Needlework Tuesday

Christmas is over and the crafting frenzy has slowed.  I ended up making 17 aprons and 10 quilted baskets for gifts.  I'm very ready to move on to something else.  My friend, Kari, gave me just the book I need to do that.

"One Yard Wonders" by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker.  Subtitled "Look How Much You Can Make With Just One Yard of Fabric" - it's just what I needed to give me some new craft ideas.  I have already selected several projects to try.  I need to hit the fabric store for some notions and a browse through the remnant bins.  

2014 will be a year of big changes for our family.  Mitch and Amanda will both graduate from college and are considering career options that mean moving quite a distance from me.  Mitch is engaged to be married in July.  Amy and Tom are trying to purchase a new home in a more rural area near Albuquerque.  Change seems to be the theme, so I am devoting more time to praying specifically for my children.  When they were all here last week, I had them each create a block for a prayer quilt.  They each received a 10 1/2" square of muslin and a variety of fabric markers.  The only rules were that you must write your name and  leave a 1/2" border so that a seam did not cut off part of your art work.  I honestly expected to have a few squares returned with nothing but a signature.  I was pleasantly surprised at the time they devoted to their creations.  

I joined the eight completed squares with 6" sashes and an appliqued square to make a very simple quilt - so that I can finish it quickly and put it into use.  It will be backed with flannel to make it cuddly, and tied - with each knot representing a specific prayer.   As I wrap myself in it during the early morning hours, I will pray for each of the precious people represented.

Here's to a "crafty" 2014!  What is on your craft calendar?