Today I have the free pattern for block 9 of our Virtuous Wife quilt project to share with you.
“She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.”
This verse describes another aspect of the wifely duties of our
Proverbs 31 woman, how she chooses to make clothing and coverings from the best
materials she could afford. The further we get into Proverbs 31 through this study,
the more we grasp just how many necessary skills our woman has gained and put
into practice as she goes about her business, day by day caring for her home
and family.
In a time when the ordinary family had only a few items of
clothing, this wife put great thought and effort into what was made, for indeed,
most clothing was made at home by women. Today we can drop into the store to
buy a new dress, or a warm cardigan, and wear it that very day…but to hand sew items
(and often weave the cloth as well) for every family member, well, that’s a
commitment, and a skill, rarely seen anymore.
I do not make my own clothes, though I did sew and knit for all my
children when they were young. I learned to sew on a machine when I was in high
school, and enjoyed sewing dresses and nightgowns for my girls, and dungarees
and overalls for my boys. Knitting was my real love though. As soon as I
discovered my first child was on the way, it was to balls of yarn, pattern
books and tortoiseshell needles that I turned. I did most of this out of delight
rather than necessity, but I’m happy to have learned those skills because
should a time arise when choice turns to true need, I can make essential items
to cover us.
Making and creating for ourselves, our family and our home, is
etched upon our hearts I do believe; it is a God-given desire to nurture, nourish
and protect. Making isn’t just sewing and knitting though. Making a home is by
far the greater skill, and when attended to with care your home becomes a
different type of covering. It is -
·
a
sanctuary where those within feel safe and secure in familiar surroundings;
·
the door
where open arms are the first port of call for a loved one in need of comfort
or a welcome home embrace;
·
the table
where a lovingly prepared meal becomes another way to say I love you, for food
can truly be the way to someone’s heart;
·
a place
where the example of Christ is taught in how we speak, how we act, what we
believe and what we turn away from.
·
an escape
from the world’s chaos, where we can talk from the heart and be heard, and in
turn we can be quiet and listen.
·
a place
where we are loved for who we are.
Home is a God-gifted ‘covering’ for His people, and we should be mindful of just how precious a gift that is for ourselves, and all those in our care.
At age 64 I'm still honing my homemaker heart in thought, attitude, humility and action, and I daresay shall continue in learning mode until my eyes close on this earthly life - but that's exactly what God wants of me, and of you...that the things of this world will increasingly grow strangely dim, the longer we set our desires to living our lives to His glory, in our hearts and in our homes.
Use the link below to download this free pattern.
If you have missed any of the previous blocks (with accompanying studies) they are HERE
God bless you so very much!
11 comments:
A beautiful post Jennifer- your thoughts about your continuing journey.
I appreciate the grace of "catching up" with your current BOM, The Virtuous Wife. Back in March things got busy (we are moving in June) and I dropped some things. I am so grateful that you post a way to "catch up" with the blocks, and your study. Both are a balm to my heart. Thankyou!
Thank you for yet again a lovely newsletter and block. I look forward to making them once the children are older.
I hope I never stop learning! Thanks for your thoughts about this. I have sewing skills, too, and plenty of fabric to make patchwork clothing, at the very least. I'm not as talented as the Proverbs 31 woman, but my family would be clothed ... hopefully warm, too!
Bless you, Jennifer, for all the blessings you share with us.
Hi Jennifer,
At the funeral service at the church for a friend last Friday there was a part that would describe our friend as the Virtuous wife. She was always listening while seving coffee and cake being a great host while clothing her friends and family and making those feel welcome at the church.
Thank you for putting all these Virtuos Wife blocks together.
hugs, take care,
Joanne
Gracias por compartirnos tantas cosas lindas. Cuando sea grande, quiero bordar tan bonito como bordas tú.
PD: Ya tengo 60 años. Creo que tengo que apurarme en practicar jajaja
Leyendo el post hay algo que llamó mucho mi atención. Soy tu seguidora desde hace muchos años atrás y para mi siempre has sido un ejemplo de entrega, dedicación e inspiración como mamá, esposa y ama de casa. Y leerte diciendo que todavía te estás perfeccionando, me genera una mayor admiración. Recibe un fuerte abrazo, querida Jennifer.
I love reading you beautiful blog posts. And I love block 9.
Have a wonderful day.
Dearest Jennifer, Thank you for a beautiful post and another beautiful proverbs block pattern as well. I am so happy to hear that your hand is healing from the terrible burn you had. It is turning into summertime here. It has been very dry. I have to water the gardens ever couple days and my potted herbs daily. I have been very busy of late here at home. As I do all of the gardening and almost all of the house work and cooking. I need a a days rest for several days but i will not begetting it . As I have lots to do this week and the next several we all have quiet a few apointmets . Take care my sweet friend.
Sorry to hear what you have been going through and hope you are doing much better. A few years ago I burned me hand with boiling water and went to emergence. I know how painful that is. Thank you for all you do for us.
Aunty Jennifer, these designs are so beautiful, every one of them. I am looking forward to stitching them one day. I have decided to make three quilts. One for me and one for each of my daughters for their glory box/hope chest. I still have quite a few years to work on them thankfully! Bless you for once again freely sharing the beauty and inspiration God has given you. Love Emily xox
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