Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 90 - "Missing Puzzle Piece"

Block # 90 - "Missing Puzzle Piece"

Started on 8/25/11

Completed on 8/28/11

Technique: Applique'

This block could be used in so many ways! I made it orange because it was a bright, sunny color. Plus, I had a little orange in a few other blocks and thought this was a good block to add some more.

I love jigsaw puzzles. I even have a program on my computer that lets me work puzzles on my laptop. It can even turn my photos into puzzles. I greatly enjoy this.

I love buying puzzles too. And if I can find a puzzle that is a picture of something I love like quilting, Twilight scenes, or pooches, that is just gravy!

So this block could be duplicated over and over and could make a quilt for a puzzle lover. I would be tempted to iron on photos and turn them into puzzle pieces. You could easily make a one block or four block wall hanging for a game room.

I find it very exciting to brainstorm quilts and quilt projects ideas.

I got another one of my "Be Attitudes" blocks ready to embroider today. I didn't have time to fun stitch because I had patches to sew on to Trinity's Awana shirt and Girl Scout vest.

Father, thank You for the path You are illuminating for me. I love it when You and I are on the same wavelength.

Blessings Y'all!

Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 89 - "Center Diamond"

Block # 89 - "Center Diamond"

Started on 9/8/11

Completed on 9/8/11

Technique: Paper Pieced

I have to tell you: this quilt has really been a treasure to make and wealth of learning for me. I had never paper pieced or foundation pieced before this and now I have obtained both skills! I taught myself based on tutorials I found online and advice I've read from many experienced quilters. Let me not forget that Rosemary Youngs herself, author of this awesome book, has offered many emails filled with advice and instruction directly to me.

I loved making this block. Paper piecing is so fun and I love how sharp the angles turn out and how crisp the creases and folds end up being. This is a nice looking block.

The letter that went with this block talked of 3 center diamond quilts being made for 3 female family members that were getting married. I thought that was a neat coincidence since I am making 3 "Be Attitudes" quilts right now. One will be for me. Two will be for sale I think. I am hoping to use them to raise money for our family to go on a mission trip within the next year or so. We are looking at possibly going to Guam, although we haven't discussed that with anyone yet.

Once I finish the remaining 4 blocks of the Be Attitudes quilt I am working on now, I am going to try to start adding some of the sashing together for my Amish Circle Quilt. I think I have it all cut already so I should get to just start stitching. It will be fun to do some 1/4" seams for awhile since lately I've been quilting and doing applique'.

I'm going to try to be more constant in my postings. It makes me feel good to be chatting away each day; especially about quilting!

Father, thank You for another day. Thank You for my gifts and talents. Thank You for the people You've placed in my life.

Blessings Y'all!

Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 88 - "Taffy Pull"

Block # 88 - "Taffy Pull"

Started on 7/13/11

Completed on 8/28/11

Technique: Applique'

I am not a fan of taffy, although I can't say I've ever had the opportunity to taste homemade taffy. Having said that, this sure is a cute little block!

The kids and I made white chocolate dipped pretzel sticks this afternoon. By the time we were done we had dipped a few Thin Mints, Trefoils, and I think a Dulce De Leche or two. (Their Daddy got in on the dipping action too.) Anyway, who knew you could improve Girl Scout cookies?

On the quilting front, I did finally finish quilting my I Believe Christmas quilt last week as well as got the binding machine stitched on! Since then I've gotten the applique' embroidery stitches done on 5 blocks of one of the three Be Attitudes quilts I have in the works. I am hoping to sell two of these. They are SO CUTE!

It is amazing how far a little fun time can go toward warm fuzzies!

On another happy note, I held a Bunco game for ladies at church on Friday night and ended up with 27 women attending. The cherry on top was that we had an age range of 13 to 82. It was so much fun!

Father, I thank You and praise You for the changes You are making in my heart and mind. It is all You; and it is all for You.

Blessings Y'all!

Amish Circle Quilt Project - # 87 - "Lady of the Lake"

Block #87 - "Lady of the Lake"

Started on 9/7/11

Completed on 9/8/11

Technique: Pieced - Half Square Triangles

Something about the name of this block makes me believe it should be in blues and aquas; you know the color of water. But no, I made it in pinks. That's how it was in the book and I think it is pretty even though it doesn't suggest a body of water to me at all.

I feel the crankiness bubbling up in me. I haven't been in my quilt room in a couple of weeks and it makes me grumpy. The last time I went in I found myself getting quite irritated because during the 20 minutes I was in there, I had a minimum of 5 interruptions. That is so discouraging to me. I really don't ask for much time to myself. I don't mean to get resentful about it but to be perfectly honest, I do.

I love my children. Dearly. And I love my husband. I know I have the best one ever. These people are world, my heartbeat, my worldly joy. I just need a little bit for me every once in awhile and I haven't been getting it.

Right now Girl Scout Cookie Season is upon us. I am so over it. And it just started two days ago. I know someday I'll have way more time on my hands than I'll know what to do with. I just don't take comfort in that on days like today when my time is not my own.

Hopefully this doesn't sound as bad as I think it does. I can only hope everyone goes through moments like this. Perhaps venting will make me feel a little better. I know stitching a little sure would.

Father, ease this restlessness in me. Let me focus on You and others and not myself. I know, You know the plans You have for me. Help me conform to that plan.

Blessings Y'all!

Amish Circle Quilt Project - #86 - "Cornshucking Event"

Block # 86 - "Cornshucking Event"

Started on 7/13/11

Completed on 8/28/11

Technique: Applique'

Don't fall over from shock. I'm back. For now. What a difficult time I have had getting back to my blog. The last week and a half has just flown by and I'm not sure I could even innumerate what all I've done!

So, on to the task and topic at hand. Here is the next block of my awesome Amish Quilt. It is kind of funny to make a corn cob on a quilt block. But don't ya know it sure fits in on this quilt! I am thinking that when I quilt it I will make tiny circles on the yellow part for kernels and lines for veins on the leaves.

A cornshucking event, as I understand it, is generally held for the Amish teens to gather and socialize. The boys choose a girl and the pair begins shucking corn rather quickly. I'm not sure if they give a prize to the fastest couple but I feel certain, though humility is stressed, they at least get bragging rights.

One book I read several months ago suggested that an ear of corn was colored red. The couple to find that got a special prize such as a pie or other baked item I believe.

I know I'm old fashioned and probably not the coolest kid on the block, but this sounds so fun to me. It sounds like pure, unadulterated, all out fun. How does someone like me, living in the technologically savvy world I live in, with more concrete around me than trees give my children that kind of experience? How can I teach them in the "modern-ness" of today how easy it can be to have pure and simple, clean, old time fun?

I don't think I've had a chance to work on my "I Believe" quilt since I last posted. I have about half of the large outer border left to quilt still. My friend Elizabeth has asked me to make a quilt to hang in her new home. She's currently scouring websites and magazines for a pattern she likes.

Hey ... if you ever get bored, check out my new blog. It probably won't be every day either but it is a spiritual / devotional blog that will just share notes I make during my daily devotions. You may find "A Patchwork Heart" at: http://apatchworkheart.blogspot.com/

Father, may I continue to seek peace in Your Presence. May You deliver me from the strongholds that are weighing me down. Bless the efforts I'm making in Your name. Thank You for the life You have blessed me with.

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 10

Decluttering Project ...

Sorry so late ... the day got away from me!

Home:

15 minutes of clearing out your hot spot

Mine is coming right along! I think I might get that one area finished tomorrow! Don't worry, I'll share a picture!

On a side note our monthly recycling pick-up was today. The stacks and line of STUFF ran the length of our driveway. Woo hoo! Stuff leaving my house to never be heard from or seen again. And our trash can was very full today too!

Body:

Day 12 of 100 - 30 Minutes of Moving Challenge

I'm still moving! When your 7 year old is impressed with your soccer skills on the Wii, it can really boost your ego. This is making me want to get back to playing volleyball, although I'm not sure how that would work as an adult. I think the parks and rec department has adult volleyball. I loved playing so much. I wish Trinity was interested in checking it out.

God's Words of Wisdom:

"Worry takes away your joy, but a kind word makes you happy." - Proverbs 12:24 (ERV)

Kind words cost nothing. Share one as soon as you can!

Blessings Y'all!

Amish Circle Quilt Project - #85 - "Star in a Star"

Block #85 - "Star in a Star"

Started on 9/13/11

Completed on 9/20/11

Technique: Pieced (Flying geese)

I love this block. More than anything this block is significant in its meaning as told in the letter that goes with it in the book. I'm feeling anxious even as I begin to write about it.

In this block, the outer star represents the writer's husband and the inner star represents the writer's son. Both were killed when an automobile crashed into the buggy they were driving. This left her a young widow with two small children.

After reading this letter again this morning before I began writing, I was struck by how it stopped me in my proverbial tracks. I think losing my immediate family members is my worst nightmare but also an extreme fear of mine.

I don't wake up shaking at night from dreams with someone chasing me wielding and axe or a chainsaw. I don't wake up with tears on my cheeks from a dream in which someone is mistreating me. I am not shaken by dreams of snakes and falls from a lofy locale, or wild animals wanting to feast on me.

The dreams of night that truly haunt my days and shake me to the core are the ones in which my precious husband or children are hurt, taken from me or have left my life for one reason are another. Talk about abandonment issues ... I guess they plague me in a big way.

My head tells me that if I lost my husband I could find the strength to move on. My soul tells me that if the worst happened I could trust in God to see me through. My heart? Well, my patchwork heart tells me that it might just be broken beyond repair and I'm not sure I could find my way back to a real life without my amazing love beside me.

When I think about losing a member of my family, that's when I wonder if I really have the faith I usually think I do. I don't want to claim to be a woman of faith, at least not too much faith, because I am quite uncomfortable with that claim being tested in too big of a way. I guess that's kind of ridiculous to some of you, but I have come to fully understand this about myself. I'm not sure exactly what it means. I'm not sure how to fix it or that it needs to be fixed at all.

I'm an imperfect human. Point of fact, being imperfect is actually what makes me so human. I'm pretty good at being human.

That's all for now. I can't dwell on this topic very long or it will mess with my messed up head even more.

Father, today I thank You and praise You for the people You have blessed my life with. Thank You for leading me to Mark. Thank You for Trinity and William. Nothing else in life is as sweet as the gift that is these three!

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 9

Decluttering Project:

Home:

15 minutes of decluttering on your hotspot

Mine is coming along. Hoping it will be a historical figure come this weekend. I'm going to post a photo after I get it all done.

Body:

Day 11 of 100 of 30 Minutes of Moving Challenge

I'm enjoying the "challenge" of it I think. And I'm kicking butt and taking names on the Wii. I keep moving higher and higher in the rankings and the kids aren't laughing at me near as much as they did 11 days ago. lol

God's Words to Consider:

"Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might." - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Amish Circle Quilt Project - #84 - "Clean-Up"

Block # 84 - "Clean-Up"

Started on 8/26/11

Completed on 8/28/11

Technique: Applique'

I like this block a lot! It would be great for a quilt for a professional painter or maybe even for someone who like to paint as a craft or hobby. Pretty neat I think.

The author of the letter that goes with this block talks of a community gathering to clean up the school and get it ready for the children to return in the fall. Isn't that a fantastic thing about the Amish? They do so much together as a community!

I feel more at home in Grand Junction than I have felt anywhere I have lived in a very long time. I felt that way in Lufkin, TX, I felt that way for the most part in Round Rock, TX. I felt that way in Lake Charles, LA. I love it here so much though that it would be hard to recover should we have to move at some point.

I haven't been able to quilt for the last 3 days. I miss my room ... going in there that is. I have one in particular that I need to hand stitch the binding on and I have a deadline for myself for that one. (February 15)

Well, just a regular, nutty day at the Brassette home. Nothing exciting to report.

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 8

Decluttering Project:

Home:

15 minutes of work on a hot spot. I had a little more time on mine yesterday. It sort of looks better. I don't know. I guess you can't really tell. Well, you can't tell; but I suppose I can. I about to go against everything I know and believe in this world and share the picture with you. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope this "hot spot" picture will make all of you feel very good about yourself and your own hot spots.

Now it is your turn, if you dare. I'd like you to email me a picture of the hot spot you are working on this week. I would like to post the pics on my blog here, but only with your permission and without your name attached! So tell me if I can post it when you email it to me.

Body:

Day 10 of 100 - 30 minutes of moving challenge

Yesterday and today I did a little more than 30 minutes of Wii Fit. I'm actually climbing the ladder of success on some of those! How are you moving? If you a stair, up and down one step reps will tone your booty ... or reduce it ... whichever you are in need of.

Words of Wisdom to Consider:

"Never underestimate your power to change yourself!" - H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Sorry I was so late posting today. I had a lot going on!

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 7

Decluttering Project:

Home:

Confession time. I have a load of stuff on the floor on my side of the bed in our bedroom. The busier I get the more this pile spreads. It is where I drop things when I work on projects in bed at night. It is where things land that I need to do. This pile drives me crazy. I get it cleared up and then it gathers strength and reappears. This is, I guess, what FLYLady would call a hot spot.

My goal for this week is to tackle this hot spot for 15 minutes a day. I challenge you to find an area that needs your attention and do the same.

Body:

Day 9 of 100 - 30 Minutes of Moving Challenge

How is it going? Did you move over the weekend? I moved on Sat. However, I did not yesterday. I felt bad and stayed in bed most of the day and in my pj's to boot. It has really messed with my head now. For some reason I think it will be hard to keep going but I'm not one to give up. So later this afternoon I will move somehow, some way.

God's Word to Consider:

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." - Matthew 6:34

Amish Circle Quilt Project - #83 - "Irish Chain"

Block # 83 - "Irish Chain"

Started on 9/5/11

Completed on 9/5/11

Technique: Pieced

The author of the letter that goes with this block talks of going to a quilting frolic to make a quilt for an upcoming school auction. It brought to mind the group of ladies at my church that do quilting together as a ministry. I have been wanting to join them for a few months now but have not made it yet because of travel, sick kids, and then holiday scheduling too. I think they are meeting next Tuesday so if I can get the kids' schoolwork organized and ready for them to work independently that morning, I will try to go.

All nine blocks of my "I Believe" Christmas quilt are now quilted. The inner border and the second border are both quilted as well as the "title block" at the top. That just leaves the larger outer border and I'll be ready to machine stitch on the binding. It feels good to be getting that booger finished after all these months.

We start up our homeschooling again on Monday and I must confess I'm not quite ready to hit it again. I've sure enjoyed our time off this last month. I've been decluttering the house and also working my way through the 100 Days of Moving Challenge. I'm in a good groove with my daily devotions and am feeling peaceful in general. Nothing like a little time with two griping children not wanting to hear the word math or phonics to send peace packing.

I've got a Ladies' Bunco night planned at church on January 27 and I'm hoping it will be well received. It will be nice to have a play date with my sisters in Christ.

I better get moving ... literally. Got my 30 minutes left to do yet.

Father, strengthen my resolve to keep on making our home and my life more peaceful. Remind me that you alone are the source of that peace.

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 6

Decluttering Project:

Home:

Today I am delivering items to donate to the library. I also spontaneously cleaned off two shelves in my fridge. Per FLYLady, I cleared out and shined my sink last night. Nothing in it yet! Check out www.flylady.net for a great home maintenance program.

Have a shelf or two to clear? Get the sink empty. You'll be so happy to start your weekend without dishes staring at you!

Body:

Day 6 of 100 - 30 Minutes of Moving Challenge

Yesterday I did all 30 minutes on the Wii. I felt a little guilty at first because it is so fun. (Didn't feel like it should count or something!) But my goodness it gets my blood pumping and my heart pounding! I am loving the Obstacle Course and the Table Tilt. There's another one with bumping your hips around and adding numbers. I use that one in between the more aerobic activities.

Words to Consider:

"You must be doers of the Word, and not only hearers who mislead themselves."

- James 1:22

I may not post "missions" this weekend. But rest assured I'll be moving. Is anyone out there? Anyone working on this with me still??

Piece of Peace - Day 6

Decluttering Project:

Home:

Pick a kitchen drawer and dump it out. Toss, toss, toss. Unused things, trash (my kids leave gum wrappers), duplicates, etc. Trash it or put it in your give away bin.

Is your give away bin getting full yet? Put everything in it in a bag and put that in your car to drop off at Goodwill or charity of your choice ASAP.

What did you get rid of yesterday? Yesterday I cleared out 7 VHS tapes, 5 dvds, 3 adult books, and 5 children's books. I also got declutter happy and cleared out and reorganized my pantry. I threw out so much that I felt guilty for the waste. However, it isn't cluttering my kitchen anymore so I'm going to try to let that go!

Body:

Day 5 of 100 - 30 minutes of moving challenge

Yesterday I did 23 minutes of Wii and then walked another 10 minutes on the treadmill. (I will be starting and ending my walking with the song "Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman from now on.)

Another tool my husband has turned me on to for getting healthy is:

www.myfitnesspal.com

If you sign up, befriend me. My name on there is Toppooch. I have found it helps keep me honest with my calorie intake. I also feel good when I can record my minutes of moving on there. Would love to have some more buddies!

Words to Consider:

"If you are too busy to pray, you are busier than God wants you to be." - Author Unknown

Keep the Lord close in your quest to declutter; home or body you need His support and endorsement.

Piece of Peace - Day 5

Decluttering Project ...

Home:

Today find 10 pieces of media to get rid of. DVD's, CD's, VHS tapes, cassette tapes ... (I know some of you still have them) and we'll even throw books in here. Let me know what you are giving away. I think I already have 3 or 4 VHS tapes in a bag for donating to the library.

Body:

Day 4 of 100 - 30 Minutes of Moving Challenge

Yesterday I did 27 minutes on Wii Fit. (I made it up a level or two on the obstacle course and am getting good at one of the balancing ones. ) I spent 5 minutes jumping on the trampoline the kids got for Christmas. My goodness that's fun! It kinda hurt my old spine though. Gonna have to wait a little while before I try that again.

God's Word to Consider:

"I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to Your commandments."

- Psalm 119:45

Check out my Bulletin Board tab. I have a good sized bulletin board hanging in front of my treadmill in the office. (Part of why I started with the office decluttering was so I could get to the treadmill easier.) Anyway, by the time I read through my whole bulletin board and reflect on the messages there, I've easily walked 10 to 15 minutes. Helps the time go by and it encourages me to carry on. Take a look at the messages I have so far!

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 4

Decluttering Project - Day 4

Home:

Home Office / Desk Zone

- Give away or throw away 10 items from anywhere in your home office area. This can come from drawers, cabinets, filing cabinets, desktop ... send it packing!

Foyer / Front Porch Zone

- Anything in the entry way of your home that doesn't belong there? Outer wear on the floor? Boots? Packages? Remaining Christmas decorations? If you have nothing to put away or toss, take a moment and run the vacuum or a broom across the entry way!

Body:

Day 3 of 100 - 30 minutes of moving

Yesterday I spent 32 minutes seriously moving on Wii Fit. I'm finding games engage me and make the "task" more fun.

I encourage you to try, as you move today, to consider that what you are doing is to glorify God. After all, you are his work of art. Taking care of your body brings glory to Him and it can actually be a form of worship! Commit your guardianship to the Father!

God's Word to Consider:

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him!" - Romans 12:1

Amish Circle Quilt Project - #82 - "Corner Ball"

Block # 82 - "Corner Ball"

Started on 7/13/11

Completed on 8/28/11

Technique: Applique'

The letter with this block talks about the boys playing this game called corner ball. I don't know that I have any experience to draw on to talk about the game. I will, however, recall great memories of playing dodge ball.

I hear rumors that kids aren't allowed to play dodge ball at school anymore. That's unfortunate. I loved dodge ball days in P.E. I was pretty athletic in school though you might not know that to see me now. I was good at dodge ball. I was fast and somewhat agile. I was careful in my throwing at others. And luckily I wasn't one of the last ones chosen each time. I do feel sorry for kids that the choosing process traumatized.

It stinks that kids played too rough to be allowed to continue the tradition of dodge ball. It makes me sad that a childhood game turned into something children feared and others abused.

For the sake of an analogy I suppose Satan could be considered a master dodge ball enthusiast. "There's one I haven't smacked lately." "Oooh, I could take that one out." "Let me see how many of these 'pawns' I can bring to their knees."

Thankfully we have the ultimate dodger of dodge balls on our side. Our protector, defender, encourager is He. And it is as if He has picked each of us first! First round draft picks we are in His eyes.

Father, thank You, for the hits You take and have taken on our behalf. Help us believe that we are indeed worthy in Your eyes.

Blessings Y'all!

Piece of Peace - Day 3

Day 3 of the Decluttering Project:

Home:

Desk or Home Office – Clear 5 items from the floor or desktop

Entry Way / Porch - Anything need to be put away from your front porch? Don't ask me how I know this happens. I did live in Arkansas for a few too many years. : )

Can you share a couple of things you've tossed or are giving away? I tossed about 6 ornament globes, several funky bows, an extinct advent calendar and a ton of wadded up gift tissue paper ... what a weird thing to have taking up space!

I tossed several magazines and a host of papers into the recycling bin. (They are gonna flip on next collection day.)

Body: Day 2 of 100 – Move for 30 minutes

Click on my "Moving Tunes" tab for some suggestions on music to listen to that might help get you moving! I would love to hear your suggestions too.

(Are you rewarding yourself with a sticker or a star on your calendar???)

I played on Wii Fit for awhile and danced my way to 30 minutes on Sunday. Not bad for a woman who started the day with a migraine!

God’s Word to consider:

“It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” - Isaiah 65:24

2012 has so much promise! Less junk in our homes and less junk on our thighs! Woooo Hooooo! I implore you to seek counsel with the Great Counselor before going any further on this journey with me.

Piece of Peace - Day 2

Day 2 of Decluttering Project:

Home:

Desk or Home Office

– Find 5 things to give away, 5 to throw away and put away 5 things as well. ( Throwing away all 15 items is also acceptable!) Just get it out of there. FLYLady says, "You can't organize clutter; you simply have to get rid of it."

(Do this quickly, say within 5 to 10 minutes.)

Body:

Day 1 of 100 - Move for 30 minutes

(I've got 15 minutes done. Gonna dance as I pack up Christmas decorations. Will be at least another 15!)

God’s Word to consider:

“Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick.” – Isaiah 1:5

Blessings Y'all!