Before it gets too busy around the holidays, think about what you can do to help. We all have plenty of fabric. Think about the time you might waste trying to make the perfect art piece. And it just isn’t working out. Stop. Take a break and make a quilt for someone who just needs to be warm this winter.

    We all can make a difference. Get going and make a quilt – a warm , cozy snuggly thing and remember why you just like the sewing part of it. And the gifting part of it. Think of these places that NEED quilts:

1.Margaret’s Hope Chest
2. Bumblebees Basic
3. West Michigan Quilt Guild: Neonatal Unit

Thanks in advance for helping someone who really needs help this year.

Be creative and make a difference, my friends.

     I was in a purging mood last week. It all started with the re-do of one of our bedrooms upstairs to make it into a guest room. The bedroom had become a great place to stash everything that was no longer wanted or needed-kids clothes, outgrown stuffed animals, books,etc. It was scaring me. So, I made piles and began bringing things to Goodwill and then revamping the bedroom. Not done yet but  in process and I feel lighter.

     Well it felt so good I decided to do my studio. Empty drawers, throw away projects that were never going to get finished and make huge piles which are again slowly being put away. I even put a large quantity of yarn into piles and boxes .I ripped out half started projects and rewound the yarn. (My husband asked me if there was anything wrong-no I am not nesting,honey, just cleaning).  I try to knit but have currently decided not to buy anymore yarn:). But the point of this mindless but rewarding quest- to organize my life. To clear out the stuff that is undone and making me feel guilty it’s not done. And really doesn’t need to be done. You laugh again.

    At the same time, I received an e-mail reminding me about this project that I did last year- Iraqui Bundles of Love . What a great way to send supplies to someone who will make good use of them. I was able to pack two bundles up-one of fabric and sewing supplies and one of knitting things. Check them out and see if you can help.(DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1).  I also sent some art supplies to our school and the art teacher was very excited. Simple acts and it helped me too.

    However in the process of cleaning my studio- a big confession. I have 14 WIPs -works in progess.I feel trapped with all the tops not done.

Like my daughter posing in a jail cell at the Shelburne Museum.

Trapped.

They were stuffed in baskets and bags and drawers. I was beginning to itch(hives) as I saw the pile.  That is way too many even for me. What is wrong with me?

Off to conquer another scary thing-unfinished tops.

Happy sewing, my friends!

 
     I did end up finishing all five of the baby quilts last week- technically, 4 quilts and one double recieving blanket. They looked pretty by the window as the sun peeked out late this afternoon. They will be delivered next week at our guild meeting. I can’t believe I was done a week ahead of time. Not because I was organized but because I put the meeting date on the calendar wrong.:) Oh silly me.

    I did start another top today. However, it just didn’t end up the way I wanted it to be.

 So, I think I will piece it together and use it as a base for something different or just cut it up! I have wanted to try two things. One to quilt something heavily on the machine and then go back and hand sew heavy thread -almost embroidery weight onto the finished piece. Or -if I am really brave- to machine quilt it and then paint it. Either way, I would only lose a day of sewing if I don’t like it.  I know – just want to keep trying things. Sooner or later something will work for me.  It’s just Monday.

   I love babies. I love holding them in the middle of the night and in the middle of the day. I love happy babies and screaming babies. Some people are baby people and some are not. My husband-is not a baby person.He doesn’t even like holding babies unless they are content and sleeping. Luckily, I did like babies and never minded that I did the majority of our kids care.

   I ,also, love making baby quilts-small and achievable sweet things. March is the month our guild donates baby quilts to one of the local hospitals for their neo-natal unit. So this week, I will see how many I can make.
They become another addictive thing to make.

     I think I need to make something for a little boy next. I have plenty in my stash of commercial fabrics to pick something other than flowers!

     Here in MI we don’t see much sun in the winter months. But I read yesterday that this is the longest stretch of sunny days we have had in a year. The sun looks so great shining in the windows. No wonder we are all smiling again.
  
     Off to see one of my favorite babies this morning.

     Happy Sewing, my friends.

    My favorite local quilt shop closed in Vermont this summer. It was called The Quilted Lilly and I always enjoyed going there whenever we were in town. I was truly sad as it was one of my favorite things to do when I visited.  She just couldn’t make it in this tough economy and for that I am trying to support my local shop here in Grand Rapids. Vermont is am amazing place as far as support of anything locally made- vegetables, fruits, dairy and even textiles. I cherish the local farmer even more after spending lots of time there each summer. More about that later- but support your local producers.

     Back to today. I finished my blue flannel for Project Hope. I then moved on to my next charity quilt was was super fun last night.  I purchased these Dick and Jane fabrics at The Quilted Lily during their closing sale. I  love Dick and Jane. Who doesn’t?  I initially cut them in to six inch blocks. But too boring. So, of course added a strip set. And it felt much better. Even practiced my machine quilting with wavy lines.

     This little doll quilt is 20×32 made for the WMQG Santa Claus Girl drive. And I get to buy a doll to go with it. Last  year, I think we contributed over 400 quilts with dolls for West Michigan. And that is a good thing for our local kids. Do something for someone local today.  Happy sewing my friends.