A Patchwork Country

 Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we                  will be restored. 
        Lamentations 5:21 NKJV 







Quilts --- small colored pieces of cloth stitched together in a pleasing pattern to provide comfort, warmth, and protection against the cold. 

I'd much rather have a quilt than a blanket. You've seen one blanket, you've seen them all. Not so many years ago, women saved their scraps from the family clothes to make winter quilts. Often those scraps held memories of family events or funny stories. My Papa bought a bolt of white cloth so Grandma could make the family Easter clothes, a dress for their little girl, a dress for her, and a Sunday shirt for Papa. Without thinking, Grandma died the whole bolt --- pink!
Yes, Papa wore his new pink shirt with his overalls that Easter of 1925.


Our country is a patchwork of people, different colors, cultures, and experiences, but there is one thing we could have in common. We can open up our hearts to God's word and let His truth and His love unite us, bind us together like the stitches in a quilt. Then we would be a pleasing sight, a place of comfort, and protection for all the world to see. 

Hey Kids:
 Have you ever tried sewing?
Here's a couple of projects.

Beginners need:

• a piece of burlap, plastic canvas or 11 count cross-stitch fabric
• plastic needles 
• colored yarn 
• pencil

Draw or trace an outline on the fabric.
Thread the yarn through a needle.
Go in and out following the outline on your material.
You've created a wall hanging or a coaster or any way you'd like to use it!

The more experienced may want to try a potholder.

You will need:

• 3 contrasting fabrics. You may want to use patriotic colors to remind you of our country.
• cardboard
• scissors
• needles
• thread 
• batting

Choose one piece for the back and cut it 10"x10".

From the other 2 pieces cut 5 pieces 3 1/4" x 3 1/4" and 4 from the other color exactly the same size.

You may want to make a cardboard template to make sure all are the same size.

Mark the back of the fabrics 1/4" from the edge to make a stitching line.

Stitch the pieces together along the lines using a machine or stich by hand. 

You should have a nine-patch that looks like a checkerboard.

Place the right sides of the nine-patch and the backing together and stitch along 3 sides, leaving one side open for the batting. 

Turn the potholder right side out.

Cut the batting to fit the potholder and slip inside the potholder.

Fold in the open edge and stitch around all edges to secure the batting and finish the potholder.