Follow Your Heart

It’s all about “Sewing for the Charity of it”! Which ever group you selected to focus on, I’m thinking you felt an extra tug on your heart strings! Remember me saying it gets a bit overwhelming reading about all the different needs out there? The words of Edward Everett Hale are a great mantra to keep playing in our minds:

I am only one, but I am one.

I cannot do everything,

but I can do something.

And I will not let what I cannot do

interfere with what I can do.

Follow your heart and you’ll create with passion. I know it’s the way I feel when I create something for seniors, Veterans, and adolescents/young adults ~ my focus groups.

Last year, National Sewing Month 2014, “Sew for the Creativity of it!” I focused on creating a quilt top. Making quilts is what I love to do to honor and Thank our Veterans and for adolescents/young adults in need of comfort.

The year before (2013), their theme was “Sew for the Skill of it!” It was then I shared a variety of projects reflecting different techniques and tips to hone our home sewing skills. One particular day, I featured “Sewing for Seniors” listing several projects to make. I’ve not made them all ~ yet ~ but plan to over the next several weeks!

Back in January, I wrote about creating “Action Quilts” for seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. Some folks call them “fidget quilts” and I’ve read where others refer to them as “Activity Mats”. Whatever you call this beautiful rose, it helps those with once busy hands.

Here is an Action Quilt I created recently and entered in the Lampasas (Texas) County Fair.

I didn’t enter it to win a ribbon (that was a plus!), but to bring awareness of what folks could create to help their Loved Ones.

And, a few more I’ve made…

In a few days, I’ll post a step–by–step tutorial, to share how I make an Action Quilt. Maybe you would like to make one along with me! If so, you’ll need a few doo-dads, trims, and textured and 100% cotton fabric. I would highly recommend to start collecting, or making them, now! It’s a great way to use other skills such as knitting, crocheting, or embroidering, and seeing things in a new light! I’ve created a Pinterest board with different ideas to include on Action Quilts. Even scrapbooking ideas go on this board! I wouldn’t use paper, but use felt/fabric in the same design!

Let us follow our hearts and Sew for the Charity of it!