Susan's Mystery QAL

I was invited at the end of 2018, November (?), to participate in a Mystery Quilt Along with Susan and a few other ladies. I jumped in with both feet. 

This is the fabric that Susan chose. I LOVED it. In fact, I had purchased it in a different color along with a coordinating panel. I didn't like this one with the panel so I had to come up with a different project. So much for easy :)

 

While I was at one of my monthly sewing classes, I shopped the clearance section and found the fabric on right. I matched almost perfectly !!!

Feminine, little girl, princess-y . . . 

Baby Quilt !!!!

Well, that was easy, wasn't it? :)

Away I went.

I only had a fat quarter of the mystery fabric to work with so a simple patchwork allowed me to use most of it and incorporate the two complimentary fabrics I purchased.

A cute decorative stitch for the quilting.

And

I have a finished baby quilt ready for Project Linus.

Thank you Susan!!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a day filled with the things the make and keep you happy.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,

Colossians 2:6 NIVUK

The Art of Gentle Domesticity - Weeks 6 and 7

I'm not sure how I got behind on posting, unless it was because I got sick over last weekend. I've decided to do both in one post to catch myself back up. But I'm also only going to answer the "Thoughts to Ponder".

Week 6

*  If I were to be welcomed into your home what colour scheme would I find to be most prevalent?

First, Jenny would be welcome :) 

As for color, there are lots of neutrals. Not whimpy neutrals, but dark taupe, sage green, celery green, creamy yellow, sky blue, light grey and white.

*  Is this colour scheme true to your personal taste today or does it reflect a season past?

For now, the colors are true to my taste except maybe the white. It was there and we kept it. The others are colors we chose and put in place and some of them are subject to change - sooner than later, I hope.

*  Have you been inspired by this week's study to make any changes to your current decor, wardrobe or personal style?

I like neutrals because I can always incorporate a color and they allow me to change colors seasonally. And as I make things and find new things to make, the neutrals allow me to move just a few things around to make room for those new pops of color.

On to week 7 . . . 

** With craft supplies are you the use-it-up and wear-it-out kind of gal or thoroughly modern and more excited by the new styles and things on offer?

Years ago, I worked in retail crafts and fabrics. There were big pushes to try new things and we were always moving things around to make room for the latest fad in the crafting industry. While I worked in the industry, I enjoyed trying all sorts of new things. In my first store, we were encouraged to try them and to make samples for the store, which the store paid for our supplies and then we could keep them.

These days, I'm much more frugal and practical. I like trying some new things and will when they have purpose and fit into our home and lives.

I also try to use up what I have, especially before going out and purchasing more. I also find other uses for my supplies like Sunday School class or the Bible study pre-schoolers that I work with every other Monday.

** Is there a project in your home which you made a while ago that’s lost its appeal due to your own ‘moving on’ with regards to colour and style? Would you consider re-making it in the colours you love for this season of life?

I can't think of a project that fits that description. If I did have such an item and really loved it, I would definitely consider remaking it to fit my current tastes.

** Last week and this week we've read and thought a lot about colour. Are you looking at the way you use colour in your creative pursuits any differently? 

I do. I find that I will get myself in a rut and stick to colors and styles I have used for years.

I belong to a group that does a fabric exchange once a year. We choose a color or theme that we would like to receive and our partner purchases 24 fat quarters following that criteria. As I make choices for my partner, I have made the decision to purchase half yards of fabric to make the fat quarters because I keep the second one to put in my stash. 

This method of participation has encouraged me to acquire colors, patterns and themes that I might not generally gravitate toward. And then I find projects that allow me to use those fabrics.

I've enjoyed the challenge and have been pleasantly surprised to find how many have pulled and used in my own projects.

** Jane's quite adventurous and open to trying a variety of colour combos and styles even when they're not what she'd normally go for - would you describe yourself that way or are you 'shy' when it comes to change?

I don't think I would describe myself as shy as much as I would say that I have definite likes and dislikes.

I like bright colors, subtle colors, tonal prints, small floral prints, neutrals. I like pops of color. I do not like bright, bold, large prints. I don't shy away from auditioning fabrics and I hate to waste them. I will try to use things that are out of my comfort zone. 

That's another challenge I have enjoyed in the past year. I've participated in several mystery quilt alongs. The hostess chooses a fabric that all participants incorporate in their chosen project. There have been several that I would not necessarily have chosen and was pleasantly surprised by my end results. 

I don't think we should be afraid of color. Sometimes the best way to approach something new and unfamiliar, is to do it in small, controlled doses. And let that be our guide. Quilting has been a wonderful growing experience that has allowed me to experiment and achieve a new level of comfort with each new wall hanging, quilt and stitchery.

Next week we’re reading pages 60 - 67

It's still not too late to join the study. Jenny will be hostessing all year. There is also a link to see how others have answered these thought provoking questions.

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a day filled with the things that make and keep you happy.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1 NIVUK

February's Middle and End

February's middle and end are converging for me. It took until the middle of the month for me to move on to this month's UFO project because I finished last month's during the first two weeks.

A fun quilt and finish.

On to February's UFO:

Choosing fabrics for the border. 

I sewed the strips 2.5 inches by the width of the fabric.

Then I cut them across at six inches and sewed those sections together.

Binding cut and sown.

I want to use this same fabric for the back. I don't have enough for the entire back, so I'm going to see if I can find more. If I can't find more, then I will have to do some piecing.

Top has been completed.

 

There are three blocks left from the top. I have all these cute nine patches and thought I would either make two "BIG" throw pillows or one REALLY BIG pillow to go across the bed. I'm still trying to decide how I want to finish them. 

I'm very pleased with the finish. Two/two and a half weeks ago, I had blocks and a pile of fabric and today I have a finished top. I'll continue to work on it to get the quilt completely finished, but I'm calling this UFO DONE !!!

Thank you for stopping by,

Wishing you a day filled with the things that make and keep you happy.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NIVUK

Goals update

Goals for the week of February 11:

UFO Challenge

# 10 - Sheep quilt

- assemble the  blocks into a top DONE

- sashing DONE

borders;choose fabrics from what I have. in progress

- sandwich

- quilt

- binding

15 minute stitch challenge

- continue stitching daily Girls Getaway in progress, almost done

The Art of Gentle Domesticity

- read next section(s)

- post thoughts on discussion questions DONE

Crabapple Hill - Stitch Along (Facebook)

This is a free download. It's linked if you are interested.

- draw off design

- begin stitching one block per day

12 Things Challenge

#3 - Sunflower Doll (January)

- cut out everything needed

- begin to assemble

and 

#10 - cross stitch to be framed (February)

- choose frame

- frame stitchery

- find place to hang

* * * * * * *

Goals for the week of February 18:

UFO Challenge

# 10 - Sheep quilt

- assemble the  blocks into a top DONE

- sashing DONE

- borders, continue sewing scrappy border

- sandwich

- quilt

- binding

15 minute stitch challenge

- continue stitching daily Girls Getaway, finish the block

The Art of Gentle Domesticity

- read next section(s), pages 44-51

- post thoughts on discussion questions 

Crabapple Hill - Stitch Along (Facebook)

This is a free download. It's linked if you are interested.

- draw off design

- begin stitching one block per day

12 Things Challenge

#3 - Sunflower Doll (January)

- cut out everything needed

- begin to assemble

and 

#10 - cross stitch to be framed (February)

- choose frame

- frame stitchery

- find place to hang

Doll gowns and quilts

- sew gowns

- sew quilts

Thanks for stopping by.

Wishing you a day filled with things that make and keep you happy.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NIVUK

Let Us Become Weary in Doing Good, February 17, 2019

Update for February 17, 2019

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no-one to help them up.

Eccles. 4:9-10 NIVUK




1000 Hearts - This charity makes and distributes "pocket hearts" made from wool felt. They are about an inch big, so they are small enough to carry in a pocket, but big enough to know it's there to serve as a reminder. 

Here's what the home page says:

"1000 Hearts is a kindness project based in Hobart, Tasmania - offering people a symbol of compassion and care through handmade pocket hearts."

A simple little project. It's great for a take along when you are sitting and waiting for an appointment, or in line at school, or a couple of idle minutes.

Project Linus - This one is for baby quilts. They can be knit, crochet, quilted, or fleece. I'm jumping on this band wagon. I'd like my goal to be at least one per month. There are patterns and resources on their web page. Just follow the link.

A Doll Like Me  You are linked to find out more about this organization and what they do, but let me just tell you it's incredible and Amy is a hero in my eyes. She makes these amazing dolls that have the same physical differences as the children who receive them. How cool is that !!! What we are being asked to do is make tiny hospital gowns and doll size quilts so the children can dress their dolls so they are having the same hospital experiences the children. The gowns only use a fat quarter and some bias binding. Easy enough. I'm jumping on this band wagon as well. You can also follow Amy

on Facebook.

From My Carolina Home  Quilts are being collected for victims of last year's double-whammy hurricanes.

American Hero and Quilts of Valor This is an on going, never ending need for quilts for military veterans and their families.

Little Dresses for Africa 

2019 Hands to Help

This effort is hostessed by Sarah. The link will take you to her blog where you can read about five amazing charities and you can sign up if you are ready to participate.

Local quilt shops - are always doing something charitable. Collecting pillow cases, quilts to be bound, quilts to be quilted, etc.

There are other things we can do. Donations of all kinds are need in various places:

- donate money to your favorite charity

- donate food to a food pantry

- donate fabric

- donate time

I have chosen the charities that I will be supporting this year. I sincerely hope that you are able to join us. If not, please do what you can because the need is great. And if not us, then who?

Going forward I will update this post to include what I've done and to whom I shared my efforts. Please know, that I'm not doing this to brag or guilt anyone in participating. I am doing this strictly to help a cause and to encourage us to help where and when and how we can. 

Here's what I accomplished this week:

I cut out a couple of doll gowns and several sets of doll quilts. These will all be sewn this week.

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a day filled with things that make and keep you happy.

Let us become weary in doing good.

Galatians 6:9

15 Minutes to Stitch

The guidelines are very generous and include any crafting we find ourselves drawn to at any given moment.

"If you want to play along, just keep up with how many days you find time to stitch and then link up each Sunday to share how well you did that week."

That's it - that's all the rules.

On all my qualifying days, I know that I worked a minimum of the required 15 minutes. I don't keep exact time cards 😉 I just know what my habits are and can go from there.

I did lots of sewing on my UFO project for this month.

I did some embroidery . . . This will be done this week. There are only a few flowers left to stitch.

It doesn't look like a lot, but something everyday.

Here are my statistics:

January:  
26 of 31 days 

83% completion

February:
16 of 16 days
100%

The button at the top of this post will take you to Life in Pieces and you can see how everyone else is doing or sign up yourself. If you are struggling for some motivation, this might just be the motivation you need to get back in the game.

Thanks for stopping by.

Wishing you a day filled with the things that make and keep you happy.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 NIVUK

Week 5: The Art of Gentle Domesticity

"This week I’d love for you to share (in the comments below) the domestic themed movies or shows which have touched your heart over the years, the ones you go back to or have taken inspiration from. It may be an entire movie or a television series, but perhaps it's one special episode or scene - what was it that made such an impression on you?"

Jenny of Elefantz

This is the list of movies that were mentioned in the book. And Jenny commented on them as well.

Little Women (1949), the version with Elizabeth Taylor and June Allyson. I've enjoyed every version of Little Women that I've watched.

Sense and Sensibility (1995) with Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. I've never been able to watch or read Jane Austen. There are people who absolutely love her. I wish I were one of them, but I'm not. There are other period pieces that I have and enjoy very much.

The Sound of Music (1965) with Julie Andrews Absolutely LOVE it !!! One of my all time favorite movies. I remember learning some of the songs in elementary school.

Houseboat (1958) Another great movie. I too have an on-going crush with Mr. Grant :)

 Brief Encounter (1945)

Young at Heart (1954)

I Capture the Castle (2003)

These three movies I haven't seen or heard of. I could try and find them, not sure I will though.

Amelie (2001) (French film)

Brodeuses (2004) (French film)

These two I have no interest in as I don't watch foreign language films. I hate reading captions and don't speak a foreign language so I end up missing too much trying to keep up with what's being said.

Jenny mentioned several others that I didn't remember, but all good examples.

So that brings me to what movies or shows have inspired me . . . 

I'll be honest, when I watch a movie or television show it is strictly for entertainment. That's not to say that I won't watch something educational once in a while. I watch to relax, to change my mood.

Having said that, thinking about things that are domestic, here's what I can bring to mind:

The Help - the struggles are real, for all the women in the household. 

 

Downton Abbey - the camaraderie among the staff, even the dissension

Upstairs, Downstairs - same here

The Durrells in Corfu - Getting creative after loss and relocation. Sometimes really sad, sometimes really funny. Always creative.

The Brady Bunch - bet you didn't see that one coming, but how often the children were in the kitchen and talking to Alice, as was Mrs. Brady :)

I do enjoy watching shows about home renovations, gardening and cooking.

What I'm seeing in my choices is that all the domestics are hired. I grew up with a Mom who cleaned other peoples' houses for a wage. Mom had an eighth grade education. She worked as a nanny, baker, housekeeper, whatever anyone needed done.  She's where most of my inspiration for domesticity comes from.

What I find is the lack of teaching and handing down to the next generation. Even in my own home, I don't feel like I do enough of that. Realizing that I have a son and he really isn't interested in anything domestic - except the eating part. I do make sure that we have conversations about what he should know to be out on his own someday, how he should treat a girl/future wife. The reminder that it's not just "woman's work". He has to know how to do things and what things take to get done in order to appreciate it when someone else does it for him.

I know that I have raised a courteous son because he tells me on a regular basis when something was good, really good and to thank me for making a good meal.

That means a lot !!!

Next week's study covers pages 44-51. I hope you can join us.

Make sure to go back to Jenny's site (you've been linked) and see what others have said in the comments or on the linked blogs.

Thanks for stopping by,

Wishing you a day filled with things that make and keep you happy.

Though the fig-tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the sheepfold and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIVUK