Well, we did it - it's done! Kind of. We worked hard all week, staying up late - bent over and on our hands and knees. At 11:30 on Thursday night, it was finally sewn together - all but the stars. Note: If you're ever trying to make a project you want to keep, don't use the cheapest fabric. Our fabric unraveled so fast after washing that I was afraid it would disappear before we could turn it in. We couldn't even sew the stars on because every time the needle went in, the fabric would fray. Friday morning had me standing in the middle of Walmart saying, "Please, God, please let there be fabric glue here....YES! Thank you!". A while later I was in the school parking lot, hanging out of the back of my truck (in the rain), hand glueing stars on. Who knew this silly little school project would be full of life lessons! Here's what I learned: photo follows -
1. Arguing causes delays, wasted time and yields unsatisfactory results.
2. Counting the cost: financially, physically (to you and people you'll rely on), and logistically is key to any successful endeavor.
3. I will never, never, try to sew stripes again - however, God answers even the most insignificant prayers when you cry out to Him.
4. God will answer seemingly unrelated prayers through whichever method He chooses - like a school project - and you'll have no idea until He unites them together and blows your mind.
5. Contempt and compassion are often linked together: Beware of the things you hold in contempt because they're often linked to people. Contempt for the thing creates a lack of compassion for the people.
6. Quilting properly is a slow and therefore, enjoyable process - "Extreme Quilting" is neither!
7. Sometimes the end result is not what you'd expect......check out our...........
Flag. (Over 150 pieces sewn together by people who can't sew - Praise God it's done.)
It turned out to be a flag because when I got past the piecing and read on to the actual quilting part (at least 4 more steps) I cried. I also thought about finishing it but honestly, I never care if I see it again, I'll just fold it up and save it for Miss Sassy. I will say however, that it may not end up being the last quilt thing I do, but I don't know for sure.
I'm fascinated by the fact that for centuries, women of all kinds, collaborated on these blankets for so many reasons and they did it all by hand. Quilts were handmade and given as inspiration, gifts of admiration, love, healing, and warmth. It inspires me to throw off some of my modern conveniences for the reward of learning and growing through challenge and the simple joy of sharing.
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