April 1, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Comfort Quilts: Fabric Request & Quilt-Along Dates

More than 40 quilt makers, sewists and givers have made blocks, volunteered quilting services, donated batting and contributions for sashing fabric to help in the effort create Comfort Quilts for Corporal Nate Carrigan’s loved ones, Captain Mark Hancock and Master Patrol Deputy Kolby Martin (Previous Story Here).

The first Comfort Quilt top is nearly complete and more quilt-alongs are slated. We’ve backer/binding/border fabric for this first quilt thanks a generous donor. A few more folks, self-proclaimed “non-crafters”, who have asked for ways to get involved with the quilts now have the opportunity to help.

Please keep reading to find out specifics regarding gifting backer/binding/border fabric.

Working on the quilt was humbling. Seeing all the various fabrics block makers selected and knowing each block was lovingly made and sent was tremendously moving. I feel so honored to be a part of the effort to piece the blocks and help finish the quilts with others who share in the hope of providing a bit of comfort to those who have given so very much. I know all who contributed share in this hope.

The first Comfort Quilt-along was at the home of Denese Marshall, truly one of the most generous souls I’ve ever met. Denese will be hosting four more quilt-alongs and will long-arm each quilt. The use of her accu-cutter greatly aided in our progress to prep the sashing. Denese also made thread and machines available. Denese is a patient expert quilter, and former first grade teacher, who took time to help consider and guide the process.

My sister Vicki Bruno (my quilting mentor, the woman who got me into quilting about a year ago) lent her organizational, sewing and composition expertise.

In addition to quilt block makers, we’ve been blessed with “angel givers” — people who have contributed batting, donations for sashing and one order has already been placed for the backing/border/binding of the first quilt.

We are hoping to receive three more direct fabric contributions of 3.75 yards (each a whole piece) to cover remaining needs for backing/border and binding.

We’ve selected a fabric to marry the quilt design and various blues, details here. If you would like to make a fabric contribution, please let me know so we can coordinate efforts and not over-order.

Comfort Quilt-Alongs are scheduled for April 7 & 8 and May 13 & 14. 10AM-5PM each day. Come for the day or as time permits. Space is limited, please RSVP to Denese via email at your earliest opportunity: denesemarshall@comcast.net Be sure to indicate when you’re able to join the Quilt-Alongs. Bring a sack lunch and ask Denese what tools (rotary, machine, etc) you may need to bring.

Thanks so very much to all who have given a piece of their hearts to aid in the creation of the Comfort Quilts. We will post pictures of the completed quilts after gifting.

Special Note: The Golden Quilt Company extended a 10% discount for our white on white sashing fabric. Thanks Nancy!

SGlogo50px God created, sew should we. [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.] Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

March 9, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Peace Be Still Quilt Depicts Significance of Faith in Jesus

When Darcy Brown’s church issued a call for entries for its 10th International Art Competition, almost immediately a picture came to the artist’s mind of the quilt she would create and enter.

The theme of the competition was Tell me the stories of Jesus, which explains why Darcy envisioned her art quilt’s outcome long before she figured out how to create it.

Darcy Brown Art Quilt: Significance of Jesus

“Master, the Tempest is Raging: Peace Be Still” by Quilt Artist Darcy Brown captures the significance of her faith in Jesus.

Both the process of making the quilt and the finished work represent Darcy’s unshakable faith in Jesus, especially through significant testing.

The storm that rocked Darcy, husband Fred and their family’s world began with an achy five year old seeking comfort in the middle of the night, his mom’s intuition and, significantly, only a few days notice.

In November 2010, the family was thrust into a perilous 38-month treatment odyssey to help five-year-old Ethan fight for his life.

The daily, and ordinary chaos of raising six kids — now seemingly mundane compared to what would follow — ceased. After franticly seeking answers for what seemed far more serious than a strep diagnosis, being brushed off by a specialist, some independent personal research, witnessing her son’s rapid decline, testing and confirmation, Ethan began chemotherapy for leukemia.

“I remember feeling prompted to look at [leukemia] symptoms,” said Darcy who considers herself a realist. Her aunt and cousin had leukemia. “Both my husband and I were looking for answers.”

Within days of his initial complaints about leg and neck pain, Ethan had grown very sick. He had external bruises and purple dots (Petechiae) which indicate internal bruising all over his body.

The sudden swirl of biopsies, ports, bone marrow testing leading to eventual chemo treatments took a tremendous toll on Ethan and was heart-breaking for his parents, sisters and grandparents.

Homeschooled siblings were abruptly enrolled in the neighborhood school, all business, personal and work pursuits shelved. Continual prayer, Ethan’s comfort and needs, doctors appointments, treatments replaced the distant normalcy of family life.

Looking back at Ethan’s treatment stages and subsequent recovery period, Darcy recalls life as unpredictable and a blur. “So many days are a question mark. Our [other] kids never knew who was going to be picking them up from school, if they’d see us before they went to bed,” said Darcy.

“And He arose and rebuked the wind and said unto the sea,’Peace, be still.’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.”
Mark 4:39

“The quilt has been so powerful and meaningful to me,” explains the artist-business owner-quilt maker. “I look at it several times a day. It reminds me just because there are storms looming all around us, we have to focus on what is important. We sometimes are looking at the wrong things.”

“I started with the center because that is the point,” she said, “If you put Christ at the center of your life, you can figure it out,” said Darcy. Positioning of the eye of the person in the quilt had to be painstakingly precise. “Physically she is vague, and her face stylized,” said Darcy.

It was important to the designer creator her quilt’s subject look both determined and directly into the light. Darcy wanted the light shining in and on the subject’s face.

“If Christ is in your heart and your mind, it is going to show,” she said, referencing scripture regarding Christ being imprinted in one’s heart. “Would others know he means anything to you?”

The person depicted in the quilt has light surrounding her face, it can be translated into Jesus’ light and the subject’s countenance. Also, interestingly, if one were to draw a horizontal and vertical line through the light’s center, the intersection would be the exact center of a cross.

The flower placed in the subject’s mind depicts the significance of the Vinca, a derivative of such used to treat Ethan’s leukemia. Darcy explained the healing qualities of the Rosy Periwinkle (Madagascar) for the treatment of stricken children. The quilt also contains the chemical chain of the flower.

Darcy used fabrics mostly from her stash, a large piece of muslin, scissors, glue and her machine. “I hacked fabrics and put them in value stacks, then started putting them on the muslin on the design board.”

Fortunately, though many couples encounter marital challenge during such hardship, Fred and Darcy, who courted just 3 months before tying the knot, grew closer and their faith stronger.

“God prepares us when we don’t even know we are being prepared. He will send His angels to be with us and go before us.”

“When I made the quilt it all made sense. The clouds are always around us. But you can’t walk around thinking the storm’s going to get you. There’s just so much that prepares us.”

“I didn’t ever feel like ‘why is this happening to me, to Ethan to us?'” said Darcy, “I’ve been taught through my faith to ask, ‘What am I supposed to be learning about my relationship with Jesus Christ?’ ”

The artist is resolute: “When in the thick of the storm and praying you are on a spiritual high and when things get better you tend to forget. But I still pray and I still have concern. When he gets an ear infection, I have to be talked back down.”

Darcy & Fred with their kids Naomi, Maegan, Dani, Chelsie, Renae and Ethan.

Now, after a year of recovery (including six months in a wheel chair) following his 38-months of treatment, Ethan is enjoying 4th grade. He’s into swimming and legos and may become an entomologist.

“Ethan started a bug club at school. His mission is to get other kids interested in insects and for everyone to be nice to bugs. He always says ‘Bugs are important.'”

Our thanks to Colorado Artist, Quilt Maker, Business Owner (Sassy Quilts), Mom & Wife Darcy Brown who created this inspiring work and shared her story.

Want to receive more inspirational stories about makers and their creations? Please keep the subscribe box checked when leaving a comment below or sign up for our newsletter in the subscriber box in the adjacent column. Thank you.

February 26, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Quilters: Blocks Needed For Carrigan Comfort Quilt

Bailey, CO: Three Park County Sheriff’s Department officers were wounded Wednesday while serving an eviction notice on a man who first motioned the officers into his home, then opened fire. Corporal Nate Carrigan of the Park County Sheriff’s Office injuries were fatal.

Master Patrol Deputy Kolby Martin is in serious condition with multiple gunshot wounds and Captain Mark Hancock was grazed in the ear, treated and has been released.

Corporal Nate Carrigan: Dedicated Deputy & Coach

The community of Bailey Colorado is in mourning [Denver ABC News 7 story here]. Carrigan, who grew up in the close-knit mountain town, served also as the baseball and football coach at Platte Canyon High School. He leaves behind his parents Melissa and John, siblings Jamie, John and Alicia, his girlfriend Melissa and countless others who will miss seeing him in town, on the field or at the Cutthroat Cafe.

Yesterday a group of three beginning quilters began discussing how to create a quilt for Carrigan’s loved ones.

A few years ago, our daughter received a tied fleece blanket from Project Linus. It comforted her and is part of her healing. I’m hoping a quilt we all work together to create can help those closest to Nate. It will also help us as makers to remember to be grateful for officers and their families. I’ve spent a great deal of my life in Bailey, it’s like my second home. I’ve many friends and family members who live in and are active in the community. I’m just hoping we can be of comfort to those hurting.

Blue Birds Fly: Swallows swoop then soar.

“We as a family know how it feels to have to grieve a loss that should never happen. These guys work hard for us. Let me know the colors,” said Michelle Holiday, whose family has also lost members serving in law enforcement. Michelle will be making the center medallion for the quilt.

“A quilt signifies warmth. It is something that brings comfort,” said Michelle.

“I am a police officer’s wife and my heart sank when I read of this news yesterday. I am actually designing a quilt for my son made from this line [Blue Bird by Cotton + Steel] right now … I am ordering my fabric today. When do you need the squares by?” said Stephanie Leigh, another beginning quilter.

{February 26, 2016 UPDATE BELOW: Important Block Prep Info & Keeping you in the Loop …}

Cotton + Steel Blue Bird Collection: Some are using fabrics from this line to create blocks. Palette guidelines below.

Quilters of all levels are asked to participate in the creation of the Carrigan Comfort Quilt. It is hoped enough blocks can be prepared to provide two quilts; one for Nate’s parents and one for his girlfriend.

Here’s how you can help.

Pray for Nate’s loved ones and for the healing of his fellow officers. Please also pray for the safety of all first responders and their families and those who have lost loved ones in law enforcement.
Commit to making a block (or more). Please notify me in the comment box below as to your ability to do so and how many blocks you can make. Ideally we need 32+ blocks for one quilt (64 if we’re looking to do two quilts). Send such to me: Janelle Jones 9974 Clairton Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 by March 15, 2015 or earlier.
If you’re on or near the Colorado front range and would like to assist with assembly, please let me know.
Please feel free to include a short note of gratitude when you send your block/s. Nate’s parents’ names are Melissa & John Carrigan, his siblings are Jamie (also an officer in another Colorado community), John and Alicia. Nate’s girlfriend is Melissa Patterson.

Block Specifications (Pattern) & Color Palette:

Palette: Predominantly navy blue and complimentary blues; White (a white that goes well with your fabrics); Gold and complimentary yellows. Sashing lines within your block should be white. Stephanie and I will be using fabrics from Cotton + Steel’s Blue Bird line. Feel free to do so, or use fabrics you feel will be calming, uplifting and comforting within the palette. Michelle’s medallion will also feature birds.
Block Pattern: From Moda’s Ruby, Peal & Opal FREE Quilt Pattern by Corey Yoder. Instructions here.

God created, sew should we. [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.] Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

UPDATE: Important Block Prep Info & Keeping you in the Loop February 28, 2016 …

* Block/s Preparation & Sashing: Thanks to those making multiple blocks. We are REALLY hoping to make two nice sized quilts. Please prepare and send your multiple block as individual blocks; do not sash such together. The assembly team will add top and bottom sashing and vertical sashing. Thank you so much.

* Internal “Sashing”: The vertical and horizontal lines within your blocks should be a white that compliments your other fabrics. If that’s a white on white, or cream on white, or bright white, no worries. We’re going to pick a blender (white on white or a contrast for the overall sashing. Do what looks best on your block. Again, please do not add the top and bottom sashing. To keep things uniform, we will add such during assembly.

* Keeping in touch. It would be good to be able to keep in touch with everyone over the course of this project. Many have indicated a willingness to provide more blocks if need be, a few have offered to make contributions for materials such as batting and backing and assembly help and other great things, etc…. The good way to keep everyone in the progress and needs loop is via our newsletter. Please keep the subscribe box checked near your “Reply” OR utilize the subscriber box if you did not do so in your initial correspondence.

* Please REPLY … as you’re committing to making a block, please let us know below so that we can get a rough idea of how many blocks will be sent. When you reply, if it is your first time replying on Sew God, your post will not automatically show. This is a protective measure to make sure comments posted are appropriate and even more so, that we are not spammed by robots (for real). Please be patient. I try to reply and approve frequently. Thank you.

February 17, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Friendship & Caring: Adorable Ape “Nico” Shares His Stash

Hoarding and I go way back.

When I was a kid I recall hearing about the dangers of red food coloring and that soon red M&Ms would be discontinued. I reasoned, “One day red M&Ms will be worth something.” So I accumulated a large zip-loc bag of 100% red M&Ms. I stowed it away on the top shelf of my bedroom cupboard.

My friends thought I was daft. Rightfully so.

My hoarding affliction may be genetic, or a simple case of nurture.

My dad used to save things too, lots of things in outbuildings: used tires. old furniture. folding knives. matchbooks. He had an abundance of cowboy boots and hats. My mom saved things; styrofoam meat packaging trays from the grocery store, Nucoa margarine tubs (tupperware was a rarity in our home), condiment packages from KFC take-out.

Perhaps my most humorous hoarding adventure is hoarding copies of “NICO” … a book about hoarding.

It’s true. I have multiple copies of the classic children’s tale “Nico” by Paul Borovsky (1993). It’s a book I enjoyed reading aloud with my kids, so when I began this blog it became a top contender as a give-away book. I took to the internet to snap up affordable (read: used) copies for gifting (also, not gonna lie, I’m hoarding).

“Nico” is now out of print.

Though I doubt my red M&Ms truly appreciated over time, as of today new copies (mint condition) of “Nico” will set you back as much as $149.46.

So what’s the appeal of “Nico”?

I love the illustrations; simplistic, humorous and for young attention spans, captivating. More so, the moral imperatives are cleverly and simplistically expressed. Kids and adults will find them applicable. I’ve read a few relatively recent reviews of the book, which are, well … totally lame. One stated the book is a “Heavy-handed message about the importance of friendship and the dangers of selfishness.” Psychobabble.

If teaching friendship and sharing is “heavy handed” … then I hope we’ll all raise our heavy hands and shout out “Count me in!”

Here’s what Publisher’s Weekly has to say about “Nico”

” … this alluring tale set in a tropical forest … presents a timeless and worthy moral. Nico is an ape who scours the forest daily for nuts, berries and fruit, filling his basket with far more food than he can use. When storms destroy the dwellings of several animals, the others pitch in to help them rebuild. But not Nico: he’s too busy greedily gathering food. One day the selfish ape collects one mango too many, and his treehouse collapses under the weight of his hoard. When his neighbors offer assistance, a puzzled Nico replies, ‘I never helped any of you when you needed me. Why would you help me?’ The toucan’s simple response captures the essence of Borovsky’s message: ‘Because you need us now.'”

“Nico, of course, is never again too preoccupied to lend a hand–and from then on he shares his bounty. Featuring the variegated greens and browns of the rain forest, Borovsky’s finely rendered art stars animals whose personalities will grow on youngsters with repeated encounters. Among the many winning nuggets of humor are scenes of Nico fastidiously taking his daily food inventory, and toasting his friends at a feast celebrating his new home…”

As is becoming tradition, I’ll be giving away a copy of “Nico” to a Sew God community member or two.

Enter to win your copy to share with the young ones in your life by leaving a comment [below] about your own hoarding adventures (fabric? yarn? clothing? something else?). Or comment about how you’re sharing some of your things to benefit those near and far [i.e. LORNA: Sew Fresh Quilts].

Receive extra entries for SHARING our SEW GOD newsletter using the share buttons on your emailed newsletter. The more shares (email, Facebook, Pintrest), the more entries. Winner (or may a few) selected 3/4/16. Not yet a subscriber? Do so using the subscriber box located in the right column.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and appeal with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil: 4:6-7

February 8, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Quilters Giddy: Designer Releases Scrap Happy Star Quilt Pattern, Earns Top Seller Spot

Scrap Happy Star Quilt Delights with Bright, Happy Colors

The Scrap Happy Star Quilt was conceived and created in love. And has paved the way to add for Quilt Maker Isabella Denham to add celebrated “Pattern Designer” her list of creative accomplishments. What started out as a project to bring delight to her nearly blind 91 year-old mother-in-law Eileen, turned into even more than a beautiful quilt.

Made for Eileen, Isabella’s Scrap Happy Star Quilt was a labor of love.

Online quilters who have anxiously been awaiting release of Isabella’s pattern are giddy. So much so, the pattern recently placed at the top of Craftsy’s best sellers list.

Isabella explains, The Scrap Happy Star Quilt evolved as a way to use scraps.

“Eileen loved the bright colors, so I made it for her,” she explained. Eileen, who also suffers from dementia, clearly adores the bright, beautiful quilt.

Isabella began her quilter’s journey while living in Spain in 2007.

“I guess the Mediterranean sun made me fall in love with the bright, happy colors.” – Isabelle Denham

The Scrap Happy Star Quilt is Isabella’s second Craftsy pattern offering. Her Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt is one I’m eyeing for a long-term project using scraps to make a Quilter’s Journey Quilt (QJQ? Another story to be told).

Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt. An Isabelle Denham creation.

Expect to see many translations of Isabella’s Scrap Happy Star Quilt and her Rainbow Flutterbye Scrap Quilt patterns on quilter community social media in the coming months. And perhaps, if we’re fortunate, we’ll see more patterns out of Isabella Denham.

Keep up with Isabella, of Halifax, West Yorkshire on her Face Book at Izy_Sewbuzy Creations (“Everything Quilting, patchwork, sewing, English Paper Piecing, Tilda dolls).

Noteworthy Halifax Gem: The Piece Hall, located in Isabella’s town, was constructed in 1779 “to support the trading of cloth.” Slated to reopen late summer 2016 after extensive renovation and restoration, The Piece Hall will welcome visitors to shops, restaurants, an ice arena, an extensive library and host concerts and events. It will also be home to the Heritage Interpretation Centre. Curious? Prospective visitor? Check out the director’s blog.

Near Isabella’s Stomping Grounds: The Piece Hall, Halifax UK to reopen late summer 2016.

January 28, 2016 by: Janelle Jones

Got Milk?! How about Walmart Fat Quarters?

It seemed like an ordinary spouse-to-spouse request: “Please pick-up milk @ Walmart on your way home from work.”

Fortunately Quilt Maker Linda Dalton Rigney accurately interpreted her husband’s request:

“Stop by Walmart. Enjoy some self time and be sure stock up on a beautiful variety of fat quarters to feed your creative soul.”

Sometimes really extraordinary things come from every day things. Sharing our daily walks, no matter how off-the-cuff, whimsical or mundane, creates chain reactions. Special occurrences and life changers … though we may never know it.

Linda’s chain reaction Face Book status post: “Yes Honey, I’ll stop at Walmart and get milk. You’re welcome. 😀 Loving the Waverly and Emma & Mila FQ’s fabric.”

Imagine how info from Linda’s recent status post — and the subsequent mini-tidal wave “chat” response (18 shares! 110+ comments! viewed by 1,000+) on Quilt Along with Pat Sloan — will inspire the creation of special quilts, table runners, clothing, bags, you-name-it. Think: Home crafted gifts for family, friends, charities; Homemade cottage businesses buoyed; Those holding back for cost reasons entering the world of creating.

{Our stories as makers are valuable.}

Walmart Valentine Bundle Find: Emma & Mila and Waverly fabrics. Red Alert: Prewash and use color catchers.

“Emma & Mila and Waverly are quality fabrics for about $4 yd [at Walmart]. Fat Quarters (FQ’s) are less than a dollar. They [Walmart] have yardage to coordinate with FQ’s. I am a huge fan of local quilt shops and buy about 3 times a month from them but the price on these [Walmart] lines allows me to do lots more gifted quilts,” said Linda.

{Freebie Pattern! Perfect Valentines … Anytime LOVE #211 Mini Wall Hanging}

She maintains the Walmart fabrics she’s sewn with to-date launder well, however advised to test fabrics for bleeding by placing a small piece in a white bowl with hot water.

“I put FQ’s in a lingerie bag if they need washed first but I don’t routinely prewash,” said Linda.

Linda’s Pinwheel Quilt Creation: Emma & Mila Polka Dots fabrics purchased from Walmart.

Vancouver, WA Quilter Paula Lewis Bray praised Emma & Mila Fabrics.

“I like the fact that it has a good weave, not so thin that you can see through it. It drapes well and washes well. I mainly use it for children’s clothing. The colors are vibrant and patterns are very whimsical,” she said. “There are usually 3-5 coordinating fabrics. I haven’t noticed any fading from washing, and as long as I remember fabric softener and/or dryer sheets there’s not much pressing.”

Go Ask Alice: Walmart fabric obsession purred by expectant grand daughter

Alice’s Baby Quilt. Waverly and other fabrics from Walmart.

Alice Olivares, who usually purchases her fabrics from local quilt shops, was introduced to Walmart finds by her expectant grand daughter. “[She] came home with bundles of the Waverly, different colors for me to make a baby quilt. I loved the material, the feel. I made two baby quilts!”

Alice found the fabric to be of good quality and can’t seem to get enough of the Walmart finds.

“I like the backing [used on the baby quilts] so much I want to make curtains for my sewing room with it,” she said of the $3.97/yd fabric.

Carla’s Table Runner-To-Be: Emma & Mila fabric from Walmart.

Drawn to the black and gold, Quilt Maker Carla Summers envisions a table runner from the exotic Emma & Mila fabrics she picked up at last week at Walmart.

“My furniture is very old antique black Asian style.”

Debbie Lancaster Design featuring fabrics from Walmart.

Debbie Lancaster design creation featuring fabrics from Walmart.

Specialty bags and more (table runners, placemats, children’s travel bags) Quilting Pro Debbie Lancaster, whose creations retail from a shop in her hometown of Seaside, Oregon, enjoys using fabrics from a variety of sources, including Walmart. “I love all the red and white [from Walmart’s Waverly line] fabric,” she said, also noting kids’ favorites like Minions, Star Wars and Spider Man.

Sneak Peak: Linda’s Amazing First Year Quilting Trunk Show.

{Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.}

Day in the Life of a Dedicated Quilter: As her husband faced serious health issues, including kidney cancer and a full knee replacement last year Linda found herself homebound. Inspired by two weddings, she started quilting to “stay sane.” Outside Linda’s 40 hours work week, she finds time for family and quilting. And, she lives in close proximity to five Walmarts and passes two more on her daily commute.

Coming Soon! Linda’s Amazing First Year of Quilting Trunk Show.

December 11, 2015 by: Janelle Jones

Award-winning Tennessee Quilter Passionate about Making & Giving

MAKER-GIVER SERIES Part 2 of 2. Quilter Linda has made more than 40 quilts this year … most of which are in the grateful hands of others. Check out some of her 2015 Collection.
Photo Creds: Linda Laird (Part 1 and Linda’s scenic photos here)

“You will find yourself giving most of your creations away too. It feels so good when you give one to someone and they use it.”
– Linda Laird

Giving to the Angels Quilt Project Quilt: Maker, Linda Laird

BIG HEARTED & Poodle Doodles: Free-Motion Machine Quilter Linda receives “centers” from other volunteers, then makes them into quilts for precious preemies through the Angels Quilt Project. Cross Stitch Center: Judi Peterson

God created, sew should we.

“I believe we all have a gift of creativity in one form or other and it would be wrong of us to keep these talents to ourselves,” says Millington, Tennessee quilt maker Linda Laird.

This year the proliferate quilter has lived out her personal passion by making more than 40 quilts, most of which she has gifted to others.

Linda has also created “about 20” American Girl Doll outfits. She is an avid photographer, published author (Oreo’s Journal) and border collie flyball competitor.

“I have made lots of little dog crate quilts and a few wall hangings but my lap size and baby quilts and crib sets have taken me to new heights of productivity this year.”

Linda created and donated this pillow and accompanying quilt for a no-kill shelter auction. The set fetched $1,200.

Fetch! Linda created and donated this pillow and accompanying quilt a charity auction. The set fetched $1,200 to benefit a no-kill shelter.

The talented machine quilter’s generous heart has touched Angel Quilt Project (AQP) preemies and their families, chemotherapy patients, k-9’s, personal friends and family.

“Some of the quilts I’ve made were for herding trials or flyball raffles … dog people love anything with dog-related fabrics or themes.”

“I made a lot of quilts as gifts for people battling cancer. They take the quilts with them for chemo treatments. The quilt I made for a flyball teammate’s mother was the most rewarding. She took it to every treatment. I found out after her treatments she is now cancer free,” Linda said.

Custom Comfort: Linda made this quilt for a chemotherapy patient. “They like to take them along to treatments.”

To design her creations Linda takes inspirational cue from the eventual quilt owners’ interests or life work. Linda’s friends also inspire her creations.

“Flip Flops”

“I made several quilts as gift to friends this year,” she said referencing one she made for a high school chum who wears flip-flops year round. “I found a cute appliqué and made the most colorful quilt for her. She was totally surprised.

Linda’s friend cried and said “I can’t believe you made such a special gift for me. I love it!” For Linda, that made the time and energy she put into the quilt “so worthwhile.”

Block Exchange: Linda’s Quilt-Along Sampler, made together with a friend block exchange.

“There is no better satisfaction than when a quilt is finished and I am pleased with the results of my efforts. When I give the quilt to who it’s made for and they’re happy with the results, my heart does a leap and my pride and confidence grows,” Linda said.

“It’s addictive, that feeling, very addictive and I can’t wait
to start another quilt.” Linda Laird.

“Peggy’s Quilt”. Linda also does consignment quilts, many for friends she’s known for decades. This Dresden Plate beauty has a companion quilt. because Linda’s friend asked her to make a “sister” quilt for gifting to her sister. The quilts have different sashing, borders and quilting design but but duplicated ‘petals’ of the same fabrics.

Linda’s Vitals
Married: High School Sweetheart, Kenny.
Linda’s & Kenny’s Fam: Two adult sons, three grandkids, pooches Bailey and Oreo.
Home: Countryside near Millington, TN
Years Quilting: About 14. Lifelong seamstress.
Equipment: A Singer and a Bernina Quilters Edition
Prewash or Not? Not usually.
Swears by: Fuzion erasable pens
Style: Traditional with an occasional venture out of the the comfort zone.

"English Garden" Best of Show: This Linda Laird consignment Creation was fashioned using ribbons earned earned in show dog competitions. It also netted Linda

“English Garden” Best of Show: This Linda Laird consignment creation was fashioned using ribbons earned from the consignee’s success in the show dog arena. This quilt netted Linda Best in Show accolades at the Ripley Quilt and Needlecraft Show.

“Little Black Sheep”. 1st Place, Traditional Machine Quilting, Ripley’s Quilt and Needle Craft Show. Linda’s gift to Linda.

Baby Shower Gift. ABC's theme for Little Boy's Room.

Adorable! Baby Shower Quilt: Gifted for Little Boy’s Room.

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God created, sew should we. [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.] Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]

Christmas Idea: If you liked this story, you might also enjoy our review of The Quilt Maker’s Gift.

December 2, 2015 by: Janelle Jones

‘Tis the Season to Showcase the Givers

Tennessee Dog Whisperer Quilter Lives Hands & Feet Life

Linda’s Border Collie Bailey takes in her first snow.

MAKER-GIVER SERIES: Part 1 of 2 featuring Linda Laird’s creations and heart for giving. Linda, thanks for blessing us by allowing me showcase some of your work and words of inspiration. Photo Creds: Linda Laird. (Read Part 2 here … See Linda’s Fabulous Quilts)

In a beautiful country setting situated outside Millington, Tennessee lives a gifted, hard-working woman with a generous heart. A woman who quilts, gardens and puts her show dogs lovingly through the paces. She is an amazing photographer and a published author. More than any thing, this woman unceasingly lives out what it means to be God’s hands & feet on earth.

Linda and her high school sweetheart and husband of 47 years Tennessee home.

Linda and (hubby of 47 years )Kenny’s Tennessee home where they raised two boys and presently share with Border Collies Oreo and Bailey.

When Christian vocalist Matthew West recorded “Do Something” he was urging us all to rise up; live up to the purpose for which we were created. West’s challenge to us is to use the God-given talents we have to live active, selfless lives giving comfort, changing hearts and righting ungodly circumstances.

Linda Laird is the “Do Something” role model.

‘Tis the Season, to showcase the givers. Winter at Linda’s place.

I became acquainted with Linda some months back through the College Of Quilts Facebook community.

I’d asked about a pattern I saw posted and she responded to me privately. We carried on an online messaging conversation wherein she immediately offered to send me an extra Big Foot for free motion she had “collecting dust.”

It still makes me feel all warm inside thinking about a then complete stranger, offering up something to me, a very newbie quilt maker she’d met just moments prior from somewhere out in cyberspace.

No pretense. Just encouragement.

That is Linda’s way. She dives in. Once a hand-quilter, now a free motion guru, thanks to finagling her high school sweet heart hubby into purchasing her dream machine Bernina and her determination to learn and grow in her craft and be a giver.

Linda’s Quilt-Along Sampler.

Bettering her stitches, taking more creative license with each quilt, Linda has 40+ creations under her production belt this year. Most of which are in the grateful hands of others.

Now that I know her better, I am not surprised our first encounter was her taking time, reaching out to give.

Join us next post. We’ll be featuring quilts from Linda’s 2015 collection.

“Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.” ~Saint Teresa of Avila

October 7, 2015 by: Janelle Jones

The Quiltmaker’s Gift: Just what is it?

Maker’s Tale Encourages Creativity and Giving

Must Read: Must Hear. A Tale for all ages.

Must Read, Must Hear: Tale for all ages.

UPDATE 11.03.15: Subscriber awarded free copy of this title in First Ever Sew God Children’s Literature Drawing!

Congrats to Jerry Janet Cook of Hazelwood, MO! Enjoy!

The story. The illustration. STORY. ILLUSTRATION. Those who’ve read The Quiltmaker’s Gift (TQG) written by Jeff Brumbeau and illustrated by Gail de Marken understand this pondering:

“Is it the story or the illustration that creates such a beautiful, insightful experience?”

In real life, imagery and creativity is supposed to come wrapped around our stories. And, without our words, pictures and illustrations don’t always tell our tale. No matter what we attempt to convey on our personal social media.

In the midst of our to-dos, events, obligations, deadlines, schedules, bills, laundry, sad times and joy-filled times our creativity with it’s lovely rippling effects gets lost. Without our nurturing our creative souls with its precious byproducts mingled in, we miss life as intended.