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The end of July, I was asked to help make two tops for two full sized quilts for young girls by the middle of October or so. Well, I made the two quilt tops by myself and thought the rest of the quilting team were going to add the batting, back material and sew together and then another lady would tie it. It didn't happen that way. . . I ended up with the whole responsibility and I had never backed a quilt in my life much less sewed all three pieces together. I also was used to making quilt tops the size of a twin bed for the VA hospital, not full size quilts. I probably should have made them all square pieces and not tried making borders to make it wider.
I just found out last Sunday that the lady who usually sews the three parts together has company from Alaska and can't help AND to top it off, the lady who ordered them at our Christmas in July sale (the last week of July) had told me it would be the second week of October or so before she needed them. Now, the deadline is a week earlier and I have to make them both completely because she needs them before the quilters meet again!
I had a hard time finding blue and green and purple and blue material that was "girlie" for the requested quilts. I looked first in our quilter's stash of material and then went shopping. I also used some of my own material stash I had for my personal use at home. I finally came up with the materials I needed and cut them out and sewed the squares of the one and then I had problems getting the edging on the blocks. I asked for help at the September quilter's meeting but no one knew what to do. I was on my own. I put that one aside and started working on the second one.
The money we got for them was already donated to the VA hospital chapel fund for special chairs for people of all kinds of disabilities to be able to sit comfortably in the chapel. There was no way to get it back. . . I thought my only "escape" was to repay the 200 dollars for the two quilts out of my saved "Christmas fund." Having no alternative, I decided to try to make the quilts completely myself. I couldn't afford to pay the lady back with my money just because we couldn't meet a deadline.
OK, so where's my blessing out of all this. . . seems more like a bane to me and all . . . at first look. Actually, in three days, I was able to get the first one finished and if I say so . . . it looks pretty darn good!
I am writing this while taking a short break from working on the second quilt. I know I won't have it finished by Sunday but they aren't leaving until the following Sunday so maybe they will compromise and meet me during the week for pick up. If not, I have two new quilts and no shopping money for Christmas. If you want to see the other one, you might have to return another day! Ü
This challenge is my blessing. It has taught me I can when I trust God to help me. . . did you know He ties quilts? I pray that the tie He does with me in this quilting project is that the two girls who get to use them, know Him and share His love with others; that each time they use their quilt to keep them wrapped up warm and snug, they will feel God's presence because it is HE Who helped me accomplish this quilting task I never thought I could do. I thank God for helping me make these quilts. Yes, that is my blessing this week!
PS
I didn't get the 2nd one finished. My eyes are too tired. I need some sleep. I tried my best. . . I will take the one quilt to church tomorrow to show them and ask for an extension until Wednesday or Thursday. If they say no, then I will just give them my 200 dollars savings to replace their money and keep the quilts. If I weren't so tired staying awake for so many nights, I could have gotten it finished and will in a couple more days at the most. . . Lord, give them patience and me the strength to accomplish this task so it can complete the circle of blessings for all.
