.

  51. I think you are a sweet, generous, thoughtful friend and I’m betting she will treasure this quilt. Perfect design, size, color, and minkee will just add to the cuddle factor. Hospital rooms are always freezing. Sending healing thoughts and prayers.

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