Code the Stash

While somewhat organizing my sewing room last week, I wish I had seen this code chart I later discovered on the Quilting Digest’s Facebook page! Oh well. I have it now, for next time! There is always a next time!

Anyway, it’s hard to imagine 2016 is half over already! Where in the world has the time gone? Is it really time to start crafting for Christmas?

If that’s your thing, I would say so!

Have you gathered ideas for your loved ones? During the hot days of summer – well underway here in the Texas Hill Country – is when I turn my focus on what handmade gifts for family I would like to do this year!

But, I must keep in mind what several family members have told me:

“I don’t want or need any more “stuff” as I’m downsizing.”

Or, I’ve learned “handmade” is not their thing…

Easy/peasy – they get a gift card. I may can’t control myself, and create a special gift card holder!

For those who I do create a something special, unique, from the heart gift… what will it be?

Off to search Pinterest! I used the terms: “Christmas” “gifts” “homemade” “sewing” and found BUNCHES of ideas!

Then I did a Google search using the same terms and discovered many more sites to check out! It doesn’t matter how old the article may be!

Sometimes omit “Christmas” in your search and you’ll not see all the ornaments, door wreath, and stocking patterns. Rather, you’ll find a great site like I just did when I stumbled upon “Everything Etsy” and her 101 Simple Sewing Tutorials!

Well, I think I have a pretty good idea what I’m going to sew up for gifts! What about you? What will you create?

Take Care of Others

A friend of mine recently gave me several lovely books, one of which was Comfort Quilts from the Heart by Jake Finch. Published in 2008 by C&T Publishing ~ where Mary works. Now out of print, it’s available in eBook format here!

Found on the website, this describes it perfectly: 

Whether you make these projects for a loved one or someone you've never met, you'll give the irreplaceable gift of loving care. Projects include quilts for babies in intensive care units; handy projects for wheelchair and walker users; quilts for adults and children bedridden at home or in the hospital; and therapeutic quilts for stroke, Alzheimer's and other patients with brain impairments.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book!

Besides the easy to follow projects ~ with the first one being about “fidget” quilts (aka Action Quilts) ~ Jake also includes chapters on:

Materials, Tools, & Techniques

Healing through Words – Labeling Your Project

Group Effort: Making Comfort Quilts at Large

Who Needs the Help?

Sources

As it says on the back of the book:

Thoughtful, useful gifts for Those Needing a Helping Hand

I’m going to work on the project found on page 26…

Chair Bound: A Wheelchair Quilt with Footwarmer!

I’ve never made one before, but can see how wonderful this would be for those who cannot walk!

While Momma was basically wheelchair bound after breaking her femur at age 84, she had to have help to stand/transfer to bed or another chair. I can see how she would have loved having that extra warmth around her only sock covered feet!

I’ll let you know how it goes!!!

Time and Order

Near the end of May, I began posting quotes on my Facebook wall, and on Lanetta’s Creations page, from a couple of books I’ve had for years. It’s been a long time since I’ve read either of them. I need a refresher.

One of the quotes I shared yesterday meant the world to me, more so than the others so far–

Time is the greatest gift of all. –Anonymous

How true is this!?!

“The Gift of Time” article, written by Delores Elaine Bius, found within God’s Abundance – 365 Days to a Simpler Life, edited by Kathy Collard Miller, hit home to my heart. She wrote about the “privilege” she experienced being with and taking care of her mother the last three months of her mother’s life.

Then today’s quote:

Order is the shape upon which beauty depends. –Pearl Buck

In the other book, Simple Abundance, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, Sarah Ban Breathnach writes:

There is an immediate emotional and psychological payoff to getting our houses in order. We might not be able to control what’s happening externally in our lives but we can learn to look to our own inner resources for a sense of comfort that nurtures and sustains. I have even noticed that there is a direct correlation between the days when I’m feeling depressed and the days when the house is in disarray.

I ask, what happens when you physically are unable to get things in order?

It was my “privilege” to have given Momma the gift of time last week. Her garage has been in such disarray for years. She’s yearned for help, for organization since she cannot do it herself. She’s wanted it in order, especially her supplies so she could return to doing a bit of artwork.

My sister & I had planned for several years to get out there and get it done, together. Time schedules and travel (I live 3 hours away), however, has never coordinated for us. During my last visit – while my sister was out of town visiting her daughters and grandsons, I made the time.

Momma came first – before running the roads, visiting friends, cleaning my own house! I’d put her off too long. There is still quite a bit to do, but at least now there is room to do it! At least now, she can get to her art supplies!

Will you give the gift of time to someone you love?