Thought for the Week. Book Date. Stash Report. To Do Tuesday. Slow Stitching. My Likes!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

The Battle Belongs to You by Phil Wickham continues our theme:  our battles - regardless of what they are - belong to God. 

What do you battle with?  

Health? Relationships?  Abuse?  Emotional?  Fear?  Anger?  Loss of faith?  Grief?  Anxiety?

As these lyrics say:  Fall to your knees with your hands lifted up to God!  Nothing can stand against the power of our God!  He shines in the shadows!

His ways are higher than our ways!  Trust Him, my dear reader, trust Him!

A Week of Jesus, Stitching, Reading, and Crocheting. and "Likes"!

Hello There,

This past week has had a few more challenges than usual. I know I'm not the only blogger who faces challenges in life, but wow!  I sure admire those of you who can blog consistently despite life's curve balls!  My hat is off to all you!

However, I must make changes to meet these unpredictable challenges.  After much thought, I've decided to write one post a week and continue linking up to all my usual parties.  

Another change is I will be posting daily on my Instagram account (user name:  miaismine22).  This account is private, but please just request to follow me and you're in! (As this account is private, it will also have a bit more personal posts with "behind the scenes" details!)  

So, please, pull up a chair, serve your favorite drink and enjoy the journey with me!     

Song of the Week:  Glorious Unfolding Part 5

Saturday’s Song: Priceless. Another Prayer Shawl! Stash Report and a Question.

Saturday’s Song:  Priceless by For King and Country

Priceless.
Irreplaceable.
Unmistakable.
Incomparable.
That’s who we are in God’s eyes.
Period.

Saturday's Song: The Cross Has The Final Word. Slow Stitching: An Ornament & A Tea Towel. Stash Report.

 Saturday’s Song: The Cross Has The Final Word

Goodness gracious, how this song blessed me!  My dears!  Focus on Him and His grace!  You are saved! All is nailed to the cross that you might be free!

That is why Jesus died on the cross - for our freedom!

Saturday's Song: Giants Fall. Slow Stitching: The Set is Finished! Stash Report.

Saturday’s Song: Giants Fall.
Remember the story about David facing the giant, Goliath? He killed him with a step in faith and a stone. Are we facing giants today? We sure are! Fires. Floods. Pandemics. Illnesses. Strife. The list goes on and on. 

With God, we need not be shaken!

The promises of God are innumerable!

Saturday's Song: Magnify. Slow Stitching: Dish Towels. Stash Report

Saturday’s Song:  Magnify by We Are Messengers. 

I was extremely excited to find this wonderful song with bilingual lyrics!  This verse is so true:

“My sight is incomplete and I made you look small

I've been staring at my problems for way too long

Realign where my hope it set

Until you're all that's left”

How much time do we - myself included - waste time looking at the problem instead of the Problem Solver? 

Saturday's Song: I'm Gonna See A Victory. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

Saturday’s Song:  I’m Gonna See A Victory

Wow, I read this article and was amazed how Scripturally based this song is!  What the defeated one means for evil, God means for good (Genisis 50:20)!  He really does. 

All of us at one time or other have had to face grueling circumstances, apparently abandoned by God, but He’s right there with us.  However, it’s perfectly fine to question, to argue, to be angry. 

Saturday's Song - God's Not Done With You. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

Saturday's Song - God's Not Done With You

My dears, no matter what is going on in your life, God is not done with you.  Have faith.  Believe.  Trust Him. He is faithful.  

We've all trembled, experienced faltering faith.  

He understands.

  

Saturday's Song: Burn the Ships. Slow Stitching: Hexagon Afghan & Christmas Surprises. Stash Report.

Saturday's Song

Here is the link to a video with the lyrics.

“Burn the Ships” by For King and Country touches my heart and aroused my curiosity as to the origin on the title.  The story behind the song is here and is an encouragement to those who long to release the shame and guilt of their addictions.  Though “addictions” may lead one to think of drugs and alcohol, let us remember we all have addictions of one kind or another. 

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

So, I'm trying out the new Blogger platform.  I've noticed the songs don't come out on my IPhone unless I switch to the web version.  The fonts are coming out funky, but other than those two issues, I think this post is ok.  I hope so!  :)

Saturday's Song

Worn by Tenth Avenue North

Several years ago, a friend shared this song with me and then she shared it again recently.  I praise God for her.

George Floyd's murder left me shocked, worn and introspective.

Change must come.  

But first, in my opinion, we need to feel the emotions this latest murder has awaken.

Then, when we're ready, we will tell our hearts to beat again.  

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

Saturday's Song
Does it feel like your're facing another heartbreak day?

Here's the lyrics if you'd like to reflect more on them.
Keep moving on my Dear Reader.  
Let me be honest.  
This. Quaratnine. Is. Tough. 
I'm struggling just like you are.
  
I have days that I all I can do is sleep. 
I bet you have, too.
I have days that I cry.
I bet you have, too.
I have lonely days.
I bet you have, too.
I have days that I am close to losing hope.
I bet you have, too.
My family has experienced great loss alone during this time.
I bet some of you have as well.

But God is faithful.  He is here.  He is trying to grow a new thing, a new me, a new you, a new world.  

The LORD is working through my church's sermons to keep me moving.  Today's sermon  made a few good points.  Here is one of my takeaways.    
Whose voice will I listen to?  Will I be like the person Pastor talked about who read the newspaper with the Bible next to them?  They didn't let the newspaper tell them what was going to happen, instead they read what God had to say about the future.  But God says....
Will I view circumstances through the lens of hope/hoplessness? 

His sermon as well as his sermon notes are a huge part of my victorious journey via these times.  
Let's reach out and share what is getting us through this journey.  Let's move toward victory and growth together.  
Let's move toward our LORD Jesus Christ.  

This week I will be sharing how God gave me one amazing tool that led to another amazing tool.  Let's listen to Him and move with Him!  Amen?

Slow Stitching
This week's slow stitching has been a mix of crochet and embroidery. 
The yarn is Mini Moochi by Crystal Palace Yarns and is color 105.  I don't know the name, but I'll call it beautiful! It also has a special memory - my husband and I went on a special "buy what you want" visit to a yarn boutique.  And, boy, did I ever indulge!     

Stash Report

Fabric in

This week:  no change

This year: (since April 1) 7.5 yards

Fabric out

This week:  no change

This year: (since April 1) 20.56

Yarn In

This week:  0 ounces

This year (since April 1) : 0 ounces

Yarn out

This week:  0 ounces

This year: 42 ounces

Blessings to all!

Linking up!  

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
A Spirit of Simplicity

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

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

Saturday's Song
The ending of this morning's service at our church, online of course, reminded me that we can remember who we are!  We are God's children - we are victorious. 
Naturally, we will have bad days.  During this time of isolation, the defeated one will try to attack us via our weaknesses.  But sing this song back to him and remind him who you are in Christ!  

We are children of the one true King!
Yes, we will have sad, difficult days.  Absolutely.  But when the defeated one whispers trash in our ear, let's shout our victory in his ear!  Amen?

Slow Stitching
I've had a weekend of slow stitching.  Of course, work continues on my Grandmother's Flower Garden.  

Today, I decided to pick up my long lost project, my crocheted selvage throw rug.  

I first read about it in August of 2019 at Nancy's blog, Grace and Peace Quilting and loved the concept!  So far, here's my progress.  

It measures roughly 50" by 6" and its future home will be by my cutting table.  I've already stepped on it and it feels so comfortable.  The selvages from the masks I've been making as well as donations from my sweet daughter and a sewing friend have helped this little project along.   

Stash Report

Fabric in

The last 2 weeks:  6 yards

This year: (since April 1) 7.5 yards

Fabric out

The last 2 weeks:  13.90

This year: (since April 1) 20.56

I've finished a scrappy, very scrappy (to me)  baby quilt, many pleated masks and some special order masks as well.  

The last 2 weeks:  0 ouncesYarn in

This year (since April 1) : 0 ounces

Yarn out

This week:  42 ounces I finished an afghan which I'll be sharing later this week.  Update:  Here it is!  

This year (since April 1) : to be honest, I haven't kept track, so I'll begin with this week's numbers.  :)

Blessings to all!

Linking up!  

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create
Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad
A Spirit of Simpicity

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

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

Saturday's Song

I heard "Eye of the Storm" again on the radio and it blessed me.  As we go through the storms of life, He is the anchor that holds us in stormy times.  
He's held me, continues to hold me and He'll hold you as well.  
During stormy times, praise and worship help me see His truth, much like this song says.  Clarity and peace come as I worship Him who hold us in the palm of His hands.  

According to the story behind the song, it is based on Psalm 69.  

May the LORD strengthen us as we learn to praise Him in the storm.

Slow Stitching Sundays
I finished this embroidery project for my granddaughter.  It's called Follow Your Heart by Tamar Nahir-Yanai.  

Next steps?  Convert it into a pillow!  I love making things for my grandchildren....sigh.....

Today I've also been binding a bow-tie quilt.  It's my first time using scrappy binding and I'm loving how it is coming out!  I'm hoping to share the finished product this Wednesday. 
UPDATE:  Here is the picture of the finished flimsy as well as a funny story about taking pictures of my finished quilts!  

Stash Report

Fabric Usage

No changes in fabric usage this week.  

last week - 38.80/100 yards

this week -  38.80/100 yards

Yarn Usage 

My next prayer shawl is coming along beautifully.  I'm using a simple half double crochet pattern in hopes that the beauty of the yarn will be the focus rather than the stitch work.  

last week - 107/300 ounces

this week -  117/300 ounces

I hope you check out these parties!

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts
Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create

Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching Sundays. Stash Report

Hello There,
I'm so happy to be blogging today and reading your blogs as well!  It will be fun to catch up with you!

Saturday's Song

As we sang this song, Way Maker, this morning, my heart was overflowing. Here's the story behind the song.

Whatever our trials, He is our way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper and chain breaker.  

Slow Stitching Sundays
I finished the last block of Elm Street Quilts and Simple Handmade Everyday Hand Pieced QAL!

I've decided to add the blocks from a 2012 hand piecing stitch along from Why Not Sew?  I have completed some of her blocks already, so it shouldn't take too long to finish up - famous last words!

Today I worked on this lovely embroidery project.  It's the Follow Your Heart by Tamar Nahir-Yanai over at DMC.  I'll be adding a gold cross in the middle of the heart I hope my granddaughter's heart is led by Jesus.    

Consequently, the finished product will be some kind of pillow for my granddaughter's bed to remind her Who should lead her heart.  

Stash Report

Fabric Usage

I finished another quilt - except for the binding.  So, my numbers went up again!

last week - 29.05/100 yards

this week -  38.80/100 yards

Yarn Usage 

I  finished prayer shawl #12.  As you may recall, I donate them to the Prayer Shawl Ministry that hosts our Cancer Care group.  This shawl is like the one I made for my sister - it's glittery!  She attends many civic events, so I made hers with metallic yarn.  As she modeled her shawl, she was so happy - she loved it.  She looked so beautiful!

I realized right then and there that as we go through cancer treatments, we also want to feel pretty - so I made a glittery shawl!

I pray someone will be blessed and encouraged when they wear this!

last week - 107/300 ounces

this week -  117/300 ounces

I hope you check out these parties!

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create

Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea's Scribble Pad

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Sunday Stats.

Saturday's Song
When the negative self-talk is winning,
when the negative voices talk too loud,
when I stay too long in the dangerous neighborhood of my mind, 
I have to remember that Grace Wins...
every time, Grace Wins.

If you are in a dark place feeling like you have no worth,

feeling like you can never be forgiven,

feeling like your mistake was too big,

remember,

grace wins - 

every time, grace wins.

Slow Stitching 
I fixed Block 5, Dorothy, of the Hand Pieced Quilt Along hosted by Elm Street Quilts and Simple, Handmade, Everyday. 

 I also finished up Block 6, Florence.  I realized that the pink flying geese corners got reversed, but I like the overall look, so I kept it.  

Stash Report

I had a few finishes!  In preparation for our trip to San Diego, I made a few portable sewing kits, which I'll be sharing later.  I'm calling it 1/8 yard for each pouch and kit for a total of 3/8 yards (.375) used.  

Fabric Usage

last week - 12.90/100 yards  

this week -  14.00/100 yards

Yarn Usage 

I've finished several dishcloths for a total of 7 more ounces used.  

Here's a few

last week - 86/300 ounces
this week - 93/300 ounces

I'm linking up to:

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching. Stash Report.

via GIPHY
Saturday's Song

This song begins with praise for our LORD and Savior.  The plea that follows is amazing:  "Open up my eyes in wonder, show me who you are and fill me with Your heart and lead me in love to those around me."  Imagine if this were the cry of every human being on Earth?!  How our world would be changed!  

If we would do this and then build our lives upon His love as a firm foundation, the possibilities would be endless.  

I am learning to once again put my trust in Him alone so that I will not be shaken.

When life's inevitable challenges hit us, O LORD, remind us to not only listen to Your music, Your Word, Your voice, but to trust and heed as well.  

Slow Stitching 

Work continues on the Hand Pieced QAL blocks.  I finished Block 5, Dorothy.  

I'll be working on Block 6, Florence, tonight.  

Did you know that these blocks are based on the characters in the the novel, Friendship Album 1933 By Frances O’Roark Dowell.  I've been enjoying this podcast very much!

Stash Report

Fabric Usage

I make these Kimberbell mug rugs for Mama for Mother's day.  She loved them.  They're stacked on each other so one does look a bit smaller.  :)

I finished a block for my Stitcher's Garden, but it had a mistake, so it became a pillow cover!

last week - 11.90/100 yards  

this week - 12.90/100 yards

Yarn Usage 

I also finished up some blue dishcloths, which adds another 7 ounces of yarn used up!

last week - 79/300 ounces
this week - 86/300 ounces

I'm linking up to:

Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts

Sunday Scripture Blessings @ Peabea Scribbles
Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create

Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)

Saturday's Song. Slow Stitching and Organizing. Stash Report.

Saturday's Song
God is good all the time, 
all the time God is good.
"I will open up my heart and let the Healer set me free!"

Can I get an amen?  :)
Slow Stitching
One good thing about spending time in hospitals is there is plenty of time to stitch!  This year has certainly offered me a lot of time for hand stitching!  The hand piecing QALs I joined have been a blessing.  As we know, slow stitching is soothing to the soul.  Here are some of my latest blocks!  These are from the Hand Pieced QAL from Elm Street Quilts and Simple. Handmade. Everyday.  It's been a while since I posted about these and I've made some changes.  So, I'll start with Block 1 - the Four Patch!

Block 2 - Half Square Triangle

Block 3 - Flying Geese Unit 

Block 4 - Quarter-square Triangle Block

I love hand piecing and again, am overwhelmed with gratitude for the wonderful Internet and tutorials out there for us!  

Slow Stitching Organization
After sharing how I organize my BOMs, I thought I'd give you a peek at my sewing pouch that I use for my hand piecing QALs!  

I carry my supplies in this beautiful linen pouch my daughter made for me.  

My favorite hand sewing supplies 

That little doohicky in the back is a foldable, portable lamp and magnifying glass!  

My mini rotary cutter lives in the pouch so that I can find it when I need it!  :)
(I carry a mat with with separately.)

I made this needle holder when I first started sewing.  The handy pocket holds my extra thimble.  

I "kit" my blocks at home.  
This means that I cut the pieces, mark their 1/4" seams, clip them together and put them in little zip-lock bags or in my QAL notebook.  My daughter and I call this process "kitting" - making kits of our blocks.

Because I spent time with Dad in the hospital, lived with him and Mama for a spell and continue visiting him, 

I carry extra "kits" with me.  

Stash Report

Wow!  It's been a while since I've done a Stash Report!  Here are my new numbers:  Backing for the Valentine Table Topper  - 2.5 yards.  My daughter gave me a beautiful pieced quilt top.  It took 2.75 yards of backing!

                                           

I finished the prayer afghan which used up 60 ounces of yarn!  Yea!  The recipient sent me a beautiful thank you card that both humbled and encouraged me.  I also finished some dishcloths for another -7 ounces!  

fabric usage - 11.90/100 yards  

yarn usage - 79/300 ounces

Linking up to
Slow Stitching Sunday @ Kathy's Quilts
Spiritual Sundays

Sunday Stash@ Quilt, Paint, Create


Your comments are so appreciated!  I read each one and will respond by email to you!  :)