What brings you joy? A few weeks ago a friend gave a book review on 1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp. The author had made a list of 1000 things that brought her joy. The list was not a list of “blessings” or a “gratitude list” but simple things/events that give her joy …. a perfectly brewed cup of coffee , waking up to the sound of rain. I was intrigued but knowing myself, I decided to make a list of 500 joys. Some are very specific, some would cause others to scratch their heads but it is my list. A quick search on the internet results in hundreds of sites that offer help in finding joy and/or formats for listing joys. For me, I chose to create a word document on my computer and add to periodically!
On my list, there are joys specific to quilting. I crave time at my sewing machine or cutting table…is that an addiction? Quilters joke that quilting is cheaper than therapy. I look forward to Wednesday; six hours with my fellow Quilters at First. Visiting a quilt shop is better than a visit to an ice cream shop! But within this larger framework of being a “quilting nerd”, there are joyful moments. For example, last Wednesday a quilter in our group forgot her rotary cutter and ask to borrow one. When one was handed to her, the owner said, “I just put in a new blade” to which she replied “Oh Yummy!” A new blade always brings joy!
Seams that match perfectly the first time sewn–oh yes!
A bobbin that lasts until the final seam is sewn.
Finding “left over blocks” from a previous project that can be made into a table runner! SOLD
19″ x 34″ $40. SOLD
Whimsical fabric designs bring me joy. I have a bin full without any idea of how I will use them. But every time I pull them out, I smile.
Our cupboards are filling with items for our October Quilts Etc Sale. Sometimes I just open the doors and stare at the stacks. That brings me joy! We have several great additions to our inventory. Would any of these bring joy to your life?
Elaine had been to the country fair and brought her ribbon winning projects to share.
This “I Spy” quilt received a blue ribbon. The judge particularly liked the jigsaw quilting pattern. More of a toddler’s quilt — 46″ x 58″. $75
Barbara will approve of this tea towel–she likes her designs in the corner of the towel. (Most of ours have the design in the center of the bottom edge.) $8
Retro bunnies! Same design in two color lines are used to make this sweet baby quilt. Yellow was considered non-gender specific when these retro bunnies were created. Flannel backing 39″ x 48″. $50
Patchwork from Kansas Troubles fabric makes up the body of this bag or wristlet (see the small carrying loop?) It is lined and has a zipper closing. $35. Red ribbon at the county fair! SOLD
Wall hanging or table runner–you decide or use it both ways. These rustic appliquéd pumpkins with embroidered accents could be used all fall. 18″ x 37″. $60. SOLD
I love the backing on this table topper/runner but have a really fuzzy photo of it–will update next week. End of summer vibe works for August and September when your garden is offering the last of the harvest. 19″ x 28″. $40
Are you an alumni or supporter of WSU or SE High School—-or West Point Military Academy or the U of Colorado or Wake Forest or Purdue or Vanderbilt? Actually, there are dozens of colleges and universities with this strong color combination as part their signature. A cozy lap quilt with Minky on the front and a plaid with a hint of gold on the back. 52″ x 60″. $150
Shirley also brought her hollyhock wall hanging that she custom quilted.
20″ x 35″. $60. If you look close there are lady bugs, butterflies and a dragonfly in the quilting design.
Erin go Bragh —Using her Celtic theme fabric, Shirley fashioned a small wall hanging or table topper, a bag and a pot holder of trivet. The wall hanging is 18″ x 18″ and $30–notice the lovely custom quilting.SOLD The bag is $25 and the potholder/trivet is $8. –Insula-brite was used. SOLD
Never too early to prepare for Christmas–
In addition to your door wreath, hang nine more wreaths in the hall or across the back of the sofa. Check out the custom quilting –there are Christmas trees and snowflakes scattered about. The binding is a plaid emphasizing the burgundy and forrest green colors. 44″ x 46″. $100
Need a special gift for someone that has everything–these unique towels are the answer. The embroidery is so well done and the coordinating fabric and ric rac add the finishing touch. Don’t know which one I like the best! Each towel is $18
Quilting brings me and the other Quilters at First joy or we wouldn’t be part of this endeavor. That is not to say our rotary blades don’t get dull or the bobbin doesn’t run out in the middle of a very long seam, or that we never cut half of the directional triangles wrong! All those frustrations just make the good moments more joyful.
Quilts Etc Sale. October 21-22 at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, KS
Quilts, Etc. 
I’ll buy the Celtic wall hanging and pot holder.
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