Quilts Behind Bars

I had an amazing weekend in Muskegon
Michigan at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional
Facility sharing quilts with kids who have a dad
in prison.  For the 3rd time this year we joined
Forgiven Ministries and Prison Fellowship of
Michigan to bring HOPE and healing to families
affected by crime.  I entered the prison on Friday
morning with 56 quilts collected from our
volunteers and 61 quilts collected from a church
group from the Detroit area.  The 23 dads had
an amazing selection of quilts to choose from.

 First, I was able to share my testimony with the dads--I shared with them about forgiveness, HOPE and God's plan of restoration in my life and in theirs.  I am not exactly sure what I said but I do know that the Holy Spirit spoke through me and touched several of the dads--especially a few that are in prison for murder.

This dad picked these two great quilts for his two sons--ages 12 and 13.

Helping him choose the best quilt for his son.

He picked the Lions quilt--too bad they can't win a game :)

 After the dads picked the perfect quilt for their children I encouraged them to wrap themselves up in it--rub it on their head--get some of their smells and love on it!  It was really neat to see these huge tough guys wrapped in pink and purple quilts :)

This dad had two preteen girls who loved bright colors--he made two excellent choices!

We prayed over the quilts before they packed them away for the next day.

I don't have any pictures of the kids getting the quilts on Saturday yet....but once again, I promise that when I get them I will share!
Once again, a HUGE thank you to those of you who sent a quilt to us over the past few months for this program.  God is using these quilts for his purpose and it is more beautiful than anything I could have ever imagined!!!

This Little Piggy

 Isn't this fabric line cute?  I found it on sale at Fabric.com and it made a very easy de-stressor project yesterday. The line is by Kate Honarvar for Timeless Treasures Fabrics. I haven't quite finished it yet-binding is attached but not sew down yet.  I will leave that for Thursday when I get to take a plane ride all by myself :)

The Pile is Growing Again!

With the final 'Wrapped in Hope' prison giveaway less than two weeks away, our pile of donated quilts is growing daily!!  I had a chance to visit the quilts this weekend--and take a few pictures of course!

In the last two days, we have received several more packages--once again, we are amazed and excited to have the support from quilters around the country! 

**UPDATE** I just finished my daily phone call with my mom :) and I wanted to tell you that over the past 2 days we have received 66 quilts!!!! 18 by mail and 48 from various members of the West Michigan Quilters Guild.  WOW!  Thank-you so much everyone!!  

A surprise donation from a friend from church here in Toronto.

My mom and I are happiest when surrounded by a pile of kid-themed quilts!

  

Forgiveness

Margaret's Hope Chest exists today because forgiveness was chosen.  We have forgiven the two women who were responsible for my grandma's death.  We exist today so we can bring HOPE and forgiveness to families and children who need to forgive.  Some have, some haven't.  Some want to, some don't. Some don't know how.  It is our prayer that the quilts we send to children who have a parent in prison will help them to forgive and that through Margaret's death we will show others how to forgive-- and how beautiful it can be.  
PLEASE watch this video (and grab a tissue) and then consider looking over the 'Wrapped in Hope' birthday list for a child that you can help lead down the road of forgiveness.

I've Been Busy This Week

 I have been busy playing with girly fabrics this week.  What fun! This pink quilt is for a little princess named Hydie who will turn 3 in December. She is part of the 'Wrapped in Hope' birthday program. 

This top needed to be finished this week.  It had been sitting around and originally I thought it would be sent to volunteer longarm quilter but I decided to do a bit of hand stitching to make all of that white a little more interesting.  There was a day long ago when I only hand quilted--but time is of the essence these days--so I try to sneak it in here and there.

 I made another top of pink squares--this time I added some girly I Spy squares that I have collected from a few swaps.  By the way, if you are interested in fabric swap--I Spy or charm pack etc.  Katie is going to start a new swap and is looking for joiners--as for me--I'm in.

This is what you get when you have 3 or 4 jelly rolls of different designs in one giant bin.  

I just started sewing the strips together--4 hours later-boom! 

Now I will take a break from sewing (gasp!) and travel to my alma mater--Calvin College for a choir reunion of epic proportion!  Yeah, did I ever mention I have other hobbies--singing is one of them :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

DESPERATELY NEED HOCKEY/BLUE THEMED QUILT FOR BOY WITH 11/18 BIRTHDAY

**UPDATE** A quilting angel from Iowa just called me and she has a hockey quilt for John!!! Thank you!! I had a few others offers for other quilts that weren't hockey themed--thanks to those ladies too!  I love the team spirit behind what we do!
Hi Friends!  I am in desperate need of a quilt with a hockey or blue theme for a young man on our 'Wrapped in Hope' list. This boy is named John and his mom and dad are in prison :( He will be turning 12 this week. His original quilter is not able to make it.  We need a quilt ready to go.  MHC will be more than willing to reimburse for postage---if you have a quilt that you could donate--please, please, e-mail me and I will forward you his mailing address.

Because We Aren't the Only Ones Helping Others

I wanted to share a few things with you this morning

Because we aren't the only one helping others

Margaret's Hope Chest is one of two charities highlighted this week on Bernina's 'We All Sew' site.

Bernina has gathered a rather extensive list of charities and organizations who rely on volunteer sewers to serve others.  

Also,

Starting today, a few lovely quilting gals are beginning a one month quilt drive.  Margaret's Hope Chest is one of the suggested charities for quilt donations but there are others too.

If you donate a quilt to MHC you can enter to win prizes over there....did you hear that??

IF YOU DONATE A QUILT TO MARGARET'S HOPE CHEST over the next 30 days you can win prizes as a part of the 100 Quilts For Christmas.

How cool is that??? Head on over there are check it out!!

Let's help them reach their goal