After I graduated from high school I took a dress making course at a Singer store. I learned to really enjoy sewing, and made many garments for myself during my days of being a poor school teacher! It was great fun. Then when the Lord gave me daughters I also had the delight of making little outfits for them. But in all the sewing I’ve done over the years I had not learned to quilt…until this past week.
I told my parents I wanted them to teach me, so I went to their home with a small stash of material to begin a Nine Patch Quilt. The first thing I was taught was how to cut with a rotary cutter. My dad, the engineer, has it down to an art. He demonstrated…
then gave instructions, and lastly handed the cutter to me. He stayed there giving little tips of things he knew would be helpful. After all, if you start out with lopsided squares, what will the quilt look like? Yep, a lopsided mistake!
With the material I had, and some my mom shared with me we were able to cut just over 900 squares to get me started. I love the way the pieces look stacked together. This is just part of them…
Then began the process of sewing rows of 3, handing them to my “iron er” (dad), then sewing the three rows together to make a block.
Before I left yesterday I had made 22 blocks. Now I only have 302 more to go! I’m not letting it overwhelm me. I figure if I make 32 blocks a week I’ll have it ready to quilt by mid September.
I laid out my blocks on a table and took this shot. Remember, the quilt isn’t sewn together…
A few thoughts while I was sewing…
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Every quilt that’s made is unique with it’s fabric, colors and design. As a Christian, I am different than every other person the Lord has saved, and that is on purpose.
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There are no perfect quilts, but each one is still cozy and warm on a winter night. I’m full of “mismatched corners”, if you will; many imperfections, but God can still use me.
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My dad gave me instructions to help me, not to hurt me. God gives us instructions in His Word, not to be mean, but to help us.
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My parents were right there to teach, watch and help. The Lord promises never to leave me or forsake me! He’s given the Holy Spirit to be my Teacher.
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A quilt takes time, but it’s worth it to get the end result. Growing in my Christian life is one step at a time and it’s more than worth it.
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Everyone wants a quilt, but not many are willing to put the work into making one. Lots of Christians want to be strong believers, but aren’t willing to discipline themselves to accomplish growth.
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There’s no shortcut to making a beautiful quilt. There’s only one way to be what God wants me to be – obedience.
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If I miss a day sewing some blocks together, I’ll get behind in my goal. If I lapse in my study of God’s Word and prayer, the goal of Christ likeness will be pushed farther and farther away.
I’m thankful for the lesson in quilting, and I’m also thankful for the lessons my Heavenly Father is teaching me.
How’s your spiritual quilt coming?
With love,
RefreshHer 
Good Blog! It's always interesting and inspiring to read your comments and doings. You present a good analogy of quilting to the Christian Life.
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Thank you. God is good!
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Nice job!
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I love this post and the application! Your quilt is already looking great.
I was blessed to have a mammaw that taught me all kinds of different crafts before she passed away, quilting being one of them, and still have lots of her handiwork. Ethan is already asking to learn how to crochet, I was about 6 when my mammaw taught me that skill. Such amazing memories!
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I have a quilt that I started a few years back, but have not done anymore to it. This makes me want to get mind out and work on it again. My squares aren't very even. I think I am going to have to cut more squares to replace some. Enjoyed this blog.
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I LOVE to quilt and have taken several quilting classes. One of my all time favorites was Stack and Wack Quilting. It's so fun!
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