My daughter used acrylic fabric paints and fabric markers to paint this t-shirt commemorating those who died on 9/11/2001. I find that creating art, even in a small way, is one of the most meaningful ways to come to grips with life’s sorrowful moments. Have you ever created something that helped you deal with a tragic event? 
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I don't know if one would classify it as a tragic event, but my something I created, which subsequently led me to start quilting, was a Quilt in Memory of my Dad who passed away at 63 from cancer. Making the quilts using his shirts led me to a path of healing and an adventure in quilting.
I remember creating my first art quilt in the 30 or so days that followed 9/11 . . . it opened up a whole new world to me and I am grateful for both the grief processing that making the quilt made possible and for the new direction in my life via art that this project instilled in me. Art rocks no matter why you are creating!!!
I made a small quilt in honor of the victims at Virginia Tech in April 2007. It was (of course) maroon and orange, and had one block for each of the 32. It was foundation paper pieced, so I wrote each name on a foundation, and read the alumni magazine tribute to each victim as I sewed. It was my small way to celebrate their lives.
I don't know if one would classify it as a tragic event, but my something I created, which subsequently led me to start quilting, was a Quilt in Memory of my Dad who passed away at 63 from cancer. Making the quilts using his shirts led me to a path of healing and an adventure in quilting.
I made a quilt of my son's athletic shirts when he was nearly grown and it was a great commemorative of his youth. I got the idea from someone who hand sewed her son's shirts together.
Thank you for remembering 9-11 and for taking time to post your thoughts on your blog. May we never forget.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Your daughter did a beautiful job on her shirt.We live 3 hours north in Upstate NY, but that left many families here without a loved one returning home from meetings in the city or searching for loved ones who now live there due to no cell coverage. It was a scary time. I too hope it is never forgotten. Please let your daughter know we say thank you.
Oh yes. I absolutely must keep my hands busy when in a crisis or when I am sad. In the late 70s, after my younger brother was in a car crash and had head injuries, I crocheted 3 afghans and learned how to embroider while in the ICU waiting room. He woke from a coma after 3 weeks and is fine now.
My Mom recently passed, after years of bravely battling chronic illness. My house is spotless, I have frozen meals to last ’til 2015 (!) and I am learning to paint fabric (with your great book, Rayna) and quilt.
Mindless work and studying, also the creative outlet really helps me work through my emotions. Thank goodness or I would have one huge ulcer.
Suzanne G in NC
Thank you all for your comments. I’m a writer first (quilter second), so I’ve kept a journal at difficult times of my life. Somehow the act of writing things down makes them more manageable for me.
In regards to creating things as a means to work through grief during a time of loss, I’ve also done this. I’d rather create scrapbook pages [digitally of course- the mess left from paper scrapping is obnoxious!] which I am able to focus on all of the wonderful memories, many of which I had forgotten about until I come across them to put in a layout. It’s a positive way to honor their memories and something I am able to share with other family members for them to share and celebrate the life our loved one lived, not mourn constantly for what we have lost.