Thursday, October 29, 2015

Two free BOMs for 2016...

Next year on the blog I'll be sharing not one, but TWO free Block of the Month projects.

The first will be a Christian co-project with my dear friend (and across-the-pond prayer partner of many years) Allie Hartom of Allie-Oops Designs.

"Postcards From Heaven" will begin on New Year's Day 2016 when I'll share the first of twelve monthly blocks.

In February Allie will share block 2, and from there we'll tag team back and forth each month till December.

Here's a little sneak peek of my first block in "Postcards From Heaven"...
We'll share all the info about this 2016 Block of the Month in December. 



The second free Block of the Month for 2016 is one that has been on my heart all year.

As you know, throughout 2015 I've been seeking to rediscover myself, the real 'me', the gal with the homemaker heart. 

(if you're new to the blog please read THIS blog post from January to better understand my motivation)

2016 will build on that theme, but deeper than this year because much of these past ten months have involved challenging life lessons of letting go, working through who I am, who I've become, and who I want to be, as well as learning about priorities, saying no, and what I can do to create a calm, ordered and welcoming home atmosphere.
 
I've indulged in most of my mission statement goals from January but not all, so walking along this path into 2016 is quite delightful because I feel no pressure, just excitement at the prospects ahead of me...


 
Overall I've loved the lessons that have become clear about myself this year, and though I may not have liked them all, mostly they are helping mold me into a nicer version of who I was before, and that's what I call a positive outcome and one that is worth continuing the challenge.

2016 will see me expanding my horizons along this beautiful path to "living the gentle domestic life".
 
And this is where the new BOM comes in to play!

"Gentle Domesticity" will be a year long quilt project made up of twelve applique/embroidery blocks and bits of patchwork.
Scattered through the quilt we'll sew blocks which feature scenes wonderfully gentle and domestic, quotes to inspire, or moments that calm and revive.
This patchwork quilt will indeed be a 'patchwork' view of the gently domestic life.
 
 There's no materials lists to share with you because it's all made from scraps...
...which is why I'm telling you about this project today.
 
You have a little over two months in which to gather your own tub of fabric scraps.
Mine are mostly pastels in blue, pink, green, aqua, and beige, with probably a few pops of red, brown and yellow along the way...
If you have a metre (yard) of background fabric for the stitchery/applique blocks that will be enough, but for the remainder of the project just gather scraps. 

I drew up the first block on Tuesday and stitched it that night...
I'm designing along the way you see, but the picture is in my mind and there's a delightful calm as I work through the process of bringing it to life...
This will be a quilt for my own pleasure, a treasure chest of memories drawn from a desire to be a homemaker more than anything else.

As I stitch this quilt, I'll be praying my girls will embrace homemaking as the noblest of all womanly occupations in their hearts, though they live in a world which (in general) doesn't hold that position in honour or esteem much anymore, and that they pass this truth down the family line with grace and joy.
That will be a legacy indeed.

Will you be joining me next year?

hugs

45 comments:

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

I'll be watching.....love you both!

Deborah said...

Both sounds wonderful.

DH said...

Both BOM sound wonderful! I would love to do both but I know that probably won't happen due to other commitments. I'm looking forward to learning more about them! Thank you! Dawn

Sparky said...

I will be following you where ever your heart leads you ..

Kathy E said...

I look forward to both of these--sounds beautiful and inspirational!

Createology said...

You just keep giving...like the Energizer Bunny. Your scraps look so beautiful to work with. Following along dear...

Anonymous said...

OMG I just can't wait to star your new projects. I am a Cristian just like you, a homemaker & Gramma of 7 grands. Right now I'm finishing up on the 6 part embroidery patter & really love it will show a pic when done. THANK YOU for all the inspiration's that you give us & God Bless you.

Chris from WI, USA said...

This is Chris from Wisconsin that just posted the last post.

Lydia said...

I can't wait to see the new BOMs for 2016. Looking forward to it.

Ivani said...

I'll be looking forward for the BOMs. Thanks

http://thankfullga447 said...

Your blogs make me smile everyday - I love your photography.

Jacque T said...

Your outline of your projects sound so inspirational and pushing oneself to grow. I look forward to seeing your ideas. Thank you and Blessings!!
Jacque

Guida said...

Thank you Jenny, you can count me in on both. Its a journey I am looking forward to.
Warmest wishes, Guida.

Maria said...

Will be following along thank you ....

Ondrea said...

Oh yes! I will definitely be following that all year. A good way of using some of my stash. Times have sadly changed over the past couple of decades where being a domestic goddess is not deemed a worthy lifestyle . I even remember back in the 80's when I would constantly chastise women who said they were "just" a housewife. I believe it is one of the most important roles anyone can have especially when rearing children to become beautiful ethical citizens and valuable members of society. It is so refreshing to see someone like yourself embrace your purpose in life. AS a carer and domestic goddess I thank you for sharing your journey. Angel Hugs.

Gina said...

Gentle Domesticity sounds just right for me. I'm a housewife and tend to do everything for others. This would be my project for me xx

Christine B said...

Both projects sound lovely Jenny! Thank you for sharing them! Christine x

Michelle Smith said...

I have loved all of you BOM's! I am so excited for these two. Thank you for sharing your talents and inspiring messages

Catherine said...

Looking forward to seeing those BOMs. They sound so intriguing

Sherry said...

I will be planning to follow along with both projects. I hope to be stitching along and keeping up also. I have a large tub of scraps that will work great.

Unknown said...

I will look forward to joining in with your Gentle Domesticity BOM. I will be stitching your Lords Prayer BOM as I didn't have time when I joined it. Loads of love to you xx

Grammasheri said...

Gentleness draws me in. So looking forward to these BOM gifts!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely, with God's permission, I will be here for both projects. I'm blocking out time for one project per week, and this will be two of them, CQJP will be a third, if it goes another year, and if not, I might do it just for me. The fourth will be devoted to cleaning up projects I started and didn't finish. That takes care of 2016 commitments to projects! Of course, there will be American Heroes, that always goes on, but as other 2015 projects are finished, I'm not filling in with any more. That's part of MY change in domesticity. =)

Maria McCabe said...

Your generous spirit always touches my heart. Thank you for deciding to give your readers 2 more beautiful gifts next year! I will be joining in for both!

Maria

Anonymous said...

Can't wait Jenny!. Count me in.
Hugs Sue from Cyprus xxx

Thoeria said...

You're always such a tease, Jenny :) I'm looking forward to seeing more of your gorgeous work. You're such a spark of positive energy!

e said...

Jenny, thank for your creativity and willingness to share so generously. I don't have a daughter to pass these truths on to, but I have three nieces and share your sentiments. Looking forward to both quilts. xx

Nancy J said...

I know between you and Allie, next year will be a huge bonus for us all. I am not too good with embroidery or stitching by hand but scraps, I have plenty, and am already joining Allie in the scrappy log cabin project.However my blocks turned out to be huge, as I used left over 2.5 inch strips from the wiggle me quilt. I will keep looking to find blocks that I can manage. And, thank you both so much for sharing your designs with us.

Rosa said...

Both sounds fabulous!

Baa. xxx said...

Yes, yes, yes... joining in. It sounds baa-rilliant!

RoseMary Baty-Willcox said...

So looking forward to these patterns and more of your blog.

Brenda said...

Jenny, Good Evening...the past few days have been very busy, but so much fun. I put together a small quilting group and we have just been having a blast. We had our 2nd meeting Wednesday and then got together again today and tomorrow. I know I will be joining you, I think that the descriptions for both projects sound wonderful and will be filled with your spectacular designs. Scrap quilts, applique and hand embroidery are my favorites to do and to have the three combined will be marvelous! Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful creative day!

Outback Crafter - Debra said...

They both sound wonderful Jenny.

Águeda said...

Gracias por tanta generosidad. Estoy deseando ver estos nuevos proyectos. Haces que nos sintamos orgullosas de ser amas de casa,que, en general, es una profesión poco valorada. Muchos besos. Que Dios te bendiga.

Unknown said...

Both look wonderful - I've been wanting to make a couple of quilts just for us. Looking forward to joining you!

Suegodfrey said...

Both sound wonderful so definitely yes... And thank you so much h. You are a kind, generous person. Love and hugs. Sue from the UK x

Allie-oops Designs said...

I can't wait - so fun to be designing with you, dear girl!

Jackie said...

I will definitely be joining in! Both sound lovely....

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jenny, I shall be aiming to make both quilts as I just love your designs and know these two will be special. Big hug x

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Jenny, you are a busy bee! Both these BOM's interest me and I look forward to joining in. Thank you for sharing your marvelous ideas, as always.

SandyMay said...

As I read your blog at the end of each week, I am always astonished at your productivity and your willingness to share the fruits of your incredible talents. I hope that 2016 will bring a less hectic year for me and allow me time to participate in your BOM projects. If not, I will take great pleasure in seeing the designs that you and your friend share. swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com

Sharon - creativity and family said...

Both beautiful ideas Jenny. xx

Angie in SoCal said...

YOur Year of Domesticity sounds just the thing. I'll be looking forward to your posts, Jenny.

Jane said...

Looking forward to participating in your BOM quilts Jenny :)

Shiela Grossman said...

Absolutely LOVE your designs, ideas, & 'domestic encouragement'. I'm a 51 yr old farm girl who was born 100 yrs too late. I still believe a woman's place is at home caring for her family (unless there's an emergency that makes it necessary for her to be employed outside of the home). I love all things domestic & am VERY blessed to have a wonderful husband who thinks like I do but is also very appreciative of the things I do for our family. He also really enjoys how frugal someone domestic can be (sewing, gardening, canning, etc). Can't wait to take part in this new project of yours by making one of my own. Keep up the good work!! God blesses me daily...& I pray He'll send blessings your way, too.