My First "Quilting Rags to Riches©" is Done

I finished my first Quilting Rags to Riches© quilt for the "Quilt Haiti" project. FedEx picked it up today and eventually it will be on its way to its new owner. I am honored to be a part of the "Quilt Haiti" initiative. I feel proud to hand over one of my quilts; and yet, I feel so very small in the scheme of things.

I watched a PBS program that was recently filmed in Haiti the other night. After watching and seeing bits and pieces of the devastation, a part of me says: "What good are a bunch of quilts going to do?" And then something in my heart answers: "more than you know." I can only imagine that maybe the recipients of these quilts will be able to have something to hold in their hands and know that somewhere in the world is a person thinking, hoping, and praying specifically for them. And maybe, just maybe, that will bring them a little bit of comfort.

I chose to use recycled blue jeans to make a rag quilt. For the back I pulled some fabric from my stash that I thought complemented the denim pieces.








Thank you again to all who have donated to Quilting Rags to Riches©. I will continue taking donations throughout the year for other great causes and will continue to post my progress here. (For more information see my previous post.)

May God bless you richly,
Kathryn

Quilting Rags to Riches© - I Need Your Help

In keeping with my New Year's Resolution, I have accepted another volunteer "job."

This volunteer job started out really as a simple, yet perhaps profound, gesture to send a quilt to a representative that will be personally delivering quilts to Haiti. I want to go just a step or two further and turn this into something YOU can help me with.

I'm calling it: "Quilting Rags to Riches©." Another Blogger is the one organizing this quilt drive (click on the icon at the right "Quilt Haiti" ("QH") for more info). What I am doing is soliciting you for your "rags." If you have clothing that you no longer wear and haven't gotten around to donating it to a good cause or throwing it away ... may I please have it? It can be in any shape, size or fashion; jeans, t-shirts, cotton blouses, suedes, velvets, dress slacks, it doesn't matter ... I will take it. New, old, torn, stained, it doesn't matter ... I will take it. Old blankets or comforters, crib to king sizes ... I will take it. Old towels, wash cloths ... I will take it. The only thing I ask is that all items are freshly laundered (when applicable - don't have it dry cleaned). My goal is to take and use what I can to turn these items into quilts of various sizes for babies to adults to pet blankets.

What does not get used up in time to send to QH, I will continue to take and use donations to make quilts for other organizations, such as Mother's Refuge (www.mothersrefuge.org). All of my creations will be tastefully done and each one will look and feel brand new to its new owner.

Other ways you can help me: donate a package of quilt batting or a JoAnn's or Hancock Fabrics' gift card in ANY denomination (no amount is too small) for the purchasing of batting and/or thread specifically for "Quilting Rags to Riches©." OR - donate a quilt yourself (through me or directly to QH). QH is also taking handmade stuffed animals, you can sign up through QH or donate through me ... I would be more than happy to add your quilt or stuffed animal to my shipment to send to QH.

I am accepting your donations NOW (I have a deadline for sending my quilt(s) to QH) and will continue taking your donations throughout the year to create donation quilts for other charitable organizations.

For those I work with, I will receive your donations at the office. Otherwise, please email me for making donation arrangments. kftaylorquilts@yahoo.com

Remember, ANY donation is NEVER too small.

Thanks so much and God bless,
Kathryn

This Wallflower Takes a Step Forward

I made the block of the month for February's quilt guild meeting. I believe my needle position was off and I was taking more than 1/4" seam allowance and my quilt block came out too small. So I had to make another one but then was left with "what do I do with this one?"

I decided on a small wall hanging. It gave me an opportunity to play with my embroidery machine and practice a little free motion quilting.

When I went to the meeting last Tuesday evening I actually got in line to stand in front of a room FULL of ladies to "show and tell" my latest "oopsy." I discovered that if I just talk into the mic and look at and point to my wall hanging and NEVER look into the crowd ... I'm fine! But then there was that long walk back to my seat. However, it wasn't so bad - I got lots of compliments on the way back to my chair :)







Do you like it? It's for sell on my website.

Scroll to the bottom of the page.

New Items For Sale

I've taken on a few consignment items. These are very nice, soft and cuddly items. Some were hand crocheted and some were hand knitted. Very beautifully done!





To see more, visit my website: www.kftaylorquilts.com

It Was Hard To Say Goodbye

I was recently asked by someone I work with if I had anything that she could buy from me and then donate to a charity's silent auction. I didn't have anything finished so I told her I would make a quilted tote bag for her. I went online to find a tote bag pattern and found several that I liked certain things about. Being pretty good at thinking outside of the box (sometimes to my own detriment), I got busy and took a little bit of what I liked from each, added a few of my own ideas and came up with a custom embroidered/quilted tote for the Big D Charity Horse Show (Google it; everyone's invited - April 29--May 2, 2010).

After it was all said and done and I handed over the tote bag (with matching cosmetic bag and business card holder) I found myself a little sad. I felt like I had just lost a little a part of me. I usually hand my work over with a little bit of pride, a sense of accomplishment. Maybe it's because it is usually for someone I know and perhaps I'm okay with it because I figure someday I'll see it again. But this time I felt a loss. How does one detach herself from something she put her heart into? I suppose by finding solace in knowing that it will have a good home. ;o).









I added the elastic to the side pockets to provide a litte more security:


Front and Back view of the cosmetic bag and cosmetic bag with business card holder:

Digital Quilter's World Magazine

I just discovered one of the coolest inventions ever! All my quilt magazine subscriptions have run out and I find myself missing them. While looking online for one of my favs (quilters-word.com), I discovered they have a digital magazine! It is awesome! For $14.97 you get the current year's subscription PLUS access to the 2 previous years. Once you subscribe, you view the magazine online. You can print or save to your pc one page or several pages or download and print the whole magazine if you want too (I just did!). I LOVE this!!! Check it out: www.digital.quilters-world.com

New Year - New Decade - New Me!

I haven't made a new year's resolution in many, many years. I've felt like all I do is set myself up for failure. This year, something changed. Perhaps it has to do with getting my hormones adjusted, finding out I have a food allergy and eliminating it from my diet, or the fact that I'm about to turn 50! What ever the reason for the change ... I LIKE IT!

My new year's resolutions this year are: 1) eat more veggies and 2) do more volunteer work. Being that I haven't liked to interact with people much over the last 2 decades - this is a very big step for me. I've always like helping people, but, I like being behind the scenes. Now I want to show my face more. I figure the more I show my face, the more involved I will become.

First up, I joined a local quilt guild and attended my first meeting last week. I enjoyed it very much. I met several ladies and was made to feel welcomed by all. I accepted my first volunteer job - it's not much, but it's a start, right? I will be responsible for coming up with a BOM (block of the month) for the year 2010. I already have one picked out. As soon as I work out the details (fabric colors) and make one up, I'll post a "how to." I'm kind of excited about this!

Until next time ... happy quilting,
K