I came across a blog post (and I'm sorry I can't remember who posted) sharing how she used photo boxes to store her scraps. I liked the idea, and having a couple of boxes, I set about to tame the scraps.
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.
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!
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. 
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.
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.
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."God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.... for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4
Have you lost a loved one in your life? A mother, father, sister, friend?
Eleven years ago I had said good bye to two women who had a huge impact and influence on my life. My dear Mother in Love took the hand of Jesus and left her earthly body to walk the streets of gold. She was one of the most giving and gracious ladies I have ever known. It had been a sorrowful tear filled few days, but we rejoiced in knowing that she is not in pain anymore and praising God that her faith has been made sight and that she is with her Savior.
Then a few days later, my husband's aunt joined her sister in law as she too left us to reside with Jesus. And although we were not blood relatives, she stepped into my life at a time when I was grieving the sudden loss of my own mother. She has been a substitute mother, a grandmother to my children, a friend, a mentor, a beautiful example of how to love people wholly and unconditionally.
Few of us have the privilege of knowing one person in our lives who sets a course of integrity and honor and who fills you up with their unwavering love. I have been blessed to know and love two such women.
Absent from the body
Present with the Lord
As a child Lillian Doyle always thought her father was dead. At least that is what her mother had told her. So when she receives word that her father has died and left her his legacy, she travels to Georgia to claim what he has left her. With the intention to sell the house and the business her father has left to her, she is confronted with a family she did not know she had.
This weekend I attended a baby shower. I had history with the mother to be. I knew her family for years. As a matter of fact, I knew them before this little mom was born! Her big brother was my son's best friend. So all that to say, it was nice to honor her with a shower.
A baby girl is due in early June. So I made her a quilt.
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