The quilt, "Chain Reaction", captured my attention through Jean's artists, especially her exquisite "stitches of story". I will always "Remember When" I acquired the quilt through the online auction for Livestrong at the YMCA. Thank you Jean , for the contributions to my life as I am "Covered in Care"! ~ Anonymous |
A few months ago, I decided I was finally ready to do something with Anthony's beloved blue plaid jacket. I wanted it made into something for Gage and for me. I was hesitant about sending it away to a stranger. It turned out I didn't have to. Through the magic of Facebook, I discovered that a friend knew someone who specializes in making memorial items. I then discovered that that person is none other than Ms. Jean Gerdes, my 8th grade home-ec teacher. I connected with her and we met last month, the week of Anthony's 5-year anniversary. As it turned out, she had Anthony too. It was tough to hand that jacket over, but Jean was so very respectful and compassionate, asked lots of questions about what I wanted, and made it easier to let that jacket go. She kept in touch with me, sent me pictures of the prototype, and finished quicker than I thought. Earlier this week I picked up the completed pieces, right before his 29th birthday.
To say that I love them is an understatement. I will treasure them forever, and I'm sure Gage will too. Thank you, Jean, for giving us such a wonderful remembrance of Anthony. ~ Stacy Emmlinger |
~ I cannot thank you enough for embroidering my Dad's handkerchiefs for our girls. They have really been missing their Pappy and seeing his handwriting on their quilts is going to bring them comfort. I really appreciate you bringing them to school today. That's the best package that has ever been in my school mailbox! What a great surprise that you finished them so quickly. I enjoyed catching up with you and cannot thank you enough for being a blessing to our family. ~ Tiffany
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Jean, Nearly 25 years ago, you made us a tree skirt for a wedding present. That skirt was one of the treasured items we hand carried during our Army moves. It was too priceless to entrust in other hands. It has been the first thing I take out and the last thing I put away every holiday season. Through babies, deployments without John, Maddie home from college, family visits, and friends from all over the country; the skirt has been there. It represents Christmas and family. Of course, it’s beautiful work, but it’s so much more. We love it. Thank you. ~ Clare
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Even if there were no back story to our Remember When quilt, everything about it would still be beautiful. The fabrics used, the design, the quality of the work, is all absolutely gorgeous. But add on top of that the meaningful experience and the person (my son and his birth) the quilt represents, it turns from a beautiful quilt into meaningful art. It really symbolizes the brightness and hope his birth meant for us, and it'll definitely become a family heirloom. Thank you, Remember When! ~ Sharon
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Maddie and I had a trip down memory lane examining this bunny's patches. . . "do you remember. . ?" Her swim team friends, who now live elsewhere. Old school buddies, and a favorite play date with "Nana"! It's amazing how much memories mean to family togetherness. Thanks so much, Jean, for rekindling them. HUGS! ~Barbie For our daughter’s high school graduation, Jean created for us an amazing, happy and huggable friend sewn lovingly from favorite t-shirts and memory filled fabrics of every kind. ~Amy |
The story of my adult life is told in this bear designed by Jean. Items from the birth of my three children and their grandchildren, milestones, along with family history from my Parents and Grandparents. Every time I look at this BEAR it invokes memories. More than any photograph, Jean has recreated my history in a living form that is a real treasure. ~ Diane |
When my husband died, this pillow was created to remind me of our special times together. More tangible than photographs, the Pillow consists of the tie John was wearing when I first met him, the tie he wore to our wedding, gift ties he did not like that we laughed about and many other memories. It is on my sofa and surrounds me with his love. Thank you, Jean. ~ Diane
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