{What I Worked on Wednesday} "Quilts of Hope" Blocks

I bumped into a really cool blogger, Deborah, who makes Quilts of Hope.  Doesn't that name just make you excited?!  Quilts of Hope provides quilts to a home in Russia for girls who have been rescued from abusive situations.  I love hearing about organizations like this who have a passion to give to others in need. Its like reaching out and giving a hug, from half way around the world.

I just want to giggle when I think about a girl around the world from me getting a gift from a complete stranger.  I think, "won't she be surprised!" Deborah is sewing together blocks that others send and taking them with her when her family goes there in October as finished quilts. Aren't these blocks that others have sent great?! So many pretty styles and fabrics...

I made a bunch of blocks during my February destash to put in the quilts.  I hope that by using some of my scraps I can do something in even the tiniest way to help one of these girls on their path to healing. I affectionately call these scribble dots.

Here is more about the project from Deborah's blog...

A couple of years ago I was introduced to the Deborah House and the work of Missio Link International in Romania.

'Deborah House provides a unique and critically needed sanctuary for severly abused girls, providing a healing sanctuary where hurt fades and is turned into hope'. 

I am in contact with Lorena, Mum to all the girls and I urge you to read her story and details of her amazing work here. She explains, ' if you wonder why SPER.MLI? SPER, in Romanian means HOPE and is the acronym of Services for People at Risk. '

And this brings me to a brainstorm which involves reaching out to my quilting sisters around the globe! 

This, dear friends is the plan ...

Send an 8x8 inch block to the address at the bottom of this post.  The block can be anything at all.  Perhaps you would like to sign it or write a message, or maybe use your country's colours or emblems.

The first blocks received (unless you specify that you want them to be made into quilts for the girls) will be made into a quilt which will be a prize for an online competition with 100% of proceeds going to MIL for the Deborah House.  Subsequent blocks will be made into quilts for the Deborah House and delivered by our family in October.

Should anyone wish to make something larger than a block, we hope to visit orphanages (details to follow) during our trip and could drop off baby quilts or children's knitted items.

If you have scraps that you would be willing to sew into 8"x8" blocks and want to share a hug around the world I encourage you to participate with this project.  If you want to send the blocks to a US address, I will be sending my package and anyone else's over to Deborah in the UK at the end of June.  I'd love to include your blocks if you want to join me.  My address is below:

Ahmelie.com

46743 Melanie Drive
Madison Lake, MN 56063


What are you working on today?

{Fabulous Fabric Friday} Amy Butler Dancing Paisley #Giveaway

Today I'd like to draw your attention to the lovely Dancing Paisley fabric by Amy Butler.  This color is called limestone, isn't it to die for?!  I can think of so many fun projects for this, it works in the kitchen, on the patio or on your bod! 

Here is a funky necklace by The Vintage Honey Shop.  This would go great with a jean skirt and t-shirt for a fun and funky summer look.  This would also make a wonderful and original gift for that hard to buy for female on your list.

Next let me draw your attention to this beautifully clad bucket.  Yes that's fabric on there!  Brodders Tubs has the most amazingly decorated tubs and buckets.  What a great way to showcase your favorite fabrics.   This is perfect for the patio, just add ice and some of your favorite bottled beverages.

Yes I said it works well in the kitchen, check out this fancy vintage style apron by Great Goods.  It would be very hard not to feel like a pretty little lady while you cook in this.  Love that flair on the bottom, a nice accessory to compliment your cooking, don't you think?! :)

What would you make with a yard of this fabric? Tell me in the comments below for a chance to win it.

For extra entries you can:

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Please leave one post for each entry. Can't wait to hear all your ideas!   

Entries accepted until Sunday at midnight.  Winner drawn Monday. Open to US and Canada.

{What I Worked on Wednesday} Bug Catcher

With a houseful of boys, we are often in need of a bug or critter catcher.  I've made two of these simple netted wonders this week for Owen.  Good thing I have an abundance of wire hangers and netting fabric.  Who knows where the first one went.  I think the neighborhood dogs might have wanted one of their own!  :)

Start by reshaping the body of your wire hanger into a circle and straightening hook of the hanger into the handle.  

Next cut your netting or fabric.  I made mine 16" long and about 32" wide.  Note that you should measure around the circle of your hanger to get the correct width and add an inch for your seam allowance.

Fold the top inch of netting over the hanger to make a casing.  You will be sewing the hanger right into the casing.  I use a zig zag stitch as this is very forgiving and will "give" a bit if it gets stretched by the bug catcher without tearing.  Make sure to back tack at the beginning and end.  Your netting should be hanging from the ring of the bug catcher when you're done.

Next is the side seam.  I started down about 2-3" from the top ring on the side seam.  Sew at a 1/2" seam allowance to the bottom.  

Last, bunch the bottom up and sew across it several times for added durability.  

And that's it, time to catch some bugs!

What are you working on today?