Auditions

 Very few quilts at the completion phase right now, I do have several Works in Progress though. But today instead of finishing any of them I'm auditioning fabric for two more quilts.

Bright Spring Time Collection

Animal Print with Black prints

What do you think? Have these collections made it through their auditions or is it back to the drawing board for these guys?


Until next time,
Marcia the Little Pink Rose

Cuddle Bears

Yesterday was a productive day for me. We drove down to Lynchburg to visit our college boy and celebrate his birthday with him. It's always good to catch up with him, even if it was for just a few short hours.

After the 3-hour drive back home, it was straight to my sewing studio for me, where I spent the rest of the evening creating adorable little bears. Made from McCall's Crafts pattern # M5605.

Stuffing-less bears

They seem so lifeless and even a little sad, without their stuffing. Seeing their flat little bodies lying on the table, reminds me of the Flat Stanley the kids made when they were little.

When I started this project it was with the intention of making just one bear as a gift for a very special young lady.  But the yard of fabric that the pattern calls for is actually enough to make all three sizes. Taking into consideration the major fur factor this fur creates, I thought it best to go ahead and make all three bears and just deal with the fur all at once instead of on several different days.  Maybe I'll sell the other two bears.

A tiny amount of the fur!

It's one of those projects that you just have to accept that you'll be covered in fur within seconds of beginning and it will follow your every step leaving a trail of fur everywhere you go.

Cuddle Bears

But, in the end the trail of fur all over the house is worth it, especially when you know the bears will be greatly loved by each of their recipients!

If you're interested in placing an order for a cuddle bear, contact me at: oneteachingmom@yahoo.com

Bears can be custom made to your specifications, limited only by available fabric, fur and ribbon. 

Smiles,
Marcia the Little Pink Rose

A Quilt of Forgiveness

As I began to get into quilting, I was given an unexpected opportunity to participate in an act of Christian love.  It was an act of love that was easier for some than others. During our Wednesday evening prayer service,  we prayed for a specific family and as we prayed the Lord laid it on my heart to make a baby quilt as a part of how our church would be reaching out to the family.  I knew I had to obey and do exactly what the Lord was asking me to do no matter how hard I felt it was going to be.

I knew He was going to be using the process of making this quilt to  bring not only the healing I needed but also to "sew" seeds of forgiveness in my heart.

 

It was with a bit of trepidation that I moved forward with picking out just the right fabric. Through every step of the process, I was praying first for the baby who would be receiving the blanket and then for the adults in this little ladies life. 

The back

The Lord worked in my heart as I prayed, removing both the bitterness and unforgiveness left in my heart. He made it possible for me to close a painful chapter of my life without any lingering poisons left in my heart.

Front

 I learned long ago that my forgiveness of another is never dependent upon their seeking my forgiveness, or even admitting that they did something needing forgiveness.  Forgiveness does not say that what was done was okay to do. Instead it says that I will not allow myself to be held captive by chains of hurt, bitterness and unforgiveness. Nor, is forgiveness an automatic restoration of a relationship. There are some relationships that are toxic and shouldn't be restored, until the Lord does a work and changes the toxic-ness of that relationship. For a relationship to truly be restored the offending party must repent and actually seek your forgiveness.

Quilt Label

A forgiving heart is something that comes as one walks closely with the Lord God and seeks His ways. It is in an attempt to have a "heart after the Lord's own heart," that the Lord fills the heart with a desire to forgive.


 I once heard a Bible teacher relate a story of being hurt by a friend and asking God to, "Get her Lord, give her what she deserves."  And the Lord answered in her heart, "Really? Should I also give you what you deserve?"  Immediately her prayer for the lady changed from, "Get her Lord to, Forgive her Lord."

A quilt of forgiveness

My hearts desire is to be like my Savior as He hung on the cross. He cried out to God, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."  My cry is the same for those who have hurt me, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Today I'm singing the Lord's praises for using each stitch of this quilt to change my heart and for giving me the desire and ability to forgive.

May Your Day be Greatly Blessed!
Marcia
Little Pink Rose

Quilted in Clay

On the SewCalGal blog I just read about Jennifer Patterson, an amazing artist. Among other things she creates quilts in clay. 

Here's a video highlighting what she does:

Her work is absolutely beautiful!

These tiny clay quilts would make a great gift for a quilter in your life. I'm looking forward to picking out one of her quilt brooches for my very own!!  Too bad she doesn't have a little pink rose quilt, wonder if I could commission a special piece.......

Check out Jennifer Patterson's website at:
http://www.quiltedinclay.com/

May the Lord Bless you today!
Marcia
Little Pink Rose

New Look & Two New Projects

I felt that the look of my blog was a bit tired and uninspiring, so I've spent the morning playing with different possibilities.  I think I ended up with something clean and crisp and fitting for a little pink rose. As a reader of this blog, what do you think? Do you like the changes or would a softer pink be better?

Now for a sneak peak of a couple of new quilts I'm starting this week.

First up is a completely black and white quilt.

Black & White selection

A splash of color for the back

For now all I can show of the second quilt I'm working on, is this test block. 

Test Block

If you need me I'll be in the studio.
Many Blessings,
Marcia
Little Pink Rose