Our service today couldn’t have been nicer! Live streaming as well as Facebook and radio. It was Pastor Lund, his wife and 3 kids, the son of two of our members who is in the area, a couple of which the husband is on the consistory and me. We followed an order of service and these are the songs we sang – I played and everyone online could sing along:
Gloria Patri
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
It Is Well With My Soul
In Christ Alone
Doxology
The sermon was The Lord of Hosts is With Us from Psalm 46:11
Scripture readings were Matthew 6:25-34 and Psalm 46:1-11
The message was BE STILL!
After the service I went to the grocery store where everything was in stock except toilet paper and I didn’t need it anyway.
This week I’m going to practice being still, not worrying or panicking. You do this with me and we’ll discuss ways that we’re “being still”.
On the subject of new Itty Bitty patterns for spring and summer. We have three new ones prepared to show you but honestly I don’t know if you want to see them or if you’re simply too involved with the news. Read above – Be Still. Be still and ….. SEW! Tell me in the comments if you’d like me to post them – they’re all $3.00 patterns and will fit in a business envelope with one stamp that I’d ask you to provide.
Now on that subject of pattern orders – please read the ordering directions – our name and address is located right below our picture. All checks should be made out to Country Threads. I do not have the time or the patience to deal with special instructions on returning a pattern or exchanging a pattern. I don’t have many issues with any orders except a few from readers who must not be able to READ!!! Sorry for my short fuse on this subject. For some reason 99.9% of the paper pieced house orders got it right.
Also if the mail would stop running, I wouldn’t be able to get your patterns sent out to you. What do you think?
Finished projects:
A Go Fish game made by Grandma on her embroidery machine and Grandpa’s help with the poles and grommets.
And here’s what Diane found when she was Death Cleaning – the very first issue of the Quilt Sampler with us in the front. She said she’s keeping it. I said I was keeping my copy, too, and would include it on the pew at my funeral for someone to take home. Ha!
Everywhere I look I find more unfinished projects – here’s another one! Ugh.
And another dishpan full of triangles to make 2″ finished triangle squares. Ugh again.
And I trimmed up this burros tail succulent and yes, believe it or not, I’m threw all of these trimmings away. YUP! Death Cleaning has made a real impact on me – I know last night I said what’s the point but it sort of gets fun – just throw the things away. This is a personal triumph for me to throw those plant trimmings away! Hahahaha!
What’s on for tomorrow, you ask? Nothing – absolutely nothing. How about at your house? And by the way, thanks for closing the ads – we can pay the copier lease again this month! Keep your chin up and remember – be still.
I have that issue of the early magazine and i made a special drive to see your shop at that time and have lots if your patterns. Been a fan for a long time. Just thinking of taking a lot of my old magazines to the Minnesota Quilters Monthly meeting and putting them on the free Table for others to enjoy and clear a spot in my closet!
Cheryl – great idea for whenever you meet again!
Along with your theme of “Be Still” I love one song from your service in particular… It is Well. What a promise! No matter what happens around us, all is well with my soul because nothing can separate us from His love. ❤
I also have that magazine. This came out about the time I started quilting. Also prompted a drive to Garner to your shop and it did not disappoint. Lots of sewing and hand quilting this weekend. Tomorrow it is back to work. I work in a family practice office at the registration desk and feel like a sitting duck with this awful virus. Not gonna lie, I am worried for everyone and myself. Stay safe everyone and stay home if you can!!!
I know I have a lot of the quilt sampler. What is the date on it? I’m unable to read it. Thanks Mary..love you posts. Look forward to them everyday.
Pam – 1995 maybe?
It was the fall of 1995. that is the year my son Max was born. This issue really launched me into the quilt world and designing my own patterns eventually! Mary and Connie remember Max! We brought him with us to Quilt Market when he was 6 months old! I had just started quilting to. Wow, what a ride!
Mary, yes please I want to see the Itty Bitty patterns
LOVE your stories, and Hazel and your chickens and all the rest of the family. And it goes without saying … great patterns and quilts, too!
But I see the clothing company LUVLYE is advertised, Oh NO. I ordered a total 9 t-shirts & blouses from them just over a year ago. I’m a size 8-10 … I ordered large for the 100% cotton items so I could wash/dry/shrink them to a medium. Well, when I got them, all of them would’ve fit a 4th or 5th grade kid! Totally nuts … and then I realized there were no instructions for returns or exchanges. No customer service # to call – just an e-mail, and they are in China or Hong Kong. All you get is the run-around until you finally give up … which is probably exactly what they want. Afterall, they have your $$ so what do they care? Please do not include them on your wonder pages!!!
Ann, have learned from experience that when ordering anything online toGoogle the company & check reviews. While this is not 100% foolproof at least have done my best and if don’t find on google I don’t order.
Mary has NO control on ads shown.
Gave all of them to one of our thrift shops … hopefully others will read that & not get hoodwinked by them. Crazy thing is that I usually do Google for reviews first, but clearly I didn’t on that one. Lesson learned …. oh well.
Nikki m – thanks for the reinforcement- like I’ve said, if it were up to me I’d choose quilt shops, garden centers and dog rescue sites – haha!
Annie S..I think Google places the ads…. not Mary 😊
Annie S. – wow, that’s a horror story about your order. Not to worry about Chicken Scratch – I don’t have anything to do with choosing the ads. I wish I did because then I’d choose quilt shops, garden centers and rescue sites –
What a nice game for the kids. Does Squeak lay in the middle of whatever you are doing – just to help? I have that Quilt Sampler, too. Your church service sounds very nice. The church across from us did that today, too. Sounds like the Mayor has ordered all businesses closed except grocery and pharmacy. Haven’t heard about the drive thru stuff. Sure can’t cure stupid. I don’t know what people are doing here as I’ve only been to Walmart and the beauty shop. And you actually threw away pieces of live plant!! I know the feeling. When I trim the philodendron, I shut my eyes and throw it away. It hurts. I love to see what everybody is making. There is a lot of talent out there and it is so nice they share. We all love show and tell.
What I’m wondering is some of us will be finishing our quarantine soon. Does that mean we can go back to normal – if there is a normal or we just stay inside til everything passes? Luckily I’ve got enough stuff to hold me for maybe a year? People are really adjusting, thanks to the Internet. We get to see and hear the kid’s concerts and all that good stuff. Didn’t have all that 50 years ago.
I would also like to see the itty bitty patterns. I usually stay home as much as possible anyway. Tomorrow, I might get out to Brazos Bend State Park to hike one of the more solitary trails. Kind of tired of being at home.
I have that magazine and a partial block for your quilt on the cover! Someday.
I planted regular grass seed in a white dish a week or so ago. It is growing! Hubby says I may have to find the lawn mower, haha.
Be still.
Mary, you’re a stronger woman than me. I repotted succulents today and fretted over the tiniest clippings and offshoots. In the end, there was a only few that I didn’t have room for. I felt so guilty throwing them away that I had my husband chuck the bucket of clippings and old soil so I didn’t have to see! Stay well:)
Are any of you aware that hospitals and other facilities are asking for quilters/sewers to make face masks? A great idea to help others and use up your scraps!
Here are the directions:
https://www.allinahealth.org/-/media/allina-health/files/mask-sewing-how-to.pdf
I made some masks this weekend. Hardly dented my stash! I ordered more elastic which should come today. A local ER nurse posted the need on Nextdoor and she will pick them up after I wash them. Kept me busy since we are on “shelter in place”. I also watched our church service online. I miss my church family!
Charlotte, where were you able to order elastic from. Our stores and where I checked online are all out.
Today I start my 2nd week of staying home. My decision. Actually the week has gone by very fast. I even had my Birthday, the St Pat’s Day, Strange no parades for me this year !! I am widowed, my family and friends are in the area. I am also, 86 yrs old, and live alone so I have a little more fear about the virus. But I am trying to have a positive outlook. And I like the idea of the words BE STILL. Be calm.
I have been doing alot of quilting this past week.. I had gotten some of my Dirty Dozen done and on the one now, a quilt for a Grandson. I love it. I thank you Mary for helping us all get thru these unfamiliar days. Like I am able to have a friend visit me here in my home. My daughter and her 3 boys sent me a bouquet of flowers for my B’day, Beautiful red roses and pink lilies, was just what I needed, COLOR and life. So onward to the 2nd week of being creative and going out for a walk…with the robins singing and the cardinals singing and I heard a red wing black bird singing yesterday…God is near…
Mary Jane – yes, be still, be calm, don’t panic. Love the idea of you getting out for walks. It’s just too cold here yet to enjoy a walk! Can’t wait until it’s nice! Write to me anytime you’d like to chat – here’s my email – marye@ncn.net
What a wonderful Church service. I attended on line Church services past weeks & am thankful for the technology. Much prefer being able to attend in person it is wonderful to be able to worship with ourChurch family.
We need to pray for our nation & thank God for our blessings, yes we have things to be thankful for even in these trying & stressful times.
THANK YOU MARY for posting you helpful, informative & entertaining blog.
My all stay safe & be healthy.
Paula I drove through Brazos Bend State Park in Texas and never knew about it before. I lived in Houston 5 years Eons ago.
Yes Be Still like many things in our communities these days.
Mary I ordered the paper piecing pages and enclosed a clipping for you.
Hugs
Rhoda – I’ll watch for your order!!
The sewing machine cover is awesome! And I know how hard it is to throw those trimmings away. I have some big windows, my plants love it! I have a 12 ft avocado plant that I grew from a seed. Plus 2 plants that were a gift to my mother when she broke her leg 4 years ago, they are massive. Trying to get a graduation quilt top made, my husband was always my sounding board, I’m struggling a little here with it. But this too will come. Glad your church service went well. I know that’s a great comfort to many.
Dee winter – there’s a problem so many people don’t have – plants that are so healthy they get huge. I have that problem with several of mine, too, and I’m not complaining really but they’re so heavy to move!
Yes, please offer the patterns. We need something to look forward to, distract us, and get excited about.
I have no patience with people who can’t read and follow instructions, and who expect others to do the work for you because you’re not paying attention.
Mary Says Sew – thank you for your like minded comment!
Thanks for sharing your worship service. I plan on reading those scriptures. Today we drove to our lake house and even tho there are the same or similar restrictions in Minnesota it was so peaceful at the lake could’ve sat there for several days even tho it isn’t ‘lake’ weather! Came home and got one face mask finished and five others cut out. Also continue embroidering a play mat for our grandson. I’d like to see your itty bitty patterns. Also finished knitting our baby granddaughter’s baptismal blanket so it was a wonderful day!
I, too, have been thinking of the mail service and what if it ends. I have been writing letters to connect during this time. After this weekend, I want to send surgical masks to my parents. I do hope it continues! I would love to see the Itty Bitty patterns as I do enjoy the ones I have made.
We had expected a shelter-in-place order from our governor this evening but it was not issued. I’m a bit concerned he isn’t doing enough as it seems people don’t take things seriously until they are made to. We have stitched up most of the fabric we brought to my friend’s cabin for surgical masks. Think we have wiped out the town’s supply of 1/4” elastic and double fold bias tape as well.
I got a request to make 100 face masks From a kit for Providence hospital in Seattle. They emailed me that night that a smAll furniture company in Mulkiteo Washington has turned their entire company into making medical face masks! So much we can all do to help in this crisis! My daughter is a nurse at the VA hospital in Portland Oregon and she is worried about the veteran population who are already vulnerable. Pray for our healthcare workers and SEW!
Karen, that is so good to hear (about the furniture company). I’m in Clatskanie, OR, and have a niece who is an Emergency Department nurse in the Seattle area. The things she tells me about the situation there are shocking. I worry about her, while she worries about her patients; I think she views her own exposure as inevitable. Thank you for everything you are doing. (I tried to make masks for Providence, but I was too late–trying to sign up about 12 hours after the call went out, the slots were all filled. How heartening.)
Yes please show us the Itty Bittys. Something happy for Spring and Summer! I am knee deep in making masks for the hospital but somehow it helps me “be still” to feel like I’m doing something to help.
I have the magazine also and used the lady gardening to represent my grand ma in a family quilt.new Zealand is going into lock down in 2 days, so l hope to post some masks to a friend.l used a super easy pattern on U tube by Jenny at Missouri star, stay safe everyone, best wishes, sandy
Sandy – if you’re locking down, stay safe and please keep in touch about conditions in your area. How about you son overseas?
Glad you were able to provide music for your church service! I really do miss attending daily mass, but yesterday our priest live-streamed Sunday mass on Facebook and it was so good to see and hear him again. It was also good to see people’s comments on the screen and know that over 130 of us were praying together. I am finishing up a t-shirt quilt top for my godson who is graduating in May – just have outside border left to sew on. Doing lots of reading and cooking and waiting for warmer weather in IL so I can get outside and dig in the dirt – good therapy for me!
Bonnie – I,too, would love to work outside!!!
Mary, Thank you for being here for us and for continuing to make a community gathering place. I also would like to see your Itty Bitty patterns.
And to all readers, it would be so appreciated if you would tell us where you live, especially when talking about the weather. It’s enlightening to read about life where live.
Janet – I will reiterate your request about location.
Please continue to offer your patterns…….I love them all and look forward to seeing them along with pictures of completed projects. I can also relate to your frustration with people not reading and following directions and expecting you to go out of your way for them………ugh! I am sewing face masks for the medical community but should balance it with death cleaning!
Deb C – a little death cleaning will pick up your spirits like no other activity ! I will post the patterns today!
I am in Northern Virginia about 35 miles outside of Washington, D.C. Our church provided a chicken dinner to feed 50 people in a local shelter yesterday. The email went out earlier in the week to sign up to provide different items. I’m a bread baker, so I provided 2 loaves of fresh baked bread and chocolate chip cookies.
Our church is also doing online sermons and our pastor is doing daily updates.
One of the first messages he did online he talked about Ecclesiastes 3. You know the one “A Time for Everything”. Chapter 5 in part says, “there is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.” That’s our time now. But, we are so fortunate to be able to communicate the way we can today and send cyber (((hugs))).
I have my husband and 2 grown children here with me. My 24-year old son is working remotely and my 20-year old daughter is in college doing all her classes online now. My husband is still going out and working some, but taking precautions. I’ve been getting out to walk. Going to the mailbox is about 1/4 mile and we have a trail around the perimeter of our property (about 13 acres). Been walking that with our dogs and really enjoying it. I sorted through some UFO quilt projects yesterday and will work on those today. I’m pulling things with bright colors. I need that right now. Pray we all come through this safely!
Susan – I think I would love your property – 13 acres with a trail to walk! Is it wooded? How many dogs do you have and do they go with you off leash? Sounds like you’re busy cooking for your family as well as baking. I’ll bet you’re glad they’re all home! Yes, a time for everything including embracing! I’m going to read that passage today.
Yes I would like to see the itty bitty patterns. Thanks for keeping us connected and entertained!
Debbie
Yes please post new little patterns! Always up
For getting new ones.
Would love to see the itty bitty patterns. I ordered the paper pieced houses. Hopefully mine was ordered right. I , so look forward to your blog posts everyday as they are a bright spot in my day. This COVID has me so upset as I am immune compromised due to my sarcodosis. I have self quarantined myself but it is so devastating when others are out and about and visiting. I finally ended up putting a sign on the door that we were not excepting visitors. Hated to do it, but saw no other choice. Have stayed busy with redwork embroidery that will eventually be turned into a quilt.
Brenda in SC – you were right to put the sign on your door! Some people are just not taking this seriously yet! Your order was perfect – not to worry. But some people just don’t read – they expect me to sort it all out and I’m just not going to be their keeper for a $3-5 dollar pattern. Smile and keep embroidering! Stay safe, Brenda!
Yes, PLEASE show the little patterns for ordering. My attention span is short these days and I need quick little things to keep me busy.
Not sure if you have heard Max Lucado, but he has a great sermon/lesson on anxiety and how not to be anxious in these times. Very inspiring.
I have been cooking a lot of comfort food. Yesterday was lasagna, today is tator tot casserole.
I ordered my copy of I’m Dead, Now What? My mother in law passed in February, and I am more conscious than ever of my own immortality.
Take Care, Mary and wash your hands!!
Diana in DM – that book will keep you busy for a long time – so many details to write down! I’ve got to quit making so much comfort food – I’m putting my jeans on today to get a grip on the weight I’ve gained! Yikes!
Wow – great pictures! Sewing machine cover is awesome. Diane and Squeek – nice bindings!
I was “still” last night reading the latest McCall’s Quilting magazine and there was an ad for your book “A Country’s Call” on page 6! That book not only has great quilts in it but the stories are wonderful and my husband enjoyed reading it! The governor of Md. is coming on tv at 11. I’m anticipating him ordering a stay in place. Apparently people just don’t understand how serious this is as there are large gatherings of people playing soccer in parks, going to beaches and having Coronavirus parties. The cherry trees are blooming in D.C. and many people out walking enjoying them. They are beautiful and they will be there next year. Hopefully all these people will be too. Like you, I’m finding more UFO’s than I knew I had. Good grief. So, I’m going to go work on one! Stay safe and well everyone.
Diane in MD – Coronavirus PARTIES?????? Are they crazy? I’ll bet they’re young – the same college students that went on spring break which was irresponsible of them. Now all those teachers and students are coming back home and will probably bring the virus with them. They should self quarantine, if you ask me – and nobody did ask me. I just like to state my opinion – haha!
Would love to see your itty-bitty patterns. I decorate my sewing room with miniature quilts and still have some room left on the walls.
Your church service made me think of the quote, when there’s a will, there’s a way. Technology sure has been in the forefront thru this crisis. I keep thinking of teachers trying to reach out to their classes and how frustrated it must be just as the poor health care workers are keeping up to this. I feel burnout will take its toll and hopefully we can all step up at that point and wrap our arms someday around them to say “ great job”. Maybe those might be a place to give comfort quilts to just to remind them how important their naps are to sustain them. Today I am driving hanks of elastic I found in my stash for masks to a box drop off site outside a quilt store. ( owner requested we bring wipes to wipe it down after opening so practicing good procedures) If only all paid attention maybe this wouldn’t be spreading as fast as it is. We are up to 68 cases alone in our small county in NY, one death and now the sister to that person has it too. Almost 300 in quarantine.
We are under stay at home orders in NY but health equipment falls under essential guidelines so we will just drive them and come back home. We can make do with what food I have.
Love seeing the picture of the octagon table toppers!! We make them at our local senior center. I think I have made over 200 of them in seasonal fabrics for gifts. If you make 12 for each month, they make a wonderful present. And yes Mary, would love to see your new patterns.
Kathy in western NY – you’re living in a dangerous place. Please stay safe – sounds like you’re being very careful. We are lucky to still be case – free in our county and are doing our best to stay that way. Yes, those are really cute placemats, aren’t they?
Hi Mary: In this time of isolation, it is so comforting to read your blog each day. I am so grateful to have the technology necessary for Facebook and email. I watched 3 different church services yesterday: a former church of mine; the one I now am associated with and one in southern Iowa. My area (Humboldt County) in northcentral Iowa is still “virus-free,” but it seems to be creeping closer each day. The hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul” has been running through my head all week. The words have given me some measure of comfort
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul!” May it be well with YOUR soul!
Lois Ann Johnson – isn’t it just a comforting song? I love it! And I was so happy Pastor chose it yesterday – it was a very uplifting message – if you want to watch it, our Facebook account is Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church, Garner, IA. Tell me what you think after you watch. I am not seen on the live feed but am playing the piano for the songs.
Stay safe, Lois – and keep in touch.
Would love to see your itty bitty patterns. Woke up to snow this morning in Upstate NY. Was outside raking a little yesterday, March weather! Some of my grandkids called me yesterday they are all doing their school work online, even the one home from college. I’m used to being home alone, always something to do. My oldest daughter is a hairdresser & the shop where she works was mandated to shut down Saturday. Everything is closed down, really erie. Stay healthy everyone!!
Your Church Service music sounds lovely. I commented to my brother that my.church needed more lively music. The music seemed depressing.& I thought due to Easter sesson.
Post them!
One of my favorite versus: Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. Can I replay that service?
Yes, would definitely like to see the itty bitties!!
Linda – yes, you can play the service on Facebook – we are Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, IA.
Mary, Your service was wonderful! Keep up the good work of sharing your musical talents!
Loved hearing about your church service. A two word directive for the week sounds about right! It reminds me of my long ago school librarian lesson for New Year’s Resolutions. I challenged the kinders and first graders to come up with a three word resolution. Like “Eat Less Fat” or mine, “Read More Books.” Several hands went up immediately, but little Anthony sat and sat with his mental wheels turning. Suddenly, his hand shot into the air. “Paint My Toenails!”, he gleefully shouted. Guess his two older sisters had influenced his resolution…wish I could see him today and see how he turned out as a grown up!
Tonya in Houston – oh , isn’t that the cutest? Haha! I’m going with BE STILL this week – no panic, just calm
Yes ma’m ….We need itty bitties.
Donna G
I recall years ago, really YEARS, we went to church at the drive-in theater. For some reason our church was damaged. We did that for several weeks.
I guess streaming has replaced drive-ins.
My coffee maker went kaputs yesterday. I called a wonderful cooking store in Ft.Collins, they delivered one to me! I could have gone to one of the big box stores on line and saved a few dollars, but chose to support small business. I’m very worried for our small business. They still have rent, insurance, utilities and in many cases, are being told to shut their doors, no sales.
Jo in Wyoming – I remember it, too. I never went of course, but I was aware. You were kind to think of the small businesses when shopping for a new coffeemaker! There are a few things I’d hit the panic button on if I run out and that would be K-cups!!! Love my coffee – dark roast – in the morning!
You will never believe this, in my death cleaning this morning. The same Quilt Sampler magazine surfaced. I also put it on the pile to keep. It was the very first one so could not bare to give it up yet. Several went others went into the recycling tho.
Carole Wilder – oh my gosh, thank you for thinking that first issue of Quilt Sampler was good enough to save! Wow, who knew 25 years ago!!!
Yes, I would like to see the Itty Bitty patterns for spring and summer.
I too have kept that first issue of Quilt Sampler
I am supposed to be on a quilt retreat this week. I am pretending to be on it at home so I am sewing what I planned on taking to do. Every time my husband interrupts me to ask a question I add a day! Anything to make this time pass. I miss my ageless fitness class and cannot seem to make myself do exercises at home. I love to walk but gee whiz it snowed again and there is about 2 inches on the ground.
Hi Mary,
Oh gosh! I have that Quilt Sampler issue somewhere!
Those were the days, weren’t they?
Our church is also having services online. Thank goodness for modern technology in times like these.
My husband and I are staying home to hopefully avoid the virus. We are both in our late 60’s so we need to be careful.
I got my snow peas planted this morning before it started to rain, so I can check that off my list of outdoor chores. I can almost taste those crunchy, sweet pea pods!
I am very interested in seeing the Itty Bitty patterns because it’s nice to have a distraction and to dream of new projects to sew❤️
Thank you for all you share with us. Hearing about your church services, seeing pictures of the projects you and others are working on, and seeing the pictures of your critters are all a bright spot in my day. I imagine the other readers would agree. 😊
Take care everyone!
Bonnie in Oregon
Rise and Shine is one of the UFO’s I am working on during this “be still and sew” period!!! I loved it 25 years ago and still do!
Lynn McMahon – well, I gotta say, that’s pretty sweet that it’s still on your list after so many years! Hope you get it finished!
I have that copy of Quilt Sampler also. I bought it just because you and Connie were on the front and I loved your patterns. We are cleaning out a bedroom. Not death cleaning, but getting better organized. Having my husband home for two weeks has been fun.