My recent quilting activity

On top of the Christmas gifts I am making, visiting grandparents, working 40 hours a week and preparing to led a trip to Africa in 4 days... I managed to make 2 lovely quilts!

 This quilt was for a little girls nursery. Thanks Mom for holding it for me :)

  I adore this quilt! I made it for a friend who picked out all fabric. I think I got most frustrated with this quilt but in the end I absolutely loved it! I am glad I pushed through because I am very happy with how it turned out!

Enjoy your Thursday!

downsizing

This blog really changed the way I view my stuff. 

I spent one afternoon reading about how it can be so easy to put so much worth in the material things around you. The blogger continues the topic by talking about American excess. I was convicted reading this blog realizing how many times I felt like I needed something that really wasn't that important. I wanted to downsize and get rid of the junk around me. 

Well I got home that afternoon and my house had been robbed. Both of our computers were stolen. My first reaction was "oh well, it is just a computer". Then I was sad that my pictures from the last 4 years were all gone (I am very sentimental). Then I felt icky and violated. But overall I was very surprised in how, once I got through the initial emotions, I was still ok. 

It is so much more freeing to live relying on God's provision. And to not feel consumed by 'consumerism'. 

My first step in downsizing:

I took all my clothes and put them in piles of: Keep, Not Sure, Don't Need.

I got rid of bags of clothes. 

There was so many shirts that I love but never wear or they have holes in them so I decided to make a quilt!

I was really surprised how fast it was to make!

Now I have an organized and cleaned out closet and dresser.

Next time I will tackle my craft closet and bathroom closet!!

"And my God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Jesus" -Philippians 4:19

Latest Quilt

I made a baby quilt for my boss who is expecting a little boy in November. 

I really love the colors and patterns that went into this quilt!

 I diagram all of my quilts before I start sewing. 

 Piecing it together...

 After basting the quilt top and the batting to the back of the quilt

 Close up of the fabric. 

 Back of the quilt with Jordan's name embroidered in it. 

Finished quilt!

 Jordan Robert : "For the one who descends to be bright"

 Yay! Mommy with quilt!

Quilt in the nursery! 

I absolutely love making quilts. There is so much math, color coordinating, measuring, charting, and 'mindless' sewing involved. It is one way that I de-stress. 

I can't wait to see pictures of baby Jordan with the quilt!

Quilts for Missions

Michael and I are going to Rwanda and Ethiopia this December to love on sweet children! I have seen pictures of the orphanages we are going to and I am already in love with their precious faces!

My last post described a little of what we will be doing...

As many of you know, international travel IS NOT cheap. We need to raise $4,000!

I decided to put my craftiness to good use and sell some things I have made to raise money for the trip.

First thing I am posting are some baby quilts I made:
I am selling all 3 quilts for $100 each.

 Here is a close up of the fabric. The flowers are the back of the quilt

 I love the little creatures on this quilt. It is more of a whimsical, scrap fabric quilt

Let me know if you are interested in buying any of these quilts or if you had a custom quilt idea in mind. All the proceeds go directly to the trip! 

For those of you that simply want to donate, you can do so at:
https://www.visitingorphans.org/donations/donate.aspx
Select the "December Ethiopia/Rwanda" trip
And put Merrill Durham in the memo

Enjoy your weekend!