Showing posts with label Mini Quilt Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mini Quilt Challenge. Show all posts

Friday, December 22, 2023

Mini-Quilt #51/52 - Star of Wonder

We are just days away from the celebration of the birth of Jesus!  I remember that as a child, there was a magic about Christmas, and that magic centered on Santa and the gifts.  Traditions included having a tree with lights and homemade ornaments, gifts were often hand-made, and we had plenty of homemade cookies, candy and popcorn balls.


When our own children were little, I carried on the tradition of cookies and popcorn balls, the tree loaded with ornaments and lights and plenty of gifts beneath.  I would make ornaments to send/pass out with plates and platters full of goodies. I came to realize that Santa was fun for the kiddos, but as the years have passed, I have realized that I truly cherished the Church traditions of an Advent wreath and a Christmas Eve Service where Silent Night was sung as candles were lit, row by row and the glow in the Sanctuary grew brighter.


This year, we have scaled back on gifts, goodies and overbooked schedules.  I have enjoyed the month participating in the Star Toss Mystery Quilt with Melanie Meyer.  The wonky stars make this a whimsical and magical quilt.  

I was not able to keep up daily, but every few days I did get caught up.  It was an easy pace that I chose (she had multiple options and sizes).  Basically, one star a day.  This past week, since I had delivered the last of the customer quilts, I jumped in on the "simple throw", which included the stars and piecing of sections.  


As I completed the sections, I had some extra bits and pieces so I thought I would make a wonky star mini quilt... which I am calling "Star of Wonder".

It is a phrase in the Christmas song, We Three Kings... 

O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect Light.

I'll be adding a little hand quilting to it, but I just couldn't wait to share it!  🌟

Thanks for taking the time to stop by for a visit. :)  Before you go, though, I'm wondering...

What are some of your favorite traditions?

Leave a comment.  I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing... there's still a few days to get your project done. lol.

Melva

Linking with:

m
Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels:

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Hanukkah - Mini Quilt #49/52

A brief history lesson from History.com and a mini-quilt, #49/52 in honor of those celebrating Hanukkah...

Each year, Jews around the world celebrate an eight-day winter holiday known as Hanukkah (also spelled “Chanukah” and several other ways) on the 25th day of the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in November or December on the Gregorian calendar.

Hanukkah has ancient roots, commemorating the second century B.C.E. reclaiming and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following a period of Greek-Syrian occupation and desecration of the holy place, according to ancient Hebrew texts like the Talmud and the books of the Maccabees. In fact, Hanukkah means “dedication.” And like many religious and cultural celebrations and rituals, those associated with Hanukkah have changed over time.

“Hanukkah became more prominent in medieval Europe, when Jews were intermingling with Christians in close quarters,” says Rabbi Joseph Skloot, assistant professor of modern Jewish intellectual history at Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. “Seeing Christians celebrate Christmas with such pageantry, and symbols that are so evocative, Jews sought to exalt their symbols during that same time.”

Over the next several centuries, Jews brought Hanukkah traditions with them as they migrated and resettled across the globe, including to what is now the United States. “Hanukkah in America is a joyful, light-filled festival celebrated by many Jewish families during the darkest days of December,” says Rabbi Douglas Sagal of Congregation B'Nai Israel in Rumson, New Jersey. Here are the origins and meanings behind several Hanukkah traditions, as celebrated in America.

Lighting a Menorah
Back in the second century, after a small band of Jewish warriors known as the Maccabees managed to overthrow the Greek-Syrians and reclaim the ancient temple in Jerusalem, they found a single container of oil: enough to keep the candelabrum (also known as a “menorah” or a “Hanukkiyah”) lit for one day, Skloot explains. Instead, the oil lasted for eight days, in what is now referred to as the “Hanukkah miracle.”

According to Sagal, lighting a menorah has been the primary ritual of Hanukkah for at least 1,800 years. “It appears from early sources that originally, only one candle was lit to mark the rededication of the Temple and the kindling of the sacred menorah,” he explains. “Eventually, it became the practice to light eight candles, one each night of the eight-day festival, to recall the miracle that the sacred lamp oil lasted for eight days.”

Since that shift, menorahs have had nine branches to accommodate the eight candles, as well as one used to light the others.

The candles are added from right to left, but lit from left to right on the menorah, thus always starting with the newest light. The special menorah used for Hanukkah has eight branches, with a ninth place for the candle called shamash from which all others are lit.

The tradition calls for candles with a real flame, though some also use electric ones in public displays, such as in hospitals, for safety reasons.

One of the essential aspects of the celebration, Skloot says, is publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah, when one day’s worth of oil provided eight days of light. “The practice of placing the Hanukkiyah in the window of one's home after it's lit is a way of announcing to the world that this extraordinary miracle took place,” he explains.

And while most Hanukkah rituals take place in the home, over the last decade, Skloot says that some communities have been holding public menorah lighting ceremonies alongside those for Christmas trees.

“This seems to be a particularly American phenomenon,” he notes, “and a sign of the broader acceptance of Jews in American public life.”

With the foundation of Christianity being of the Jewish faith, I find the celebration interesting.  A similar story exists in the Bible in 1 Kings 17... It tells of Elijah meeting a widow and asking for her to feed him...

Then God spoke to him: “Get up and go to Zarephath in Sidon and live there. I’ve instructed a woman who lives there, a widow, to feed you.”

10-11 So he got up and went to Zarephath. As he came to the entrance of the village he met a woman, a widow, gathering firewood. He asked her, “Please, would you bring me a little water in a jug? I need a drink.” As she went to get it, he called out, “And while you’re at it, would you bring me something to eat?”

12 She said, “I swear, as surely as your God lives, I don’t have so much as a biscuit. I have a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a bottle; you found me scratching together just enough firewood to make a last meal for my son and me.”

13-14 Elijah said to her, “Don’t worry about a thing. Go ahead and do what you’ve said. But first make a small biscuit for me and bring it back here. Then go ahead and make a meal from what’s left for you and your son. This is the word of the God of Israel: ‘The jar of flour will not run out and the bottle of oil will not become empty before God sends rain on the land and ends this drought.’”

15-16 And she went right off and did it, did just as Elijah asked. And it turned out as he said—daily food for her and her family. The jar of meal didn’t run out and the bottle of oil didn’t become empty: God’s promise fulfilled to the letter, exactly as Elijah had delivered it!

I pray that those that will begin the celebration of Hanukkah at sunset December 7th are blessed with joy as they recall not just the miracle that is at the core of this holiday, but the miracles that are before us each and every day.  

We only need to look around us to see them.  

Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

m
Posted by at 5 comments:
Labels:

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Thanksgiving & Traditions


Happy Thanksgiving to all that are celebrating!

As so many of us are bustling about in the kitchen preparing our favorite sides to accompany the "Traditional" main course, I thought I would share my two latest mini-quilt challenges...

#45/52 was made using an orphan block, a variation of a dresden fan with a little turkey face.  Don't pay attention to the placement of his little hangy thing... Had I actually looked at a photo of a turkey before I did it, I would have seen that most pictures show that it is under, not over, the beak.  Oh well... 


Mini Quilt #46/52 is another turkey... this one was the lucky one that was pardoned by the president. LOL

I started reading into how this tradition started... It's a little silly, but multiple turkeys would be donated to the White House for a formal dinner.  One year, JFK?, decided that not all that were donated were needed... and one was released.

A few years later, a different President, had a similar situation happened... It wasn't until Ronald Reagan's presidency, the turkey pardon became a regular practice.  It was in 1989, under President George H. Bush that it became an annual tradition.

This year, President Biden pardoned Liberty and Bell. At that point they were settled into a special suite at The Willard Intercontinental for an overnight stay.  I say this part of the pardon is a bit extreme and very unnecessary...

None the less, my turkey was made by using a 50% reduced size of the Flower Garden block from Pieces From the Past quilt.  It is to be a view of the pardoned turkey's backside, making a break for it, as a freed bird. 


I have baked a GF Apple-Cranberry Cape Cod Cake for dessert and will be making my personal favorite side... fresh cranberries. 

The remainder of the meal - stuffed roasted chicken, potatoes and gravy and fruit salad - will be made Thursday. 

We're having a chicken, just because it is smaller and three of us.  Yes, Mom decided to not travel because of a forecasted storm that could delay her return home.  She will celebrate with us.

Do you celebrate Thanksgiving? How about "Friendsgiving"?  What is your favorite side dish?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Melva

PS: As thoughts turn from Thanksgiving to Christmas (shopping), keep in mind that if you are interested in purchasing Pieces From the Past (patterns available on-line at no cost, but not included in the book) or Pieces of the Santa Fe Trail (patterns included) for a quilter friend/family member, there will be a 25% discount when purchasing directly from my publisher - Blurb.com - Simply enter the code GIVING25 when you check out.

Posted by at 9 comments:
Labels:

Sunday, November 19, 2023

A Finish and Playing "Catch Up"


As last week came to an end, I put the final touches on Danielle's T-shirt quilt.  The binding was done on the machine, making it a quick and easy finish.  The label and the burying of the thread tails (it seemed like there was an abudance!) required some handwork as I enjoyed a quiet time watching a few movies.  


When Dave came into the house for something he noticed that I was watching the movie Fireproof... he quickly questioned why I was watching it then... and not in the evening when he could also enjoy it.  I wasn't far into the movie, so I went and found a different one... The Shunning.

I had made mention last week about Dave acquiring a storage shed... interestingly enough, when we cleaned it out, there was a box of various books and DVDs.  One of the books was the trilogy of Heritage of Lancaster County by Beverly Lewis... The Shunning is the first of the series.  

I haven't started reading the book yet, but I am curious to see if the movie follows the book, and if the common statement "the book is so much better than the movie" will stand true.


With the t-shirt quilt done, I did in fact turn my attention to my mini-quilt series, as I had planned and hoped would be the case last week.  On Friday I shared #43/52... Colors of the Wind has some "fabric confetti" covered with red tulle and stitched into place and is 5"x7".  If you desire to "catch up" on my other thoughts I shared, details are here.


Mini-quilt #44/52 is another autumn inspired piece with fussy-cut pieces from various fall-themed novelty prints.  It is just a tad bigger at 5-1/4" x 8-1/4 inches.

It is the holiday week in the Unites States and many families will be celebrating Thanksgiving as family and loved ones gather together.  We will (hopefully) have a quiet week.  Our daughters have other plans and I believe my Mom will be traveling to see my brother.  We have discussed the possibility of going camping, but with cooler weather and moisture predicted for later in the week, we'll stay cozy and warm at home.

I plan to take full advantage of the quietude of the holiday week as I continue to "catch up" with my mini-quilts (2 more and I'll be up-to-date) and the start of a new t-shirt quilt.  

While many view this as the kick-off of the "holiday season", I think it is only appropriate that we first have an attitude of gratitude as we enter the (over) commercialized season of giving.  

I recently saw a post about how we should not be offended by the statement "Happy Holidays" since at least 29 religious holidays will be celebrated around the world between November 1 and January 15.

That's a lot!  And I don't claim to know of all of them nor understand what they are all about... 

My youngest daughter and I have recently finished reading through the Gospel recordings of Jesus' life as part of our "read the Bible in a year plan".  We have less than 6 weeks left in our readings.  It has been an interesting time as I have "read" through using The Message translation and listened along (using BibleGateway).  

Rebecca and I have both enjoyed it and have selected a 52-week study of Praying the Names of God and asked Dave to join us. Rebecca and I both look forward to having him join us. I do know that when Jesus fed the multitudes that had gathered to listen to him preach, the disciples had just two fish and five loaves of bread (Matthew 14).  Jesus gave thanks FIRST and then passed around the baskets for all to partake and when collected back up, there were 12 baskets FULL.  I choose to follow His example. 🙏

I give thanks for each of you that read/follow along and encourage me in my quilting/blogging journey as I share my thoughts and ideas for more than just quilts.  I'm thankful for each of you that join the Sew & Tell party each week!


This week's randomly selected feature is Frederique at Quilting, Patchwork and Applique.  She shared her method of making and attaching a hanging sleeve for finished quilts.  I like how she leaves an opening in the center for allowing for three hanging points, preventing any sagging in the middle.  Go check it out!

But before you leave, tell me...

What are YOU thankful for?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:


m

Posted by at 12 comments:
Labels: ,

Friday, November 17, 2023

Colors of the Wind ~ 43/52

 

As I stitched this mini-quilt, #43/52, I embraced the colors, and feel of the autumn season I had a flood of memories of when our girls were young... and the Disney movie Pocahantas.  The scene of leaves swirling as young Pocahontas sang the words of "Colors in the Wind."


The tiny pieces of fabric confetti were stitched under a piece of red tulle cut into the shape of a maple leaf.  The addition of some fall leaves cut from another piece of Thanksgiving novelty scraps makes a nice footer for the mini, don't you think?


The quilting depicts the movement of the wind.

It's been a few weeks since I have done any "slow stitching" and it felt good to have that quilty texture form under my fingertips.  

As I stitched, I watched a documentary about Lilias Trotter who was an English artist that was studied under John Ruskin.  After giving up the likelihood of a career as an artist, went to Algiers in North Africa as a mission worker.  It was an interesting story and I plan to explore her life a little more.

Do you know of any other "little knowns" that might be interesting to learn about?  

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:


m


Posted by at 7 comments:
Labels:

Friday, November 3, 2023

Inspiration ~ 42/52

Our trip is done, and we have returned home with our feet to the ground.  So, I thought I would make a quick post about the mini-quilt I did on the road...

Inspiration... It is everywhere! In the seasonal colors, whatever the season may be. It is another raw-edge Kawandi style mini.










Fall is my favorite season.  It has spectacular colors, perfect temperatures and the "Indian Summer" seems to last forever in our area.

What's your favorite season?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

Can I Get A Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Off The Wall Friday with Nina Marie
Brag About Your Beauties at From Bolt to Beauty
Peacock Party at Wendy’s Quilts and More
Friday Foto Fun at Powered by Quilting
Thank Goodness It’s Finished Friday
Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts

Posted by at 5 comments:
Labels:

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

I stand with Israel

Below are items that saw on fb... I "borrowed" them as they reflect my thoughts and feelings...



Why does Israel matter?  

Did you know that the time clock of the return of Jesus Christ isn’t based on America’s timeline? It’s based on what is happening in Israel. 

Did you know Jesus wasn’t a “Christian”? He was a Jew. He celebrated and kept the Jewish holy days and customs, as well as the feasts of the LORD. He didn’t come to eradicate the Torah and writing of the Prophets / Old Testament. He came to fulfill the prophecies that were written in them.

When Jesus returns, He isn’t returning to the United States. The Bible says He is going to plant His foot down on the Mount of Olives and go through the Eastern Gate, which is currently sealed off with 16 feet of concrete. A cemetery was also placed in front of that gate because touching the dead makes a Jew considered unclean and unable to enter the Temple, which is considered Holy. The Word of GOD says He will return there and from there He will rule and reign for 1,000 years. 


The final battle isn’t going to be on U.S. soil. It’s going to be in the Valley of Megiddo, in Israel. The Bible says as the nations wage war against Israel Jesus will come and destroy His enemies with the breath of His mouth. 2 Thess 2:8 

GOD did not replace the Jews with Christians as some believe. We are actually grafted in with them as you would graft a wild branch into an existing tree. 
The Word of GOD says, “When you touch Israel, you touch the Apple of GOD’s eye.” Zechariah 2:8

“He that keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. The LORD is thy keeper.” Psalm 121:4

“I will bless those that bless you and I will curse those that curse you.” Genesis 12:3 

We are also commanded to pray for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122. 

ISRAEL matters. PRAY FOR ISRAEL.

In my own personal response, with feelings of helplessness, I made this mini quilt, #41/52.  The small Jesus picture has been on my prayer board for several years.  I took inspiration from a Moda blockhead block that I saw on Insta and joined the two together.  

I have a friend who gifts to me, as she calls them, "pretties", each time we see each other. The sparkles and rainbow prisms dance in my studio each afternoon as the sun shines into my studio window.  

Above, one of the "pretties" has a stained-glass angel on it.  As I quilted a customer's t-shirt quilt, I noticed that the shadow of that angel appeared as a dove on the sewing table... the Holy Spirit. 

And a few days prior I saw that one of the prisms landed on one of the crosses hanging near the front door.  I waited for the perfect timing to be able to capture it on Jesus' face and then on the cross.


Keep Piecing... and Pray for Israel,

Melva

Linking with:

m


Posted by at 20 comments:
Labels:

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Houndstooth Mini Quilt ~ #40/52


My last min-quilt, the Baby Buffalo Check (#39/52), inspired me to design/make a Houndstooth mini.  As I searched for a detailed photo to base my pattern on, I also found a little bit of history on it...

"Modern yet universal, houndstooth is a staple print that never loses its luster. In recent years, there has been a revival of the two-toned textile as seen on models strutting down the runway donning new designer styles.

Houndstooth, also known as “shepherd’s check” is a classic pattern that coined its name after it’s resemblance to the shape of a dog’s tooth. It consists of irregular pointed squares commonly seen in black and white duotone and is also a prime example of a tessellation.


Worn as an outer garment by shepherds, houndstooth originated in wool cloth from the Scottish Lowlands dating back to the 19th century. Even though the pattern emerged over a century ago, the popularity of the print did not step into the fashion world until the 1930s.

Houndstooth was initially adopted by the upper class as a status symbol for wealth upon arriving to the style scene. Christian Dior was one of the first designers to incorporate houndstooth in his designs for the 1948 Haute Couture spring/summer collection. In 1959, French shoe designer Roger Vivier created pointed court heels for Dior with a smaller scale version of the pattern. Six years later, he enlarged it for a turquoise and black A-line coat.

Even though houndstooth is commonly seen in black-and-white, many modern variations have hit the catwalk. Designers from across the globe have re-envisioned the traditional mosaic by toying with its color and scale. The remixed print captivates the eye while paying tribute to the past. Houndstooth is a classic print for old and new fashionistas that never goes out of style."

Houndstooth is mainly associated with the autumn-winter season because it is used on warm, woolen fabrics. Since it is Autumn/leaves-are-turning season, it is only natural that I give a houndstooth mini a try! 


Doesn't it look wonderful with my teacup cozy and tea jar?  I'll be baking up my power bars and be ready for a snack mid-morning.  Who wants to join me?

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

m
Posted by at 11 comments:
Labels:

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Baby Buffalo Check ~ Sew & Tell ~ 9/25/23

This week's mini-quilt is a baby buffalo check #39/52... Inspired by one of Alycia's recent finishes, I thought a mini would be pretty cute.  Turns out, I was right... at least in my humble opinion. 😉  Dave and I recently discovered that the 90s sitcom "Home Improvement" is now on Roku and it has been come our latest "just before bed, light-hearted" show to watch... I think Al's flannel plaids may have had an influence on me as well.  

We have our own "home improvement" going on in our shower...

A few weeks ago, as I cleaned our shower, I discovered a small crack in the fiberglass basin... again.  Dave has attempted to repair it several times over the past few years.  This time the repair meant removing the basin and lower tiles.  When this was done, we discovered that there was mold, as I had suspected, below the basin.  With the big mess cleaned up and the mold removed, we were ready to move forward.  Tile has been selected for the new floor, and the extra tiles we had from the original install have been pulled out. 

Between our "regular" jobs and this minor remodel, we were exhausted... so we unplugged from the world and relaxed.  We took off for a few days to escape.  Since we are self-employed and working right at home (my studio is in the house, and Dave's shop in the yard) we find ourselves in the constant state of "work"... even on the weekends.  


Our time away was pleasant... It was the last days of summer and we enjoyed a hike.  Wildlife was present all around the campground.  Deer could be seen each evening, a skunk scurried across the road not far from our site and we nearly bumped into another on a trail.  We waited for a short time, but it was in no hurry to move away allowing us to continue on the trail.  We turned around and took the trail the other direction.  

This was the view from the top of the mesa that we ascended...


And this was the sunrise on the first day of Autumn... What a spectacular kick-off!







I had plenty of slow stitching time... I'm caught up with my Camping Journal blocks.  I am ready to start roundin' the corner of the bottom border.  


While Dave practiced his fly-fishing, I dressed up a few of the quilted hearts... 

And read my personal copy of the Susan Magoffin diary of her trip on the Santa Fe Trail.


That's all I have for my Sew & Tell... Vicki from Vicki's Crafts & Quilting shared two fabulous quilts.  I am not a huge fan of Halloween, but I know many are... If you happen to be one of the many, you need to follow the link above because she shared the cutest little patchwork jack-o-lantern.  She also shared a pumpkin runner that is quite attractive.  I personally prefer pumpkin themed items because they are suitable for all of fall, Halloween and into Thanksgiving.  

Now it is your turn to Sew & Tell... Join the linky party and then be sure to visit a few other links and leave a kind word or two.  Ready? GO!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:

m


Posted by at 8 comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Micro-Green Mini ~ Sew & Tell ~ Sept. 18, 2023

Welcome to Melva Loves Scraps and this week's edition of Sew & Tell!  I've been sending out multiple invitations to other bloggers to join my party.  If you happen to be new to MLS and the Sew & Tell party... WELCOME! I think you will find plenty to ooh and ahh over.


When I finished Table Topper #4 in green, I set up a photo shoot in the kitchen... who wants to join me for a cup of tea? 


You can see more details of the topper, including the FMQ feathers at the highlighted link above.  After stitching the first side of the feather (that side is easy-peasy and straight on), I adjusted the needle position to the right and started the second side.  No more skipped stitches!  I did discover, also, that I have to change the orientation of the piece to almost 45 degrees for the best results.  

I then turned my attention to mini-quilt challenge #38/52 ~ Micro Greens. 💚

It measures just 5" x 7" and features some simple embroidery and stitching. It seems "elegant and fancy" in its simplicity and small size. I think it will rank near the top of my favorites at the end of the challenge.

This week's randomly selected feature is Leeann at Not Afraid of Color. Jump over to her blog to learn more about what she learned in making this wall hanging. 




It is now time for this week's party.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

Linking with:



Posted by at 15 comments:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)