Quilting teaches me.... Charity

Introduction
I've been quilting for a lifetime, literally, and have come to the conclusion that we do what we love in part because it challenges us to learn. Anyone who quilts can attest to the idea of learning about fabric and supplies, blocks and backings, sewing and making. 
I'm exploring the other things that quilting teaches.

I should not brag about charitable donations, I know, but I've been writing about what I've learned through quilting and helping others has been a big lesson for me. 

One of the ways that I've learned about charity is in supporting our church is through the items I make and donate to raffles and bingo. Most of those items are quilted but not all. I like that I can make anything I want, big or small, and they can all go to a booth as a prize.

Other ways I've been quilty-charitable is by giving quilts directly to someone in need. Several years ago to a student with cancer. Once a young mother trying to make it on her own. A veteran. Those people who truly appreciate that someone cares. 

A HST quilt in blue and white signed by classmates was a symbol of how much they loved and missed a classmate fighting cancer. Unable to attend school during his chemo treatments, he had a tangible item to remind him of his school family's support and concern. He graduated on time to walk across the stage with his childhood friends.

And so it goes with every item that I make and give to others. It's nice to sell on occasion, certainly the money helps. But knowing that I join a multitude of other quilters and sewists who donate their time and talent to help those less fortunate is what makes the true difference. Their lives may be difficult due to illness, disaster, finances, loneliness or a host of other problems, but I've learned that small gestures can make big changes. For them and for me.

Quilting teaches me...

Perseverance

Charity

Simplicity

Patience

Why

Authenticity

Courage

Contentment

Daniel's Quilt.....as promised

One of my students is a young man who found out only a month or so ago that he has cancer.  Two surgeries later and he is now facing the possibility of chemotherapy or radiation.  Although he went through surgery well and is okay now, he's not back at school nor is he expected back very soon.  

I've been quite worried about him and have been praying for him.  I've even asked his classmates to pray for him, especially on the day that Daniel had surgery.  We've signed some large poster paper "cards" with lots of well-wishes.  I wanted to do something else, though.  Daniel is such a sweet young man--quiet and hard-working and stoic.  He's handling his illness very well and has proven to me that 17 year olds can handle the toughest news with grace and strength.  

So, wanting to do more, I asked the kids to bring in school tee shirts, but that really didn't go over very well.  I gave up the tee shirt quilt idea and decided to make him a quilt using some of the many blues in my stash.  

That's the quilt pictured here.  I plan to deliver it in a few days, but first his classmates will have a chance to write well-wishes and sign it.  Definitely I want to deliver it before the Thanksgiving holidays begin.  I am sure that if he does have an additional therapy, it will begin soon and I'd like for him to have this quilt before that begins.  

a close up photo

showing two corners of the back....I used some color but
also some white so we can have more room for signatures.

Please leave a comment telling me what you think of the quilt and, more importantly, please say a prayer or two for Daniel. I'll pass along the prayers and wishes.

Noticed the little paws on the bottom edge of the quilt?
Those little Maltese stinkers make it difficult to do anything on the floor.

Happy Quilting,
Mary

Cheery Cherry Red

When my bloggy friend, Jan-Maree, of Cherry Red Quilter fame, wrote about her friend Marg sending some sewn goodies for the Irish Charity Bazaar, I decided to help out, too.  I really had no idea what to send but decided early on that I needed to keep it small so that I could swing the postage to Australia.  Small items are easy if you choose things for little children, so I decided to go with as many children's items as I could stuff into a box.


I started with really small fleece mittens.

Added some felt scarves with winter themes for dress-up fun.

And tossed in a pile of microfiber bibs.

I think there were a few other items.....maybe some book covers or coin purses, but I didn't get photos of those.  Sorry.

Since Rich wasn't home to add some tape, I put a few extra strips on for him.  He loves to joke that he's the Fleur de Lis shipping and receiving man and knows his job better than I do.  I tend to be conservative with the office supplies.  But I was generous since this little box has to make it all the way to Australia, and I don't want anything spilling out!

Sending Jan-Maree an email about the box was the best part.  Of course we haven't met in person, but we email often and read each other's blogs, so I feel like I sort of know her and send her short, silly emails about very little--you know, my usual.   The box email was like that but with a tiny bit of seriousness and gratitude for her many charitable works.  She shot back a thank you note in no time at all, which is typical Jan-Maree.  She answers every comment and note right away, yet manages the Aussie Hero Quilts among other good works, including making many of the quilts that go to service men and women.  I can't imagine the energy she has!  I just hope that one little box finds its way to her and helps in little ways.


Who do you know that is an angel in disguise?  How much energy do you think it takes to be such an angel? 
Happy quilting,
Mary

Etsy Shop Profile: Kouture Crochet

Today we have the opportunity to meet Karia of Kouture Crochet an Etsy shop that carries handmade crocheted items.  Karia is quite an inspiration.  Read her feature and visit her shop where you'll find some beautiful crochet items for Christmas gift. Ten percent of sales go to the Clifton (NJ) Animal Shelter to help care for abandoned animals.

Where/when did you learn to crochet?    I learned when i was 14. My mother taught me at home.  

What are some of your favorite designs and yarns?   I really prefer simple designs. Simplicity in design is also part of what creates a luxury product. The challenge with working with simple patterns is that any faults, errors and imperfections stand out like a soar thumb. As a result of this, much care must be taken to maintain even tension and stitches. A simple well fitting tailored suit will indeed cost much more than an off the rack trendy outfit. The challenge is the same for crocheted works. In order to meet this challenge I had custom wood crochet hooks made that are perfect for my own hands that help me maintain even stitches throughout. The result, I think is well worth the effort. I love the art of the design challenge and the production challenge. It is why designs are simple.

You use only natural yarns and strive to make luxurious items. Explain the difference between natural and other yarns.  Synthetic yarns are great for a number of uses. There are usually far less expensive than natural yarns. Acrylic yarns are made from petroleum based plastics, so they are very hard wearing. Caring for synthetics is often a simple matter of which setting to use on your washer/dryer at home. Natural fibers require more attention and careful maintenance. Careless maintenance of natural fibers can cause felting, shrinking or worse. However, even the softest “Baby” acrylics lack the softness of some of my favorite natural fibers. Every natural fiber has different qualities, but in general there are more breathable, are better at retaining heat, are lighter in weight than synthetics. Alpaca is lighter and offers amazing warmth at a faction of the price of other natural fibers while still being wonderfully soft. Alpaca is also immensely strong. I use the scarps from my retail projects to make cat toys that don't fall apart. Cashmere is lighter still but offers as much warmth as alpaca. Notably cashmere is slightly softer than alpaca and has a drape that makes it perfect for luxury sweaters. There are many more fibers wool, silk, camel, quvot and many more. 

How would you describe your creative process?   I design every pattern myself. I do not use templates or store bought patterns. My process is at once a free flowing process and a historical and intellectual process. In designing my ties, I studied ties and cravats. I believe that if I want to create something that is timeless i need to know the styles that have passed the test of time. I take that information and then begin the design process. 

What does "handmade" mean to you? Is there anything else you'd like others to know about yourself or your shop?  I have Dandy Walker Hydrocephalus, a congenital brain malformation. Even though this prevents me from driving or having a regular 9-5 job, I started this shop in hopes of both following my passion as an artist and as a means to support myself without depending on outside or government aid. 

I have been crocheting for 17 years. Often crochet is seen as a source of work with products far removed from luxury. My goal is to create exceptional crocheted items that are luxurious yet subtle, simple and refined. I use only the finest 100% natural fibers. The result is a marriage of the wonderful and unique texture of crochet with the refined quality of the couture houses of Paris high fashion.   I am always looking for new and exciting fibers to make luxury products. Today I scored some wonderful hand dyed 50% alpaca/50% merino wool that I am going to use for some ties! 
Also I have been donating 10% of the proceeds to a number of charities. Currently 10% of proceeds are donated to the Friends of  Clifton Animal Shelter where I adopted my two lovely cats.


Say hello to Karia here or visit her Etsy shop Kouture Crochet.  Her beautiful crocheted items are already marked at a great price but knowing that part of the money also helps a wonderful charity just adds to the spirit of giving, don't you agree.

AAQI to the sixth power

This is the sixth quilt for AAQI (Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative) that I've made.  A couple of years ago I designed several chicken blocks to make a large quilt, but after I drew out the blocks and made a couple I decided that I'm not into chickens that much.  

Lo and behold, I attended a couple of quilt shows and there was at least one chicken quilt at each show.  Then I discovered that one of the larger fabric houses has really cute chicken fabrics available.  So I guess I was on to something.  

What's Kickin' Chicken?

While cleaning and moving things around the studio, I discovered my drawings.  I chose my favorite to turn into a small quilt for AAQI, added some country fabric from mom's stash and had a blast working on it.  I wouldn't purchase this quilt for myself, but I'm hopeful someone will appreciate it enough to spend a few dollars on it.  

Knowing how popular chicken fabrics and quilts are, don't you think that it will sell?  I don't have any idea how the AAQI quilts are priced, but I hope that it will be priced low enough to sell.  I'd really like to see the quilt raise at least a few dollars for Alzheimer's research.

AAQI cubed

Yes, that's right, cubed--as in three quilts ready to send off to AAQI!  I am rather excited because I had hoped to complete three and have met that goal.  Of course, I'm not going to stop just because I got there.  Instead, I'll keep going.

I have an idea or two percolating in my head that I want to try.  Besides, I sort of cheated with this quilt....I used a block from a project that I'd long ago given up on.  I was supposed to make a few pot holders with them but poor darlings are UFO's twice!

Isn't it just like me to quit a project, come up with another way to use some of the blocks, then quit that idea before I even get started on it?

Oh well, that's how it goes.  Once I put something aside, it's very unlikely that I'll come back to it.....ever!  Here are a few pictures.  Since it's so simple, I'll just let you draw your own conclusions about the little quilt.  Enjoy, but don't forget to let me know what you think of it.

Another AAQI Quilt

Please forgive me for not posting this yesterday as planned.  I am having computer issues....this baby is just about to eat it, as the kids say.  I may have to invest in a new one. Phooey!



Thanks to Jenclair for her inspiration!  She posted a house block at some point in the last couple of weeks, I think, but I can't find the photo, although I spent the last 20 minutes looking for the photo so I could add a link.  I'm sorry...both to my readers and to Jenclair.  Here is a link to her blog, Bayou Quilts.  Please do visit her and say "hello."

She and I decided to pool our resources to get others to make quilts for AAQI.  Jenclair has made two, and tonight I finished my second.  If you decide to join us, let us know by leaving a comment on either blog and send photos of the finished quilt.  We'll post the photos at the beginning of August since we've agreed to try to wrap up our efforts by the time I start back to school.


Since I don't have a pattern, I decided to just wing it the best I could.  I did make a drawing, of sorts, but I  won't bother you with it since I didn't follow it anyway, although I did draw it to scale.

Once I had a sense of what I wanted, I pulled out some scraps and started cutting.  Of course, I cut everything too big and before I knew it,  the house almost filled the space.

I trimmed some of it down to make room for the small tree that I really wanted.

I couldn't resist the urge to add a small red bird in the tree.  Above the tree is a little piece of the sun.  I actually made the sun larger, but once the binding was added, I lost part of it.

Can you see the quilting?  There's wind blowing around, sun rays, and above the house, a pair of clouds.

I added some texture to the tree trunk and some grass leaves in the grassy areas.

On the house I tossed in some tiles on the roof, some boards on the walls, and panes to the windows.  I felt that the quilting would be what makes the quilt design work.  In the end, it's just a simple little quilt that may fetch a few dollars, but it's my contribution and I'm pretty proud of it.

I haven't added the label yet, but it will say "Made in loving memory to my mother, Theresa Ellen Bourque. 1932-2010.  Mary Marcotte. 9" X 12"  2011."  (The periods represent the end of a particular line.)  I will send this one off with the red one I made a week or so ago and, hopefully, a few more that I am able to pull together.