Memorial Day

 

Memorial Day is a truly patriotic holiday which is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a day set apart for remembering and honoring those who died while serving in the American Armed Forces.

In 1971 Congress passed a law making Memorial Day a national holiday. Typical Memorial Day celebrations include parades, special programs and speeches. Americans often attend picnics and baseball games, and almost any other type of outdoor event made possible by the freedom these soldiers died to protect. This holiday is the unofficial beginning of summer.

"I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did."
Benjamin Harrison,the 23rd President of the United States.

Thank you.

Hands2Help final

 

Hands2Help Comfort Quilt Challenge, has been an ongoing quilt challenge for several years. I finally finished the binding of the last quilt and am ready to send the rest of them out.

These are going to the Little Lambs foundation for kids.

And I'm sending these to Quilty Hugs for Happy Chemo.  I had already sent a box to MCC. 

Praying these quilts will bring a little bit of sunshine into someone's life.

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Spring cleaning

It is wise to regularly clean your machine. Sometimes we get in a hurry and forget that our machine has been a little work horse. It's a good habit to clean and check your machine after you have sewn a couple of projects. 

I use this kit that attaches to my vacuum cleaner. It has several different size attachments to get to all the places you need to clean out. 

Take the throat plate out, remove the bobbin, bobbin case and hook race (if you have one). Clean under the feed dogs and around the bobbin area with a small brush. 

Don't forget to add a drop of oil to the hook before returning it to the machine. Check your machines manual regarding any area that might need oiling. Using only a small drop for each spot. 

One final hint. Always unplug your machine when you finish for the day. If for some chance there is a power surge, your machine, especially ones with electronics, will fry.

A surge protector will help, but we had a TV fry from a surge, even with a protector. Unplugging only takes a minute, and can save you a headache and a bundle.

You can easily maintain your sewing machine by yourself, but it is good to have your dealer check it over every couple of years. Your machine is your best friend and will give you years of service if you take the time to care for it properly. 

Happy Quilting!

Vintage sheets

I have been enamored with Vintage sheets. I had a few sheets, but after seeing some quilts made up in blog land, I've been on the hunt for them.

This quilt sent me over the edge and gave me a goal. Check it out.

Anyone Can Quilt

I've collected quite a few but Vintage sheets are getting harder to find in our area. And I am having a hard time cutting into these lovely oldies. Has anyone experienced this problem?

When hubbys away.......

 

Saturday my hubby was out of town, so I figured it was time to visit one of my favorite quilt shops.

Country Quilts and Bears is not a large quilt shop. But it is homey and has fabric that I love. They lean more to the traditional side. 

They offer classes, but as the owners are getting up there in age, there aren't as many as in years past.

I saw this and fell in love............

I bought the pattern but they did not have the jelly roll. Does anyone recognize the fabric line?

First box

 I have sent off my first box for the Hands2Help challenge. They are quilt tops going to help folks who have lost so much. 

These are unfinished tops that MCC will finish and donate. These tops were too large for me to quilt since I sold my HandiQuilter. Thank you MCC for doing this for so many who have lost everything.

                                      Sew and Tell

                                      Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

                                      Finished or not Friday

                                      Peacock Party

Hug a mom

Mother's Day is a special day. Not everyone is a Mother, but we have all had a Mom in our lives. Whether it was a natural Mother, an adopted one, or just some special woman who has come along side to encourage you. My own Mom went to be with the Lord over 40 years ago, but there have been women who have stood in her place. I am thankful to the Lord for His mercies to allow me to share special "Mom" time with these women.

If your Mom is still living, be sure to give her a hug. And if your Mom is already gone, find someone who could really use a hug. It could be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or even an acquaintance. In the scriptures we see when Jesus hung on the cross, he gave His own Mother into John's safe keeping (John 19:26-27). I'm sure after Jesus died, Mary needed a hug. And when the Lord returned from the grave, in my heart of hearts, I know He hugged His Mother. Mary probably treasured those moments, just as she did when the shepherds told of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

May the Lord bless each one of you, whether you are a Mother, Grandmother, daughter, sister, niece, friend or neighbor.

Exodus 20:12 ESV “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away. ~Dinah Craik