I’m back! [I think?]

wow! reading my last post, I realize how quickly the world got in the way of all things quilty this year.

After a wild spring that included a cross-country van trip with my daughter-in-law and THREE toddlers [Trinity-3; Cadence and Hannah-2], I was delighted to settle at home for a typical west coast summer with my sewing machines and paraphenalia moved to a little deck off my kitchen. Instead, we found ourselves in the hottest summer any of us remember on this coast. Even my normally cool and breezy outdoor “sewing room” was too hot for comfort, so time spent creating was mostly limited to early mornings.

So, I’m very glad to see the cooler weather return in time to finish up the class sample for a beginner’s class I’m teaching at Serge and Sew here in Nanaimo. So far, we’ve met just to pick out fabric, and I must say I’m energized by the positive attitude of my 6 “newbies!” They’re preparing to tackle everything from a dog bed to a queen size quilt in fabrics ranging from Christmas prints to glorious oranges and brown tone-on tones to funky pink daisies with chocolate accents [yummy!] I can’t wait to see how it all turns out. Photos will follow as we progress.

I LOVE teaching beginners; I love Autumn and I love being back to quilting. On my design wall: Jacob’s Ladder in rust batik on a scrumptious rust, grey, taupe floral print intended as a bed covering for my mom’s bed in the extended care facility. My beginners will be making their own Jacob’s Ladder quilts: I enjoyed sharing this modern take on a traditional block!

New Years irresolution!

Now Christmas is over, I keep picking up and putting down projects. Somewhere in the heap is the Christmas quilt I started last month, and fabric cut out for a couple of other projects. But, nothing seems to appeal. Instead, I’m puttering at knitting toe-up socks in a gorgeous silk/alpaca blend [I taught myself the circular needle method over Christmas - still not sold on it!]

I’ve got one placemat of a set of six done waiting quilting: my quilting buddies are coming to lunch tomorrow, so I just might get two more done for our table  while I’m experimenting with lactose free acorn squash soup recipes.  But, somewhere in there I have to clean up the sewing room and fold freshly laundered fabric

That fabric includes flannel for my granddaughter Trinity’s nightgowns: she’s a tall 3-year-old and her Mom is having a hard time finding nighties long enough for her.

 

I actually finished a long-delayed project just before Christmas: a Christmas tree skirt with gold stars on a musin background. For the centre of the stars, I used velvet pieces left from our Christmas stockings AAARGH! It was awful to work with. I finally realized that I had to baste the seams and then sew to make it work. Photo to follow sometime.

BUT I really DO have to take down the last of the Christmas decorations tomorrow after my friends leave: I’m going into hospital for surgery on Wednesday and don’t want to come home to twinkling lights and gold balls!

The one thing I have accomplished in 2009 is to [finally] add the next block to the Genesis-Job series: check into Quilters’ Neighbourhood for Hill and Valley. As for anything else getting finished anytime soon….not likely!

Patchwork and Song Memories

Back home again after an amazing couple of weeks “on the road” with Patchwork and Song. We loved meeting so many dear people, and we were deeply moved by your responses to our stories and songs.

The mountain of quilts piled up at the end of the day looked the same, but each place we visited was a little different:

Gull Lake, Alberta was the temporary home for a delightful group of quilters ranging from teens to grandmas. I got a chance to teach the 8-pointed star technique for those who were working on the Shepherd’s Light quilt, and to offer advice and suggestions for others just beginning the Word in Patchwork sampler. Best of all, for me:our Patchwork and Song presentation was preceded by a “trunk show” of their quilts from The Word in Patchwork. Every one was unique, and uniquely beautiful. Unfortunately, my photos of the Gull Lake quilts are still in Saskatoon on Gaye’s computer, but I hope to have them uploaded in the Quilters’ Neighbourhood gallery soon!

Thanks to Gaye’s Aunt Gladys and Uncle Gordon for your hospitality and for an evening of heart-to-heart conversation. As always, I felt as though I have been adopted into a very loving clan: God bless you both!

Saskatoon Church of God is Gaye’s home church. Praying with Pastor Bob early in the afternoon certainly helped us prepare for the evening with a small but very friendly group. It’s always a treat to see Gaye’s friend [and mine too!] Sharon, and to reconnect with Gaye’s daughter Bonnie [who was one of our "Vannas" together with Sharon's daughter Claire....thanks ladies!]. We met new friends too as we had some time to chat at the end of the evening. It was fun to have Gaye’s husband David join us to sing with Gaye on a couple of songs and to man the sound system for us.

Bethany Manor in Saskatoon was our last stop, and what a wonderful way to finish! Our biggest audience by far, there were over 100 seniors [including a handful of gentlemen!]. We presented a shorter program, using wall space and chair backs to display the remaining quilts. David joined us again, and the two Kurtzes chose some more traditional songs to fit the themes of the quilts. The highlight for us was hearing these dear Mennonite folks sing “Silent Night” in German with beautiful harmony. I’m grateful for waterproof mascara: it may have been October, but I certainly had Christmas in my heart after that amazing treat!

Our time at Bethany Manor finished up with a wonderful time of fellowship with a dear couple and their sister-in-law who hosted us for scrumptious cinnamon buns and tea accompanied by thrilling conversation about their lives and ministry on the mission field in Africa.

I had much to mull over on my return journey. From my vantage point behind the microphone, I could certainly see that God was working in your hearts and spirits. We saw lots of laughter and more than a few tears as you responded to the quilts, the stories and the songs.

If you attended Patchwork and Song, we’d love to hear from you! We’d certainly like to know what has happened to any seeds we may have planted–A friend calls it “Holy Curiosity”. At any rate, we’re trusting that God will send along others to water and harvest. We are privileged indeed to be among His workers!

God bless!

Kim and Gaye

Old Friends in Kelowna

Gaye and Kim first met in Kelowna way back in grade 5. Forty-something years later, we returned to present Patchwork and Song at First Baptist Church, thanks to the last-minute efforts of Gaye’s former youth leader Tina, when our initial plans fell through.

It was great fun for Gaye to hook up with other old friends including Al’deen and Anne [shown here]. It was a small group this time, but we were warmly received, nonetheless. Even the two non-English speaking visitors seemed to enjoy themselves, though we did wonder what they thought of the event….maybe they’ll go home to Romania to tell others of this strange custom in Canada where someone holds up quilts and talks about them while another lady sings?!

Thanks to Ed and Nita for their warm hospitality: we certainly felt right at home.

Gull Lake: here we come!

Kim and Gaye

Surrey Patchwork and Song

Thirty ladies don’t take up much room in a big gym, but the reception was warm and friendly for Patchwork and Song on Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, with high ceilings and acoustic walls, photos weren’t usable from that first event.

Wednesday morning found us back at People’s Church for their ladies’ Coffee morning. This time, we pinned the quilts to the walls instead of doing a trunk show: they certainly brightened up the utilitarian space!

Kim did a quick demo– Jacob’s Ladder with modern piecing methods– just to whet their appetites. Some of the ladies were considering beginning their own Word in Patchwork group: we look forward to hearing more from them!

Gaye presented a message and sang some great gospel favourites in a more lively vein.

Thanks to Pam Kurtz for all her time and energy setting up the events. Special thanks to Gaye’s dear father-in-law Elmer: he was the only man at the Tuesday evening event, but he seemed to enjoy it nonetheless.

Next stop: Kelowna!

God bless!

Kim and Gaye

Patchwork & Song: Ukee style!

The journey has begun: a few rough patches in Chemainus on Wednesday, but still lots of fun.

The second leg of the trip brought us into the beautiful seaside community of Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Our day there began with a 3-hour “slick tricks” quilting workshop in the afternoon…despite the “oh my goodness” photo, I really did know what I was doing!

After a great baked spaghetti dinner courtesy of our friends Martin and Ellie Gee [thanks Martin!], we recruited a couple of “Vannas” [Nikki and Carina Gee] to help us with Patchwork and Song. It was a great evening with lots of laughs, a few tears;  a mountain of quilts and some great music.

Sunday morning I had the wonderful opportunity to preach from Psalm 23: the Shepherd’s Light quilt that hangs in the front of Christ Community Church in Ucluelet was made by some of the quilters who attended my class on Saturday: what a treat to see their work and meet them, then to speak about the meaning behind their beautiful quilt.

Home again to unpack, do laundry and repack quilts and teaching supplies. Next stop: People’s Church in Surrey on Tuesday.

The plans of the heart belong to [wo]man

But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

I thought I had it all together. My nice, manageable schedule included time to finish up my Sampler of Psalms [see the design wall], put together a quick and easy version of Aunt Dinah, clean my house, balance the church’s books and mount a new web page for this month’s Bible block. All of which could be accomplished leaving plenty of time to prepare the message for Ucluelet’s Sunday worship and pack for three weeks away from home.

All those careful calculations fell apart with the death of my father on Labour Day weekend. Anyone who’s walked that path will know the mind-numbing list of chores that attend on the death of a parent: from cleaning out his room at Broadmead Lodge [may God richly reward all those fine and caring folks!] to planning a memorial service and notifying friends and family. Needless to say, my “quilter” life took a back seat to “daughter.”

In retrospect, it seems providential that I mounted two pages last month: Aunt Dinah and Joseph’s Coat. I’m hoping to be back from our tour early enough to have a block ready for October.

In the meantime, if you’re all caught up with the Bible Blocks, here’s a “sneak peek” at the In the Beginning …God quilt I’ve been planning. If you’d like to make a similar [90" square] quilt, make:

4 each –12 inch blocks:

• Garden of Eden
• Brothers
• Doves in the Window
• Steps to the Altar
• Jacob’s Ladder [note that our sketch has Steps and ladder in a contrasting background fabric]

4 each– 6-inch Blocks

• Aunt Dinah
• Sarah’s Choice

• PLUS 56 six-inch segments from Night and Day [for the outer border] Take a look at the colouration: the corners are different from the other blocks.

There’s enough there to keep you busy for this month and beyond while Gaye and I are gallivanting around Western Canada. Next month, I’ll post directions for assembly.

Next post: I hope to check in while we’re on the road with photos from our tour. Stay tuned!

“I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord. [in Jeremiah].

God bless:

KIM

Panicking? Who me?

Less than a month until the first of the Patchwork and Song evenings: it seemed like a good idea when we started to plan this last spring. Now, I’m alternating between being really excited and scared to death! Here are the dates, venues and events. Most are open to the public, so if you’d like to attend a Patchwork and Song evening near you, do feel free to contact the organizer.

There’s still room for one or two more events: if you live in Saskatchewan or Alberta, do drop us a line. Perhaps we will be able to fit your group into our plans too!

Looking forward to seeing lots of my on-line friends in person: bring your quilts to share too!

Kim

September 17 Chemainus, British Columbia

7:00 pm Patchwork & Song coffee and dessert evening

Chemainus Fire Hall

Sponsored by Bridges Christian Community of Home Churches

Admission: Free. Please call 250-246-9119 to reserve a seat.

Contact: Kim Graham

September 20 Ucluelet, British Columbia

12:30 pm Quilt Class. Class fee $5.00 Contact Eleanor Gee for more information and supply list

7:00 pm Patchwork & Song coffee and dessert evening

Christ Community Church.

Admission:$5. For tickets or information, contact Eleanor Gee

September 21

10:30 am Morning Worship, Christ Community Church, Ucluelet. Everyone welcome!

September 23 Surrey, British Columbia

7:11 pm Patchwork & Song coffee and dessert evening

People’s Church, Family Life Centre

14455 104^th Avenue, Surrey

Admission: Free. For information, contact Pam Kurtz 604-581-3525

September 25 Kelowna, British Columbia

7:00 pm Details to follow

September 27-28 Gull Lake, Alberta

Crescent Heights Baptist Church Quilt Retreat: quilt demo, Patchwork & Song evening and Morning Devotion.

October 2 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

7:00 pm Patchwork & Song coffee and dessert evening

Saskatoon Church of God

1339 Avenue D North, Saskatoon

For information or to reserve a seat, call 306-652-3479 or contact Gaye Kurtz

PG-13 Quilting?

Most times, the only worry when I publish a quilt block pattern is about accuracy: do the numbers add up? Are the diagrams clear? Do the instructions make sense?

This month brought a whole new level of anxiety: will the message offend parents or younger participants? I never thought I’d be writing a pattern with a “Parental Advisory!” The first time I presented the Genesis to Job Bible Block series, I focussed on the more widely known Bible stories and the blocks that related to those Scriptures. This time out, as I’ve made my way through the scripture, I’ve arrived at a lesser-known passage: the story of Jacob’s daughter Dinah.

This isn’t a pretty Bible story: it’s not going to be featured in any children’s books, and you’re not likely to hear it preached on a Sunday morning. As a matter of fact, it’s downright sordid: the stuff of adults-only movies and late-night TV. Why would I even consider adding Aunt Dinah to my Bible block series?

I hope this little scripture message will, in its own small way, give women “permission to speak” about the difficult issues the passage brings up. I hope we can respond openly, honestly, and without sugar-coating unpalatable truths. And I hope we can help one another to begin the journey toward healing and restoration.

All that from one little Bible Block pattern. Still…”little is much when God is in it!”

If the message of Aunt Dinah speaks to you; or if it has you asking “what’s next?” or “how do I begin to deal with________?”, drop me a line. Other people have walked the road ahead of you, and are ready to shine His light down the path to recovery. I’d be happy to offer some suggestions for resources and information to help on your journey.

God bless you all.

Kim

We’re Famous…sort of

[Or...Pride goeth before a fall...again!]

Wow! I thought I’d really made my mark when the editor of a national quilt publication emailed us last spring to ask for a photo of one of our Bible Block quilts for an article in the August edition of their magazine

“I would love to include a photo of one of your Bible-based sampler quilts in the article. Would you be interested in providing a photo? If so, it would have to be a high-resolution clear photo to be printed.” Sue Harvey from Quilter’s World wrote.

How can a girl say no? Especially when Sue goes on to say nice things about the settings for our Bible Blocks in Quilter’s Neighbourhood, and assures us that “I am definitely including your Web address in my article for our readers to visit and get inspiration to make their own quilts.”

Unfortunately, there’s one big problem: the photos I use in Quilter’s Neighbourhood are lower resolution as befits a web page, and my cheap digital camera isn’t up to producing magazine quality photos.

Ah well…sometimes fame comes with a price! A brand new spiffy digital camera, twenty minutes of lessons from the kind fellow at Black’s photography, and an hour perched on the back of the sofa trying to capture a straight image, and I’ve got something I can send off.

Then the wait begins! Of course, while I’m waiting, we’re making plans for Patchwork and Song. And, of course, I tell everyone we contact that my quilt is going to be featured in an article in a major magazine this summer. “It will be a perfect tie in for quilters,” I claim proudly. “They’ll read the article, go to my site and want to see the quilts in person. What a great opportunity!”

At last, July rolls around, and I snatch up the summer edition of Quilter’s World from the newsstand. Too impatient to wait until I got home, I quickly thumb through the pages looking for my quilt and the article that will launch a brilliant new phase for Quilter’s Neighbourhood.

Hmmm….I must have missed it. Flip the pages again, more slowly…and again…and again.

Finally, I spot the “article:” 2 paragraphs tucked in on the left hand side at the bottom. There’s my expensive photo of The Word in Patchwork quilt, all right. Yup, it does say that I made the quilt.

But, the much anticipated link to my web page is buried with no perceivable connection to the photo. Even worse, it’s not a link to my site, but a link to one frame from an obsolete page! The link still works [and yes, I am thankful for small blessings!] but because it’s only a frame meant to sit inside a page, it doesn’t have any links to the rest of my website.

As I scrambled to rewrite the frame in question so it could at least link to other pages on my site and the most current Bible Block series, I reminded myself  that pride goes before a fall.

Oh well: at least I have a brand new camera out of the experience: I’ll be using it to take photos along the way as we set out for our Patchwork and Song engagements.

If you saw “my” article in Quilter’s World, please do drop me a line: maybe my friends will stop snickering at me when they mention my “claim to fame” as originator of  Quilter’s Neighbourhood as featured in a major quilt magazine! [sigh....]