2014 Update in General

I thought I'd post an update of where we are with the quilts in stock and ones that recently left to find new homes.

The following are some of the ones sent to Quilts of Compassion in OH (to comfort midwest tornado victims)

Sail Away

Spinning Blocks

Cherries on Top

Spin out!

4-Patch Hopscotch

Pastel 4-patch baby

 How green Was my Valley

Then there are some that are in the works....this is just a few of them.

"Flutterbys"--Since it needs the borders straightened out, the creator took it home to straighten out.

Finished now. Vintage Purple Diamonds

 This is done and ready for someone to love. Perfect wheelchair sized.

American Log Cabin- another wheelchair sized

Lime I Spy HS quilt-lap quilt

Pinwheels in the Grass-baby

Purple HS Batik-lap quilt

Number the Animals-lap quilt

Framed Leaves-couch size

Green Mountain Majesties (recently taken to Harry Grey Cancer center for Shirl- a woman with ovarian cancer. She is being helped by another of our quilt recipients).

 These are in the process of getting finished....

This is another 'wonky border'. to be fixed....

Green D9P

"Cycling in VT" sent on it's way!

Finally got to send the finished quilt "Cycling in VT" on it's way....to MA.

This went to a woman (former nurse, and veteran) who has been dealing with ovarian cancer for a while, and thankfully, I've heard she just got some test results back that said 'negative'. We like to hear that, and hope that our thoughts while working on her quilt have helped that prognosis along. This was blessed after the holidays and sent out last week. Thank you Edith for the fabric and the request.

January event-- "Sandwich Stackers"

Last Friday, I spent the morning at church setting up everything for Sat's event!

We had three backings that needed to be sewed to expand them.Three of these quilts needed their backings split diagonally for them to fit the tops. (Actually, we ended up doing four)
Six quilt tops that needed backs, batting and binding. (Really didn't get these touched yet, but they are morked and that's half the battle).
Two quilt tops that need to have us evaluate.One, I'm not sure, but I don't think we'll get to it, so it doesn't matter. (Didn't get there yet)

Lots of batting and threads. I just have to remember to bring my sewing machine and 'ditty case'. (And it should be raining, so that may be fun!!-- got it in before the rain)

Everyone that is coming, please remember to bring your lunch. I have water and can make hot tea, but I haven't gotten dessert. (Maybe I'll find time to stop on the way to church).

See you there. (Anyone can stop by. We may put you to work, though, so watch out!! LOL)

Here is an update on the actual day....
Attendees:
Kathy S, Jane P, Margaret M, Marilyn L (stayed only a short time, but nice to have you there), Anna R, me, and a surprise visit from some "lerkers". Actually, former church members/friend and her two college age children (Cindy D and Emily and Lindsay). So nice to be able to put you to work!! LOL

One small quilt got backed and bound. This top was 'serged' by a friend of Jane's (Irene) and was donated to the group.Margaret did the ties and Jane pinned the binding. I sewed the binding at the mtg, but took it home to do the label.

Marilyn created this bright top and donated it. My favorite colors! It's always hard to let go of a 'beauty', but that's truely 'giving' if you can let it go.

One of our 'Blue Bellies" was laid out on it's backing (plaid), and was tied by the ladies. I machine-sewed between the blocks, then took it home to trim the batting and roll the back over to the front for it's binding. (Finished that so all it needs is a label).

 This little quilt that Anna and Margaret tied, was a collection of paper-pieced blocks (made by a lady in her 80's) that was given to one of our members. Kathy put it together, added some borders and fabrics and it's turned into a nice wheelchair-sized quilt! My plan is to machine-quilt to imitate the diamond in the middle block (purple), machine-stitch outside of the purple border, then roll the backing to make the binding. I think this one may get called "Vintage Purple Diamonds", since the fabrics were very vintage looking.

 Surprise!! Lindsay and Emily survey the "Pawlet Mountain Trails" quilt. Trying to decide how to quilt/tie this one.  Mom (Cindy) helping to figure where we can stitch to 're-create' the mountain effect on the quilt. By the time they were done (we stayed an extra hour), we had it 'chalked'.

 We even had time to catch up on family/life news, so those who vaguely remember when they belonged to our church.

 Girls were home from college and got to help, and then relax and visit. Thanks for stopping in and letting me put you to work! (Stop in anytime!!)

Delayed Nov Meeting was productive

How nice to be able to get together and get some things accomplished... After diligently working over the past 10 months on this one (creativity takes time as no pattern was used), it's nice to get this pin-basted and partially machine-quilted at the meeting. I'll finish it at home and the binding is all pieced (scrappy blues), so trimming and sewing it one will be done by the end of Thanksgiving weekend. Hope to hand sew the binding (second edge) during my favorite show on Sundays (The Amazing Race).





Ready to be pin-basted.



 As usual, two of my most ardent sewers, brought in some finished quilts (just need a label). Mary Ellen named this at the meeting and we got it blessed at the Sunday service the following weekend.

Mary Ellen's "How Green is my Valley"



Backing is like the wine country

Not sure what to name this one, but it seems like it should have something to do with 4-patches, baby blue blocks, etc... something. I think it will be "4-Patch Hopscotch"

Kathy's baby quilt

This was an easy one of Kathy's to name...lots of lovely 9-patch blocks surrounding a cute hummingbird couple.

Kathy's "Hummingbird 9-Patch"

Center block of the quilt above



This was brought is as a top, so we'll add it to the pile that we'll sandwich in January. I needed to have someone count the quilts that need to be sandwiched for the "Sandwich Style" meeting, but I've since forgotten how many... I'm sure it's close to 12. (This one may have 'wrinkles in the borders', but I'll check it out later. Will probably name it, "Vintage Purple Diamonds"

Kathy's quilt made from Marilyn's fabric blocks.

I have a number of our 'excess quilts' that will be going to Janice Grimes who is heading the Quilts for Compassion group and they will go to comfort those affected by the recent Tornadoes in IL and the midwest. I'll be posting which of our quilts get sent in the next post.

Rest in Peace, Darryl....

One of our quilt recipients, Darryl Lotz passed away yesterday (Nov 7th) after having been diagnosed with a brain tumor three years ago. Our heartfelt sympathies go to his wife Deanna, and his children, Dalton & Delaney.

Our next meeting (on Nov 11th) will be postponed so his wake can be attended.

Reprint of my recent speech....

I was asked to talk to the congregation at our church about our group and it's ministry. I wasn't sure that would be an easy thing to do, since I'm very passionate about it (and I might cry). So, after numerous requests to print this, here it is.

Ministry Minute – Peace by Piece Quilters

 Sometimes you never know what God wants you to do… I’d thought that for a long time, tried to fit myself in to various places at St Mary’s; Sunday school teacher, Vestry, May fair… I tried to think of the gifts that God had given me, and while I knew I had some, to be honest, I wasn’t sure what they were or how He wanted me to use them. Not until I saw an announcement from the ‘knitters’, did He speak to me. While I didn’t know God would use me to provide comfort to those in need, it was HE who created Peace by Piece Quilters, even if I think I did that. 

I quilt. I quilt, because I love the process of picking the fabrics and having them speak to me to make something to snuggle in. I thought I’d be able to use up some of my fabrics in this group, and I wouldn’t feel ‘guilty’ spending money on new fabrics for a project. But I now believe God spoke many times when I wasn’t listening. In the hands of those who help me create the quilts, those who put in a request for someone that’s ill, and in the face of those receiving the quilts they didn’t expect to get. That’s really the best. And nothing needs to be said. Nothing. 

It’s what God wants me to do… We comfort those who are sometimes consumed with dealing with things we can’t imagine. Because we can. Nothing needs to be repaid, but all of us involved with the group know it’s repaid in volumes! I now know this is what God wants me to do. To give. And LOVE doing it!

Where is God's Voice?

Sometimes you really think nothing is affecting what you do. And then sometimes God speaks with a soft voice. Sometimes so soft that you don't realize it's His voice until later. That's what happened yesterday.

I had heard a very dear friend of mine (second family) was going in for surgery to have a hysterectomy (and removal of a 'mass'). She couldn't wait because she thought it would end the stomach issues she was having. I offered her one of our quilts (was He speaking then?) and she gently refused it saying she wasn't sick enough for THAT. (Did she think they only go for the dying?) I really insisted that they go for people EVEN just having surgery, after all, it's made to 'comfort' you when you need it. Reluctantly she said that if it would make ME feel better, I could give her one.

Yesterday, I went to her house with a few choices. And some pocket prayers, in case she really insisted that she didn't need one. When she answered the door she didn't look good (did I disturb her sleep?)... I told her I could come back if that would be better, but she opened the door and said 'now is fine', then blurted out, "I have ovarian cancer." I quickly said "I know" (although I hadn't been told and don't know why I said it- was HE speaking again for me?). She corrected me and said, "No, I haven't told you that yet". "Oh yeah, you said it was a mass..."

Then I realized what she'd told me... she had cancer. Definitely. They WEREN'T gonna do surgery because of the lymph nodes that could be compromised. Apparently another panel of doctors read the report and rediagnosed it....

As I sat there for the hour I spent with her, we cried, spoke of being scared, angry, afraid of losing friends, control, faith. I hopefully, reassured her that her friends ARE her friends and the ones that don't stick by her may not know how to handle her illness. That, while she's afraid to be back at her church because people will 'pity' her, she needs their love, and prayers and hugs...Then I gave her a quilt and told her when she starts her chemo, she needs to bring that with her, because until she feels God is with her, that quilt will be there (as is God) warming and comforting the chaos in her life. Be honest with other people. Tell them you're afraid they will pity you. They'll figure out how to react to this by what you say and do. If you're angry, and you SHOULD be, throw a nerf ball at the wall. If it doesn't work, throw something else. Kick a wall. Yell. Scream. SWEAR!! I would! I also tried to make her laugh. I told her to hang on to anything she can control, because she won't know what she can control and how the treatment would affect her. I told her I'd help her cut her hair when she thought it was time (my sister is a hairdresser and can do it out of the relm of the salon where she was worried others would 'see' her). I reaasured her we'd keep her husband busy (her concern after she's gone)....I also reigned in her panic when she cried out that she was DYIING, by saying yes, I know. we ALL ARE. ("But I'm dying before you are..." "Unless I get hit by a bus when I leave here", then I looked to the heavens and said "Not yet, Lord, I have things to take care of." ....

I left when she felt a little tired. Somehow, I know I heard God's voice....
This is the quilt she picked out.... "Where's First Base?" is the name of it.

First Meeting is rather productive

First meeting of the year (after our summer break) proved to be good. We got some decisions made on designs and talked about what is up and coming.
 This is the Motorcycle quilt (Cycling in VT), that we needed to figure out what to fill in on those corners. Decided to go with HST with white on one side and selvedge strips on the other side of the triangle, to kind of 'box' it in. Center four squares that surround the middle block will be orange (not white). Also will put corners with motorcycle fabric.

This is a cutie made by Enid... Makes me think of a baseball diamond, missing 1st base. "Where's First Base?" is my choice of names. What do you think?

 More Pocket prayers.... yeah! We haven't run out yet. That's good.

 This is one of the last of the Blue Belly quilts... made by Kathy S. (I think it's #5).  Will make a good guy quilt.

Kathy made this Mountain Majesties quilt top, but said it would be her last (of this pattern). These are smaller than the blue/purple/gold one shown in an earlier post. We decided to add a border and dark green binding with a green /pink floral backing. "Green Mountain Majesties"...

 Sent off some pillowcases and tops (below) to Alycia Carmin in CO who does wonderful work with a long arm finishing these quilts and delivering them to our veterans. Thanks Alycia.

 This is Kathy's "The Last Hurrah", as she is out of RWB fabrics (as she says "No more QOV quilts for me!" What she doesn't know is that QOV quilts can be any color at all, so it won't be the last from us, LOL)

" Navy Men"...

 Close up

" A Military Thank you"

 close up

"Service Salute"

 Here is the pile of blocks for the cycling in VT  quilt top. Hope to have it put together by the end of the weekend.

 Cut the borders (rust), and the binding (dark green) and the small square of fabric poking out is the backing.

 This quilt, made by Kathy S. I'm calling "Just Ducky" was sent to a 5 yr old girl dealing with kidney issues. Just had a 'port' taken out while in the hospital. Glo (my co-worker) says she thought she had HPV, but I think she may have the initials mixed up.

Well, can't wait to see what gets done for the next meeting!