TIME and a new free stitch-along...

 

THE PROMISES QUILT – 2024/25

A slow stitching project…

I’ve begun designing a new version of the Promises & Borders quilt I made and shared back in 2012, and thought you might like to slowly stitch along with me? At first I was simply going to re-release the original patterns, but most of the photos have vanished in the ensuing years as now three computers later, many photos and folders were regularly deleted. So I decided to begin a new version, similar in some ways, but also quite different.

This first block is the beginning, but as my intention is to make my new Promises Quilt a slow, unhurried project, the blocks that follow will not be shared on a weekly or monthly basis, but only when I am inspired to design one. 

In my mind I think there will be nine blocks overall, each with a Scripture that declares a promise from God – which in these darkening times is an oft needed reminder of how close He is to us day by day, and not to fret nor be troubled, but to be assured we are never alone or without His help.

I’m using a bit of needle-turn applique, and hand embroidery to embellish each block. I chose the threads to blend with the fabrics I shall use for borders, most especially a piece of vintage tablecloth which I will need to use sparingly.

The first block has it featured as a border, and then I’ll probably add some varied fabric squares for a second border, but may change my mind as the project grows.

It is up to you how you border your blocks, and whether you want to house them inside a quilt layout or use them for individual projects such as cushions, runners, bags, or perhaps framed.

You may choose to use blanket stitch applique, needle-turn applique, or completely hand embroider the blocks. Just do what you’re comfortable with, and what brings you joy.

This could become a nice project for a sewing group at church, or with friends in your home or online. Think about the Scripture verse and discuss your thoughts, share burdens, and encourage one another with faith and trust in the Lord. 

Feel free to email photos of your progress as I'd like to share them here once a month - that's another way of you encouraging others.  So often we need to see the work of another to be inspired with our own. My contact details are in the pattern download.

Use the link below to download this free pattern.

DOWNLOAD Promises block 1 Micah 7-8

The next tea towel curtain...

I completed the second crochet edged tea towel curtain this week and love how it has brightened up our small laundry. 

I chose to use a turquoise cotton yarn for the crochet this time, and think it's just as nice as the coral I used HERE on the kitchen curtain edging. Both windows are now covered by six pretty tea towel curtains...if you are looking for a change in your own curtains perhaps you might try shopping for tea towels? 

My friend Julie told me she calls these type of curtains a 'valance' and I can see why as they do resemble one, and of course neither of them cover the whole window. I love learning new things!

Up the mountain again...

Yesterday Blossom and I took the children 'up the mountain' for the morning and had the loveliest time together. It's been two years since our last trip there, and we were so relieved to see the relaxed atmosphere of a decade ago has returned. We had stopped going because things changed with new owners and you needed to book a table for 90 minutes and then leave...we had always arrived and stayed as long as we liked, often all day. But it's back to normal, and we'll be visiting there often again...

But now let me tell you all about TIME...

This is my theme for July. It came to me one afternoon in late June, when I was thinking about how good a stew or soup or curry is when it's been simmering away for eight hours in the slow cooker. 

Letting my mind ramble a while, it occurred to me that when given time, and not hurried, many things in life turn out better than if we'd rushed them along. 

I suppose stitching is an example that naturally comes to mind. The most common question I am asked is "how do you keep your stitches so small and neat?". It's because I take my time, I don't rush, and I will happily unpick some stitches if they're not tidy and and redo them. 

Gardening takes time. A seed planted may take months to bear fruit, or a tree can take many years, but it should not stop us from planting. In time there will be a harvest to enjoy, and it will all be worth the time and effort invested. 

Reading a book takes time, though some prefer to watch the movie instead, not willing to slow down and savour the story in its written form. That used to be me...but now I love to read again, and enjoy a couple of chapters each night before bed, not wanting to rush through, but giving time to the journey. 

Hand quilting is a slow process which cannot be rushed; it needs time. I find this measured rhythm of working needle and thread through a quilt top to be meditative, soothing, good for my soul. There's also a joy in putting it down and picking it up. 

Knitting and crochet take time, especially for larger projects - but what beauty in the finished rug, or cardigan or shawl!

Babies grow quickly, but it takes time for them to mature and age and eventually be little people we can share thoughts and ideas with. Looking back on these years of watching my own grandchildren pass each new stage in life, the time it has taken for each milestone...such a gift. And to be able to call precious daughters my best friends, our relationships built over decades in love and trials and hope. 

I'm currently working on a cross stitch, my first in more than a decade, and compared to my love of the hand embroidery which I've designed and stitched slowly for the past fifteen years, it takes more time, and is even slower to complete a large piece this way...but worth it in the end. 

Prayer...oh the years of prayer given to my family members. Many prayers still not answered, or not answered the way I had hoped, yet other prayers answered more abundantly than I'd asked of the Lord. Just last month, sixteen years of prayer over a grandson was granted with his heart turned to Jesus and his life given over to our Saviour. Don't stop praying, don't get weary, give it TIME.

Relationships take time - for trust to grow, and familiarity to flourish. Like a garden they need tending, but not with water - they need encouragement, kindness, ears to listen, and TIME.  

There are so many examples of TIME being needed to see fulfilment in varying aspects of this life, and in order for this to occur, we of course, need patience. Blog posts take me a long time, and over the past year especially I have often thought of writing a 'final post' and stepping away, but then the Lord nudges me to give it TIME and lean on Him in this season a while longer. I do not know how long, but He does, and as long as He gives me something to share I expect I'll be here. 

I am enjoying how this year my mind has become increasingly geared to step back, slow down, think more carefully about my plans and choices, and treasure the time given me each day. I like intentionally slowing, and giving myself more time to be about my business, because the benefits to my relationship with the Lord, my husband and family, my health and my home, are increasingly evident with each passing month. 

What about you? How are you using your time these days? Have you been rushing, or are you also moving into the season of slow? 

God bless dear ones, and I pray that you find much joy in this season of life as you intentionally seek His will and follow the path He has opened before you. Follow Jesus and you'll always be going in the right direction.

Love and hugs,

Don't miss out on any Elefantz news or free patterns. 

Subscribe to my blog posts HERE and receive them direct to your email inbox.  

Or sign up HERE for my free newsletter which often has extra benefits, freebies & tutorials!