Stitchin' Mission®

It's a Quilt-a-Thon!

2012-01-11T13:25:00.002-06:00

Whether you've participated in a Stitchin' Mission, or not.

Whether you know how to make a quilt, or not.

You're invited to a Quilt-a-Thon!

Let's all make quilt blocks, for quilts to give to Mercy Children's Center intensive care unit in Des Moines.

Friday, February 3, 1-9 pm

and

Saturday, February 4, 9 am-3 pm

Lutheran Church of Hope

925 Jordan Creek Parkway

West Des Moines, Iowa

Room 214

It's a No Excuses Quilt-a-Thon

"I've never used a sewing machine."

No worries! Members of Hope Quilters will be there to show you what to do. No straight seam sewing is necessary!

"I've used a sewing machine and I don't want a thing to do with one!"

Well okay! You can help by pressing fabrics. We need people who will press fabrics before they're sewn into blocks and after blocks are sewn.

"I've sewn before, but I've never made a quilt."

Come, and just sew blocks. You don't need to make a whole quilt.... but if you'd like to know how to do that, we'd love to have you join Hope Quilters!

What to Expect

What everyone will do is take piles of small cotton scraps, sew them together randomly, and then cut them into squares.

You'll sew blocks like this...

...and this...

...until there's a pile like this.

Then you'll add these...

...and a few of these...

...to make a 49" X 49" quilt!

At the Quilt-a-Thon...
...you'll see a sample of the finished quilt, and other examples of quilts you can make with these easy-to-sew blocks.

...you'll see sewing machines set up, so you can enjoy a few minutes of sewing. Or even better, bring your sewing machine along for a longer stay.

...you'll see ironing boards and irons, so you can enjoy a few minutes, or hours, of fun pressing!

It's all been arranged. Now Hope Quilters just needs you... and your friends.

This event is open to everyone who would like to help make quilts for Mercy Children's Center intensive care unit. Do come! No RSVP needed!

SM Number 25 is a Wrap

2011-11-12T06:53:00.001-06:00

The last Stitchin' Mission lesson was at Faith Lutheran Church on Thursday. We had a nice turn-out, though I fear we "lost" a few newbies along the way. However, those who saw lessons through to the finish are just as proud as can be about their quilts, and rightly so!

Photo thanks to Jim Ridge

Sadly, at least four quilters who made quilts are missing from our group picture.

One of our Rebekahs (helpers) made a "John Deere" quilt using fabrics that had been donated to Stitchin' Mission. When she took the finished quilt to work, to show her co-workers, she was offered money for it! Happily, instead of a quilt, House of Mercy will be getting a $100 donation! I'm sorry we don't have a picture of that quilt.

During show and tell, we saw some beauties - quilts, and quilters!

Co-coordinator, Jeannette

Made by Debra

Jane

Crystal

Betsy

Norma

Charlotte

Cheryl

Sarah

Christa

Mary

Laura

Suzanne

Sara

Susan

Anne

Rachel

Sue

Zane

Co-coordinator, Peggy

Forty-five quilts were turned in Thursday evening! Temporarily, the quilts were laid across three room partitions.

They made an impressive and colorful display.

Another 20 quilts are expected to be finished.

All 60-plus quilts will be hung in the sanctuary at Faith Lutheran Church beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 19. If you're available to help hang quilts, Peggy would appreciate it.

To see the quilts displayed on November 19-20, you're invited to attend one of Faith's three worship services: Saturday at 5 p.m., or Sunday at 8:30 or 10 a.m.

Thank you all for your hard work. You're a blessing, especially to the children at House of Mercy.

Stitchin' Mission #25, Fourth Lesson

2011-11-06T21:36:00.000-06:00

Thursday evening's lesson was all about binding. How to:

1. sew together fabric strips

2. press binding

3. machine sew binding to the quilt and make mitered corners by folding the fabric

4. conceal the binding start and stop "in a tent"

5. trim off excess batting and backing

6. and, hand sew binding to the back of the quilt.

A story board visual aid helps students review after the lesson.

Questions?

Tied Up!

2011-11-03T13:16:00.000-05:00

One of our newbies emailed to say she was having problems tying her quilt. She was finding it difficult to pull the darning needle, threaded with yarn, through the quilt sandwich.

This is an occasional challenge. The issue isn't always with the thickness of the yarn, it's with the polyester batting. It's not nearly as difficult to pull yarn through cotton as it is through polyester.

Here are a few solutions to this problem:

1/4" to 3/8" stitch length

If you're trying to take a stitch through an intersection (where four blocks meet in a corner), make sure to take the stitch diagonally through the blocks where the seam allowance is not. Feel with your fingertips, to locate the less thick area and stitch through it.

Or, take a tie stitch in the middle of the block where there aren't any seam allowances.

Try pulling on the needle using a "cap snaffler." It's a rubbery type thing used to open jars. Or, use rubber fingers or a thread gripper (found in a sewing store). If all else fails, you can pull the needle with needle nose pliers. First, wrap the nose tips with duct tape so ridges on the pliers don't damage the needle.

From top L-R: kitchen "cap snaffler;" thread gripper; needle nose pliers with duct tape on the tips

Instead of using yarn, try using perle cotton. Size #5 or #3 are ideal. Perle cottons come on a ball or a skein.

Red #5 on a ball; green #5 on a skein; gold #3 on a skein

Size #5 (the top thread) is less thick than size #3 (the bottom thread).

Top light blue size #5; bottom darker blue size #3

If you're still unable to tie, try making a simple sewing machine satin-stitch/short zig-zag stitch in the same places you wanted to put the ties. Be sure to secure the threads by shortening the stitch length before clipping.

I hope this is helpful information! I'm looking forward to seeing some beautiful finished quilts by Nov. 10. Linda

About Quilting

2011-11-01T21:06:00.002-05:00

With credit to singer Cathy Miller and QuiltbirdStudio - You Can Quilt That Out

How to Baste and Tie

2011-10-30T19:24:00.001-05:00

Eager learners attended the third Stitchin' Mission lesson at Faith Lutheran Church. The lesson was about how to: make a quilt sandwich; baste a quilt with a needle and thread, or safety pins; tie a quilt; and go about machine quilting.

From those intent gazes, these students look determined to learn how to tie their quilts!

What a pretty quilt was being use for the demonstration!

Pairing up, quilters set to sandwiching their quilts.

Here, one of our mother-daughter teams work together.

Many hands make light work.

Next Thursday, Nov. 3 our lesson is about how to bind a quilt. Several different methods will be reviewed, followed by a demonstration at the sewing machine. Rebekahs have the night off since the lesson is short. Newbies are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and then return home to sew!

Students: As always, no matter whether or not you're keeping up with your quiltmaking during weekly lessons, you're encouraged to attend classes. If your quilt isn't finished by the last lesson on Thursday, Nov. 10, you have until the morning of Saturday, Nov. 19 to complete your quilt. That's plenty of time to see it finished and displayed alongside other Stitchin' Mission quilts on Nov. 19-20. Everyone is invited to visit Faith Lutheran Church, and attend a worship service to see the display. Services are at 5 p.m. Saturday, and 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday.

Second SM#25 Lesson

2011-10-15T17:27:00.000-05:00

At Thursday evening's second beginner quiltmaking lesson, newbies learned about rotary cutting - using a rotary mat, acrylic rulers and a rotary cutter to straighten and cut fabric.

After the rotary cutting demonstration, Rebekahs stationed themselves at tables around the room to give guidance if anyone had difficulties.

Sometimes, to be sure those rotary cuts were perfectly straight, an extra pair of hands became helpful.

Two can always accomplish more, and have more fun, than one working alone!

After rotary cutting, newbies learned how to sew blocks together to create a "web" and make a finished quilt top.

A demonstration of how to measure, cut and sew borders to a quilt center concluded the evening's lesson.

There is no lesson Thursday, October 20, so students have two weeks to make a quilt top... or two or three! The next lesson is October 27. Students will learn how to make a quilt sandwich, tie a quilt, and learn a little bit about machine quilting.

Stitchin' Mission #25 Underway

2011-10-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

Thirty three newbies and 11 Rebekahs (helpers) - 44 people! - turned out for the first beginner quiltmaking lesson at Faith Lutheran Church.

Several other newbies will join us for second and third lessons, so our whole group totals 50!

God is definitely teaching us about working together in community, and demonstrating how we can serve Him without traveling far from home.

This is such an attentive, cheerful group! They make it exciting to be teaching again.

Here I'm showing what a fat quarter is - an approximately 18" X 22" fabric rectangle with the same number of square inches as a 1/4 yard cut of fabric.

Toward the end of class, everyone received a demonstration of various ways to find a scant quarter-inch seam on the sewing machine.

We're starting new quilters off on the right foot... a quarter inch sewing machine foot. (Pun intended.)

While the seam width demonstrations continued, newbies shopped with the help of our awesome Rebekahs. Norma (pink shirt) has attended nearly every Stitchin' Mission during the past six years. Linda (orange shirt) too has helped with many of them.

If Deb (right) looks like she knows what she's talking about, she does! She's been a Rebekah at least a dozen times.

A lovely mother (red top) and daughter (black top) team signed up to be first-time Rebekahs since participating in the last Stitchin' Mission at Lutheran Church of Hope. Yay!

Another first-time Rebekah, Sara (pink top) is helping a returning newbie.

Everyone who participates in a Stitchin' Mission for the second, third, or fourth time, learns something new - and even better, enjoys doing it again because we're just so much better when we're together!

It's exciting to see this many people interested in learning how to make a quilt, especially knowing that they've been asked to give that quilt away.

This time, our quilt recipients live locally. They are children between infancy and nine years old who are in difficult circumstances due to separation, abuse, or other desperate family situations. For that reason, we cannot expect to see pictures of these kids with the quilts we make. But we understand and will be prayerful for them as we sew.

Several local fabric stores are having weekend Columbus Day sales. Between the wonderful fabric donations, and sale fabrics available, we can expect to see many beautiful quilts coming from this group. Please tag along!

Another Tidbit
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. I'll be at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny, Iowa, giving a program to the Ankeny Quilt Guild. If you're interested in learning more about Stitchin' Mission and picking up a few tips about making charity quilts, do come. Linda

Another Stitchin' Mission Series Scheduled!

2011-08-31T13:29:00.000-05:00

Stitchin' Mission® beginner quiltmaking lessons start Thursday, October 6 at 6:30 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Ave. (next to K-Mart), Clive, Iowa. Choose from four 36” X 48” quilt patterns and in five free lessons, learn the fundamentals of quiltmaking. As much as possible, supplies are provided. Your cost may be $15 or less. Please consider donating the quilt you make to the mission selected by Faith Lutheran Church: House of Mercy, Des Moines.

Stitchin’ Mission is for everyone! Home-schoolers, accompanied by a parent, are welcome! For more information and to register visit www.StitchinMission.org or phone 515-225-8334.

Five Stitchin' Mission, beginner quiltmaking lessons are:
Thursday, October 6, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.
No Lesson October 20
Thursday, October 27 , 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 3, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 6:30 p.m.

Registrations are being accepted now! Go here to register.

Stitchin' Mission #25 Cancelled

2011-07-13T11:17:00.000-05:00

Due to low registration numbers, Stitchin' Mission #25, scheduled to begin Sunday, July 17 at Crosspoint Methodist Church in Bondurant, Iowa, is cancelled. This is the first time a Stitchin' Mission has been cancelled. Perhaps it's due to busy summer schedules.

Several of us are praying about future Stitchin' Missions. At this time, none are anticipated.

New and Experienced Quilters Can Help Tornado Victims

2011-06-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

Quilters always come through when it's time to help others in need. Stitchin' Mission #25 is your opportunity to help tornado victims in Alabama and Missouri.

If you'd like to learn how to make a quilt from start to finish five beginner quiltmaking lessons begin Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., on July 17 at Crosspoint Methodist Church in Bondurant, Iowa. (More information here.) In exchange for your lessons, the 36" X 48" quilt you make will be given to tornado victims. Quilts will be delivered to affect areas by people involved with United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCR).

If you're already a quilter, you too can help by making a quilt - preferably a larger one - that can also be donated and delivered through the UMCR. Please finish your quilt by the last Stitchin' Mission lesson on Sunday, August 7 to have it included in the delivery to either Alabama or Missouri.

As well, a request for help has been received from Gloria Parks who represents one of the quilt guilds in Joplin, Missouri. Her email reads:

I am in charge of donations for our guild of 75 quilters. As you probably know the house we store our fabric and tools in was completely destroyed. We found only two crib quilts in the debris so about 80 quilts we had already made are gone. Any material, batting, quilts, large pieces for backings, etc. will be appreciated. You couldn't ship mats and large rolls of batting, so any donation of money for these items we would love. Our quilt store, Joann's and Walmart are destroyed so we can purchase in an adjoining city. We have also set up a relief fund for victims. Anything donated can be sent to:

Gloria Parks

2921 N. Hickory

Joplin, MO 64801

Checks should be made out to Gloria Park. The other (Joplin) guild doesn't make charity quilts for the needy. We make 178 per year along with 150 pillow cases made for cancer children which I personally drove up to Kansas City to the Children's Cancer Hospital. We made dresses to send to Africa and star blocks for the Military Quilt this year. We make baby layettes, blankets and premie hats for the hospital and every Christmas all of us make Christmas stockings and put money in them for the children in a home here. We knit scarves and hats to give out in winter and some women make sleeping bags out of old batting and fabric for the homeless. We help the needy and now we are the needy.

Did you catch that last sentence? "We help the needy and now we are the needy"? We never know when such a tragedy will strike us or someone we love. Make the time, now, to help as you are able.

When you happen on someone who's in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don't look the other way pretending you don't see him. Don't keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. - Deuteronomy 15:7, The Message

Stitchin' Mission can lead to...

2011-04-12T11:45:00.001-05:00

Stitchin' Mission #19 was at St. Mark's Anglican Church, Darling Point (Sydney), Australia, in 2009. Those lessons have evolved into a thriving group that's St. Mark's Quilters.

Click here to visit my friend, Di's blog post about what they've been up to.

Let Go and Let God

2011-04-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

As children bring their broken toys
with tears, for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God,
because he was my friend.

But then, instead of leaving Him
in peace, to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help,
with ways that were my own.

At last, I snatched them back
and cried, "How can you be so slow?"
My child, He said, "What could I do?
You never did let go."
author unknown

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Phillippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

DVD Recording Postponed

2011-03-27T09:32:00.000-05:00

For more than a week, I have spent many hours cutting and making all the samples and examples needed to record a five lessons series of Stitchin' Mission beginner quiltmaking lessons. By my calculations, I've cut out enough fabric strips and blocks, and sewn enough strip-sets and quilt tops to make seven 36" X 48" quilts!

36" X 48" Stitchin' Mission "Noah's Ark" quilt - fabrics courtesy of Michael Miller Fabrics

As well, four dear friends volunteered about 20 hours of their time - each! - to plan, prepare, and rehearse for the approximately eight hours of DVD content.

We worked out a master plan, determined props, wrote copious notes and made test recordings. Though we encountered glitches along the way, we seemed to be making progress.

But when we realized two days of recording would be required instead of one, and a technical difficulty arose with the sound... and then found that the cost of appropriate post-production editing software was as much as the entire budget, it became clear that the $1,000 grant received last August was insufficient for this project and that changes were needed.

After several confabs and much discussion, late last Friday the difficult decision was made to put the entire project on hold. While no one is ruling out the possibility of overcoming the problems - with a different recording location (a muted environment so a single videocamera can be used to simultaneously record video and audio) or with different post-recording editing software - for the time being, all the work is being packed up and put away.

Every part...

every piece...

Tied quilt with basted edges ready for teaching binding.

every mini quilt...

12" X 12" mini quilt for teaching how to hand sew a binding

19" X 19" sample of walking foot quilting - in the valley; cross-hatch; channel; echo

... and my sewing machine, and quiltmaking tools and supplies will come back home. I'm ready for a breather from the stress of trying to making this DVD happen, but I will continue to pray about the best use of the grant. I very much appreciate the encouraging comments and support you've already expressed for Stitchin' Mission and this DVD.

Nominated for an Award

2011-03-18T08:04:00.001-05:00

The Stitchin' Mission beginner quiltmaking lessons I teach have been nominated to win the 2011 "Best Teacher/Instructor" award. To win the honor, votes must be cast and tallied to choose a winner.

At any time between now and March 31, you may cast one vote in each of ten categories, or just in the Best Teacher/Instructor category, if you prefer.

Best Designer
Best Teacher/Instructor
Best Author
Best Quilt Store (physical)
Best Quilt Store (online)
Best Long Arm Quilter
Most Innovative Product (physical)
Most Innovative Product (software item)
Most Influential Person in the World of Quilting To-Date (AKA "Lifetime Achievement")
Best Quilt Retreat

Nominees are listed here. You may vote only one time in one or all of the ten categories.

Go here to see the nominees, then cast a vote by posting a comment indicating who you're voting for. By commenting, you not only cast your vote, but enter a chance to be selected to win a prize.

Be sure your vote/comment includes your email address so you can be contacted if you are selected to win a prize. The format for leaving your email address can be, for example: mary dot smith at mchsi dot com

Thank you for considering voting for Stitchin' Mission and me - Linda Hungerford. I really appreciate your support!

P.S. We've put together a small pre-production team that is working together on the Stitchin' Mission DVD, and we're making progress. I'll keep you updated. - Linda

Quilts were hung in God's house, with care

2011-02-09T15:11:00.000-06:00

February 9-25, these are some of the 49 quilts you'll see on display at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.

near the Welcome Center, on the bulkhead

You are invited to stop in any time for a first-hand look. Even better, come for a worship service:

Worship at Hope

Celebration Services in the Worship CenterSaturday 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:15 am
Sunday 11:00 am
Sunday 5:00 pm

Traditional Services in the Chapel
Sunday 8:00 am
Sunday 11:00 am

above doors into The Bridge

near the main entrance

outside the Worship Center, in the east hall, on the east wall

outside the Worship Center, in the east hall, on the west wall

outside the Worship Center, on the east wall

in the Chapel hall

Thank you quilters for 49 beautiful quilts. Some fortunate children in South Africa will have something to snuggle with, and the knowledge that someone cares about them.

"Web" Refresher

2011-02-07T15:57:00.000-06:00

Quilter friend and Stitchin' Mission #19 coordinator, Di J., in Sydney, Australia, recently made an hourglass block quilt with a friend.

Di J., and her friend, Di B, shared the project because it's a gift for mutual friend. After laying out the quilt, they each took home half of the quilt top to sew together. They were able to do this because they know how to make a web, keeping their block arrangements intact.

Di J.'s blog is SnippetsnScraps. And here is where she explains and shows how to make a web. She did a lovely job.

Stitchin' Mission #24 is a Wrap

2011-02-01T20:59:00.000-06:00

It wasn't learning to quilt that kept newbies from attending Stitchin' Mission lessons at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa. It was winter weather that challenged everyone!

Other than lessons on January 3 and 17, each Monday evening newbies and Rebekahs alike found themselves forced into deciding whether it was safe to travel to and from classes. Disappointingly, ten newbies missed the last lesson and were therefore unable to be in our group photos. But doesn't everyone look great in this picture?

Sincere thanks to photographer Rick McCubbin who makes himself available whenever quilters (Stitchin' Mission and Hope Quilters) need pictures of themselves or their quilts. We appreciate you, Rick!

Don't Forget to Add a Label

2011-01-26T15:43:00.000-06:00

The last Stitchin' Mission #24 lesson is Monday evening, January 31. With winter weather and seasonal illnesses playing havoc with our lives, everyone who stuck with this Stitchin' Mission, all the way to the end, is to be commended! Thank you!

Monday evening we'll take a group photo, photos of individual quilters with their quilt(s), and hand sew labels to the back of our quilts. Please don't forget to bring your hand sewing supplies.

We'll also meet a couple of the people who are going with the Mission South Africa team who will be delivering the quilts.

Quilters have until Tuesday, February 8 to turn in their finished quilts.

On Wednesday, February 9, Stitchin' Mission quilts will be hung in the atrium, outside the worship center, at Lutheran Church of Hope. Quilts will remain hanging until Friday, February 26.

Please stop by - pretty much anytime - to see the quilts at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Dedicated Newbies!

2011-01-18T15:15:00.000-06:00

For the past two Mondays, newbies and Rebekahs in Stitchin' Mission have had to contend with less-than-favorable weather. And whenever the weather makes life challenging, there's always a concern that newbies will simply give up and drop out.

While two-thirds of registered newbies stayed home, missing the second lesson (rotary cutting and piecing), only three newbies missed the third lesson (making a quilt sandwich and tying it).

Now we know for sure... neither snow, nor ice, nor cold could keep these dedicated Stitchin' Mission-ers from making quilts!

When everyone's willing to give and take, persevering and encouraging one another through the quiltmaking process, it's simply a beautiful experience.

Thank you Rebekahs...

...and thank you newbies!

Keep up the great work, and keep havin' fun!

Newbies, you're invited to join Hope Quilters for a day of sewing. Whether you spend your time making or finishing a Stitchin' Mission quilt, or helping with one of Hope Quilters' mission quilts, we'd love to have you join us.

We're meeting at Lutheran Church of Hope on Saturday, February 5 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in room 214. Please bring a sack lunch and drink, and RSVP here. You don't need to be a member of Lutheran Church of Hope to join our group.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5 (NIV)

It's snowing, and we WILL have class

2011-01-10T14:10:00.002-06:00

UPDATE 4:10 p.m. - The snow continues to fall, but we WILL have Stitchin' Mission class. Your safety is very important. If you do not feel comfortable driving, please stay home!

At this time - 2:30 p.m. - Stitchin' Mission class this evening is a go.

If you are commuting and are concerned about driving conditions, please use your best judgement to decide whether to attend or stay at home.

Travel safely! Linda

Register Now!

2010-12-21T08:44:00.002-06:00

Stitchin' Mission at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, begins in less than two weeks! There's plenty of room for you and your friends to join. And best of all, for those of you with small children, childcare is available!

Quilts will go to the Del Cramer Children's Campus in South Africa. This facility is part of Blessman Ministries, developed by Dr. Blessman of Urbandale, Iowa. Each day, this ministry feeds 1,000 children, many of whom are HIV-positive or living with AIDS. Dr. Blessman will speak to Stitchin' Mission participants at the first class.

Stitchin’ Mission is for everyone: adults and teens. For more information and to register visit www.StitchinMission.org or phone 515-222-1520.

Five free Stitchin' Mission, beginner quiltmaking lessons are:

Monday, January 3, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, January 10, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, January 17, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, January 24, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, January 31, 6:30 p.m.

Quilts Donated

2010-12-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

Susan Strock and Anita Heilman, co-coordinators of the October/November Stitchin' Mission at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church collected and delivered 42 quilts to Broadlawns Family Birthing Center, Des Moines, Iowa.

Susan Strock and Stitchin' Mission quilts

Susan and a Broadlawns Family Birthing Center staff member

Thank yous to everyone who joined in making so many quilts! You are a blessing.

Grant Update

2010-11-23T14:18:00.000-06:00

For those of you interested... I have received the Dream Big Grow Here grant check, and am now busily talking with various video production freelancers and businesses to choose the best option for making a Stitchin' Mission video.

The best use of time and money will be to videotape all five lessons in one day. That means gathering a dozen or so people as "students," five changes of clothes for me, and lots of sewing to show "one" quilt in various stages of completion. I anticipate that one quilt will eventually produce about six identical quilts!

It's all a little daunting at the moment, but my hope is that in the next few weeks I'll be able to make a decision about who will film, edit and produce this video. Videotaping will likely be toward the end of January, 2011. It's also my hope that the video and a printable coordinator's guide can be sold as a download through the Stitchin' Mission website.

I'll keep you posted!

Dream Big Grow Here Award Presentation

2010-11-14T22:44:00.000-06:00

Another Stitchin' Mission Scheduled

2010-11-12T09:21:00.000-06:00

Stitchin' Mission #24 has been scheduled at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Please join us!

Get more Stitchin' Mission information, and register here. Note that childcare is available.

Another Fine Finish!

2010-11-02T22:38:00.001-05:00

On Monday evening (Nov. 1), another highly successful Stitchin' Mission concluded at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church on Des Moines' east side. Twenty people, including a father/daughter team, participated in lessons. The quilt count stood at 35 on Monday evening, but with a turn-in date of Sunday, Nov. 14, it's expected that the finally quilt tally will be nearly 40. What a wonderful show of support for babies born at Broadlawns Family Birthing Center!

And, what a beautiful display of quilts we'll see at the church from Nov. 20-30! I hope everyone in the Des Moines area can stop by for a look.

Our last lesson included lots of stories and laughter. Everyone's enthused about participating in another Stitchin' Mission.

Here are some of our quilters with their quilts. Unfortunately, several quilters were unable to make it to the last lessons.

These three ladies are all related to one another, and even work at the same place!

Marilyn, Hollee, Joan

Karen, Phyllis, Sharon

Mary Kay, Beth, Ranae

These are some of the wonderfully helpful, and generous-with-their-time Rebekahs.

Norma, Angie, Michelle

Deb

Co-coordinator, Anita

Thank you all for making Stitchin' Mission so much fun! It's a double blessing that it blesses not only us who make quilts, but also the recipients. We are most definitely better togther!

Me - Linda

A Fine Finish!

2010-10-26T23:03:00.000-05:00

Stitchin' Mission #23 concluded Tuesday evening at Martensdale Community Church. What a wonderful group of participants! Look at all those bright quilts and even more bright, smiling faces.

The quilt count isn't yet final since a few remain to be finished, but it looks as though approximately 35 quilts will be divided between children in LaMesa, Mexico, and Ruth Harbor, a Des Moines home for unwed mothers. Gorgeous!

These two Stitchin' Mission co-coordinators did an excellent job of planning and welcoming everyone to their church. Thank you both!

Linda B.

Renee S.

Nor would Stitchin' Mission be successful without the talented guidance offered by these dedicated Rebekahs. And they made quilts too! Wonderful!

Deb D.

Michelle T.

Norma H.

John 17:21 says, "(Jesus speaking) I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you." (NLT)

In every Stitchin' Mission, women and men, from a variety of beliefs and various denominations meet weekly, and together become the one that Jesus prays we will be.

My prayer is that Stitchin' Mission will continual to be an occasion to join in community, regardless of our denominations, and be our opportunity to work together in service. In doing so, Jesus' prayer is answered.

Amen.

Third Class - UNsewing!?

2010-10-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

I don't have any photos to share from last week's two Stitchin' Missions, except for this one taken by Susan, the coordinator at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church.

One of our quilters discovered she'd loaded her sewing machine bobbin backward, so the piecing stitches pulled out like basting. Several people offered to help with unsewing, so the quilt top could be resewn more securely.

Without pointing out the "victim" of the sewing machine mistake, here we are, left to right:

Abigail, Michelle, Linda (me), and Merri Jo.

Thanks quilters for helping one another. We're so much better together!

Stitchin' Mission Rotary Cutting Lesson

2010-10-10T12:19:00.001-05:00

With two Stitchin' Missions happening simultaneously, we've got plenty of photo opportunities. More people than time to snap photos!

Everyone, in both classes, learned rotary cutting during the second lesson. The following are photos of students and Rebekahs (helpers) at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, on the east side of Des Moines.

L-R: Joan, Hollee and Marilyn

Maddie and Jerry, a father-daughter team!

Phyllis

Mary Kay, and "Rebekah" Norma

Merri Jo

"Rebekah" Michelle, and Pat

And at Stitchin' Mission #23 at Martensdale Community Church...

L-R: Beth, and SM#23 Co-Coordinator Linda Brewer

L-R: "Rebekah" Deb, and Susan

L-R: Emma, "Rebekah" Deb, and Holly

Two Stitchin' Missions Off to a Flying Start

2010-09-29T20:48:00.000-05:00

Monday night saw the start of Stitchin' Mission #22 at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church with 16 newbies in attendance. Coordinator Susan, was able to get Wal-Mart to donate a $50 gift card toward fabric purchases, and here she is making her selections.

Also at SM#22, Angie, a first-time Rebekah, checks out the donated fabrics.

Tuesday evening, Stitchin' Mission #23 began at Martensdale Community Church with 23 newbies.

Going beyond the usual, co-coordinators Linda and Renee measured, labeled and organized all the donated fabric pieces.

It looks very appealing, doesn't it?

These new quilters thought so too!

Newbies, have fun finalizing your fabric selections this week!

Dream Big Grow Here Update

2010-09-09T11:14:00.004-05:00

I will be making a short video too that I anticipate will also be put on the Dream Big Grow Here website. The $1,000 check-processing is in the works as I am trying to make plans for a January, 2011 Stitchin' Mission that will be videotaped. I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, two Stitchin' Mission beginner quiltmaking series start later this month. Please invite your friends to give quiltmaking a try. What better opportunity can anyone have than to learn how to make a quilt for free!?

Click here to read more about the Stitchin' Mission series on Des Moines' east side.

Click here to read more about the Stitchin' Mission series in Martensdale, Iowa.

Quilts made in these Stitchin' Missions will benefit:

Broadlawns Family Birthing Center, Des Moines
Mission La Mesa, Mexico
Ruth Harbor, Des Moines.

Thank you all for your support!

Linda

Stitchin' Mission Wins!

2010-09-01T06:00:00.005-05:00

Thank you!

Voting for Stitchin' Mission to win the $1,000 Dream Big, Grow Here grant, concluded at midnight, August 31. Thanks to all of you, Stitchin' Mission won, receiving 2, 519 votes over a 16-day period. Your support has been overwhelming beyond words. My simple "thank you" does not begin to adequately express the depths of my appreciation for everyone who voted, and my thoughts about this experience. God is faithful to us, even when we don't expect it, or think we deserve it. Praise Him for what He has done.

All follow-up information about the Stitchin' Mission grant will be posted to this blog. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart!

Help Stitchin' Mission

2010-08-11T15:00:00.002-05:00

If you've participated in a Stitchin' Mission, or read this blog, you probably know that since January 2005, I have been teaching free beginner quiltmaking lessons, with the students' quilts being donated to missions around the world.

These lessons, called Stitchin' Mission (SM) began at my own church, Lutheran Church of Hope, and have continued in Des Moines, Iowa, area churches of nearly every denomination. Quilts made by the students are donated to the host church's mission of choice.

To date, 689 people have participated in free Stitchin' Mission beginner quiltmaking lessons, with 895 baby quilts going to missions throughout the world. (See the world map here.)

Individuals from other states and countries have contacted me about offering SM lessons in their church. Unfortunately, I am unable to offer lessons farther away than I'm able to travel for five weeks. It has been my prayer that God would grow SM. Well, a door has opened. An opportunity has come up to grow SM.

In the month of August, an organization called Dream Big, Grow Here is giving a $1,000 grant to the person or organization who captures the most on-line votes for their big dream. With such a grant, my dream is to make a video production (DVD) of the SM lessons, including the Bible readings, devotions and prayers, and make it available to churches, accompanied by a coordinator's guide, that wish to host a SM. SM could spread across the U.S. and the world.

To win the $1,000 grant, I need your help!

The winner is determined by which dream receives the most votes.

Beginning Monday, August 16 (at noon, US Central time), you can cast an on-line vote for SM. Votes are being collected until noon Tuesday, August 31.

You can vote every day!

The July dream/grant-winner won with 2,000 votes. Can you help SM surpass that number?

Beginning August 16 cast your vote by clicking on the badge below, or click the voting badge on the right side bar. One vote permitted per day, per computer network.

These badges take you directly to the SM "Dream Big Grow Here" site at http://tinyurl.com/vote4SM

Even better... grab the badge (right side bar) and post it on your own blog to get more people to vote for SM.

Remember to vote daily through August 31!

Thank you so much, friends, for helping me help Stitchin' Mission.

Linda

Stitchin' Mission in September

2010-08-05T15:26:00.002-05:00

Stitchin' Mission® beginner quiltmaking lessons start Monday, September 27, 2010, 6:30 p.m., at Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, 4100 East Sheridan Ave., Des Moines. Choose from four 36” X 48” quilt patterns and in five free lessons, learn the fundamentals of quiltmaking. As much as possible, supplies are provided. Your cost may be $15 or less. Please consider donating the quilt you make to Broadlawns Family Birthing Center, Des Moines.

Stitchin’ Mission is interdenominational—everyone is welcome! For more information and to register CLICK HERE, or phone 515-263-1722.

Five Stitchin' Mission, beginner quiltmaking lessons are:

Monday, September 27, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, October 4, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, October 11, 6:30 p.m.

No class Monday, October 18

Monday, October 25, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, November 1, 6:30 p.m.

SM#21 Video

2010-07-22T10:20:00.004-05:00

This video was made by Capitol City Baptist Church, Des Moines, Iowa, the site of the last Stitchin' Mission, number 21, in March/April, 2010. Nicely done!

SM #21 made 56 quilts that were given to the Alpha Women's Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

New Life Quilts Made in Australia

2010-05-21T10:01:00.003-05:00

Since Stitchin' Mission #19 at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Darling Point (Sydney), Australia - that was two Stitchin' Missions ago! - new and experienced quilters have continued to meet regularly, making more quilts for an early learning care center specifically for children with autism. To reach their goal of 70 quilts, the group held a New Life Workshop to attempt to use up scraps generated during their Stitchin' Mission.

Here's Michaela.

And these are the three New Life Quilts she made.

Bright, kid-friendly colors.

Not a sleeper in the trio!

Didn't Michaela do a lovely job!? We're so proud of you! On behalf of the kids, thank you!

Sewing with St. Mark's Quilters in Australia

2010-05-08T02:19:00.008-05:00

While in Sydney, Australia, visiting my daughter and her family, I had the opportunity to visit with St. Mark's Quilters. This group began to meet monthly in February, 2010, after they hosted an October/November 2009 Stitchin' Mission at their church.

On the second Saturday of the month, May 8, going to the church, this was my passenger view from the car window. You know you're not in the US when you're sitting on the left side of a car going along the left side of the road.

We crossed the ANZAC (Australia/New Zealand Army Corps) bridge to get to St. Mark's Anglican Church in Darling Point, an eastern suburb of Sydney. Upon arrival, I felt right at home among these welcoming quilters. The group sews in this recently renovated space that boasts a kitchen area with a frig and dishwasher, and air-conditioning which wasn't needed on this pretty autumn day in May.

Just like church quilting groups at home, some of the work occurs on the floor!Several of the quilters are Stitchin' Mission grads.

MichalaMargaret (left) and Moo

L-R: Di B., Barb and Gail Michala
Di C. (Three quilters named Di were at this quilting day!) showed us her version of "Noah's Ark," with Four Rail blocks in place of the Twin Loaf block. Pretty, bright colors, Di!Moo boldly stepped out of her comfort zone to select this bright color combination. Great!
Di J. (left) and Di B. were co-coordinators of Stitchin' Mission #19 and are now responsible for the new St. Mark's Quilters. These are two of the nicest people you'd ever want to meet.CathGail (left) and MichalaMy 11 year-old grand-daughter, Celina, joined us. She did a lot of sewing and pressing, and seemed to enjoy it! Together, we nearly finished making a "Stairs to Heaven" quilt top.Margaret worked on this New Life quilt. It's definitely bright and cheery.

Since the quilters' room is open to a fenced-in garden, two special dogs are welcome during the sewing day. Chester, the black lab, is a puppy who belongs to Di J. (her husband is St. Mark's rector) and was full of boundless energy. The more sedate Matilda is a beautiful, six year-old golden retriever who belongs to Di. B. How nice to have these friends join us.

Matilda and Di B.

When she wasn't loving up Matilda, Di B. beavered away on a mission quilt. She took an Amanda Daley free-motion quilting class, and is now doing a smashing job with her quilting.

Between SM#19 and St. Mark's Quilters, more than 70 quilts have been made that will be donated to the KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre opening in June. All the quilts will be displayed at St. Mark's on Sunday, May 23.

Thank you, St. Mark's Quilters, for a beautiful day. I will always remember my very special times with you. Blessings!

Stitchin' Mission Tea - A Reunion!

2010-04-22T03:27:00.011-05:00

The sweet quilters of Stitchin' Mission #19, the series held in Darling Point (Sydney), Australia, at St. Mark's Anglican Church hosted an afternoon tea for me, and my daughter and grandson. I felt quite honored by their thoughtfulness! They invited all the SM participants to come so I could visit with them again.

Unfortunately, a number of the quilters are employed, so not all of them were able to attend. But I was thrilled to spend several hours with nine of them: Di, Di, and Di (There is certainly no shortage of quilters named "Di" in Australia!), as well as Margaret, Moo, Averil, Cath, Louise, and Christine.

Di C. (left) was our gracious hostess, inviting us into her home on the water's edge.

This is the lovely table with tea, coffee and desserts. Louise is pouring tea.
Christine and LouiseMoo and Averil
CathMe and MargaretDi J. - She's one of the two Di-s who coordinated SM#19.My daughter Jill, and six month-old TayDesserts! I don't know what they are, but they were good!

A Stitchin' Mission tea isn't complete without quilt-talk and show-and-tell. Di C. made this New Life quilt with Stitchin' Mission fabric scraps. She's donating it to the KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning & Care Centre, the mission this group has been quilt making for since last fall. At last count, the group is nearing 70 quilts that will be given to the Centre for its opening in June.

Di C. your quilt is darling! That striped binding is perfect for this quilt.

The only Di who wasn't photographed is Di B. who was behind the camera. Thank you Di B. for taking these great photos. It was a perfectly wonderful afternoon. Thank you everyone!

Last Lesson, Stitchin' Mission #21

2010-04-14T23:40:00.000-05:00

The last Stitchin' Mission #21 lesson at Capitol City Baptist Church ended with a celebration of each quilter's work. At least 45 quilts are expected to be donated to the Alpha Women's Center. The final quilt count will be available the weekend of May 1-2 when the quilts are displayed for two weekends at Capitol City Baptist Church.

Thank yous to all 42 new quilters and 14 Rebekah helpers who made this a highly successful Stitchin' Mission. You are all simply wonderful! Here are photos of just a few of our fabulous quilters.

Susan

Roy

Benae

Marcia

Karen

Jeanette

Anne Marie, age 11. This is her first quilt!

Dena, Angie, and Joyce

At the beginning of the lesson, a moving devotional poem was offered. Here it is by request:

My friend, I stand at the Judgment now and feel that you’re to blame somehow.
On earth I walked with you day by day and never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory but never did you tell me the story.
My knowledge then was very dim you could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on this earth you never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned because you failed to mention Him.
You told me many things tis true I called you friend and trusted you.
But I learn now that it’s too late, you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night and yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, love, and die. You knew I’d never live on high.
Yes, I called you friend in life and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end, I cannot now call you friend.

May each of us always share the love of Jesus Christ with others, especially our friends, and by the work of our hands.

SM21 Binding Lesson

2010-04-07T09:02:00.002-05:00

It was an excellent turn-out for the binding lesson at Capitol City Baptist Church.

The quilters allowed me to show them several quilts I've made from Stitchin' Mission patterns.

Susan hold up "Crusts and Crumbs."

Everyone gathered 'round to learn how to sew together binding strips.

Here they're learning to draw a straight edge around the perimeter of the quilt. The drawn line is the edge along which the raw edges of the binding are positioned for sewing.

Everyone gets a chance to see how to hand-stitch binding to the quilt back, using a blind stitch.

Next week we'll be sewing labels to the back of finished quilts. Don't forget to bring along your hand-sewing supplies: needle, light-colored thread (white or beige), snips, and a thimble.

And even if your quilt isn't finished, bring it along so you can pose with everyone for the group photo. Finished quilts are due to the church by Friday, April 30 for display the weekends of May 2 and 9.

Thank you, almost-finished quilters! You're nearly there! We all appreciate your gifts of time and love for mothers and babies at the Alpha Women's Center.

Stitchin' Mission #21 Third Lesson

2010-03-31T06:57:00.007-05:00

Tuesday evening several dozen quilters made sandwiches, and tied their quilts. Everyone was so hard at work - having a good time at it - that very few photos were taken.

Here are some of our wonderful newbies with apologies to those who were not photographed.

Rebekahs Betty and Teresa

We're happy Roy is participating in Stitchin' Mission. He's the fourth fella to do so.

Everyone is encouraged to complete their quilts for the Alpha Women's Center by the last lesson, Tuesday, April 13. For those who may need extra time to finish - perhaps make a second quilt - you're asked to turn them into the church office by Friday, April 30.

Quilts will be displayed beginning Sunday, May 2 through Sunday, May 9.

Stitchin' Mission #21 Second Lesson

2010-03-24T14:30:00.003-05:00

43 newbies

13 Rebekahs

Rollin' rotary cutters!

And a few smiles along the way.

Good efforts, everyone!

New Life Down Under

2010-03-17T08:42:00.004-05:00

St. Mark's Quilters, a newly-formed group at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Sydney, Australia, recently held a New Life Workshop. Their small group made more than 300 Ezekiel blocks using leftover Stitchin' Mission and other scrap fabrics!

Quilts they're making will be given to children attending a preschool for autistic kids.

See more pictures here.

2010-03-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, Stitchin' Mission quilts from series 20 at First Federated Church were displayed in the church's Franklin Hall.

Newbies and Rebekahs made 41 quilts.

In July, quilts will be taken to Dolce Refugio Children's Home in Monterrey, Mexico.

Thank you to the 38 quilters who made and donated a quilt.

Stitchin' Mission #21 UPDATE

2010-03-05T13:35:00.003-06:00

Due to a family death, the second Stitchin' Mission #21 lesson scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, at Capitol City Baptist Church, has been postponed.

An additional Tuesday lesson has been scheduled for April 13, so participants will receive all five lessons.

Since no lesson was scheduled for March 16 due to spring break, the remaining four lessons are:

March 23
March 30
April 6
April 13

We'll begin at the same time, 6:30 p.m.

My sincerest apologies for disrupting your schedule. Thank you for your understanding.

Linda

First Class of SM#21

2010-03-05T11:58:00.007-06:00

Last Tuesday evening, March 2, at Capitol City Baptist Church (the first Baptist church to host a SM - Yay Baptists!) we were blessed with lots of people interested in learning about quiltmaking, and donating their quilts to the Alpha Women's Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

Forty-one newbies attended, and 11 Rebekah-helpers.

The camera passed among many hands to capture some of these moments from the evening.

Yep, we sure do have a fella in this SM.

He's not the first guy to have participated; he's actually the fourth! Go guys!

This sign gave some of us "old-timers" the giggles.

Though it's always suggested that Rebekahs sit in the back, this ensures it!

Fabric shopping was in a separate room.

I'm happy to say that we again have several mother-daughter teams.

Even the newest SM "graduate" jumped in to help.

Thank you, Rebekahs! You're the best!

Newbies, we hope you're having fun making fabric selections for the quilt(s) you want to make.

New Life Workshop at St. Luke's Episcopal

2010-02-27T20:49:00.007-06:00

On Saturday, February 27 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., 20 quilters gathered at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Des Moines to make "New Life" quilts.

The devotion from Ezekiel 37 was about a vision given to Ezekiel from God. A dry desert full of old bones returned to human form, but were not fully alive until they received ruach, the breath of life.

Quilters began "breathing life" into fabric strips and scraps to create new fabric. They began by selecting many strips and small pieces to sew together.

A colorful jumble of fabrics and machines!

Laura selecting more small pieces from the pile. A finished New Life quilt is behind Laura.

Diana sewing.

Sue with a strip of pieces.

Nancy and Lois

Debra shows off her "new" fabric.

Laura sewed lots of blocks.

Dorothea cutting "foursies" and "fivesies."

Janette and Laura

Some of the 20 block-makers were happy to pose with their blocks.

The group sewed 132 - 6-1/2" X 6-1/2" blocks that they donated to St. Luke's!

Quilters at St. Luke's will use the blocks to make quilts that will be raffled for a fundraiser.

Great work, everyone!

An Honor

2010-02-13T18:32:00.016-06:00

After five years, and 20 - going on 21 - Stitchin' Mission series in the Des Moines area, including a Stitchin' Mission last year in Sydney, Australia, it's appropriate to thank and recognize all of you who have contributed to this ministry.

Quiltmaking helpers, called "Rebekahs" are the backbone of all Stitchin' Mission lessons. Without their help, quiltmaking lessons would not be feasible. Rebekahs are so-named based on Genesis 24. It was Rebekah at the well who offered water to Eliezer, Abraham's servant, and ten camels, and so Stitchin' Mission Rebekahs help teach newbies quiltmaking lessons.

Without each of you, teaching more than 600 people how to make quilts would not have happened. Thank yous do not begin to convey my appreciation to these 80-plus Rebekahs since 2005:

Elaine Anderson

Mary Baker

Cindy Barnett

Sharon Beerman

Dolores Belisario

Marna Billings

Debra Bird

Judy Bishop

Katie Borwey

Di Bracey

Linda Brewer

Emmaly Burklund

Jane Christenson

JoAnn Christians

Teresa Coady

Sue Conard

Connie Cook

Kimberly Coulter

Debbie Cowling

Jane Davis

Lynn DeGroot

Debra Dickerson

Beth Duensing

Ann Gerdom

Becky Gernant

Maggie Gilbert

Lori Githens

Missy Godfrey

Lois Grove

Norma Hamilton

Hollie Hart

Lorna Heemstra

Laurie Hews

Lyssa Hoffmann

Erika Horstmann

Barb Hyler

Deb Jacobs

Di Jobbins

Julia Jones

Nancy Jones

Deb Kellogg

Deanna Kennedy

Katie Kisling

Laura Kovarik

Linda Lack

Janet Leete

Kathleen Levinson

Abigail Livingood

Connie Lovelady

Doris Martin

Susan Mathison

Rhonda Matus

Su McCurdy

Robyn McGregor

Jean McLaughlin

Cath Midson

Leslie Miller

Susan Murdock

Mary Nichols

Kim Ogle

Gail Opie

Elaine Remoff

Norma Rohn

Jan Rosander

Lu Saf

Helen Schleicher

Nancy Schroeder

Susan Scrivner

Ann Shoemaker

Sharon Shultz

Julie Siefken

Norma Soethout

Ann Spencer

Michelle Tepley

Vivian Thatcher

Shirley Thomson

Alice Wegner

Nancy White

Marjorie Wildgoose

Lyn Wilson

Gigi Wilwerding

And extra special thank-yous go to the women who have accepted the responsibility of hosting a Stitchin' Mission. This is no small task! Consider the publicity, fabric donations, room arrangements, name tags, hand-outs, batting-shopping, photo arrangements, and quilt displays that each of them accomplished... dispensing smiles for everyone while an exacting teacher directs their moves! Thank you to these indispensable women who have coordinated Stitchin' Mission lessons in their churches since 2005:

(In chronological order)

Helen Schleicher - Valley Evangelical Free Church, West Des Moines

Norma Rohn - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale

Sharon Beerman - St. John's Lutheran Church, Des Moines

Janet Leete - Berean Assembly of God, Pleasant Hill

Deanna Kennedy - Living Faith Lutheran Church, Clive

Jane Christenson - Westminster Presbyterian Church, Des Moines

Gigi Wilwerding - Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Des Moines

Ann Gerdom - West Des Moines United Methodist Church, West Des Moines

Norma Hamilton - Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines

Susan Mathison - St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Des Moines

Joann Christians, Jane Davis - Johnston Evangelical Free Church, Johnston

Di Jobbins, Di Bracey - St. Mark's Anglican Church, Darling Point (Sydney), Australia

Lois Grove - First Federated Church, Des Moines

Because all of you have stood so faithfully behind Stitchin' Mission, supporting it and me in countless ways, this was given:

American Red Cross 2010 Heroes of the Heartland Award

Thank you, Jaci Gordon, women's ministry director at Lutheran Church of Hope, who made the nomination.
I am honored and more than humbled. This moment cannot be about me, but about all of you who have steadfastly participated in, and assisted with Stitchin' Mission. And numerous friends who have been my sounding board and advocate throughout the past five years. God's perfect timing put each of you in the right place, at the right moment, to fulfill his plan to help others in need of quilts, and touch lives in a unique way.

Thank you all for being such an incredible blessing. To God be this glory.

Linda

It's a Wrap!

2010-02-10T13:26:00.005-06:00

A wrap of quilts that is!

Stitchin' Mission #20 lessons at First Federated Church concluded last evening with a little celebration,

and photos. Have you ever seen so many beaming faces?

Look for this group photo in the Des Moines Register (communities section) on Tuesday, February 16.

Thank you, Rebekahs, for giving your time to help our newbies. And thank you, newbies, for the gift of your time and struggles to learn to make a quilt, and then give it away! During show and tell we saw lots of fun boy quilts, and darling girl quilts that will surely bless the children at Dolce Refugio Children's Home in Monterrey, Mexico.

SM20 participants have until March 7 to complete and turn in their quilts. First Federated will display them in their worship center on Sunday, March 14. Come and see them!

New Life Quilt Made in Australia

2010-02-08T12:14:00.003-06:00

Quilters at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Sydney (Darling Point), Australia, have been busy! Di Bracey sent this picture of her New Life Quilt, made with leftover fabrics from Stitchin' Mission #19 held there last October/November.

Learn how to make this quilt at the New Life Workshop on Saturday, February 27, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church here in Des Moines. We'll provide the scraps - unless you want to bring your own - and enjoy a day of sewing together. For more information or to register, go here.

Another Stitchin' Mission Scheduled

2010-02-05T12:40:00.004-06:00

Though the last Stitchin' Mission #20 class at First Federated Church is next Tuesday, it's not too soon to mention that another Stitchin' Mission has been scheduled. Stitchin' Mission #21!

Please invite your friends and family to join in this next series of five free beginner quiltmaking lessons. Register now!

Stitchin' Mission® beginner quiltmaking lessons start Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 6:30 p.m., at Capitol City Baptist Church, 5990 NE 14th St., Des Moines. Choose from four 36” X 48” quilt patterns and in five free lessons, learn the fundamentals of quiltmaking. As much as possible, supplies are provided. Your cost may be $15 or less. Please consider donating the quilt you make to Alpha Women’s Center, Ankeny, Iowa.

Stitchin’ Mission is interdenominational—everyone is welcome! For more information and to register visit www.StitchinMission.org or phone (515) 289-1419.

Five Stitchin' Mission, beginner quiltmaking lessons are:

Tuesday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 p.m.

No class spring break week, Tuesday, March 16

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 30, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m.

Stitchin' Mission #20 - Lessons Learned!

2010-01-27T13:50:00.008-06:00

A hallway display case for Stitchin' Mission, at First Federated Church, Des Moines.

Stitchin' Mission #20 is rolling along... swimmingly! Or perhaps I should say snowingly! Our lessons have squeezed between an ice storm, and snow with white-out conditions. We're grateful to be able to continue to meet weekly.

This week's class found several quilters whirring away at sewing machines, while others spent time sandwiching and tying quilts.

If you continue through to the end of this post, you'll see a short video clip of a tying lesson everyone learned, including the instructor! You can teach an old dog new tricks!

Jeanette, tying her quilt sandwich.

Everyone loves Rachel's striking soccer print fabric.

We're glad to see Suyau at her second Stitchin' Mission!

What a skilled team Ashley has to help her sew! At left is Lois, our coordinator, and Linda, an able Rebekah.

Rebekah Deb helps Laura.

We didn't make Rachel sandwich her quilt on the floor, but she doesn't look too unhappy about it.

This mom Colette (L) and daughter Missy seem to be having a lot of fun together.

Mary worked away diligently, and was still at it at 9:45 p.m!

A highlight of the evening was watching De Ette's method - learned from ladies in her own church - of tying a quilt. Thank you for sharing this clever technique, De Ette!

Stitchin' Mission Lesson Questions Answered

2010-01-22T12:02:00.004-06:00

Sue emailed these comments and questions. In case anyone else has similar questions, here are my responses.

Thanks again for another great class! I’ve laid out my blocks and I think the quilt is going to be really neat, so thanks to you and the Rebekahs for their help.

OK, I’ve come up with some questions:

1) How many safety pins do we need? I think I can scare up a few 1” ones but I have at least 16 bigger ones (1¾” total length) if those aren’t too big. The short answer is lots! I have several hundred that I use for pinning a large quilt. But if I were to guess for this baby quilt, I'd say 80-100 pins. They need to be pinned into the quilt sandwich approximately 4" apart to security hold the layers together. All that said though, you can thread baste your quilt. OR if you're planning to tie it, no basting is needed because we'll sandwich and tie the layers all at one time.

2) What width of masking tape do we need? The best roll I have is wider than the standard roll, but I can purchase a regular width roll if that will work. The regular width roll I have is old and likes to shred as you remove it from the spool, plus the back is rather sticky and I’m afraid it will leave a residue on the quilt. Any width tape works. We'll use it to tape the backing fabric to a table top.

3) Will you cover how to make the binding in the 4^th class so we can finish the quilt before the 5^th class? Yes, the fourth lesson is about binding.

SM20 - Second Lesson, Rotary Cutting

2010-01-20T09:47:00.007-06:00

For the second lesson of Stitchin' Mission #20 at First Federated Church in Des Moines, we moved to the church's Fellowship Hall. Since this church is the site of the former Franklin Junior High School, that meant we had a large room - the school's former cafeteria! The room offers plenty of space for simultaneously being able to have our circle gathering and lesson, and spaciously distanced tables for rotary cutting. Perfect!

Lois Grove (L) is the dedicated coordinator for this Stitchin' Mission.

She's ably assisted by Nancy Jones.

As always, and as I love to see, we have a few mother/daughter combos.

Here's 13 year-old Elizabeth with her mother, Cheryl.

Deb Jacobs (L), has been a faithful Rebekah at several SMs. Here Deb is assisting Sue.

Another mother/daughter combo is Krystal (L), and 11 year-old Kinsey.

Rebekah Connie (L), assists De Ette.

Carla (L) is assisted by Barb Hyler who has attended many SMs

with this being her first session as a Rebekah.

Rachel (L) gets extra help from two Rebekahs!

Michelle Tepley (middle) has attended nearly all 20 SMs,

and Susan Murdock (R), has assisted with at least a half dozen SMs.

Rachel, you received very experienced help!

Spring looks as though she's enjoying herself.

Liz (L), Diane (middle) and Carol shared conversation as they worked.

The photos don't capture everyone in attendance, but more photo ops will be available next Tuesday when we begin making quilt sandwiches.

2010-01-13T10:39:00.006-06:00

Stitchin' Mission #20 began Tuesday evening at First Federated Church in Des Moines, Iowa. Thirteen Rebekahs (helpers who "go the extra mile") and 35 newbies turned out on a mild (only 20F) winter night to learn about quiltmaking.

Among many topics covered during the first lesson is a segment about styles and types of fabrics, and characteristics of design: scale, contrast, and value.

Value is often an elusive concept to grasp. Even when showing the quilt top (below) that was specifically made to explain the attributes of various prints, value can be difficult to see. To show it more clearly, it's helpful to photograph your fabrics or quilt top. Then compare the color version to a black and white version. Value becomes very apparent!

The fourth row of tone-on-tone print loaves (3-1/2" X 6-1/2" unfinished rectangles) clearly shows that these loaves are not in value order! They're not lined up from lightest to darkest. Interesting, isn't it?

Hopefully this demonstration will help you understand value, and how it makes your quilt more interesting when you select fabrics with a variety of light, medium and dark values.

Clean Your Sewing Machine!

2010-01-11T06:30:00.003-06:00

This is surely the best reason I've ever seen to clean your sewing machine! If you haven't done that for a while, or ever, take a moment to review what Bernina recommends.

http://www.berninausablog.com/read/keep-a-clean-machine

Those Quilts Have Been Hung

2009-12-20T19:47:00.002-06:00

This message comes from Di Jobbins, one of the two Di-s who were Stitchin' Mission coordinators at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Sydney, Australia. Please visit Di's link, below, and scroll, scroll, scroll through her blog to see all the beautiful quilts hanging in their beautiful church.

As I think you might remember, QDU'er Linda Hungerford, from Lutheran Church of Hope in Des Moines Iowa taught a faith-based 5 week beginner quiltmaking class at our church here in Sydney in October/November this year, the plan being to make children's quilts for an autism specific kindy opening in Liverpool next year. Yesterday we hung 51 quilts in our church and they look magnificent! I've blogged about them, with lots of photos, over 4 separate posts, so scroll down to begin reading the first one. www.snippetsnscraps.blogspot.com

Happy Christmas, everyone!

Cheers, Di in Darling Point, making a list (and checking it twice!)

Stitchin' Mission Down Under in the News

2009-12-09T16:03:00.003-06:00

An article about Stitchin' Mission #19 at St. Mark's in Darling Point (Sydney) appears in on on-line issue of the Wentworth Courier.

Stuff Happenin'!

2009-12-04T16:32:00.007-06:00

Recapping several Stitchin' Mission activities.

Stitchin' Mission #19 in Sydney (Darling Point, specifically), Australia, ended November 22 and those quilters have until Sunday, December 13 to turn in their finished quilts. At last count, 48 quilts have been made! These will be displayed at St. Mark's Anglican Church through the holidays, and given to a preschool for autistic children, due to open in June 2010.|

The two Stringing Colors quilts made for Australian bush fire relief were mailed to Jan McFadyen on October 27. Our quilts were received and will be delivered to people in need who live in Kinglake, Victoria, an area most heavily damaged by February 2009 bush fires. On OzComfortQuilts.blogspot.com you can read a blog post about those quilts here.

On December 1, the 11 member Mission Kinshuko team gave a presentation with wonderful photos and videos of their experiences at C-on Kinshuko and in Tokyo.

Here, Norma Hamilton (right) introduces Kumiko who is the person who saw and photographed Stitchin' Mission quilts at Lutheran Church of Hope. Kumiko returned to Japan and showed quilt pictures to her pastor, who then asked us to make quilts for C-on Kinshuko! Kumiko is our "connecting link" and who could have guessed where it would all lead. Below is a photo, taken at C-on Kinshuko, of the missionaries, and Quilt Camp and English Camp attendees. The quilt being held is one of the 101 quilts made for the camp. This one has the Lutheran Church of Hope logo in Sashiko, as the center medallion.

Click here to go to the C-on Kinshuko website and view photos of the camp and our missionaries' activities. From the home page, go to the bottom bar and click on the second button from the left.

If you participated in Beyond Stitchin' Mission to help make a quilt for C-on Kinshuko, the camp sent home a gift for you. Contact me to arrange to get yours.

Stitchin' Mission #20 Begins in January (five years after the first Stitchin' Mission!)

The 20th series of Stitchin' Mission beginner quiltmaking lessons will start Tuesday, January 12 (6:30 pm) at First Federated Church here in Des Moines.

Donations of 100 percent cotton fabrics are gratefully being accepted.
You're invited to register now, either as an individual who wants to learn quiltmaking, or as a Rebekah (helper) with quiltmaking experience who is willing to help others learn. Everyone is welcome! Click here to register.

Stitchin' Mission on the Radio

On Thursday, January 7, 2010, I will again talk about Stitchin' Mission on the radio. If you're in the Des Moines area you can listen to Maxine Sielman's program, "Update Today," from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. on station KPSZ, Praise 940 AM.

It's beautiful to see how Stitchin' Mission, and what you are doing, is touching the world. Blessings!

Video Interview about Stitchin' Mission

2009-11-28T12:27:00.006-06:00

On my last day in Australia (Thanksgiving Day), Di Jobbins, Di Bracey and I met with Pam Holland at the Four Points Sheraton in Sydney's CBD (Central Business District) for a video interview about Stitchin' Mission.

Pam is a quilter, tutor, lecturer, author, judge, pattern designer, photographer, cinematographer (Her business card says so!) who lives in Australia. She has won Best of Show at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, is a frequent instructor there, and travels all over the world teaching her quilting techinques. Pam creates film clips and is compiling stories for a documentary about what women are doing with quiltmaking.

(L-R) Di Jobbins, Di Bracey, Pam Holland and me (Linda Hungerford) met for several hours,

seeing some of Pam's own incredible artistic quilt work,

and WIPs (work-in-progress). See more on Pam's blog.

She video-interviewed us, individually and together. When I know exactly where and when you can see what Pam has done with our interview, you'll be the first to know! It's so exciting that Stitchin' Mission has "gone global!"

Australia Stitchin' Mission - Last Class

2009-11-22T15:05:00.013-06:00

Sunday was the last Stitchin' Mission class at St. Mark's Church in Darling Point (Sydney). The entire series of lessons couldn't have gone more smoothly, nor have been any more enjoyable to teach. I felt like royalty!

Thanks go to Di Bracey (below left) and Di Jobbins (right) who were not only organization personified, but provided nearly all my teaching tools because I was unable to bring everything with me. Down to the last detail, they had their act together! On top of that, between them they've made a dozen quilts! It was a priviledge to share SM with these enthusiastic, Spirit-filled women.

In spite of 98 F (37C) temperatures (no air-con here, Americans), we had a delightful, and somewhat emotional celebration. While many SMers were fondly remembering Marcia Burgess - the woman for whom the new autism preschool is named, and the place that will receive the quilts - we also reminisced about the lessons. newfound quilting knowledged, and friendships we shared. It was a beautiful experience.

Last class party treats were enjoyed. The cupcakes... ...were made by Jess. Thank you!

Personally, this was a very special Stitchin' Mission because it's the first time I've taught outside the Des Moines, Iowa, area. Admittedly, I was a little anxious at the first class, as were Di and Di who confessed they didn't know what they'd do when no one showed up for lessons! All our concerns were unfounded.

By the second lesson, I knew I was "at home," and that Aussie quilters are not one whit different than American quilters. We all speak the same language when it comes to making quilts. Taking SM international has simply confirmed its effectiveness wherever in the world it may go. Stitchin' Mission:

Brings people together in a common effort (quiltmaking)
For a common good (mission).
Proclaims and practices that Christians, no matter what denomination we claim, believe in the same Lord, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.
Effectively teaches the craft of quiltmaking.
Encourages new friendships.
Often leads to the formation of new quilting groups.

God sure came up with a marvelous concept, didn't He?! All praise and honor to Him for what He has done.

More Blogging

2009-11-18T12:51:00.001-06:00

Don't miss Di's blog posts about Stitchin' Mission #19 in Australia! Go HERE.

Australia Stitchin Mission - Fourth Lesson

2009-11-15T04:18:00.008-06:00

Stitchin' Mission #19 at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Darling Point, New South Wales, Australia, is successfully moving forward. We're into the home stretch with only one more lesson remaining. Coordinators Di and Di are asking that finished quilts be turned in by December 13 for hanging and display in time for Lessons and Carols, and through Christmas Eve.

Today's lesson four was about how to make and sew binding to a quilt. Not having an opportunity to take photos until the lesson was over, here's what I have to share.

My ten year-old grand-daughter, Celina, trimmed the embroidery thread ties on one of my quilts.Before the 5:00 p.m. worship service we had a look inside St. Mark's. Pictured are, left to right, Margaret Gorham, director of the Kindergarten Union Marcia Burgess Center for Autistic children (the group that will receive our mission quilts), Di Jobbins, Di Bracey, and Celina. St. Mark's was built in 1852 by the well-known Sydney architect Edmund Blacket. Of course, I first noticed the floors. Throughout Sydney you'll find sidewalks, porches, and entries covered with patterned tiles that look - of course! - like quilt blocks.

Inside, looking toward the back of the sanctuary is an upper gallery used as congregational overflow. Across the beautiful decorated railing Stitchin' Mission quilts will be hung.
Looking toward the front, at the altar.
Though it won't be possible to see the Stitchin' Mission quilt display in person, Di and Di will assuredly make photos available that can be shared with everyone.

Thank you Australian Stitchin' Mission-ers for your dedication to this quiltmaking effort.

Pictures to see!

2009-11-10T03:27:00.002-06:00

Don't miss Di's blog. She's writing about Stitchin' Mission lessons in Australia, and is showing lots of pictures and great information.

Australia SM - Third Lesson

2009-11-08T01:00:00.007-06:00

Lo-cal sandwich making was the order of the afternoon at St. Mark's Anglican Church (Sydney, Australia) third Stitchin' Mission lesson.

Digging in and offering assistance not only in class, but outside of class, coordinator Di Bracey looks as happy as a quilter in a room full of free fabric.

Being a little shy on tables, everyone pitched in to help each other get their quilts basted or tied.

It's heart-warming to see young friends sharing the learning process.

Most quilters will tie their quilts, and some quilters are opting to try machine-quilting.

More than one quilter, intending to make one quilt, purchased additional fabric to make a second quilt! Thank you! This new quilter, Debbie, is thinking and working ahead to make twin doll quilts for her two daughters.

Once again, Stitchin' Mission is proving its effectiveness in being an environment where eager learners are embracing the fun and satisfaction that happens during quiltmaking. There's already talk about a possible group forming at the church! God's definitely at work here, and we praise Him for it.

Australia SM - Second Lesson

2009-11-01T02:01:00.004-06:00

It was another successful Stitchin' Mission lesson, number two, at St. Mark's in Sydney, Australia. Key lesson components were rotary cutting and how to sew the quilt top.

Besides here, see more photos and blogging about Stitchin' Mission here.

If facial expressions are any indication of understanding, everyone seemed to grasp the concepts in spite of my Americanisms and accent (Ha! Really, who has the accent?!)

SM grads: Doesn't this look just like home?

In Australia there are:

just as many eager learners (Carol);
blade-wielding newbies (Geraldine); smiling faces (Jessica);

with can-do attitudes (Corrine);

and newbies who work shoulder to shoulder (Michaela and Christine);

as they persevere (Helen);to learn how to rotary cut fabric (Mora).

This group of caring, sharing young ladies and women have quickly grasped what Stitchin' Mission is all about - sharing quiltmaking with one another while we fulfill our purpose to make quilts that bless others.

And today during worship, I was reminded once more just how incredible our God is. Embrace the reality of this: That no matter on what continent we live, wherever we are in the world, we who believe in God and his Son, Jesus, are ONE in the Spirit. Praise to God!

Stitchin' Mission Begins Down Under

2009-10-25T03:16:00.011-05:00

St. Mark's Anglican Church in Darling Point (Sydney), Australia, today hosted the first international Stitchin' Mission! For the next four Sunday afternoons, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., newbies and Rebekahs will meet to make quilts for autistic children who will attend a Liverpool (Sydney) preschool expected to open in June 2010.

Every registrant received this package containing a name tag, hand-outs, and a lovely pin cushion made by Di Jobbins, one of two well-organized Dis - the other being Di Bracey - who are coordinating this SM.These two industrious coordinators also sewed quilt samples, at least one each of all four patterns, far beyond the usual responsibilities of a coordinator. Their efforts lightened my two-bag luggage load which still managed to total 98 pounds! Thirty-one people attended the first lesson, and everyone made me feel very welcome.

Interestingly, though we speak the same language, yardages had to be converted to meterages,, and the Rebekah Bible story from Genesis 24 about the quantity of water for a camel and in a water jar was converted from gallons to liters.

I was in my favorite place, doing my favorite thing - sharing God's gifts and quiltmaking. I'm looking forward to our second lesson. We all appreciate for prayers for this SM. It's evident God is hearing and answering.

Australia Stitchin' Mission News

2009-10-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

From the Wentworth Courier, Australia

Di Jobbins and Di Bracey,members of St Mark’s Darling Point congregation, are on a mission with a difference - a Stitchin’ Mission."The idea is simple," said Di J, “We’re offering five free beginner quiltmaking classes, to be taught by American quilter Linda Hungerford, on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 5 starting on October 25. At the end of five weeks you’ll have created a bright, cheerful child’s quilt which you’re then encouraged to donate to our “mission” - the new KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning & Care Centre opening at Liverpool in mid 2010.”

Fabrics are provided - this dynamic duo has been chasing fabric bargains for the last three months! - and a donation of $10 towards the quilt batting is all that is asked. Participants will also need the use of a sewing machine for out-of-class sewing, and may need to buy or borrow a small number of tools.

Stitchin’ Mission came about when Di learned that her friend Linda Hungerford, originator of the classes, would be visiting Sydney in October and November.

“Linda has conducted 18 Stitchin’ Missions at churches in her hometown, Des Moines, Iowa, and more than 700 quilts have been made over the last 5 years and sent all over the world to orphanages, schools, women’s refuges and to the homeless. At the same time, Di B and I learned that KU Children’s Services was planning to name their new autism specific kindy after a dear friend of ours from St Mark’s, Marcia Burgess, who passed away a couple of years ago. Marcia looked after the interests of Special Needs children in her work with KU, and we felt that mobilising folk to make quilts for these little ones was the perfect way to get involved and help continue Marcia’s work.”

It’s not compulsory to give away your quilt, but Di feels the idea of. ‘paying forward’ the gift of free quiltmaking lessons in the knowledge that a quilt is destined to become a treasured wrap for a pre-schooler, has great appeal. Just how many quilts are needed? “Around 60 to 70”, admits Di, “but we’re confident it won’t be a Mission Impossible!”

To join St Mark’s Stitchin’ Mission email Di Jobbins at dianne.jobbins@bigpond.com, phone the St Mark’s church office 9363 3657, or see the Stitchin’ Mission website, www.stitchinmission.org, for online registration.

Stitchin' Mission Down Under

2009-10-19T08:00:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m., Stitchin' Mission #19 begins at St. Mark's Anglican Church in Darling Point (Sydney), Australia.

In anticipation of the quiltmaking lessons, interested participants were invited to the home of Di Jobbins, one of two SM coordinators, for an informational presentation about the organization that will receive SM quilts.

Di writes:

Our quilts will go to a brand new kindy, the KU Marcia Burgess Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre, opening in a south western suburb of Sydney in mid 2010. We've committed to give every child enrolled there a quilt to take home and keep - around 70 quilts in all, though not all will be made during the five week class.

This is Di's lovely sitting room, transformed into a welcoming presentation, quilt-viewing, dessert room. Don't you wish you could have been there too?

Australians, you still have time to register for Stitchin' Mission #19. Just go here to complete an online form.

I encourage you to become a Stitchin' Mission blog follower and subscriber. You'll automatically receive posted updates about all Stitchin' Mission activities.

Come along on this first (and hopefully, not last) international Stitchin' Mission!

Americans - specifically, Des Moinians - go here to register for Stitchin' Mission #20 at First Federated Church, 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines. It begins Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30.

Stitchin' Mission #18 Quilt Display

2009-10-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

What a flurry of mission quilting activities lately!

This is the Johnston Evangelical Free Church display of Stitchin' Mission #18 quilts.

All 40 quilts are being shipped to a children's orphanage in Romania.

You're welcome to visit the church on Sunday, October 18, for a first-hand look at all the lovelies.

A Letter from Kinshuko

2009-10-16T09:41:00.003-05:00

One of Kinshuko's camp directors, Tayori Araki, emailed the following about the quilting camp, and the Kinshuko Mission Team:

Dear friends,

Thank you for your prayers! Yesterday the team left here in the morning.

They arrived here midnight on Friday, and we opened the quilts in the morning on Saturday. The quilts are SO beautiful and we are so moved. We hung about 30 quilts on the wall. The campers enjoyed looking at them and we will keep them for a while. Many people will enjoy them and encouraged by the project.

Actually our director Sato said that it is miracle same as we see in the Bible like Moses's and encouragement for us.

The campers enjoyed the camp. They are women so they usually can't join the camp for themselves. They enjoyed quilting, English, fellowship...a lot! The team showed not only how to quiltmaking but also love in Christ in many ways.

A camper who know the quiltmaking by hands was surprised at the way of making the quilts that the team taught. She said the way is rationalized very much. A campers said that she make the quilts for bringing her home but the Kinshuko Quilters make them for this camp. She seemed to know the sacrifice that you paid for us by making the quilts. She was getting to think she want to make the quilts for charity. A camper said Church is like a patchwork and want to be a part of it as it work well. The faces of the campers were shining with joy! We will know more that what happened in them later.

On Tuesday the team and us visited Kakunodate, remains Samurai town, and saw Samurai manor, traditional crafts, foods, clothes, architecture, garden...many traditional Japan. And onsen, too.

On Wednesday they took a walk around campsite, and up to the hill top. The leaves are getting to change their colours. We had a lunch, Asian taste hamburger, outside. After lunch, they went to Onsen and were in colourful Kimono.

We enjoyed their stay so much and it was difficult to say good bye. We said "Itterasshai!" means "come back again(or soon)!" in Japanese. We are glad that they said they want to come back again and said Linda should come next time.

Today they worked for wheelchairs ministry for Asia, cleaning them and making cushion for them in Tokyo. Tomorrow they will go sightseeing in Tokyo and on Sunday afternoon will leave Narita.

We pray that they have good time in Tokyo and for their safe trip to the U.S. and that God bless them and you all!

Thank you so much for everything that you have done for us!

Tayori

See Kinshuko Pictures

2009-10-14T17:38:00.001-05:00

The Kinshuko Mission team has departed C-on Kinshuko and is headed to Tokyo (eight hours by car) for the remainder of their stay in Japan. They'll be at the World Ventures facility, making cushions for wheelchairs, along with doing some sightseeing. Their Continental flight is due at the Des Moines International Airport at 9:50 p.m. Sunday, October 18.

You're invited to enjoy photos of the quilting camp that have been uploaded to the Kinshuko website. Go to:

www.Kinshuko.com
On the bottom menu bar (written in Japanese kanji), click on the words that are second from the left. Then, use the right arrow to scroll through the photos.

There are lots of pictures! You'll see photos of our quilters, the campers, and a display of a few of the quilts we sent.

More from Kinshuko

2009-10-13T15:21:00.003-05:00

Norma Hamilton again writes:

Who knew where Stitchin' Mission would go . . . now twenty sessions, the BSM (Beyond Stitchin' Mission) and our work here . . . our GOD is truly Awesome! Every day there is something new and wonderful that connects us in the community of Christ. A simple bible reading for the day turns into a link to the message from yesterday or to some happening that occurred.

We toured a Japanese Samaruri Museum yesterday - well part of it. Very interesting history. Several hours from camp. Yasushi Sato, the camp director accompanied us along with Taka and Tayori and young Itsuki. The other three children were in school. Hiroko Sato stayed at camp and made dinner as well as being here when children came home from school. Many of team went to Onsen - public hot springs last evening.

Today we're walking the Kinshuko land with Taka, and then will go to another hot springs, those who want to go. Others will just relax, doing R&R. Thursday is travel day back to Tokyo - eight hours by Janet's microbus. Friday we'll work on making wheel chair pads, do some touring/shopping; Saturday touring/shopping; Sunday worship at Janet's International Church and then to airport for flight home.

Emmaly Burklund has videotaped the happenings, including the conclusion of the camp, where the campers shared their thoughts, feelings of what they learned/experienced here. Great testimony to God's influence in their lives. Several are going to continue to work at getting quilting started in their own churches here! Yasushi Sato has given me one CD already, and we'll be bringing back more with pictures of the mission trip. We'll get all of our individual pix on CD's to share with each other and with the entire Mission Kinshuko group (and others) when we have our meeting in December.

Norma mentions "our meeting in December." Everyone is invited! If you would like to hear more about the mission team's experiences in Japan, see pictures and video, please attend a Mission Kinshuko presentation.

Tuesday, December 1, 6:30 p.m.

Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa

Room 214

A Message from Kinshuko

2009-10-13T13:59:00.004-05:00

Norma Hamilton emails the following from C-on Kinshuko, (Iwate, Japan) where the mission team has been since last Thursday:

It's early on Tuesday morning, but I'm wide awake reflecting on the past few days.

We have had great weather, although being inside these past several days, hardly noticed. We'll be sightseeing today around the area, so will be able to enjoy the weather here. God has been so great with his plans for this mission! I cannot even begin to put into words. But we'll be sharing our pictures and stories when we get back. Suffice it to say we always need remember to trust in Him and His plans for us. We don't always know what they are - usually don't :-) - but it works out in the end.

Janet (Brown) led the service here at camp on Sunday, and when I looked at this week's Hope Bible Study - the same! Went back to last week's - again, the same! Not a coincidence - just God's way of keeping us together with our Hope family while we're so far away. Janet's theme was "God's Masterpiece". She began with Eph 2:8-9 - it's God's gift - nothing we can earn - comes to us thru Christ's death on the cross. Ended with Phil 1:6 - our masterpiece is not done - God is still working on us - all our lives until we meet Him. Then I opened up last week's Study Guide - the verse to memorize - Eph 2:8-9 and this week's - Phil 1:6

What a wonderful Father in Heaven!

Quilts in Japan

2009-10-10T10:19:00.003-05:00

The boxes of quilts have been opened at C-on Kinshuko. Here's what Tayori Araki, one of the camp directors, emailed this morning:

"We opened the quilts and we were so moved! I can't explain my feeling but it's so amazing!"

Mission Kinshuko, Iwate, Japan

2009-10-09T11:52:00.010-05:00

Between April 2006 and May 2007, 48 women from Des Moines area churches met at Lutheran Church of Hope to make 101 quilts for C-on Kinshuko, a Christian family camp in a north prefecture of Japan.

C-on Kinshuko

All the quilts - made 54" X 90" to fit the camp beds - were displayed at Hope during the month of October, 2008.

The "Leftovers" quilt pattern is an original design meant to use up donated fabrics. Each quilt included at least 72 "loaves" (3-inch by 6-inch rectangles) of scrap fabrics.

The quilt's center medallion, 18-inches square, was where each quilter could experiment. Techniques lessons were offered in bias and triangle sewing, Sashiko, machine- and hand-applique, and foundation paper-piecing, among others, during Beyond Stitchin' Mission lessons.

On Thursday, 11 people left Des Moines to deliver all the quilts to the camp. Missionaries are, left to right: Julie Siefken, Rowena Schweitzer, Karin Hamilton, Barb Hyler, Norma Hamilton, Brittany Burkund, Sharon Beerman, Brianna Klaawon, Kim Ogle, Emmaly Burklund, and Anne Regnier.

Quilts were packed in 10 boxes and check onto the plane as missionaries' second piece of luggage.

The boxes also contained 30 softcover Bibles, and pin cushions made by Hope Quilters from the group's fabric stash.

Saturday morning an email was received from Tayori, at C-on Kinshuko, letting us know of the team's safe arrival. Please continue to pray for them as they lead a quiltmaking camp, teach English, and share with 30 campers the everlasting love of Jesus Christ.

Follow their activities on this blog: www.MissionKinshuko.wordpress.com