Which Came First?

Last weekend was our third gathering of the COH sewers and Julie opened the night with the question, "Which came first, the quilt or the chicken?" Puzzled, we waited while she opened an egg carton containing the most intricately designed eggs on the face of the planet.

 

Ukrainian Easter Eggs by Julie

I've seen these before but I never knew what they were called or that it was possible to make them. But we learned that indeed this is one of those rare family traditions that get passed down and live through ambitious types like Julie. She explained the process, which involves a kistka - a tool for applying a fine line of wax - and a whole lot of patience. Layer after layer of wax and dye is put on and then the eggs are warmed to allow the wax to melt off. Eggs can dry over the course of years and a hard yoke will be heard rolling around inside. Those of us going through menopause can relate to this... LOL. I can write that because the three people that read my blog will laugh hysterically. Right, Tori, Pam, and Sarah?

The quilt part comes into play within their designs. Very quilt-like. So which do you think came first? We all know it's quilts, so let's get back on topic.

Pam arrived with wonderful show and tell items. This red quilt is a Block of the Month stunner.

The binding is ingeniously sewn from two prints so the prints/color matches each side. You learn something new every month! Thanks for bringing it, Pam! She also showed off these colorful blocks, claiming they weren't as hard as they look. Yeah right, Pam!

 

Regretfully, I failed at my photo-journalism job and missed getting photos of Marcia's quilts. But, trust me, they were fabulous! Nobody meanders like Rod!
Tori was there editing graduation photos for Ashley's big day. A little worn out, she left her sewing for another time. We all have days like that. Hope the cheery Tori is back to normal by now!
Also in attendance was Sue, a newbie with a baby quilt kit that had been floating around her house for years. Sarah helped her decipher the instructions and she made good progress.
Here's a shot of Sarah and her latest endeavor. I can't remember the official name but it's a basket weave block for sure.

Sarah wins the award for Miss Photogenic!

And I toiled away on the Peace and Comfort charity quilt. All the red and blue strips are done. I just need a bit more fabric for the background and a border. Stay tuned.

Original design made with Red, White, and Free
from Sandy Gervais. Purchased from Bloomerie.com
Do you see the friendship stars?

Valentine's Day Quilt

It's T-2 days to Valentine's Day. Are you ready?

When I first started buying quilt fabric I snagged this pre-cut from Faye's, the only shop for 50 miles of my folk's farm in Mayville, ND. It was a 'slice', not a charm pack. I was very unfamiliar with what this could be used for but it was on sale, so in the name of thriftiness I purchased it. The collection is L'amore from Sandy Gervais. Obviously, it's only use is for Valentine's Day. After scanning Pinterest for the easiest HST design, I found a design with the white heart and added my own fly away pieces. I think it turned out pretty cute. The quilting in the heart is meandering and the rest is straight diagonal lines. The backing is red minky, but not ordinary red minky. In this version the dots are shaped like hearts! How perfect is that? I'm hoping this goes to someone needing a special gift for their sweetie or an adorable little girl. It won't be on Etsy until next year, so email me directly if interested.

We Care Bags

Here's a good idea if you have tons of fabric (we all do!) and a caring heart.
My sister-in-law lives in ND and had previously donated bags to a service that places foster kids. They already have two churches that contribute a duffle bag and a fleece, but nothing fun or personal. The We Care bags are unique designs, filled with a random assortment of things elementary kids enjoy. Things like journals, markers, hair supplies, toys, stuffed animals, balls, candy, etc. So here's what we did. Maybe you will be inspired also to lift a child's heart with your generosity.


We made 11 zippered bags for girls in these easy patchwork
designs.

I had solicited funds from my father who agreed to shop with our teenagers and pick out appropriate items. We hit up Walmart: bought 4 solid colored bags for the boys, and multiples of various items to be split into the bags. For $100 we filled 15 bags pretty well.

The backs!

The sad truth is that with this number we barely scratched the surface of this need. Our contact person reports that 5-6 children enter into foster care EACH WEEK in Grand Forks. Lord, we pray for all neglected and abused children of our world to know peace and love in their families - whether foster, nuclear, blended, big, small, near or far. Amen.