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Friday, August 23, 2013

I'm Back--at Long Last!!

 Hello from Margaret's Hope Chest!!  My friends, we are back in business here!  Three months ago I left to take care of a very important adoption from China and although it was harder than I ever imagined it would be I have come up on the other side and I can once again tell you that with certainty that whatever doesn't kill you will indeed make you stronger.  And so, here is our family of seven!!
 Our daughter Pearl is a wonderful addition to our family and she is beautiful and smart and full of life!!!  She was also full of sadness and confusion for the first few months home but I can say that God is faithful to orphans and those who choose to give them a home and family and she is doing better every day.  I don't get out of bed without praying for patience and understanding because I need it!
 The rest of the family has adjusted well to her and she has more playmates than she wants most days!

 Believe it or not, I have been able to complete quite a few quilts this summer.  I did not start any new projects because I just did not have the brain power for that but finishing quilt tops takes very little brain power! 
 Earlier in the spring I had made a hundred or more 'plus' blocks.  There was enough to make 3 tops--2 lap-sized and one larger lap-sized.
I straight line quilted them because as I have mentioned before, my machine in Michigan is old and tired and can only muster enough energy to sew in one direction.

 Here's one finished--this one went to the postpartum program at Pine Rest.
 Here is the second: my mom will have to remind me where this one went.
 And here is the third and this I gave to a friend of mine who needs a little bit of quilty hope each day!  I love how God shows me each person to give these quilts to.  I was actually photographing this quilt at the camp that my kids attend in Michigan and I thought I should give this quilt to Kate.  I kid you not, I walk up to the parking lot and there is Kate and her kids.  I gave it to her right then and there.  I knew it was the right thing to do!


I LOVE this backing fabric--it reminds me of my daughter Anne and that feeling you only have as a child-endless summer days.



 Finally, I finished this quilt top which I made over a year ago.  I love the bright colors and the bold backing.  It also awaits someone who needs some HOPE for the future.



 So happy to be back writing about my quilting life and the work of Margaret's Hope Chest!

I am so happy to once again be able to link up to Amanda Jean's Finish It Up Friday post!!!


9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have no idea how on earth you manage to quilt with that many children running around but good for you for finding the time! The quilts are lovely, especially the plus quilts; they have that wonderful old fashioned look that makes a new quilt feel like an old friend right away.

Celtic Thistle said...

Great finishes, sounds like you have a lot on your plate, so well done you too!

Jeni B Quilts said...

your quilts are pretty but your new baby girl is the prettiest! Congratulations on her adoption and God bless your family!

Karen H said...

Lovely quilts! Great job, and congratulations on the adoption.

Lynn said...

So happy to see you back! What a lovely family picture. Congratulations on your new daughter. I'm impressed with your beautiful quilts. We have a new baby here and I haven't gotten to sit and sew for a while now. I'd better get moving!

Shauna said...

Lovely quilts! So bright and cheery and will be 'hope' to those you give them too. Congratulations on your new daughter!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your little bundle of joy. I am sure she is bringing much happiness. Love the quilt ...bright and happy. Marie

Quiltdivajulie said...

One of my co-workers adopted a little girl from China. She has blossomed in her new home with her new family ~ we love having her visit the office!

All the best to you and your family!

Amanda Jean said...

your plus quilts are amazing and beautiful. I love how the one was destined for Kate and how God worked out your meeting. Awesome.

I read this entire post with goosebumps and it nearly led me to tears. you are a beautiful lady inside and out. your precious family and your quilts are so inspiring.