Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sunday Scripture

There really is a moment with the Lord when your child gets on an airplane to go DC for a school trip where you must once again acknowledge that she is His, not yours.  He holds her in the palm of His hand and loves her more than I will ever be able to comprehend.  While I'm thinking about the underwear bomber and a host of other stomach-wrenching possibilities, God is asking me to trust Him.  So I will do my best and pray for a good trip, fun moments and His safe arms around her.

"I lift my eyes to the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, 
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip,
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121

With joy,

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Hospitable Book Club


You may have noticed the new book club button on my sidebar.  Lisa, from Hospitable Pursuits is hosting a book club.  "Cherries in Winter", by Suzan Colon is the current book.  I started reading it yesterday and I couldn't put down, finishing this morning.  The best way to share what the book is about is to take a paragraph from within - "When Suzan Colon was laid off from her dream job at a magazine during the economic depression of 2008, she needed to cut her budget way, way back and that meant home cooking.  Her mother suggested, "Why don't you look in Nana's recipe folder?"...Reading it, Suzan realized she had found something more than a collection of recipes, she had found the key to her family's survival through hard times."

This book really spoke to me.  I have been doing a lot of thinking recently about how much we have in America and about how much I really need to be happy and healthy (spiritually and physically).  A yearning began in me a few months ago to simplify my life inside and out.  The book takes you back to a time when money was scarce but love was abounding and though they "may be broke, they weren't poor".  So many insights to be gleaned from Suzan's story.  I wholly recommend reading it.  While you are at it, be sure to visit Lisa's blog.  It will be a blessing to your day!

Don't forget to scroll down and leave a comment on the giveaway post, there's still time!


Joyfully,

Friday, February 26, 2010

Scroll Down For Giveaway!


I cannot begin to tell you how I am enjoying reading all your comments from the Giveaway.  I've visited those of you who have blogs and stand truly amazed by all the talent and creativity God has blessed you with.  There is still time to enter the giveaway so keep your comments coming on the post below!  I'm continuing to work on unfinished projects as well as sewing binding on two more t-shirt quilts.  This little (I mean little) bag was yesterday's assignment to myself.  The fabric came with the book, all cut out and ready to sew.  I'm disappointed that it's so small, really I think my wallet will be the only thing in it.  I do love the fabric though and it's Cath Kidston, for goodness sake, so I will sport it with a big smile (while I keep the rest of my necessities in a bigger bag in the car...)  Be blessed, hope the weekend is looking good for you!

With joy,

Thursday, February 25, 2010

100th Post Giveaway!!!


Today marks my 100th post!  I have truly enjoyed my blogging experience.  I've learned so much from you and have met such amazing women.  You have become kindred spirits as we journey together through our days.  I am awe struck at all the possibilities that are available with the click of a button.  I still have a long way to go to master this art form, but I'm excited to learn and grow with all of you!  I would like to thank you for your support by doing a giveaway.   I will be giving the above items to one happy reader:  a reversible tote bag and covered hanger made by little ole' me.  The cutest ever icecream cone timer and the book, "One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity" by Debbie Macomber, with a handmade book mark.  The guidelines are simple, because I'm simple:

1.  You need to be a follower of Sewn With Grace.

2.  Leave one comment on this post telling me what you are thankful for.

That's it, nice and simple.  The giveaway will end Sunday, Feb. 28th.  I will announce the winner on Monday.  I'm looking forward to learning what you are thankful for.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1

I'm thankful for you today,

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Decisions...

I have a very special wedding to attend this summer and I'm in the process of shopping for a dress.  I found this pretty number on the Anthropologie website.  What do you think?
Of course, the next decision is shoes.  These are from Nordstrom's.  Do I jazz it up with this number? Or should I be looking for a summer dress sandal?

I have no idea what jewelry I would wear with a high necked dress, but I really love these fabric flowers from Emersonmade.  I'm not very good at fashion anymore and would welcome your opinions!

Be blessed today,

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Dont' You Just Love...

Don't you just love pretty fabrics, quilts you've made, mixed with quilts made by those you cherish, and a doll that brings back memories of the Grandma who gave it to you?
Don't you just love the sweet reminder of friendship and the joy that each person brings to your life?
Don't you just love an unexpected gift (Joyce) and a brand new magazine that speaks your language?
Don't you just love the discovery of something that you adore and had tucked away?
Don't you just love your creative friends (Char) and the wonderful gifts they make you from their heart?
Don't you just love taking a class and learning something new, and the reminder that we're never too old to learn?
Don't you just love finding a treasure?  Especially when it matches the dessert set that you inherited from your Grandma?  And then...
discovering an invitation inside to an event that you can only dream about?  Then pondering what they were wearing and talking about when you were four years old?
Don't you just love the guilty look on your big, furry friends face when he's are caught doing something he knows is wrong?

Wishing we could all sit together with cup in hand and talk about those things we just love today...

With joy,

Monday, February 22, 2010

Thinking of Spring

The weather report indicates that we are to get 8-12 inches of snow.  Hard to believe since it got up to 40 degrees yesterday.  I thought I would take time from my other quilting and make a little Easter table runner.
I haven't done much applique and so I'm learning something new.  I adapted some patterns that I had and added the words from a familiar hymn.
We are all our own worst critics and I see some things that I would for sure change if I did another one.  But for the most part I am pleased with how it turned out.
Today, when it's howling and snowing outside I can be reminded that Spring is on it's way, even if it has taken a detour and left us some snow in it's wake.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; 
if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, 
prosperity would not be so welcome."
 ~Anne Bradstreet

We give you our day today, Lord~

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Sunday Scripture

""For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels or demons, 
neither the present or the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:38-39

Be with those you love today,

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Flea Market Finds

I decided to take myself outside, brave the bitter cold and go treasure hunting.  I'm drawn to children's things for sure.  This little cutie cost $5 and now I just need to find/make a little doll to sit in it.
I couldn't pass this darling lamb planter up.  I have a friend who loves lambs and even though she knows it will be coming her way at some point I wanted to share it with you first.  An $8 find.  I love the blue.
I had just done the post on my scripture plates and look what I found!  $4.50 spent on an addition to my collection.  Isn't it pretty?
I couldn't get past the smocking on this little number.  It looks like it has never been worn.  I remember my baby who's now 15 wearing precious dresses like this.  Oh the sweetness of the memory.  I hope you enjoy your Saturday and can get out and enjoy yourself no matter the weather!

With joy,

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Garden Gate Cafe

Today I want to take you on a tour of my friend Nancy's restaurant located in Shipshewana, Indiana in the heart of Amish country.
It is truly one of the most cheerful places I have ever been in.  There is so many treasures to be found and colors to absorb.  It's not just a treat for your palate, but a treat for your senses as well.
She makes the best cupcakes I have ever had and is responsible for ruining my diet.  They also have wonderful food and to-die-for soups which Nancy's husband Doug helps to make as well.
Nancy has done cupcakes for many a wedding and caters to the surrounding businesses providing box lunches as well as other take out items.  I love all the pretty dishes she has on display.
There is always some new item to look at and she finds the cutest cupcake related goods to sell to many a loyal customer.  Nancy has such a big heart and has helped many people by holding special fundraising dinners.
Cute wall hangings can be found all over the shoppe.  Many of them are made by artist friends of hers.
I love this whimsical Christmas tree that she keeps out year round.  The colors are just gorgeous.
Nancy sells a lot of vintage inspired oil cloth.  I use the pink with yellow and red roses in my kitchen.
How fun to sit at this cozy table and enjoy the vintage artwork above it.  Such a happy place!
These cute jammies found their way into my hands and out to my car...I couldn't resist!  Enjoy your day today, be blessed!

Love,

Thursday, February 18, 2010

T-Shirt Quilts

Do you remember about a week ago I had mentioned that I was frantically trying to get some quilts off to the quilter?  I thought I would share one with you that just came back and I finished binding.  This t-shirt quilt was a special order.  About this time of year the orders start coming in for graduation gifts.  Last year I made 8 of these in about a three month span.
This one is for a boy and I was quite pleased with the way it turned out.  I have to set my shabby chic self aside when I use the batik fabric.
You really feel like you get to know a person when you make one of these quilts.  I feel like I've taken a walk through their life.  I made one for my son for his high school graduation last year that he took to college with him.  I used almost 35 shirts for his, the usual being twenty.  A lot of creative piecing, but it was worth it.  We hung it up at his graduation party and all the guests took their own walk through his life.  I really love quilting.  I'm so glad that God gave me something to do with my hands.  Have a blessed day using your hands for creating in whatever way He directs.

Joyfully,

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lemon Tree Studio

I have so enjoyed my entrance into the blogosphere and I am thrilled at discovering artists/bloggers from all over the world.  I just can't resist sharing the talents of Shelly from Lemon Tree Studio.  I came across her work through her blog, My Lily Eden.  The blog, like her work is bright, happy and cheerful. She is a talented writer as well and you will enjoy her blog tremendously.  I sent away for a little gift to myself...
This is what I found when I opened the mailing envelope  How happy is that?  It felt like Christmas morning all over again!
Inside was this adorable box, which is a treat in itself.  I hadn't even gotten to my purchase yet, and the box had me at "hello".
But, THIS is what I received.  This beautiful, scrumptious, handmade necklace.  The colors are true eye candy indeed.  How about that turquoise rose?  Ooh la la...
I will be hosting a wedding shower this June for my friend, Diane's, soon-to-be daughter-in-love, Chelsea and I will be planning my dress around this necklace.  Not shoes, not purse, but around this gorgeous necklace.  After you finish looking at all the handmade goodies from Lemon Tree Studios, you'll have to check out Shelly's other shops Material Gal for fabric and Lemon Blooms for vintage goods.  Have a joyful day!

With love,