Sunday---Precious Promises

A child is born to us!

A son is given to us!

And he will be our ruler.

He will be called, 

"Wonderful Counselor",

"Mighty God",

"Eternal Father",

"Prince of Peace".

Isaiah 9: 6, Good News Bible

Merry Christmas Everyone

Sunday---Precious Promises

This very day in David's town your Savior was born

Christ the Lord!

Luke 2:11, Good News Bible

Strength and Stitches are Returning

It is wonderful to be feeling better.  For weeks, the day after Thanksgiving to be exact,  I had been wondering what was going on with me.  I was so weak.  I could hardly walk to the kitchen to get a cup of hot tea without being exhausted--could not even pick up a needle to do a little creative quilting.  Then a week ago I sat down, because I was tired, fell asleep.  When I woke I felt worst than when I first sat down. Something was wrong.  Hubby was out of town, so called my son.  He took me to an Urgent Care.  I had pneumonia.  I'm still taking the medications prescribed and finally these last couple of days my stamina is coming back.  I have been told by my doctor--to still take it easy for about two more weeks--that will be 2017.  I will do as the doctor says--this was very scary.  Stitching has returned too.  Working on a baby quilt for a friend and I have two quilts to bind for church.  Our Christmas decorations are very slim this year.  Just the mantle and holiday dishes will adorn the table.  That is all I had the strength to do, but that is OK.  The season is so much more than decorations.  Wishing you an enjoyable week as the holiday approaches and as always Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord.  I say it again:  rejoice!

Show a gentle attitude toward everyone.  The Lord is coming soon.

Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart.

And God's peace which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 4-7, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

So Jesus said to those who believed in him, "If you obey my teachings, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8: 31-32, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

After all this, there is only one thing to say:  have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that human beings were created for.

Ecclesiastes 12:13, Good News Bible

Happy Thanksgiving

Vintage Grandma Moses print fabric

Sunday---Precious Promises

Come, let us praise the Lord!  Let us sing for joy to God, who protects us!  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and sing joyful songs of praise.

Psalms 95: 1-2, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

And now I give you a new commandment:  love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.

John 13: 34-35, Good News Bible

Prayer Flags

Today, I made two Prayer Flags.  It has been a few months since my last flags--that is a good thing.  But last night I learned from a friend that one of her friends is alone recovering from a double mastectomy.  She is divorced and her only child is away at college.

Butterflies are always fun to add to a Prayer Flag.  They create smiles.  This little flag is 9 x 7 inches, with some vintage lace and ribbon.  Hope it helps.

The second flag is for a family friend, who will be undergoing heart surgery.  She has had heart problems since a child and has had previous surgeries.  No matter how many it is always difficult when you need one more.

This flag is a little smaller 6 x 8 inches and is a little quilted heart with embroidery, vintage lace and ribbon.  This is what is Off The Wall for me today.  Check out the others here.  Have a wonderful weekend and as always Happy Quilting!!

Today is the Day!!

Sunday---Precious Promises

If you pay attention when you are corrected, you are wise.  If you refuse to learn, you are hurting yourself.  If you accept correction, you will become wiser.  Reverence for the Lord is an education in itself.  You much be humble before you can ever receive honors.

Proverbs 15:31-33, Good New Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

Sunday---Precious Promises

Sunday---Precious Promises

Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, shining stars.

Psalms 148:3, Good News Bible

Sun Moon Stars Continues

I've penciled in the stars and have stitching ideas for the moons.  This is a slow cloth for me--my first.  I'm usually rushing to complete projects.  Following this workshop with Jude Hill is taking me in a different direction from my usual approach to my art quilts.  I like it!!  Today, Jude talked about motion in her  SunMoonStars workshop.  The paisley gives the sampler motion within the block, but turning the entire block on another piece of cloth gives  movement outside the block.  That is not an original thought, but the thoughts Jude addressed this morning.

Look closely and you can see the outline of my block on the blue star fabric--I outlined in white pen--then made a little turn.  My goal is to stitch the stars and moons in the next few days. I'm also thinking how the paisley (Milky Way) is going to change during this slow cloth movement or stay the same???  This is my Off the Wall   project--check out all the others.  As Always, Happy Quilting!!

??? - October 12, 2016

I had a dream last night and when I woke this morning the dream made lots of sense.

When I woke and opened the door to the garage in bounded our yellow lab Maggie, but she was young and full of energy.  

But that was not the case this morning--Maggie had passed to the Rainbow Bridge, some time during the night.  We had been noticing a change in her behavior the past few weeks.  She was more quiet, sleeping longer, not joining in like she use to.  The age of Maggie was unknown because she was a rescue dog.  But the one thing the vet noticed was how worn her teeth were, so Maggie was well over 10 years old.  She had been with us since April 23, 2012.  She was a sweet girl that immediately fit in to our family life style.

We think Maggie had had many litters of puppies and was used to make her previous owners lots of money.  But, her days with us were very different.  She was a little spoiled to say the least.  I would like to believe she loved her final years with us and much as we loved her.

Making a Move

I've made the decision.  I'm going to be making a Shop move.  You'll notice a new Shop button on the side bar.  I will be offering a few items for sale now and then. Nothing big just a small sampling.   My Etsy shop will be closing by the end of the year.  This is my second time to try selling on Etsy.  I can't complain I have sold some items and I love the format, but I just can not get my mind around how Etsy REALLY works.  Articles I have read about promoting your product/brand--seem to take more time and know-how than I have.  So I will offered my items, here on my blog and scale back a bit.

You will find small art quilts and prayer flags.  Maybe even a Mug Rug or two.  I prefer PayPal, but if another means of payment is desired just email me.  Hope you'll stop in now and then.  As Always, Happy Quilting!!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Find out for yourself how good the Lord is.  Happy are those who find safety with him.  Have reverence for the Lord, all his people, those who obey him have all they need.

Psalms 34:8-9, Good News Bible

SunMoonStars

I've been following Jude Hill for a few years, but have never had the time to participate in any of her wonderful workshops.  Now that I'm semi-retired, I have been reading and stitching many of her Feel Free offerings.  I started this little nine-patch a few weeks ago.  Not sure where it was going, just stitching.  Then,  Jude introduced a second offering of SunMoonStars and I decided that this is where my little piece should travel--free-spirit stitching.  The vintage nine-patch, made by another's hand many years ago, has become my anchor.  Moons are already on the horizon, with a piece of vintage fabric I found in my fabric bin.  Sun and Stars will make their way on the piece too--a sampler of sorts.  The paisley is from an old scarf and made it on this little sampler before SunMoonStars not sure it if will stay or what it's statement will be, but just resting at the moment.  Until the next stitch, Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

So God made the two larger lights, the sun to rule over the day and the moon to rule over the night; he also made the stars.

Genesis 1:16, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105, Good News Bible

On The Way

I created this blog, familypatchworks, to journalize my quilting projects and quilting thoughts.  I named if familypatchworks because I have an appreciation for vintage fabrics, quilts, quilt blocks, quilters and the history/story that surrounds all quilting projects.  I like using found orphan blocks in my art quilts for that very reason.

This little whole cloth cheater fabric is a joy for me to "complete".  You see, I did not start this quilt.  It was started by a woman, who has since passed and had no great-grandchildren.  Her first great-granddaughter will be born in Mid-November and the grandmother to-be asked me to complete the project.  We have found it very interesting that the quilt is pink, at the time it was started there were no hints of a grand child in the future.

Just one of the many wonderful stories I have stumbled on to since starting this blog, years ago.
Happy Quilting everyone!!!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Bring the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there.  Put me to the test and you will see that I will open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things.

Malachi 3:10, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.  When wise people speak, they make knowledge attractive, but stupid people spout nonsense.

Proverbs 15:1-2, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.  For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.

Matthew 11: 28-30, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

Do not judge others, and God will not judge you; do not condemn others, and God will not condemn you; forgive others, and God will forgive you.  Give to others, and God will give to you.  Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands---all that you can hold.  The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.

Luke 6: 37-38, Good News Bible

National Dog Day

Keesha's Quilt Block

Bo's Mini Quilt

Today is National Dog Day and being a true dog lover I thought I would reflect and remember the dogs I have loved and those who have loved me.  Being an only child, a dog was truly my best friend and always a part of my life.  In fact, I have always had a dog, sometimes more than one.  Today my hubby and I have two dogs.  My dog, Bo and his dog, Maggie.

Maggie is the Yellow Lab and a rescue.  She appears to be about 12 years old.  Bo is a Black Lab mix and a dog that picked me when he was a puppy, I don't think, I have ever had a dog love me so much.  Bo is 10 years old this month.  Bo is my quilting dog. He is always in my sewing room when quilt tops are being made.  It is such an honor to be loved by a dog.  Sounds silly, but they have given me so much through the years:  companionship, peace and a soft understanding heart to help when I was broken or bruised.

Dogs will be what their humans make them.  They adapt well to what you, their pack leader, want them to be.  Saying that, I do believe that there are no "bad dogs".  Just owners that have not taken the time to research the traits of the breed--so that the dog can fit the owner's lifestyle, or an owner that is not taking the time to train the dog properly or an owner that abuses, neglects or uses the dog for their personal benefit without concern for the dog's well being.  All these elements can create a non-social dog that the public labels "bad dogs".  I would encourage a second look at the history of ownership.

In honor of National Dog Day, here are the dogs who have loved me.

Skipper-my first dog, Cocker Spaniel
Beauty-Rough Collie
Tammy-the dog of my youth thru young married life (looked just like Lassie) a Rough Collie
Belle, Trixie, and Boone-wish they had been with me longer
Pebbles-German Shepard, and our son's first dog.  She was a hero, she helped the local police department catch a stalker back in 1974.  She was much loved by many people. The night before she passed away this big dog climbed into my lap--I believe to say good-bye.
Keesha-Keeshond, a rescue she taught me more about the training of dogs than any of the others.
Otis-Black & Tan Coonhound, house dog that was a great protector and ran our household for many years.  He was also a rescue.  From him I learned the devotion of a male dog.
Bodhi-Siberian Husky, a rescue with tons of personality
Bear-Yellow Lab, rescue dog.  He was devoted to my hubby.  They were together until the end.  It was very difficult for my hubby to give up Bear, but the time had come for that decision.  Hubby believes that they will meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, so do I.

They were all so special in their own way and I am smiling now with a few tears as I remember all of them.  Bo and Maggie are now teaching our Grandson, Parker, the special love of a dog.

Maggie and Parker

Bo and Parker
Yes, he's a gentle giant!

 Dogs Love Dogs, too.

Happy National Dog Day!! 
 Love a Dog!!  

I have used the inspiration of my dogs in quilts, other have too.  Check out Off the Wall Friday to see great quilting inspirations.  Happy Quilting!

Olympic Stitches

This little mini quilt Friends are Flowers has been stitched in many places.  Since I work small, I can take may work with me on road trips.  Its stitching adventure was continued from Missouri to New Jersey.  This was just a quilt top when I took my Blogging Break a couple of weeks ago and last night while watching the Olympics I completed the binding.  I found some Mary Englebreit themed fabric, made a red scrappy border and added large layer puffy flowers.  Using embroidery floss and a bit of whimsy, stitched the border and flowers with large stitches and the center is a meandering quilting stitch.

The little mini measures about 9 1/2 inches square.  It would a great mug rug for a friend.  I find that my quilting is becoming projects with no real purpose--just for the fun of stitching.  Before all my quilts had a purpose--they were projects that were being sent somewhere or given to someone.  Now they are just for me--oh they may end up in my Etsy Shop, (just added this one, today) but they were not created for that reason. My little mini quilts are becoming more special as arthritis takes over my fingers and hands.  I don't take quilting for granted like I use to.  I'm enjoying the freedom and stitching for the fun of it.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

I do not call you servants any longer, because a servant does not know what his master is doing.  Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I have hear from my Father.  You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures.  And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name.  This, then, is what I command you:  love one another.  

John 15:15-27, Good News Bible

Liberated Stars--Wow!!!!

I have been in love with the liberated quilting concept for years.  I have greatly enjoyed Gwen Marston's books on the subject.  It is so fun to just quilt and not worry about the "quilting police".  Rules are what you make them---just enjoy yourself.  So that is what I did with this little 10 1/2" square mini quilt.  If you have not made them--try a liberated star, they are so easy and the final product is always a surprise.  It is a great way to use up scraps too.  I call this little quilt Star Bright--This will not be my last liberated star quilt. Check out all the great quilts at Off the Wall Friday and have a great weekend.  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct.  This is good it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth.

1 Timothy 2: 1-4, Good News Bible

Welcome Home--Surprise

We arrived home this morning to a real Surprise Welcome.  I planted one Lily bulb a couple of years ago and this is what greeted me today.  The lily has never been this big or so many stems.  Our winter was mild this year and our Spring and Summer has recorded a record amount of rain.  

I guess the little lily bulb liked the season.  They are beautiful and have a wonderful smell.  It's good to be home.  Happy Quilting!

Blogging Break

It's time for a little Blogging Break.  Unplugged for a while.  I have not been keeping up with my blogging schedule.  Yes, I have a schedule, unfortunately it means quilt making so I have something to post.  For me the summer has just been filled with so many projects, errands, grand-baby sitting, party planning and unfortunately family illness, that quilting has been almost non existent .  The summer has been a time of running, tending to and some great grandchild play time.  Now it is time for some travel.  I will be away for a week, maybe two.  I hope this will also be a refreshing and regeneration time for my quilting.  I have a couple of take-a-long projects that I will be working on as we travel.  I don't know about you, but sometimes these breaks from the daily routine or lack of routine can help the a creative endeavor become more apparent.  Sometimes it gives me focus, and focus is what I have been lacking lately.  So here's to unplugging and a pleasant road trip.  See you in a few weeks,  Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment:  "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."  But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another.

Galatians 5: 14-15, Good News Bible

Sunday---Precious Promises

Paul and Barnabas preached the Good News...They strengthened the believers and encouraged them to remain true to the faith.  "We must pass through many troubles to enter the Kingdom of God, " they taught.

Acts 14: 21-22, Good News Bible

Etsy Shop Update

I started thinking about gifts for the holidays and decided to update my Etsy shop familypatchworks with some fabrics I have collected through the year for that very purpose.  Included is some yardage, cheater fabrics, fabric panels and whimsical quilt blocks.

I also added some mini quilts that can be used for a tiny corner wall hanging, cabinet knob hanger, or gift tag.

I always used this time of year to start any holiday sewing project---there never seems to be enough time.  The shop is full and I have about four more mini quilts in the making.  I better get stitching.  Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!