Saturday's Song. Sunday Slow Stitching. Stash Report with Tutorial.

Saturday's Song
Beloved child, God sees mended - always.  If you're having trouble believing the good in you exists, please print out the lyrics at the end of this post.  Read them everyday until they become a part of your heart.  You are loved.  


Sunday Slow Stitching
With the finish of this scarf, I am once again in the black with my yarn stash!  I'm hoping to finish the matching boot cuffs this week!  I used Elysian 60% Superwash Merino Wool by Cascade Yarns.  It's a bit pricey, but so well worth it!  It's called the Kimberly Scarf and the easy to follow pattern is by Esther Thompson at Cute As A Button Crochet.  I love Kathy's Sunday Slow Stitching Sundays because I always make time to post something slow and easy!  

Stash Report
There were no input/output of fabric, so it stayed the same.  I'm so grateful for the Sunday Stash Report at quiltpaintcreate  and for Mollie at Mollie Sparkles for their stash report link up that I'm following up this report with a tutorial on how I determine my fiber input/output!  By "fiber", I'm referring to fabric as well as yarn.    




I must say that using this stash report has really helped me to be a more responsible consumer of fiber.   I'm very surprised at how much fiber I've used since June! 

Fiber Stash Report:  September 24, 2017 (started 6/11/17)
Fabric used this week	11 yds
Fabric used to date	33 1/8 yds
Fabric Added this week	3 3/8  yds
Fabric Added this year	20 ¼  yds
Net Fabric	12 7/8  yds
Yarn used this week	15 oz
Yarn used to date	102 oz
Yarn Added this week	59 oz
Yarn Added to date	94 oz
Net Yarn	8 oz

Stash Report Tutorial
I created this using the "table" feature in Word.  It's easy to figure out my fiber input it's right on the receipts.  Also, yarn output is easy due to yarn labels.  Also, if it's a scrappy yarn project, I simply weigh the finished product on my food scale.  

The most challenging part of determining fabric output is when I make my beloved charity blocks.  

Here's my method:
1) I measure the unfinished size.  
2) Depending on the number of seams, I'll add 1-3 inches.   It's not an exact science, but it's a fairly accurate "guesstimate."  I'm good with that(Keep It Simple, Silly!) because I want to KISS this activity.  

3) I open Robert Kaufman's Quilting Calc app to the opening page.




















4) I skip the banner the main page comes up.  Then I click on the "Pieces to Yardage Area.
















5) On this screen I enter the width of the fabric, the number of blocks I made, as well as the width and length of the blocks (with the 1-3" included).

















6) I click on calculate and wala! My yardage magically appears!  Here is the result using 10 blocks at 15" each.  

I'm linking up to

Sunday Stash at QuiltPaint Create

Sunday Slow Stitching @

Kathy’s Quilts

Sunday Stash @ MollieSparkles

Katie Mae Quilts

Mended Lyrics

How many times can one heart break?
It was never supposed to be this way
Look in the mirror, but you find someone
You never thought you'd be

Oh, but I can still recognize
The one I love in your tear stained eyes
I know you might not see him now
So lift your eyes to me

Chorus

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home

When you see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I'm not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

You see your worst mistake
But I see the price I paid
And there's nothing you could ever do
To lose what grace has won

So hold on, it's not the end
No, this is where love's work begins
I'm making all things new
And I will make a miracle of you

Chorus

I see my child, my beloved
The new creation you're becoming
You see the scars from when you fell
But I see the stories they will tell

You see worthless, but I see priceless
You see pain, but I see a purpose
You see unworthy, undeserving
But I see you through eyes of mercy

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
You're not too far gone
You're one step away from home

When you see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I'm not finished yet, no
When you see wounded, I see mended

Oh, I see mended
Woah, oh I see mended
I'm not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

Philippians 4:4. Part 1. I Like! RSC 2017

Philippians 4:4 Part 1
Scripture
Observation
Rejoice.
Always.
A message Paul deems worth repeating:
Rejoice!





Application

Really Paul?  Always?  Really?

Even in the midst 

of conflict?

of pain?

of bad news?

Yup.

Paul did.

So what is joy?

I was impressed by the part in red:

"the prospect of possessing what one desires."

We know 

that in all things 

God works for the good 

of those who love Him, 

who have been called 

according to His purpose 

(Romans 8:28). 

So, 
Friends, 

joy is a faith thing.

Therefore, 

it is God who gives us joy - 
His joy.

In the midst of our 
pain,
conflict,
bad  news,
illness,
all things,
the joy of the LORD 
will see us through.
I promise.
I've been there.

And His joy is our strength.

A lot to think about....

To be continued

RSC 2017 - Catching up!
How could I have missed the yellow month?  Yellow is my favorite color!  

So fun and cheerful!

Here's some 4" squares and a stack ready to be pressed!

I Like!
Today's I Like is dedicated the the wonderful puppy who saved my son's life - literally.  The details are not my story to tell, but the love this little baby has in his heart is obvious in these pictures.

Marley supervises my son as they work on landscapes.  I made him a couple of work blankets and a quilt to relax on at home.  

The pictures speak for themselves......

How I love this little baby!

Linking up to

Needleand Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

I Like @ Not Afraid of Color

Philippians 2:16. RSC 2017 - Teal/Aqua. Tip For Quilty 365.

Philippians 2:16.
Scripture




Observation
This verse certainly needs to be read in context.  










I posted about verse 14 here, here, and here.  If you like, check out verse 15's post! 


So, how can we do everything without grumbling or arguing?  By holing firmly to the Word of Life - God's love letter to us - the Bible.  Spending time in His Word.  

Application
I'm finding that as I'm feeling healthier, I am busier, more active.  This definitely leads to making it easy to make God second in my life.  I must improve in this area because...

His Word 
changes me,
strengthens me,
speaks to me.

So, I encourage all of you to make time for His Word.

Here's some ideas I had.
Instead of sewing in the doctor's office, read the Bible on my phone.

Listen to a chapter or two as I go for a walk or hand sew because it's during these activities I can really listen to Him.

Listen for His voice as He gently calls me to spend time with Him. 

Gently share what I'm learning.  As we know, when we teach others, the lessons go deeper into our own hearts and minds.
(By the way, this works in the classroom, too!)

Prayer
LORD, You know what kind of day today has been, but wow!  What a wonderful ending!  Thank You!  You are amazing, wonderful, gentle and so tender with me! Help me  to incorporate what You are wanting me to learn into my daily life! Help me not to let You down.  You are the best, LORD!  Thank You for all that You're doing in my life!
Amen.


RSC 2017 - Teal/Aqua
I finished February's RSC 2017 squares! Here they are!

 Have you noticed my blocks 

don't look very scrappy?

 I've always like string quilts.  

In fact, I decided that 2017 

would be the year 

I'd participate in 

the RSC Challenge & make a string quilt.  

So, I went through my stash and cut up a variety of strips in preparation for my first real string quilt.  

And I'm having so much fun!


Tip For Quilty 365
As of March 1, 2017 I've picked up my Quilty 365 again!  Part of this process means I have to figure out how many squares I need to make up. Counting days on a calendar is not appealing at all!

Here is a great website to help me figure out how many blocks I need to make! All I have to do is enter the last date I made a square - November 9, 2016 and February 28, 2017! 

And find out I have 117 squares to make up!  


                     

Yup, I can.  To prepare, I made this box of squares.  

After reading how others are making their quilts, I realized 
1) this will be more than one quilt, 
2) I will be learning a lot about quilting,
and
3) I need to be gentle with myself during this process.  

I truly believe that God is trying to teach me something via Quilty 365.  

I'm ready to learn.

I'm linking up to

Main Crush Mondays at Cooking Up Quilts

Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt

Moving It Forward Monday 

at Em’s Scrapbag 

Scrap Happy Saturday at So Scrappy

Philippians 2:14 Part 1. Surgery Update. Mason Jar Cosy. Speaking of Mason Jar Meals....

Philippians 2:14

Scripture

Observation

Everything?   

Yes.  

Paul, 

in his usual style of writing in absolutes 

made this act of character development clear:  

Do Everything

Without

Grumbling or Arguing.

Grumble: to mutter in discontent; 

the act of complaining in a low voice

Application

Even as I write about this verse, 

I find myself wanting to grumble!

Really?  

EVERYTHING?

YES.

EVERYTHING.

My first thoughts 

are how I've grumbled about 

the little acts that irritate me.  

They are too meaningless to even list.  

Then I recall that, 

after teacher staff meetings or 

when new demands were announced, 

we would grumble.....

and I've begun to regret that.  

Lately, I've been thinking about 

how those grumbling times were 

such a waste of time!

Circumstances were out of our control!

We could have been coming up with solutions instead!  

Then, I read today's verse:

The irony that the reference numbers, 2:14,

are the same numbers 

as the date of Valentines Day 

is not lost on me.

I noticed something else.  

I

never

grumbled 

about

having 

triple

negative

breast

cancer.

Instead 

I prayed 

for 

strength,

courage,

grace,

wisdom,

discernment

to

minister

to the medical staff,

my family,

loved ones,

and myself.  

Something to ponder.

Something to really ponder.

Surgery Update.
I'm getting better and better after cataract surgery!  I'm seeing so clearly now and back to sewing!  Yea!  Here's a little something I crocheted while recovering!

Mason Jar Cosy

Did you see this coming when I started posting about Mason Jar Meals?

http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/mason-jar-cover-free-pattern/

This free crochet pattern for mason jars is from Little Monkey's Crochet.  I chose it because the pictures are so pretty!  Additionally, it is a very easy beginner pattern!  Plus the pattern covers sizes for quart AND pint size jars!  Win-win! Seriously, stop by and check out her blog!

Thank you, Rebecca, 

for such an awesome pattern!

Here is the one I made!

More may be in my future!
Great use of the bit of leftover yarn 

from this scarf!

I use the cover for both the Overnight Oatmeal as well as the hot soups!  You can find the recipes, as well as this pattern my Pinterest  board.  

Speaking of Mason Jar Meals....
This is the third week my daughter and I have been enjoying mason jar meals.  I've learned a few lessons that I want to share with you.  
Mason Jar Salads
I stopped adding salad dressing to the salads, instead adding it after I pour it into a bowl.  

• Since I eat my salads at home, it's easy.  For some reason, the taste of the salad dressings seemed to overwhelm the fresh veggies.    
• My daughter continues to add dressing to her jars and loves it!  Personal preference!  :)
• I'm cutting up the extra celery, carrots and bell peppers as a quick snack.  

Overnight Oatmeal

These are my favorite!  I am using frozen fruits because they seem to hold up better.

• Plus, as they defrost, their juices add to the yumminess!
• Adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg and/cloves adds an extra taste of goodness!  
• Cooked barley works as well!
• Quaker oats has this link for recipes!

Mason Jar Soups

I started experimenting with soups about two weeks ago and am really liking them!

• Deciding how much and which soup base to use is definitely a Golddilock's type of journey.
• The first week I added about a teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon base to a pint jar.  It was way to much for me.
• This last week I added a smidgen with some Consomate de Pollo by Knorr(chicken bouillon).  Not enough spices......oh well.  Next week will be "just right", right?  :)
• I used cooked barley as well and it was
  
  delicious.  However, I might have packed my ingredients too tightly because it was harder to heat up.  No biggee though.  I still have four jars to enjoy, so I'll probably pour them into a mug and add the hot water.  

I am eating a TON more fresh produce and even buying more!  

I finding Mason Jar Meals an easy, healthy way to prepare meals for the week.  This works wonderfully for people who work outside/inside the home!

I encourage you to try them!

I'm linking up to

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication

MovingIt Forward Monday at Em’s Scrapbag

Needle and Thread Thursday at My QuiltInfatuation

Philippians 2:13 Leader Ender Quilt UPDATED 2/17/2017

Philippians 2:13 
Scripture

Observation
Isn't this awesome!  It is God who works in each of us to want to act in order to fulfill His good purposes!  

And His main purpose is 

for us to be His child.  

Application
Therefore, His precious one, remember, your salvation and relationship with God doesn't come solely from acts of goodness for our world.  

It comes via many factors.
The ones that come immediately to mind are, for me, the most important:
1) by faith in Him, 
2) by listening and obeying His voice 
as He guides us on this wonderful journey of creating and developing a loving, trusting relationship with Him. 

Prayer
LORD, to be honest, it was hard for me to build a loving, trusting relationship with You.   As You well know, life had handed me plenty of lemons via many forms of abuse and diseases.  But, as I sought You with a heart that was 
hurt,
angry,
sad,
confused at Your will, 
confused at free will You have given us, 
I realized You never abandoned me.

YOU WERE RIGHT THERE AT MY SIDE.

Sometimes You were weeping.

Sometimes You were rejoicing with me.

Sometimes You held me.

Sometimes You held my hand.

Sometimes You were quiet,

waiting to see how 

I would react.

And even when I reacted poorly,

You never abandoned me.

You loved me 

through it all.

I had to work hard

at my own salvation

with

fear,

trembling

and trust.

And

FINALLY

I have learned to forgive.

You persistently brought this song 

into my life

until I really heard it.

You played it on the radio
every single time I started my car.
You made sure I heard it
over and over.
Thank you.
Today,

I am peaceful.

I am serene.

I have forgiven.

I am free.
I am grateful.

Amen.

Leader Ender Quilt

Ok...So I was all excited because I thought I had finished my leader/ender blocks.....No, I hadn't.  I simply misplaced them......Grrrrrr!

But...I have gone from this

a mere six blocks

to this!
UPDATE:  Thank you, Nancy, for your comment!  I randomly placed these blocks on my current comforter to see how they would fit on my bed.  I'm planning on using a beige on beige background fabric!  :)

35 blocks!

And I need to piece 21 more!

I should have enough for a 

queen bed

and maybe a throw!

Yea!

Yea for Bonnie Hunter's idea!

Yea for leader/ender projects!

They go up so quickly!

I'm linking up to

Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River 

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication

Needle and Thread Thursday at 

My QuiltInfatuation