Courage What We Need

This little Blessing Flag has taken on a new meaning for me.  I have just been through one of the scariest times of my life.  My hubby had a heart attack on Friday.  Oh my, the emotion and the worry on a scale of 10 about a 12.  Those of you who have been through this life event know what I mean.  Very lucky for us is that after feeling bad on Wednesday and Thursday--he decided to go to the doctor on Friday.  After failing an Enzyme Blood test, he was sent to the ER.  The attack happened in the ER.  I was so impressed with the response team.  Within 20 minutes they had him ready for surgery and a new stent was added to the two he already has.  Heart problems run in his family, so we have always been on alert. He received the other two stents in 2003 and did not have a heart attack.  This was an eye-opener for hubby.  I think, he thought that after the preventive stents in 2003 his heart problems were solved.  He is home now and on a restrictive activity plan for about a month.  Even though I changed my meal preparations to a more heart healthy diet in 2003, he was a cheater.  I don't think he'll be cheating anymore.  Wishing you a great day and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Lord bless the men and women who serve and have served 

protecting the weak and oppressed.  

Comfort those who morn the soldiers who have died. 

 We honor them.  

Amen

Courage and Healing

 This has been a busy week here in the woodland of Missouri.  The weather has been comfortable, so hubby and I have started the never ending task of cleaning out the garage and downstairs storage area.  Hubby has made one trip to Goodwill and I called an Auction House.  We have a scheduled pick up on June 18.  I'm thrilled.  Where does all this stuff come from?  As you have probably all ready guessed we are Down Sizing.   We know it will take a while.  Hubby has a very large collection of sports memorabilia that will take some time.  But, we are pleased with our progress.

My sewing area has been downsized too.  My machine and cutting table is in a corner of our office, supplies are on a shelf and in four totes.  At one time it was an entire room.  This week I wanted to spend more time on Blessing Flags, but that plan was altered.  I did complete two and delivered my special orders.
Courage and Healing were both fun to make.

 Courage is entirely hand stitched.  It started with a vintage star quilt block.  I added hand stitches and vintage yo-yos.  I forgot how much fun a yo-yo can make on a quilt.

Healing has more machine stitches and more vintage elements.  Colorful and fun can cheer up everyone.  Both will be added to the SHOP today.  Check them out and also check out the other project at Off the Wall Friday.  Wishing you a wonderful weekend and Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

And now I give you a new commandment:  

love one another.  

As  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 New Bible

It's Spring

Just completed --- mini quilt, perfect mat for that cup of tea or coffee in the morning.  It's Spring, as I'm calling it is 8 x 10 inches with needle turn applique, embroidery, patchwork and machine quilted.

I need more practice on free motion quilting.  There were times the machine got away from me.  I rush and I must learn to slow down.  I also need to adjust my bobbin thread, tension seems a little off. I made this quilt as my May Monthly Art Project.  On to June and another mini quilt is in the works.  The Monthly Art Project is helping me stay focused and complete the little projects I start.  Even have larger projects that are getting done. Check out the other spring projects that are Off the Wall Friday  and as always Happy Quilting!

Special Order

This little Special Order, is the first of a new look for my Blessing Flags.  This flag is going to a stroke victim.  I thought I needed to make the flag busy and interesting to stimulate.  So the flag evolved.  So different from my many others.  That is what I enjoy about making these little flags, each one is special. Check out the great projects at Off the Wall Friday
                          Happy Quilting!

Found

Saturday was a celebration day.  The little lost quilt was returned to me by United States Postal Service.  The reason was simple--

Sooooo, after a chuckle and text to Karen, the little quilt was in a new envelope with $1.21 postage and on it's way.    Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

Completed Blessing Flag

This little Blessing Flag is all ready to be given to a woman facing double cataract surgery.  The little flag is 5 x 7 inches and has free formed flower and leaves.  All parts of this flag have raw edges.  That allows the blessing to spread to others.  The history of Prayer Flags (or Blessing Flags as I call them) is over 2000 years old.  They were hung outside and the belief was that the wind would spread the prayer/blessing.  So many of my flags are still hanging in the homes of the recipients.  That is a nice feeling.   Happy Quilting! 

Blessings in the Making

For years I have made Prayer Flags for friends and relatives during difficult times in their lives.  After some thought, I decided to change the name of my little creations to Blessing Flags.  A blessing is a request for favor, protection and continued well-being.  I'm making a few changes in the construction of the flags, too.  I'm now centering the ribbon hanger so that the flag can be easily hung from a knob.   I'm also adding more embellishment to the background base.  

Vintage fabrics, beads, and lace will still be the ingredients for the flags.  And the blessings may be sent not only for difficult times in ones life, but also the joys.  Mini Door Knob Quilts and Blessing Flags add feelings of comfort on a daily basis. And, I have noticed that so many of my friends continue to hang the flags in their homes even after the difficult time in their life has passed.

The Blessing Flag I'm making now is for a friend who will be undergoing double Cataract  surgery this month.  I always start my flags at the top with the hanging ribbon, lace, trim and beads.
The next step is the base, which in this case will be free-form cut flowers that I will hand stitch to the vintage base.  I'll post more photos as the flag continues to build.  You can also check the shop patchworks for Blessing Flags and Mini Quilts available or contact me for a custom made item.
Have a wonderful Thursday and Happy Quilting!

Disturbing News---It May Be Lost

Yesterday I received some disturbing news.  The little door knob quilt that I made for a friend 11 years ago, repaired and mailed back to her has not arrived.  You can read its story here.  It was mailed April 19 and only had to travel 2 1/2 hours.  I had wondered why she had not responded when it was received.  In a short conversation I mentioned the quilt and she told me she would keep an eye out for it.  On Friday, it still had not arrived.  We are both trying to be positive, but so afraid the United States Postal Service has lost the beloved little quilt.  To day I submitted a missing mail search.  We'll keep our fingers crossed that it is located.

I have read stories of lost and stolen quilts and it seems awful, but now I know the feeling.  This little quilt is not a valuable prize winner, but a valuable one of the heart.  We are both hoping that the little quilt made for emotional comfort arrives where it belongs.   As always Happy Quilting!

Sunday---Precious Promises

PERSONAL NOTE: The following passage is my favorite.  I've used it for years to keep me focused in good times and bad.  I hope it is a helpful passage for you too.

Be joyful always, 

pray at all times,

be thankful in all circumstances.

This is what God wants from you in your life in union with 

Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-, Good News Bible