My Quilt Story

For eight years, I was on the bead scene. I made and sold extravagant beaded jewelry, taught classes, and went to bead stores all over the country; happily assembling artwork out of color and light. It was fun. It was invigorating. I even took a year-long class that moved me into the artistic world. But something was missing: I didn't feel like I was really serving God; really making the world any better. Sure, I was making it prettier and I was earning money that I could give to good causes, but it just didn't seem like enough.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm sure people can do beadwork to improve the world; it just wasn't right for me."Lucky Kid" lotto quilt

Then, five years ago, I took a little workshop at a Girl Scout Leader Day. They brought sewing machines, cutting mats and rotary cutters, and piles of fabric. There we learned to cut, piece, assemble, and tie a mini-quilt. I loved it! I went right out and purchased a cutter (I already had a mat and a ruler from another artistic endeavor: making miniature books!), some fabric, and a few hooks to hang my supplies on.

I started taking classes at local quilt shops. I was an absolute madwoman! I wanted to know what thread to use, which way to press my seams, if I should put water in the iron, what foot to use... I probably required more attention than I deserved, but my teachers were patient and knowledgeable. Eventually, my seams straightened and I learned how to follow a pattern.

"Flashbulb" Disappearing Nine-Patch

Nine months in, there was a notice in the church bulletin. "QUILTERS WANTED." Hey, that was me! Someone was starting a prayer quilt ministry. I might have been a baby quilter, but I was quilting. So I called immediately and was invited to the very first meeting. Five years later, I'm still going strong. I'm sure I've made at least a hundred tops! And they're going to comfort people who are suffering. I'm doing good. Yay.

"Miss Mousie" prayer quilt

"Miss Mousie" back

Now Friday has become Prayer Quilt Ministry Day. It's wonderful to be able to go to the church and sew with anywhere between 5 and 15 other quilters! Today I showed up with two quilts that needed borders... and I finished both tops!

The Middle is Always the Biggest Part!

The I-Spy blocks were made by entrants in a block lotto. I now present a list of the participants:

• Julie, NE
• Nell, VA
• Sue, AZ
• Sandy G.
• Silvia, LA
• Pat, CA
• Myna B.
• Bonnie, IN
• Lee Ann, UT
• Judy S.
• Amy B.
• Laura, GA
• Michelle, OK
• Kristi, MS
• Stacey S.
  
• me

Thanks, girls! It still has a ways to go, but it's looking good.

Speaking of which, take a look at the knitted dress! If you look real close, you can see that I just started shaping the armholes. I haven't that much more before I can, uh, start all over and do the whole thing again for the front. (sigh)The red thread continues to progress. You'll have to take my word that I finished May's block in May. A maypole--gotta love it! Here's what the whole piece looks like now:

I-spy blocks!

This is a prayer quilt. It's not designated, but God knows who's gonna get it. I won the blocks in a quilt block lotto. The pattern is Snowball and each of the fabrics is kid-friendly. I like 'em all, but I decided to feature a couple below.

Here's one that I made: Here's one that someone else made:

I still have to put on borders and sort out the back, but I really like it so far!