Sunday---Precious Promises

But if any of you lack wisdom you should pray to God who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.  But when you pray, you must believe and no doubt at all.  Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind.  James 1:5-6, 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

Butterfly Treasure Keeper

I've made a second Treasure Keeper this week.  Didn't have the time I wanted to spend with my little vintage bags, but that extra time will come later.  This little bag has been tea dyed, and is embellished with fussy cut butterflies and hand stitches.  Measuring 4 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches makes it perfect for reading glasses, a narrow personal treasure or gift.  To me, quilting/stitching is a personal, creative enjoyment.  I guess that is what a hobby should be.  But, I also like to have purpose for my endeavors.  I'm not sure what I'll do with the completed Treasure Keepers---donate, sell, give away--any ideas would be welcomed (remember I have about 100).   I can say one thing for sure--- presently, I'm enjoying the creative process of taking these old vintage bags and re-purposing them into a present day useful item.   Check out Off The Wall Friday to see some creative quilting.  And as always Happy Quilting!

Wordless Wednesday---Sorta!!

Sunday---Precious Promises

I am the bread of life;  he that comes to me shall never hunger:  and he that believes on me shall never thirst:...if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever.  John 6:35, 48, 51

Wordless Wednesday

Sunday---Precious Promises

Happy are those who wash their robes clean and so have the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and to go through the gates into the city.   

Revelations 22:14,  Good News Bible

I Call Them Treasure Keepers

 I'm calling them Treasure Keepers.  It all started when hubby bought a wooden box at an auction a few years ago.  Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of the box. Hubby sold the box to a box collector.  Hubby likes buying and selling interesting things.  Anyway, the box was about 32"long, 12"wide and about 15" tall. It was made of wood at least an inch thick and had heavy hinges, handle and lock.  It had a lining on all sides, including the top and bottom.  The lining had a batting of horse hair and on the outside of the old painted box was U.S. Plates.  Whatever this box was used for it was heavily protected from damage.
What was inside the box is where my story begins.   When hubby opened the box there were at least a hundred cloth bags.  The bags were all different sizes and made from a soft cotton twill type fabric with a fleece lining.

 Being a lover of cloth, I latched on to the bags. I threw them in the washer and dryer and then stacked them in a shopping bag to wait until I figured what to do with my interesting find.
Last year, I had my first glimmer of an idea.  Make them into a gift bags.  I had two small gifts to give for Christmas and I found two small bags perfect for gift giving.

I simply used a vintage 9-patch block. I had attached it with raw edge applique and some top stitching. Attached a piece of twine and placed the Christmas treasure inside.

It was cute, but a little flat.  Then the idea grew.  Treat the bag as a whole cloth and applique a quilt top to it.  Add color and more depth.  That is where I'm going now.

I just finished this little Treasure Keeper as a birthday gift.  The little bag measures 5 1/4" wide x 6 1/2" long.  Perfect for a small gift.
***The top part of the bag is in a shadow.  To begin my process I cut the seams on the bag and trim to a uniform size.  Then I add my embellishments and quilting.  For this bag I fussy cut fabric and fused them to the bag.  Then added hand stitching, yarns, buttons and ribbon. Finally stitch it back together.   This one is the natural color, but I have tea and coffee dyed a few to get a darker version.
I'm linking this post to  Off The Wall, you may want to check out some of the other great ideas.  Happy Quilting! 

Sunday---Precious Promises

We may make our plans, but God has the last word.  You may think everything you do is right, but the Lord judges your motives.  Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

Proverbs 16: 1-3, Good News Bible

Happy New Year

Wishing everyone a very

Happy New Year

filled with 

Sunshine and Flowers

and 

Beautiful Quilt Projects

Happy Quilting!