An Adventure...

Hands Help Hearts

And Change Lives

What does it take to change a life?  Less that you might think…

Tiny acts multiplied by many hands change lives everyday.

Something as simple as a handmade hat makes a world of difference to children and families in need.

The children and families in the village of Beaufort West, South Africa need our help.  The living circumstances of this village are poor and dangerous beyond what most in America, or any western culture can fathom.  Living in a climate very similar to that of the Southeastern US, the winters (US spring/summer) are cold and wet.  Despite these conditions, the People of Beaufort West are beautiful with a spirit of love and learning. 

They need OUR help!

The Goal (and it’s a BIG one):  Collect 1000 Handmade hats by January 12, 2014

What can YOU do?  Knit or Crochet a hat (wool is warmest) in any size from infant to adult.

Don’t Knit or Crochet?  We’ll teach you.  There will be mini-classes available for groups who want to learn.

Don’t WANT to Knit or Crochet?  Don’t worry – you can still help!  We need DONATIONS of yarn (wool preferred), knitting and crochet supplies, or money toward these items*

*Receipts for cash donations provided.  ALL donations used expressly for the Hands Helping Hearts Hat Project.

For more Information please email:

HATS (at) thedements (dot) com or visit handshelphearts.blogspot.com

I'll keep you posted,

AmyDe

Today's List

Oh The lists get longer and longer and the errands greater and greater (I often HATE errands) as I prep for travel in my near future.

Today looks like this:

• Trim Bind and Wash Anna's Flannel Quilt (I finally finished the quilting)
• Hope that Fabric for dresden plates gets delivered (and hope I ordered the correct colors - if not - oh well) I really want to finish these.
• Buy Fabric for Bonnie Hunter Jamestown Landing workshop
• Pick up a new bobbin case for my Pfaff (blerg!)
• Prep handwork for upcoming travel
• Take Kids to classes
• Pick Kids UP from said classes (this is the part I have to set an alarm for)
• Register kids for MORE classes
• Bank
• Bills
• Anna's Haircut
• And the usual - Laundry, dinner, dishes, etc...

Goodness I'm tired just writing it down.  I better get off the computer and get to it!

Oh and a funny:

That's my poofy cat (PC) in Alessia's carrier.  Don't worry, Lessie isn't in there.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

A Patchwork Kind if Girl?

I am a patchwork kind of girl.  

I am NOT an applique kind of girl.

I love cutting and piecing and joining the seams and the finished look and utility of patchwork.  

Patchwork quilts are friendly and relaxed - comfortable, warm, and down-home, while appliqué quilts (especially those haughty Baltimore girls) seem formal and uptight, staid and even a bit snobby (humorous reference only to the quilt's personality NOT the makers').  Oh appliqué quilts are beautiful - NO DOUBT, they are true works of fine craftsmanship and dedication - but if I threw someones Baltimore Album quilt (click the link for an example)on the ground for our picnic people would

FREAK OUT!

For the entirety of my long and illustrious quilting career I have avoided appliqué.  Besides the formality of most appliqué work, the idea of all the pieces shifting around or working around pins - YUCK!  Except, I NEEDED to appliqué these dresden plates.  What ever should I do?

GLUE

Yes, glue.  Specifically temporary water washable appliqué specific glue (I know I can also use elmer's washable and it's not $9.00/tiny bottle but I bought this BEFORE I knew...).   I tried it.  It works. See:

After stitching and removing glue basting

After stitching and removing glue basting

  I LOVE it! 

close up of tiny stitches

I might have a problem.  I seem to be looking for things to hand appliqué.  Alas, this patchwork girl might have to broaden my horizons.

On the Finish Along Front:

It seems like I should have more marked off my list.  I've been working and sewing and cutting and pressing...  but not finishing much.

Many of my projects are 'on the cusp' of finished - right there on the verge - like teenagers - chomping at the bit to be out the door, but not quite ready.

I feel February will be a month of MANY finishes!

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

Progress...

I finally finished all of the blocks for Easy Street - the Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt.  My points are not perfect and my seams are not precision, but I love it.  I really enjoyed the process and I am going to love the quilt.  It IS a work in progress as I must assemble the blocks and then add some borders - I think emerald green batik - then I will send it out for quilting.  I'd like to be one of those people who says "I do all my own stunts, er quilting" and I could be, but it would cost me a left rotator cuff and some nerve damage in my elbows and wrists.  Alas I will listen to my body, take it easy, and leave the quilting to someone else.

Toffee Helped some more - in that way kitties are experts at...

With Easy Street almost finished I hope to make progress on the rest of my finish along projects.  Of course I've got about 10 new ideas banging around in my head and if I send out a few more quilts to longarm services I might even get to them.

For more WIP Wednesday posts check HERE and see what others are doing.

We had a super fun/busy weekend (more on that later) and things look to be super busy for a while.  I'm trying to 'go with it' and 'enjoy the moment' - you can stop laughing any time now.

Really.

Stop laughing!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Progress Hinderances

This is Toffee

She's helping me finish Easy Street

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Planning is Everything...

That's what I've heard anyway.

I find that planning is NEVER my struggle.  DOING is my struggle.  My theme for 2013 is DO MORE!

In keeping with my DO MORE theme I joined the 2013 Finish Along HERE where you can also join in.  I am keeping a running list of all my UFO's as Rhonda suggested.   I know that the running list will keep me motivated and organized.

A mosaic of my UFOs (not the blue denim owl - he's a cute sewing kit buddy)

From top left to bottom right:
1. Dino Quilt
2. Mermaid Quilt
3. Strip sets for both robot quilt and sailing quilt
4. Easy street
5. 'Nest' quilt
6. Anna Maria turning 20 quilt
7. Easy Street with kitty helper
8. Madras quilt
9. Dr. Who Owl (not on list above but it should be)
10. Zombie Dice (not on list above but it should be)
11. CT Tumbler topper
12. Spaceman quilt
13. Binding for Anna's flannel quilt (which needs to be basted)
14. Hexie Runner 1 (hexie runner 2 is that same but needs borders added)
15. Dresden Plate topper 1
16. Dresden plate topper 2
17. Ruby tumbler baby quilt
18. Anna's floral quilt (I thought this was further along)
19. Log cabin runner
20. Vintage hand pieced runner 1
21. Vintage hand pieced runner 2
22. Large Floral Quilt
23. Baby bears quilt
24. Painting all hanging
25. Floral Xs & Os quilt (not on list above but it should be)
26. Tiny Stitches BOM (not a finish along project)
27. Denim Sewing Owl Buddy (not a finish along project)
28. Hexies pic 1
29. Hexies pic 2

See all those hexies?  There are 3 bags of them and if you look closely you'll see the number '1000' printed on the bag.  YEP!  It's official.  I am a crazy person.  I only have about 800 left to make, but I might be changing my layout plan - in which case I have more than enough already made.

Can you tell from the state of my project stalls that I DETEST basting?  I wonder if I can pay the long arm services to do basting for me; would the threads be a problem for my machine quilting? Hmmm?

I am excited to get to work on these projects and mark them off the UFO list!


Oh and one more picture of my Gracie Lou helping me work on Easy Street - see the links to more projects HERE.

What are YOU working on?

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

I've Got Nothing...

I tried for a clever post title, but it's very late and I'm all out of creative juice.  I'm busy sewing this week and not at the computer as much.

The final instructions for Bonnie Hunter's Easy Street are posted and it's quite a dynamic quilt.  I know I'm going to love my color choices in the completed project.  I'm not finished with mine as I've been taking Anna back and forth to Horseback Riding Camp everyday this week so drive time is taking a HUGE chunk out of my sewing time.  It's worth it as Anna is LOVING camp.

I finished sewing a flannel quilt for Toby and am now taking ibuprofen for my sore wrists & elbows (I need a higher/better chair).

I began sewing the pinkest quilt I've ever seen for a special small friend and I hope she loves it when it's finished.

I'm working on about a dozen things at the moment and feeling more than a bit frenzied.  I have 6 quilts ready to baste (I HATE BASTING - more than I hate purling) and quilt - a BIG pile up.  My friend Pam's tolerance for 'pile up' is 2 - she's motivated and driven and must have a better basting method than I.  Pam hosts the Hip to Be a Square Podcast. - Check it out when you get a chance.  She makes me laugh and I think she'll make you laugh too.

I'll have pictures after the weekend - and more to tell about my plans for the new year.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Merry Christmas and Stuff

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and got to spend time with loved ones and friends.

We spent our Christmas quietly - which is my favorite - playing games and watching movies and Dr. Who "It's smaller on the outside."  So Much Fun!

I caught up on sewing Easy Street - Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt.  I am enjoying the one step at a time process as it isn't overwhelming.  More information about the mystery quilt and each of the steps is found HERE.  The Link-up to see others' progress is HERE.  There are some lovely color choices and fun blogs to be discovered on the linky page.

Easy Street Step 4 part 1

Easy Street Step 4 Part 2

Easy Street Step 5

THIS:

1937 Loveliness

is my Christmas gift!  It's a 1937 Singer Featherweight and we got a SWEET deal on it - even when you factor the 4 hour round trip for pick up in Eatonton, GA (though Casey might do that math a bit differently).

I love it!

There is much sewing happening in these parts, some of which I still can't show here and the rest of which is still in progress.  I hope to have more finishes and pictures soon, but Casey's home for several more days and we're having so much fun goofing off and playing board games that I'm not worrying too much about 'progress.'  There will be time for progress later - right now it's time for fun.

Ahsoka Tano driving the Roush Mustang Supercar

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

Maybe It's Me?

Since I cannot sew on my Pfaff with tension issues I tried my vintage Singer 15-91.



Isn't it pretty?  It was made in 1956.  Please ignore the fact that I sew in my mostly finished garage which still holds 'garagey' things like tool boxes, ladders, and furnaces.

Besides having trouble with the bobbin winder, which I knew would be troublesome due to newly manufactured bobbins and metal gauge differences, etc...  It also have tension issues.  ARRGGHHH!

This is a machine that must be tinkered with for tension adjustments.  This I know - no automatic tensioner in 1956 - Got it.  But even after tinkering, I cannot get things balanced.  Alas, this machine will also go to the repair shop (a different repair shop) which is a bummer because it's about 175 pounds (ok maybe 40) of cast iron.

Two machines in as many days - maybe it IS me?

Casey says I should try pouring some alcohol into the machines as that always works on me when I have tension issues.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Trouble in Paradise...

So you know my sewing machine that I was SEW in love with just YESTERDAY?  Yeah, well...  Today it's doing this:



Not good, that's my needle thread looping on the underside of the fabric.

We are NOT friends today, my sewing machine and I.

I've done all the regular troubleshooting things, rethread, change needles, dust out bobbin casing, rethread bobbin, change thread, etc... To no avail.

Great, another trip to the sewing machine store.  No.  Really. GREAT another trip to the sewing machine store!  I need more feet (and I promise I'll buy the feet and not another machine) and some thread, but that must wait until Friday.

I've reorganized my list with all the non-sewing machine items at the top.  Though this may be the perfect opportunity to setup my vintage Singer 15-91 and learn to use it.  Argh, I'm still annoyed.

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

And Sew it Goes...

I went to my local sewing center to pick up a new walking foot for my Janome Memory Craft 4000 and to perhaps pet and try NOT to drool on the Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0.  THEN... the service technician told me about a honey of a deal he had on a fully warranted used machine, so...



I love it!

So needless to say I've been binge sewing.  I was sewing BEFORE I bought the machine as well.

I joined Bonnie Hunter's Easy street Mystery Quilt Along and have completed all 3 of the current clues.  Sewing along with Bonnie during her 'quiltcam' sessions helps keep me company and motivated.

These are the units so far:





I also made a fleece blanket for my brother, a table runner, 8 pillow cases, a flannel/chenille baby blanket, a drawstring bag to carry my sock knitting, and about a billion more hexies for a handsewn king sized quilt I've worked on for a year (so far).

Oh yeah, and today I made a dinosaur quilt top and backing for a small friend of mine who LOVES dinosaurs.


My task list for this week is that of an insane person, but I am having fun.  The timing is funny.  I'm not making Christmas gifts specifically for anyone so it's not a deadline or holiday rush.  Maybe its an avoidance of holidays though busy-ness?  I don't know.  I DO know I am going to enjoy the burst of energy and productivity while it lasts.

In the past on December 10 I always declared holiday deadline making OVER and I was no longer behind for this year, but ahead for the next.

What are you making this holiday season?  Are you knitting or sewing last minute gifts?  Are you one of those people who was finished before Thanksgiving (I used to be one of those)?  Do you make things mostly for others or mostly for yourself?  Please share with me in the comments, I'd love to hear from you.

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

Today Is A Good Day

I've decided. Today is a good day. I paid my "red light violation" ticket (dang photo enforced lights), picked up a few groceries (still forgot the milk), have the kids schooling well underway (not without it's moanings as we have catching up to do today), and I have dinner planned (I have to do dishes first). So there! Today is a good day because I said so, and frankly if I'd 'say so' more often I know my life would feel easier. I'll keep you posted! AmyDe

Every Now and Again...

You are pleasantly surprised.

The kids and I dined at one of the fine local eateries near the mall (ok IHop) today.  We were there in the after-lunch-not-yet-dinner (Senior) time frame.

The nice young man serving us had long hair and a tattoo (or 3).  I admit - such appearance leads me to certain expectations - young, rowdy-ish, perhaps disconnected from my POV, did I mention young? (Gosh now I feel really old).

Today I GLADLY say I WAS SO VERY WRONG!  I listened to this young man speak with tenderness and care to each older customer he was serving.  He asked, in earnest, the man behind me about his time in the war - REALLY wanting to know; it was clear that the young man wanted to befriend the gentleman (who was dining alone).  To my shame (and his credit) I am deeply touched that this (or any) young man took time out of his serving to sit and make someone feel less alone.

I hope that my children grow to be as caring and kind as this man is.  I pray for myself to be less judgmental.  Until then - I hope we are all pleasantly surprised more often.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Heaps of Grace

I am extraordinarily hard on myself.  It's only now that I realize (mostly) that my standards for myself (which I constantly fall short of) are, in fact, impossibly high. 

I begin to remedy this constant feeling of failure with much prayer and heaps of grace bestowed to myself.  It isn't easy after 38 years of constant practice, but I am beginning and you know what I find?  I find JOY.

So I encourage each of you to allow YOURSELF heaps of grace - especially during THIS season.  Please try and remember that Christmas is about Christ and love and hope and GRACE.  The rest of it - the gifts and the mall and the parties and the obligations are all contrived; not real.  In the long run the contrived bits are not even important and they certainly are not CRITICAL - regardless of what stores lead you to believe.

This Christmas and in life don't be fooled - love and grace for others and maybe most importantly for ourselves are the things that are critical.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Slowly...

Slowly - that's the mantra I keep repeating to myself.

I am working hard at keeping a slower pace these days.  Working at letting things go.  Working at being reasonable with my expectations.  Working at looking at what I have done instead of what's left to do.

I have to work at remembering that life is about moments; when I stay so busy and focused on the "To Do" list I miss those moments.   I am such a Martha.

Not Casey - he's a Mary.  He's always aware of the fun and joy of life and he's right in the middle of it most times.  I am learning to follow his lead.

Dishes and chores will wait.

This won't:





Remember to take things slowly this week.  It is NOT easy in a world that wants everything to be RIGHT NOW, but your life is worth it. YOU are worth it, so am I!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

For Clarification

Thank You so much for the positive responses to Riley's Hats!  Your generosity is overwhelming and much appreciated.

For Clarification:

Knit OR Crochet is just fine

Made for girls OR boys

DEFINE "SOFT" - If you'd put it on a baby - that's soft enough.  I am using lots of Michael's & Hobby Lobby brand chunky acrylics as they are soft, washable, and insanely bright colors that I think the kids will like.  Just be sure and test it under your chin (for softness) as not all acrylics/yarns are created equally.

Deadline:  Please have the hats to me by 12/15/2011

If you have any further questions please leave them in the comments - I'll get back to you I promise (sometimes it just takes me a bit).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thank You and Hats...

HUGE THANKS

to all who commented or wrote personally to send me love and prayers.  It means so much - truly.

I am doing well and remembering that I can only do one thing at a time and THAT'S OK.

Now on to hats.

Earlier this summer my nephew Riley was diagnosed with Leukemia.  He is 5 years old.  He's been going through Chemo and as such has lost his hair. 

I am participating in a team project over on Ravelry called Nerd Wars (geekery and knitting fun combined).  As part of the challenge I have committed to making 12 hats for Riley and his friends going through Chemo.

I have also committed to requesting donations from my knitting friends for at least 8 more hats.  I'd love for all of you the help me blow that number out of the water.

DETAILS:

The deadline of having the hats to me is 12/15/2011

The hats need to be kid sized (any pattern - the sillier the better) and made of very soft MACHINE WASHABLE yarn.

IMPORTANT: These hat must come from healthy, non-smoking homes. These children are immuno-compromised and must be protected from all germs and contaminates; what might be the sniffles to you is life-threatening to them.

Please leave me a comment or email me directly for more information and most of all Go Make Some Hats!

Thanks again guys - you ARE the best!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

A Fresh Start

Impossible Expectations.

Impossible Standards.

Self Imposed Deadlines.

Overwhelm.

Abject Failure.

Depression.

This is a personal emotional cycle I am desperately trying to break.  It's a struggle I don't talk about. It's not something others want to hear.  Mark Twain said "We are like the moon, we all have our dark side that we never show to anybody."

Medicine is helping.

Giving myself a break is helping.

Sharing my struggle (which is SO VERY HARD!) is helping.

Putting myself on my own 'To Do' list is helping.

I spoke with an older man on the flight back from Seattle recently and asked why he was away from home so often (he was in Seattle for 2 months and headed home for ten days before venturing to Jamaica).  He joyfully replied "Just living Life!"   I surprised myself by responding "Well no one else is going to do it for you!"  And it's true.  No one else is going to live my life for me.

So I start fresh.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Round em Up! Head em Out! Move em On! Rawhide!!!

Sorry - I got a little carried away there.

I am busy this week finishing my challenge quilt for the Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild.  And since I cannot show you pictures I give you a little list of things that are inspiring me and touching my heart this week.

Why Our Parents Put Us to Shame - this one really strikes a chord about how I want to live with my children

Geography for Children and a New Map - Geography is NOT my strong suit - this will help.

Crumbs Scraps and Strings - Doesn't this look like tons of fun?  I can't wait to try it with some of my new sewing buddies.

Action Kivu Wrap Up - Congrats to Alissa for meeting her fundraising goal.  Thanks to all who helped and Pryers for all the women and children this money will provide for.  What's your favorite Grass Roots charity - please leave me a link.

Living the Millionaire Life - This is what life is really about and theirs is such and interesting and methodical approach.

There's my weekly round up.  It's been quilting quilting quilting on the Kona challenge project and lots of blog reading for distraction.  I should finish up quilting and binding today just in time for the challenge deadline.  What's inspiring you this week?  Leave me links in the comments so I can check them out.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Give: It Feels SEW Good...

Please check out what Handmade by Alissa is doing this week for KIVU.  Action KIVU has such a great ideal at it's core and really speaks to crafters and sewists and women such as myself.  Please check them out and give what you can.

Alissa has many prize offerings for different gift levels, but that is HARDLY the point.  Even a little money (by western standards) makes a BIG difference.  Check them out and follow your heart.  Let's run that gift thermometer right off the charts!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe