November Thoughts

Well ladies and gentleman I want to issue you a challenge. As time goes by all quilters collect what becomes known as the infamous "scrap basket". I have one that has now gone from a little basket to a laundy basket. It could be larger but I draw the line on what size scraps I keep. If I cannot get at least 2.5 x 6 inches I discard. Wasteful - yes but my decision nonetheless.

You have all been with me 1 year now so I know you have those scraps stored away. I have committed to finishing 1 scrap quilt by the end of the year and in fact have already chosen the pattern. My challenge to Vickie, Kathy, Bo and Amy - finish 2 scrap quilts by the end of 2009. Make these ones you committ to work on in your free time or even time you would otherwise use for charity or volunteer work. Does 2 soud like a lot? I've committed to 6 in 2009.

This isn't mandatory - just a challenge. I know that I feel the urge often to do more volunteer work than I do now so look at this as your volunteer work as I would ask that you each donate the finished scrap quilts to the Senior Orphan program in December 2009. No need to spend money on fabrics - get those scraps and get using them. I know my basket will be much lighter this time next month. I'm already planning.

Be blessed, have great Thanksgiving and rember to pray for a solider so serves so that we may celebrate holidays as we choose and to give God thanks for the bounty we have.

October Comfort Quilts

Here are our last 2 comfort quilts I've been promising to post. The one on the left was started by Amy. She decided she didn't like the package look so donated it to the cause. I adopted it and added 2 borders that complimented her boxes and I think it came out quite nice especially with the 2 different quilting stitches.

The one on the right was a partial top someone donated to me. So I added a border that matched as close as I could get and it looks nice also. Both are quilted and in the closet ready for donation.

I also quilted a top for Kathy to be used as a comfort quilt so I'll add that photo once she's done.

UFO DAY - 9/20/08

Well we had our first ever Faithquilters - UFO day. I think it was exciting to see what all everyone had to work on.

We worked most of the day taking a break for lunch. We had lunch at Olive Garden to celebrate Kathy and Jean's birthday. Jean is another quilter that will be joining us on our monthly meetings rather than weekly. Amy and Vickie were able to get the quilts finished for Amy's co-workers children. Kathy and Jean worked on quilts in progress and I was able to quilt one of Kathy's tops and I actually finished to quilts in which were partially done. Both will go in the comfort quilt pile. Here are picture of the kids Vickie & Amy finished. Mine I'll post later and Kathy's when it's finished.

Bo's Hexagon

I think I forgot to post Bo's last quilt. He finished this up in August and gave to his wife's grandmother as a gift. She loves pink. He did a fabulous job on this quilt. We can't wait to see what pattern he picks next. He's moving this month and packed everything away but be watching next month to see what he makes. Great job.

They've Finished Some Nice Ones

Here is the one Vickie just finished as a gift. She did a great job on thise one. Simple, clean lines that don't distract from the fabric she chose. She is just finishing up anopther one with slight ly different fabric and it is just as nice. She certainly has an eye for color.

Wednesday 9/10/08 Update

I'll tell you I can't wait to take the pictures and get them posted. This weeks quilt meeting sure seemed to get a lot accomplished. Kathy brought a scrappy top she has finished and we were able to get that basted and ready for quilting.

Amy and Vickie both finished the their tops for the children of Amy's co-worker. Since his health is quite bad we've made this a priority for the group. Last night we were able to get both tops basted and one top quilted. Tonight the second will be quilted then we'll add the binding. After that Vickie will hand sew it in place along wth the labels and then they're off to Amy for delivery. That's pretty good for a weeks work. You ladies are amazing.

Look for those pictures as soon as they are finished.

NEW DIRECTION

Faith Quilters has decided to move in a new direction. Since it is so hard to meet every "comfort" need we encounter we want to try and move our focus to seniors. Especially senior orphans who have no family. With that in mind I will be arranging to donate our comfort quilts to a Lakeland man that runs just such an organization.

I think we'll have to name them Senior Quilts. I can't thank the ladies enough for agreeing to this. Senior outreach is something that is just dear to my heart. They are sometimes are forgotten ones.