The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The tree of life my soul hath seen
Laden with fruit and always green
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree
His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
His beauty doth all things excel
By faith I know but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
For happiness I long have sought
And pleasure dearly I have bought
I missed of all but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.
I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
I'm weary with my former toil
Here I will sit and rest a while
Under the shadow I will be
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.
This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
This fruit does make my soul to thrive
It keeps my dying faith alive
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Memory Quilt
I've been approached about making a memory quilt. First, to make sure we're on the same page, a quilt is a three-layer sandwich of fabric, batting, and fabric. The top is usually pieced and then the layers are quilted together with a backing fabric underneath. Any of these things can be played with to develop a quilt that is unique and personal.
SIZE is the first consideration, and by this I mean the finished size of the overall quilt. Bigger isn't always better and so many things depend on this decision, that it's the best place to start. First, where do you expect it to be used? It might seem obvious about the size if it's going to be used on a bed, but if so, how far do you want it to hang down? If it's not for a bed, is it something to snuggle under while sitting up? Or would you want it to pretty much cover you if you decide to stop knitting and lay down on the couch while that old Sherlock Holmes movie is on? Is it going to get a lot of use? If it's too big, it will be hard to get through a standard home washer and dryer. (If the fabric is going to have photos printed on it, you might not want it to get washed too often anyway?) The finished size can also limit the quilting - I can't imagine trying to do a really cool quilt pattern on a king-sized quilt, for example, since I use a regular sewing machine to piece and to quilt. "Real" quilters have a long-arm machine in order to do that kind of quilting! (And a spare room to use it in, I think!!)
THE TOP is next. Is it going to be pieced? How big and what shapes? What kind of fabrics? These questions fit in with everything else, of course. You would want smaller piecing on a smaller quilt, and could get away with bigger pieces on a larger quilt. The fabric can be a mixture of types, but then the wearability gets complicated and the shape of the pieces becomes critical. Stretchy fabrics like fleece mixed with cotton muslin can make some cool effects, but the pieces can't be too complex or it will take forever to make and will stretch here and there in all the wrong places.
BACKING can make or break a snuggling quilt, or can be a help or hindrance when making a bed. Flannel backing is good for snuggling, but can be too much like Velcro if you're making a king-sized bed with flannel sheets, too. On the other hand, a satin backing will feel great, right up 'til it slips off onto the floor! I've been planning a memory quilt about my father, where the top will be "regular" and it will be the backing fabric that holds the memories, as they will be from his old flannel shirts. Similarly, I plan to make a bed-quilt for my son that is "normal" on top with favorite old t-shirts cut up for the backing for his dorm room (and a long-arm quilting machine in his old room at home, heh heh heh!)
BATTING comes in different "lofts" and different fibers. Polyester is best, IMHO, because of use and wearability. Cotton is nifty to give a really old-fashioned feel, but the quilt pattern has to be really small, since the cotton batting comes apart inside the little pockets formed by the quilting after repeated washings. The "loft" is how low or high the batting seems - how far apart the front and back seem - how puffy it is. I don't care much personally for the high-loft look, but for certain types of quilting, it helps make the pattern show more. Can you see the fish quilted into the rectangle in the photo below? A higher loft batt will help that show better.
SIZE is the first consideration, and by this I mean the finished size of the overall quilt. Bigger isn't always better and so many things depend on this decision, that it's the best place to start. First, where do you expect it to be used? It might seem obvious about the size if it's going to be used on a bed, but if so, how far do you want it to hang down? If it's not for a bed, is it something to snuggle under while sitting up? Or would you want it to pretty much cover you if you decide to stop knitting and lay down on the couch while that old Sherlock Holmes movie is on? Is it going to get a lot of use? If it's too big, it will be hard to get through a standard home washer and dryer. (If the fabric is going to have photos printed on it, you might not want it to get washed too often anyway?) The finished size can also limit the quilting - I can't imagine trying to do a really cool quilt pattern on a king-sized quilt, for example, since I use a regular sewing machine to piece and to quilt. "Real" quilters have a long-arm machine in order to do that kind of quilting! (And a spare room to use it in, I think!!)
THE TOP is next. Is it going to be pieced? How big and what shapes? What kind of fabrics? These questions fit in with everything else, of course. You would want smaller piecing on a smaller quilt, and could get away with bigger pieces on a larger quilt. The fabric can be a mixture of types, but then the wearability gets complicated and the shape of the pieces becomes critical. Stretchy fabrics like fleece mixed with cotton muslin can make some cool effects, but the pieces can't be too complex or it will take forever to make and will stretch here and there in all the wrong places.
BACKING can make or break a snuggling quilt, or can be a help or hindrance when making a bed. Flannel backing is good for snuggling, but can be too much like Velcro if you're making a king-sized bed with flannel sheets, too. On the other hand, a satin backing will feel great, right up 'til it slips off onto the floor! I've been planning a memory quilt about my father, where the top will be "regular" and it will be the backing fabric that holds the memories, as they will be from his old flannel shirts. Similarly, I plan to make a bed-quilt for my son that is "normal" on top with favorite old t-shirts cut up for the backing for his dorm room (and a long-arm quilting machine in his old room at home, heh heh heh!)
BATTING comes in different "lofts" and different fibers. Polyester is best, IMHO, because of use and wearability. Cotton is nifty to give a really old-fashioned feel, but the quilt pattern has to be really small, since the cotton batting comes apart inside the little pockets formed by the quilting after repeated washings. The "loft" is how low or high the batting seems - how far apart the front and back seem - how puffy it is. I don't care much personally for the high-loft look, but for certain types of quilting, it helps make the pattern show more. Can you see the fish quilted into the rectangle in the photo below? A higher loft batt will help that show better.
QUILTING is the process of sewing the sandwich together, and also refers to the pattern of the sewing or tying, etc. The fastest is tying, usually at the corners of squares or whatnot, using yarn or thread, either contrasting or accenting the fabrics of the top. Similarly, it can be tacked down using little figures or embroidered things at strategically placed intervals - I've seen some with buttons, although I think that sure cuts down on the snuggle factor!!! This one is made from t-shirts and other shirts, with some really nifty quilting -the detail photo is above and the overall photo below (it's a little beyond my capabilities on the quilting part). You should be able to click the photo and see it bigger and closer up. It doesn't seem too nifty from far away, but it is extremely personal up close when you're wrapped in it.
All other factors being equal, the simplest is made of squares/rectangles about 8" in size, tied at 4-5" intervals, with a heavier cotton as the top fabric (for printing on) and a nice flannel for the back. If the quilt is less than 42" wide, you can use one piece of fabric for the backing (no seams). I've used regular Red Heart yarn for tying-it gets nice and ball-y after washing a few times and doesn't flop around or fall apart. I like to use a bright color that accents some of the top fabrics. Let's say you want a finished quilt about 36x60-if you figure on using 7-8" squares that'd be 5 squares wide by 8 squares tall or 40 squares total. Do you have 40 images? 20 images and some other matching prints for every-other square? Would your images look right on squares or better if they are rectangles, more like photos - - Let's say finished rectangles 6" x 8" with the photos scattered some portrait and some landscape... You can see that the possiblities are ENDLESS!!!
As for pricing, first let me say that whatever we might agree on will be paid directly to Wycliffe Bible Translators. I promised that for any of my quilt earnings. I'll happily make whatever you like, but I hope to avoid too much checking in after I get going by asking a ton of questions up front until I feel comfortable that I have a clear idea of what you hope to present your loved one with. I have seen a ton of beautiful quilts and while I know I can provide a well-made simple quilt, I'm not up to this standard! (see below) This one is all about the quilting, since the top is just one piece of cloth.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
1 Thessalonians
(starting with a shorter letter)
Paul, Silas and Timothy (PST) pray for those whose work is produced by faith, those whose labor is prompted by love, and those whose endurance is inspired by hope in Christ. Sounds like they mean me too. Can you imagine those three in Heaven, remembering us to God? Taking apart the list of things they pray for is a study all by itself. The wording suggests an ongoing praying, and as a member of the Church, I take that to mean they pray for me when i do as I should too.
1:4-5 may or may not not be obvious to outside observation (another whole topic of its own) but as I am sure of my conversion, I can also claim this for myself. God loves me and chose me.
Paul, Silas and Timothy (PST) pray for those whose work is produced by faith, those whose labor is prompted by love, and those whose endurance is inspired by hope in Christ. Sounds like they mean me too. Can you imagine those three in Heaven, remembering us to God? Taking apart the list of things they pray for is a study all by itself. The wording suggests an ongoing praying, and as a member of the Church, I take that to mean they pray for me when i do as I should too.
1:4-5 may or may not not be obvious to outside observation (another whole topic of its own) but as I am sure of my conversion, I can also claim this for myself. God loves me and chose me.
What do the letters in the New Testament say to ME?
I'm many things - a person, a Christian, a church-member, a singer, a mother, a single person, a woman... What do the various letters of the N.T. say to each of the "me"s that I am?
It's been a while
But, since no one actually reads this, I guess no apology is in order. I started paying attention to the blog's Stats, and that was dumb. I mean, I'm not in this for anything other than personal satisfaction - note that I have not "monetized" the blog with any ads. So why get hung up on what I post? {Other than the fact that I can be pretty competitive!}
I've sort of lost my way lately. Actually, to be clear, I've recently realized how lost I've been. Wandering around in the dark, seeing lights off in different directions, unsure of which way to go. Seemed safer to simply stay where I already was, even though it wasn't any less dark... Enough of the illustration. Time to really start living my life the way God intended. What does that mean? I'm not certain, but I know I haven't been looking in the right place. (The Bible, that is)
I've sort of lost my way lately. Actually, to be clear, I've recently realized how lost I've been. Wandering around in the dark, seeing lights off in different directions, unsure of which way to go. Seemed safer to simply stay where I already was, even though it wasn't any less dark... Enough of the illustration. Time to really start living my life the way God intended. What does that mean? I'm not certain, but I know I haven't been looking in the right place. (The Bible, that is)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Not enough hours
I was recently watching a cellist play and had the comforting realization that on the New Earth, we will all have time to learn/do all the really cool, good things we've been meaning to. I want to learn cello. And not just enough to play a few tunes, but to really get good. I don't think I have enough life ahead of me for that. But I have been promised enough eternal life after death to accomplish any of the good things in this life I'm not going to have time for. No sitting around on clouds, playing harps and eating Philly cream cheese! We'll be learning all the interesting stuff, all the complicated stuff, all the hard stuff. And it will take forever!!! YEA!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Shut your mouth
I've gotten into trouble a few times lately for talking. Not because of too much talking, but because of what I've said. The content was religious. At work. I know, I know. I should have known better. Did I really think I was lucky enough to be exempt from the work of the devil in that aspect of my life? (Well, yes, I guess I did. WRONG!) Since I know I'm going to have trouble self-editing certain types of topics, I guess I'll just cut out the non-work talking, except when on break, and then only with people I know won't turn me in to the political-correctness police.
We've also been having bible study one day per week at work, during lunch, and even that seems in some kind of jeopardy. Locations are scarce for us to meet in sometimes and the group doesn't seem to want to meet in the lunchroom. Unfortunately that would be the best place, on many levels (just not private.) We would be setting an example; we would be in the shared break area so no one could say favoritism, etc.; there is plenty of room and it's probably the best place to eat, too. But they are shy about "public" meetings, so we may just have to stop meeting altogether.
We've also been having bible study one day per week at work, during lunch, and even that seems in some kind of jeopardy. Locations are scarce for us to meet in sometimes and the group doesn't seem to want to meet in the lunchroom. Unfortunately that would be the best place, on many levels (just not private.) We would be setting an example; we would be in the shared break area so no one could say favoritism, etc.; there is plenty of room and it's probably the best place to eat, too. But they are shy about "public" meetings, so we may just have to stop meeting altogether.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Deuteronomy 4
Remember and be obedient.
Remember what happened and remember what He taught us. Do what He tells us to do and everything will work out fine.
Pretty simple instructions. Not too hard to follow -- while sitting here at my comfortable desk in my home, fridge full, job waiting, kid safely at school. What challenges God has kept me from? What difficulties have I been exempted from in this life? I sometimes wonder if the true challenge for Christians here in the easy lanes isn't ennui and easiness. I think Satan's greatest weapon against people in my vicinity is luxury and comfortable-ness. Look what God did with His chosen people. He didn't hand them the keys to a mansion the day after they calmly decided it was time to leave Egypt because the job prospects didn't look too good anymore. They ran out during a plague and were chased by an army. They wandered in the desert for forty years. They had to fight for what God had promised them. God winnowed out the unworthy during that time and wore the rest down until they were just how He wanted them.
Remember what happened and remember what He taught us. Do what He tells us to do and everything will work out fine.
Pretty simple instructions. Not too hard to follow -- while sitting here at my comfortable desk in my home, fridge full, job waiting, kid safely at school. What challenges God has kept me from? What difficulties have I been exempted from in this life? I sometimes wonder if the true challenge for Christians here in the easy lanes isn't ennui and easiness. I think Satan's greatest weapon against people in my vicinity is luxury and comfortable-ness. Look what God did with His chosen people. He didn't hand them the keys to a mansion the day after they calmly decided it was time to leave Egypt because the job prospects didn't look too good anymore. They ran out during a plague and were chased by an army. They wandered in the desert for forty years. They had to fight for what God had promised them. God winnowed out the unworthy during that time and wore the rest down until they were just how He wanted them.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Time to get out of the salt shaker?
I heard a comment today that struck a chord with me. Phrased as a questions something like-Is it time for you to get out of the shaker and spread your salt around in the world? We are cautioned to study the Word and grow in a personal relationship with Christ, but Paul also tells us to move on from baby food to real meat. I think the salt shaker comment aligns with this view too. Some Christians seem content with a very narrow lifestyle and seem to only focus on internal growth. Or a narrow definition of what living out the Great Commission means. But every job we do can be to God's glory. Every single workplace can be the Mission Field, not just those with different languages, halfway around the world. We are told to treat our jobs like God is our employer. (Colossians 3:23) Boy, how I struggle with that some days!
Deuteronomy 3
Moses is recounting the the beginning of the division of the land. Some of the tribes wanted to live on one side of the river, and as they cleared it, Moses apportioned it. Moses also asks God to let him go into the land on the other side of the river, but God said no.
This is a tough chapter, and not just because I have a headache. God has commanded Israel to clear the land. Of people. Who already lived there. "Trust in the Lord". But this passage was probably one cited by the Conquistadors and others who thought they knew that God wanted them to wipe out other people. But they didn't have Moses and the pillar of smoke and fire, and manna and all the other miraculous things that God provided specially to those people and to those people only. And along with those miracles came special for-them-only instructions to clear the land of the people who already lived there, leaving no survivors.
Look, even Moses-MOSES, mind you-got wrong with God. He didn't do what God told him to, and later, as promised, God punished him. However, God didn't smite Moses on the spot, or have the earth swallow him, or turn him to a pillar of salt. What does this chapter mean for me, today? Barring any truly rebellious, get-away-from-me-forever kind of rebellion, God will stick with me. He will not give me more than I can bear and He will even punish me if I get too far off track. But He won't forsake me, and He won't let things happen to me that won't, ultimately, be for my own good. even if I can't always figure out that "good" :)
This is a tough chapter, and not just because I have a headache. God has commanded Israel to clear the land. Of people. Who already lived there. "Trust in the Lord". But this passage was probably one cited by the Conquistadors and others who thought they knew that God wanted them to wipe out other people. But they didn't have Moses and the pillar of smoke and fire, and manna and all the other miraculous things that God provided specially to those people and to those people only. And along with those miracles came special for-them-only instructions to clear the land of the people who already lived there, leaving no survivors.
Look, even Moses-MOSES, mind you-got wrong with God. He didn't do what God told him to, and later, as promised, God punished him. However, God didn't smite Moses on the spot, or have the earth swallow him, or turn him to a pillar of salt. What does this chapter mean for me, today? Barring any truly rebellious, get-away-from-me-forever kind of rebellion, God will stick with me. He will not give me more than I can bear and He will even punish me if I get too far off track. But He won't forsake me, and He won't let things happen to me that won't, ultimately, be for my own good. even if I can't always figure out that "good" :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)