Don't let the difficulties of the present moments overshadow the reality of God's promises. God's promises still stand. And God's promises are stronger than our failures.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Oh My Goodness

I haven't written a post in what seems like forever - very unlike me.  But in my defense I've been just a bit busy.  I am in the fifth week of a mission trip and will be going home on Friday.  As many of you know Jerry and I often serve at UMCOR Sager Brown in Baldwin, Louisiana and that's where we've been this last few weeks.  Jerry is back at home but I'm still at the mission - he has another volunteer gig he's going to next week so he went home to get ready.

Unlike other times I've been here I didn't do much sewing this time.  It's been a bit busier than usual and our groups have required more of my time - and I love what I do!  I had big plans before I left home and brought 3 or 4 tops I wanted to get put together but that didn't happen.  I did, however, do a couple of little things.

I made a little zippered bag with a vinyl window so I can see what's inside - love this!  Originally I planned to make it a pencil bag for a grandchild but I decided a super hero fabric might be better received so I'm going to keep this one myself.  It makes a perfect bag for my embroidery.

The ruler fabric is the lining and also the back - don't you love it?  I bought the kit from Quilt Taffy but I'll be making many more from my stash.  There are two sizes in the pattern and I made the smaller of the two.  I think the larger size would make a great makeup bag - and when I do that I'll use vinyl fabric for the lining so it will wipe clean.  I have some cute red polka dot vinyl that will be perfect.

I also complete another of the wool candle mats from Primitive Gatherings - this one for the Independence Day celebrations.


I used Valdani wool thread in this project.  The blanket stitch on the outer edge is done with a variegated blue.  The tails on the stars are a chain stitch and I used a star stitch on the stars with just a french knot holding the red circles down.  I'm not sure what those are supposed to be but the pattern called for them and the color added to the mat was a nice touch.  If you've never used wool to applique with you really should try it - such wonderful soft stitching!

The first thing I'm going to do when I get home is to head into my sewing room to work on my picnic quilt for the next blog hop?  What's on your agenda?

15 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Love all your little projects and safe trip home.

Barb said...

I love the idea of the window in your bag.

em's scrapbag said...

I love your little zipper bag. I think I need to make one for my daughter for a make up bag. Thanks for sharing the vinyl idea.

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Love that bag!

Beth said...

I keep thinking about making some bags...and I have the fabrics....now I think I might need to make a window. It would be great for my embroidery.
I love the woolie too.

Sherry said...

Your bag is great, it sounds like you keep busy with volunteer work, that is wonderful. I hope you get the chance to do some sewing this weekend.

Julie Fukuda said...

I think the small projects are just great. It is so satisfying to see things getting done even if they are small.

Grammy Staffy said...

What nice little projects you've done while serving on your mission. Have a safe trip home. Hugs, Lura

Adrienne said...

It's good to hear from you again. I'm so glad you finally were able to go on your mission trip - and I always love seeing the projects you make!
~Adrienne~

Purple Pam said...

Cute bag. Your candle mat is very nice.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

You finished some nice little projects. Can't wait to see your picnic quilt!

Sparky said...

Hi Marlene you candle mats are lovely, and that stitching....a winter theme ? Yes yes yes, i am ready for a picnic too...

Corrie said...

How cute is your little bag! I'm ready for my picnic. I love your redwork, super sweet.

Tracy P. said...

You're amazing. I can hardly imagine working as hard as you do at UMCOR and then having anything left for being creative. You make me smile. :-)

Sharon Dawn said...

It sound like a productive time! Love the bag and woodwork!