Free Christmas pattern number 2...

 

I love making a new pincushion from fabric scraps, especially during a change of season or when beginning a quilt project.

Back in 2014 I designed this "Noel" pincushion as part of a set of Christmas projects, and at that time I was also designing for some Australian sewing magazines, which sadly have since closed due to the rapid rise of the digital age. Anyhow, at that time I often designed with fabrics and colours that were not really my style but 'hit the brief' for magazines which wanted to show projects in various themes to suit as many different magazine customers as possible. That's why I made the original version of 'Noel' in a very country blue. 

Now don't get me wrong, I still loved this pinnie! But over the years I've thought about remaking it in fabrics that show my own style...and this weekend I did just that. Naturally, with my current love of crochet edging, I ditched the binding part of my pattern and opted for some lacy, almost gathered in appearance, crochet.

The yarn is 4ply crochet cotton, from that op-shop bargain bag I found recently. One of the colours was a perfect match to the vintage Tilda fabric I used as the stitchery/applique background. 

The floral applique and scissor pocket fabric is from a beautiful old piece of Barefoot Roses by Tanya Whelan, one of my favourite fabrics lines ever. 

Now, I am no crochet expert, as I have said before, and I cannot do graphs or anything like that to explain how I do an edging, nor do I intend learning - life is to be slowed, not wound up these days - but the best I can describe it is to say that (in UK terms), I blanket stitch the stitches slightly less than a 1/4" apart...and when I begin the crochet I do a full row all around of double chain (chain in the US).

Then, for that nicely gathered look, I crochet into every single stitch of that first row. So I start in a corner and do three trebles (UK) into one stitch on the row below, then a chain (not into a stitch) and  then into the next stitch on the row below I do another three trebles and another chain (also not into a stitch). From there I continue a pattern of one dc, three trebles, one dc, three trebles, into every stitch on the row below. Between each of the dc and three trebles I do a simple chain that does not go into any stitches on the row below. This creates the gathered effect because it's so full. 

Normally when I crochet my edges I skip a stich on the row below when I do a chain between the dc and the three trebles...but not with this pincushion edging. And that's about as technical as I will ever be with crochet edging. I just use what I have and sometimes fudge the corners a little, but in the end it looks lovely and I am satisfied and quite pleased with the end result. 

Getting back to my magazine days when I designed to a script a lot of the time, it really stretched me as a designer, and I learned a lot of skills along the way. I only began designing in 2009 at age 50...so I had a lot to learn. But by 2015, I stepped away from the magazines and decided to design for my own pleasure, and that's when my first Stitchery Club began. 

I learned back then to stay true to myself. And though over the years I dabble in different styles and fabrics, I find myself always returning to my first love - that soft, shabby chic almost, style. Another favourite is old 1930's, and sometimes fabrics with a real vintage look about them catch my eye and inspire a project, but the stream of gentle florals always runs true in the end. I'm not a fan of gaudy or bright prints, and I do not like Christmas fabrics or any novelty prints to be honest. 

Knowing your personal style is so important. It defines you, and it brings JOY to your work. Don't be concerned about what others (or me!) like...create the way you like, make items that bring a touch of *you* to your home environment. My one concession though, is when I make for others...always be mindful of their style and make things that reflect them and not yourself. :-) 

You are unique in more ways than you will ever know this side of heaven. Created by the Master's hand, He made you to be just that, YOU. If you make this pincushion, choose the fabrics that make your heart soar. As you decorate your home to celebrate Jesus, do it in such a way that it shows the beautifully unique style the Father impressed upon your mind when you were first made in His image.  

Our God CREATES, He did it from the very beginning, and we are made in His image. So we can create too. I prayed every day for two years that He would bless me with a touch of His own creativity. And one day in 2009, that prayer was answered and a gift I'd not previously had, was given. To this day I am still astounded that at age 50 He taught me something new, and He opened doors for me that I could not have opened myself...and He blessed this blog, my writing, and my heart. 

Today, He still teaches me, corrects me, stretches me beyond what I can do alone, and at time he re-directs my path, tells me when to slow down or lay down certain things, and shines a light on the things that matter most - His Son. 

He also prods me to write more and more about this beautifully gifted homemaker life, and the high importance it plays in the family, from the days of babies and toddlers, to the latter years of grand-children, rocking chairs, and fewer sunsets at the end of the day. 

Today my mind is stayed on Him, on the gift of His own Son, on the depth of LOVE for all mankind that brought about a birth, a ministry, a death and a resurrection...all delivered as a gift for you and I who love, obey and believe in Jesus to receive. 

"Noel, noel...noel, noel....born is the King of Israel."

Use the link below to download the pattern.

DOWNLOAD Noel Pincushion pattern

If you missed the first of my five free 2023 Christmas patterns go HERE

God bless you...

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The subtle slide into laziness and a free pattern...

November has been a real challenge with migraines most days due to our weather. The cloud cover is almost constant, but though just a few kilometres up the road rain has fallen on nearby suburbs, or further north, the clouds refuse to drop the water from heaven on our area. 

Barometric migraines are the worst ones for me because I cannot control them by eliminating the food, light or weariness triggers of my other migraines. That blanket of cloud feels like a vice I am trapped in, and the only relief is when they burst forth with rain - and when that happens the pain just disappears in minutes. So we are praying for rain even more than usual. This time of year in our tropics is the wet season, but so far it's started around us but not on us. Never mind, all challenges teach us something, and this recent challenge has taught me to examine how easily a bad habit can be formed during these longer than usual seasons of migraine. What is that habit you ask? Laziness.

After seven babies (with migraine through all of them) my pain tolerance is quite high, so I am still able to function at a slower, quieter pace around the home when the pain is severe. During this current bout of migraine I began crochet edging, firstly on runners for the home, and then on to new tea towels for Christmas gifts and to restock my own supply in the New Year as is my custom. 

It is such a calming, simple pastime, and as I crocheted I would listen to sermons, watch episodes of The Waltons, or historical documentaries on YouTube. I did still need to water the gardens but resorted to the sprinkler most afternoons as being outside just made my head worse. I still did the washing, prepared meals (especially a very healthy breakfast for my husband and I) and did a general tidy...but the regular afternoon rest time I've always adhered to became longer and longer. On days when I was free of pain you'd think that I would get in and do a jolly good scrub around the home, but I found myself having fallen into the distraction of spending long hours at crochet each afternoon just as on the days of pain, until it was time to begin our evening meal and fold the washing.

Well, that new 'habit' continued for about twelve days, and then I listened to a young mother of six in her mid-30's, and she spoke straight out of God's Word and into my heart. Older ladies, never turn your ears from listening to younger homemakers, for often they will point out things we may have missed or have 'slipped' away from. 

Obviously I'm not proud of my subtle slide into laziness, but I felt impressed to share it with you because so often, especially in times of illness or prolonged pain, we can slide into routines and habits that are not productive in the long term. On my really bad days I shall still sit quietly, but on the not so bad ones and the days when I am pain free, it's back to living my wonderfully gentle domestic life, embracing all the Lord has put before me, for they are great blessings!

Once I had woken up to the subtleness of my slide into long lazy afternoons, I wrote down a list of things which needed to be done around home, and depending on how I felt each day, I completed those tasks over the course of this past week. The linen cupboard was a dreadful mess. It's not on my list of important tasks, but on the seasonal list - and being that we are about to welcome summer in a few days, this big seasonal task had to be tackled. I thoroughly enjoyed bringing everything out in to the living room and going through it! I was able to donate about one quarter of what was in there, mostly items kept for the grandchildren, but which they no longer use or had grown out of. We do not have much storage in our modest home so their spare clothes, toys and games are kept there, you see. Plus there were old ratty towels and similar items which my husband can use for rags in his workshop out back. 

Grain was milled, fresh flour baked into delicious bread. Before and after...

Nutritious evening meals, like this yummy lentil curry with brown rice, were made...

Treats were baked for the grandchildren...

...and both fridges were given a thorough clean out. I also rearranged the living/dining area and scrubbed everything there as well. 

Fresh roses picked from the garden are popped here and there in vases around the house and add the most delightful scent. 

On my list of tasks to accomplish, I included fun things too, like putting aside some of the crochet and getting back to work on Blossom's 30th birthday quilt (she will be 30 next May). Now that I've returned to my hour of handwork after lunch each day (a little longer if it's a migraine day), I'm enjoying the making of Dresden fan blocks in her requested 1930's style fabric prints. I need sixteen blocks and have completed seven so far since June, the last two this past week. 

It's very relaxing to make the individual fans in the evening when my husband is home and we're sitting together watching a good sermon, or a documentary. I stitch slow because there's no rush, and because I do most things slowly these days out of choice. Why rush, rush, through the day when it is such a precious gift to be savoured? 

I have spent most of my life powering through the days God gave me, but since about 2015 I have gradually (very gradually) retrained my mind to slow, to notice what's around me, to be fully present in the day as it is given. Jesus told us to focus on today, not to faint over what tomorrow may hold because it may come with troubles, and worrying about the 'what ifs' robs us of His peace today. 

So what I have learned through November is to be watchful of subtle lazy habits which are easy to fall into, especially when pain is dominating my days. Getting up and moving through my normal gentle homemaker rhythms and routines as best I can, with a bit more gusto on really good days, is very important, more that I first imagined, because its the reason I love this gentle domestic life. Within the pain and the long lazy afternoons (there were some lazy morning too, and my floors could attest to that) I began to feel something wasn't right, like a loss of something meaningful, but I was so absorbed in the crochet distraction (even on days when pain wasn't bad) that I was blind to the new problem I had created. Praise God this only lasted a couple of weeks! Imagine if I'd kept going along that path? 

This home my husband and I share is our sanctuary, it is a God-gifted anchor to our life, a place where we are always welcome, always able to relax and unwind from the chaos of the world around us. But a sanctuary must be cultivated, loved, and thoughtfully maintained to reflect the lives of those who dwell within. It is made beautiful when purposefully crafted with generosity, compassion, kindness, hospitality and time - and it is doubly blessed by the precious voices of praise and prayer which fill each room.

As we move closer to year's end, I plan on recommitting my homemaker intentions to the Lord, to seek His will moving forward, and to let go of those habits or pursuits which He sees as a hindrance to the higher calling He has put on my life. That calling? Loving wife, mother, grandmother...devoted homemaker. Praise Him for opening my eyes quickly to that slide down Lazy Lane. May He open my eyes to every path which draws me away from His best in my life. 

FREE pattern...

I love this prayer, and think it's really worthwhile to have it hanging in our homes as a reminder that those daily chores which sometimes seem endless and boring and exhausting, are evidence of great blessings.

Use the link below to download this free pattern. 

DOWNLOAD The Kitchen Prayer pattern

God bless you, keep you safe, fill your heart with hope and joy, and gently direct you along the blessed path He created for your precious and very unique life. 

Till next time, 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!

Slowing the everyday...

I always find the weekly rhythm of homemaking to be a constant source of peace and calm, satisfaction, gratitude, and productivity in my everyday life. It also provides a sense of purpose, something many of us look for, yet too often a thing we can doubt. 

Knowing your unique purpose removes a lot of self doubt from the mind. When we become aware it, usually from a very young age or later when the Lord places it right in the centre of our hearts as a desire waiting to be fulfilled, we can choose to follow where it leads, or, as many do, choose a different path. I have done both in different seasons of life...and the paths I chose were both 'good', but as the years progressed, one path shone far more brightly than the other. That bright path, over time, was to expand my love for God, family and home. It caused me to see the very real need for a revival in homemakers, and homemaking. 

Friday's prep for the weekend: 2 litres of almond milk, bread from freshly ground grain, cranberry rock cakes.

 As with many things in life, I have a tendency 'at times' to push myself too hard, and then as the months pass, one day I'll find myself collapsing in a worn-out mess for a while, unable to do a lot until my energy (and health) recovers a week or two later - but I do believe in the past year especially, that I have finally learned to balance the everyday tasks and interactions of a homemaker life. 

Today my daily homemaker rhythms are kinder, slower and gentler than ever, each task bringing simple delights, gratitude and smiles. If I cannot complete the tasks on my list by the end of the day or the week, it causes me no regret or feelings of failure; I simply move those tasks to another day in order of importance...and not many are very important anyhow. For example, I like to regularly pull everything out of the linen cupboard and give it a clean, replacing each item neatly and in order, and placing anything no longer needed into the charity box which is kept in the boot of my car - but this is not a task of importance. It's a task to do when I have time, or when I'm in the mood for a deep clean of cupboards through the house (usually once per season). 

(as there are only two of us at home now, I bake the bread so that it's easy to pull into two halves, one for now and one for the freezer)

It was quite an epiphany this year to grasp a certain truth about age - more specifically, about what is expected of us as we age. How can I at 64 expect to keep moving at the same pace as I did at 34, 44 or 54? Well, unless I am on some ego trip to keep up with the younger generation, at this time of life I need to allow myself to pull back and slow down more, resting a while each afternoon with a book, some crochet, or an episode of The Waltons (currently watching my way through the entire series); perhaps reading some blogs or writing cards, continuing with my Bible study from that morning, having a short nap or praying for my loved ones. 

(I'm currently crocheting the edges of some new thick cotton tea towels)

Living a slower life does not mean living an easier life. I still need to keep the floors vacuumed and mopped, the washing hung on the line, the ironing done, meals prepared, bathrooms scrubbed, gardens weeded and watered...but those tasks are not raced through, or burdensome anymore. They are very important tasks, and when completed with a gentle and joyful attitude, unhurried but done with diligence and care, they bring a great deal of satisfaction to my homemaker heart. I no longer think about what I'll do when I finish them, because that is the main reason I used to rush. My mind is on the privilege of having a home to maintain, someone to care for, and the gift of another day of life with a body that still has working limbs. I even appreciate the migraines which the Lord has never seen a need to heal me of, because they also remind me to slow things down. 

(I recently used four orphan applique blocks in the corners of a new topper for my kitchen island and finished it with crochet edging...yes, I am addicted to this craft)

Sometimes we read articles or blogs where the writer has done so much around the home that our heads are spinning wondering how they do it, and that can cause feelings of failure or disappointment in our own achievements. Let me gently remind you that they are living a different life to you. They will have completely different life circumstances - such as where they live, size of their home and property, their age, their finances, hands on help, climate, health, and responsibilities. If you are content with your day-to-day tasks, and can keep up with the important things such as looking after your family, your home, your health and your relationship with Jesus, then cheer them on in the comments, whilst cheering yourself for living a life that brings joy and satisfaction within the home sanctuary you have created.

**Admittedly, many emails and comments have been left here on my blog over the years asking "how do you get so much done?!"...and I can confess that I used to be a bit of whirlwind around the house, garden and in the design studio, because I am a true introvert and spend almost every day at home alone, so I had time to do those things back then. Now I enjoy the slower rhythms of each day.**

(the last of our tomatoes and snow peas picked from the garden)

How you live your life is also unique to your circumstances. We may face seasons that stretch us further than we thought we could endure, times when the grace of God is the only thing that keeps us going, so especially in those seasons do not compare yourself to another. I don't believe we should compare ourselves to others at any time, yet even unconsciously to some extent we probably will...but if that happens, stop and consider the very real differences between your life and what you know of the other's life. Don't be disheartened if you're not as well off, as healthy, as seemingly happy, as creative, as beautiful, or as organised as they appear to be...just be YOU, wonderful YOU, a unique and lovely woman crafted by our God, a God who has a mighty heart which stamped the full depth of His love on a cross. For YOU. 

We have six foot high sunflowers across the front of the house. No amount of sun or extreme heat can thwart their natural tendency to look up at the sun and follow it across the sky. 

Dear one, let us be like the sunflower and let nothing turn us away from the true Son. Let our hearts look up to Him and follow His example in how we live our lives, treat others, and bear witness to His Word. 

Precious girl, if your purpose seems clouded and elusive right now, if you are just not sure what you're meant to be doing (and how) with the rest of your earthly life, know I am praying this coming week that the fullness of the knowledge of His purpose for you becomes radiantly clear, and that His peace which surpasses all understanding will fill your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. 

Hugs

Block 14 The Virtuous Wife BOM...

 

Hello lovely ladies, I know my time here lately has become quite sparse, not intentionally, but due to life's commitments in far more important places...like at home, and with family. 

As of today my husband is unemployed, just like our son-in-law Ross. Both of them are looking for work and we're praying the Lord will provide the right jobs at the right time. For now, dear Blossom and I are pondering what we've learned so far during this Virtuous Wife study, and with the Lord's guidance, doing what we can to mange our homes with financial restraint, a joyful spirit, prayer and praise. 

Anyhow, let's see what we can glean from October's bonus study, and I hope you enjoy stitching the free block as well! :-)

“…and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also…” Proverbs 31: 27b-28a

This month I decided to share two blocks from this quilt, today being the second one. We shall look a little at verse 27b-28a in this study, but first I’m going to begin with verse 27a which was embroidered on the previous block shared with you on October 1^st.

At the beginning of this month I focused on verse 26 and the power of the tongue, but today we’ll complete the study of the remaining text featured on the previous block. “She looks well to the ways of her household…”  Proverbs 31: 27a

On the surface you’d imagine this section of verse 27 is fairly self-explanatory, that she looks after the home very well. But it goes much farther in the original Hebrew.

Looks well – “tsaphah” – to peer into the distance.

The ways – “haliykah” – a march or procession.

Our lady isn’t focused on today, she is looking far ahead in order to prepare for what may come in the future. Her family do not sit still, their lives are continually marching forward, and therefore so is our woman. We already know she worked hard to care for her household, but here’s a bit of an insight into ‘why’.

There have been numerous times in history when people were caught unawares, when they realised lack of preparation for an unexpected crisis had left them with little to sustain the family, and no real idea how long before supplies, finances, work or assistance would return to normal. Since Covid savaged the world in 2020, many homemakers have made the decision to stock up and prepare now for any future times of trouble. They are learning new skills which they’d previously not considered, putting together a natural medicine cabinet, baking bread, making soap, foraging and canning homegrown or cheap in-season produce, sewing clothes, mending what is broken, counting the cost of all they spend and choosing to turn away from wants in order to better save for needs. These homemakers have a new mindset, and it’s not about living for today. It’s about preparing for the next time of trouble ahead as there is sure to be one, and I believe that runs right into the second half of verse 27 and the beginning of verse 28.

“…and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also…” Proverbs 31: 27b-28a

Idleness – “atsluwth” – slothfulness, slackness

She’s not filling her cup with laziness, television, books, social media, gossiping, shopping…she’s got her eyes looking ahead at the basics, the important things, and what she can do to build up her home. This doesn’t mean we can’t have some relaxion time to revitalise and refresh body, mind and spirit, for we all need that (exactly why the Lord instructs us to have a Sabbath rest), but it can’t be the centre of our daily desires.

My husband and I were both raised by grandparents who lived through WW1, the Great Depression, and WW2. Their example was hard work, contentment, resourcefulness, financial wisdom, gratitude for what they already had, generational skills, self-respect, kindness and generosity – and there’s no book in the library that can teach this in the same hands-on way that their example still inspires us today.

Learning from Nana’s example, my dear husband praises me often for how I manage the family finances, how prepared we are for needs in the future, the new skills I try to learn, the older skills I’m brushing up on, the well-stocked long-term pantry and most importantly, the encouragement I give him day by day. But I still have more to learn.

He learned from his grandfather to use what he already had, to repair, build, learn new skills and implement them (especially with regards to house repairs and creating a larger garden area to grow food), to provide for his family and show love to his wife (me!). But you know, to create the best self-sufficient life we can, both of us are aware that we need the Lord and His Word to guide us above all else, and then we must put our hands to the plough and do the work - just as our grandparent’s example taught us. Just as you and I are gleaning from the description of a wise wife thousands of years ago.

Use the link below to download the 14th free block in our quilt. 

DOWNLOAD The Virtuous Wife block 14

If you have just found this free block of the month, or have missed a block along the way, the links to every block and the accompanying Bible study can be found HERE

Till next time, God bless,

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!

The Virtuous Wife block 13...

 

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household…”  Proverbs 31: 26, 27a

This verse is translated differently in a few versions of the Bible, but this will be because within the original Hebrew language, the depth and breadth of this verse teaches far more than one word.

When I first studied verse 26 what stood out was the power of our tongue, and the enormous responsibility we have with our words, the mindfulness needed to assess what we are going to say before we open our mouths. It’s a choice we must all make when choosing our words, our tone and our motivation – for as the Bible teaches us, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”. Luke 6:45

Humbling and examining ourselves by what we say and how we say it, whether verbally or in print, within this social media world-gone-mad era, has become rare. A desire to be heard above all the crowd, to have our personal beliefs shouted to the world, the need to be right (all the time) means we see ego, pride, and a real love of self on display all around us – and while we may be pointing the finger at others who behave in such a way, do we lift our eyes to the mirror of Christ and recognise similar behaviour in ourselves?

The character of the woman described in verse 26 is a benchmark we women need to aim for, because to speak with wisdom…

Wisdom – “chokmah” – in mind, word or act. To have good sense, to teach wisdom to others.

…is to be mindful about every word that comes from our mouth, for as we are warned in Jesus’ teaching about what (and how) we speak, if our heart is not right with God and moulded by relationship with Jesus, the words we speak may be soiled and harmful to the recipient. When we open our mouth, it should always be God-honouring and many times that will require us to be humble, or even silent if we have issues with anger, unforgiveness, pride, envy or any attitude the Word warns against.

Continuing on, the verse tells us that the teaching of kindness is on her tongue…

Kindness – “checed” – this word speaks of following God’s example in His kindness towards us. We should be merciful as He is merciful. We must be honest and kind with others, and teach our children and the younger women to do the same.  The word “teaching” used in this verse is actually “towrah” (Torah). Some Bible translations correctly use the word law instead of teaching because the Torah is the law of God. ‘…and on her tongue is the law of kindness’. This tells us that she lives by God’s commandments, and teaches them to others. I am reminded how the Ten Commandments used to be displayed inside every courthouse, every school, and many other government buildings when I was growing up. They were a constant reminder of right and wrong for everyone. Sadly, they are disappearing today and it is rare to see them on display anywhere.

So, like this woman, even though she is written of as an ideal wife for a man to look for and not a real person, let us glean from the many godly character traits she is described as having, for every one of them is good, every one of them will grow us individually closer and closer to the character of Jesus. And isn’t that what God wants after all?

For a deeper study on the power of the tongue and our words, read –

1 Peter 3:10, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 15:1,2,4, Proverbs 15:28, Matthew 15:11, Proverbs 21:23, Psalm 34:13, Proverbs 18:20-21, Proverbs 17:28, Proverbs 12:18-19, Proverbs 18:6-8, James 3:1-12

Use the link below to download this month's free Virtuous Wife pattern...

DOWNLOAD Block 13 of The Virtuous Wife

If you have missed any of the previous month's pattern you'll find them HERE

DOUBLE BLOCK MONTH

I'm sharing 16 blocks in this quilt over 14 months, so just as in April you received two blocks during that month, so also during October you'll receive an extra block. This way we'll have the quilt finished by the end of the year. 

I'll be sharing block 14 around the middle of October and you can use the links below my signature to be notified via email and not miss out.

Bless you heaps,

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!

You can also follow me on Instagram @jennyofelefantz 

Monday #9 - The Virtuous Wife block 7...

 

Hard manual work was the normal day to day responsibility of a homemaker in times past, and our Proverbs 31 wife was no different. Everything we have studied about her so far show a faithful, honest, thoughtful, deliberate, financially savvy, diligent and hardworking lady of the house.

In verse 19 our attention is drawn to the distaff and spindle, tools used for spinning wool or flax, a task not easy nor quick, but integral to clothing her family and keeping them warm. Today we just go to the shop and purchase yarn or cloth for making clothes or items for the home, or we simply buy them ready made. It’s no wonder our wardrobes are full and our closet drawers as well – but if we had to spin the yarn or weave the cloth for every item we wore I think our closets would be far smaller and with fewer options for our daily attire.

Now, I am not going to start spinning and weaving, because the focus on this lady, whom we need to be reminded is a ‘blueprint for a noble wife’ given to King Lemuel by his mother, is her godly character.

I think I need ask myself, thus far in the Virtuous Wife study, am I –

Faithful in every way to my husband, and to my God-gifted role as a homemaker, parent and overseer of the house?

Honest in all my dealings both in and out of the home?

Thoughtful and considerate towards my husband, family and all those who are in my care?

Deliberate in my thoughts and actions, that I should make good and wise choices, and in doing so honour God?

Financially savvy in managing the income of our family?

Diligent to the tasks given me at home and work? Hardworking and not lazy or looking for ways to avoid completing those tasks?

This could well be a prayer list where we ask the Holy Spirit to expose within us the ways we fall short, and requesting guidance for shaking off that which needs to be removed so we can be walking forth in the way we should go. Personally, this list shall indeed be written in my journal today and prayed over in the weeks and months ahead. I do believe we, as fallen humans in a world gone crazy, can so easily be blind to our own shortcomings, sins and omissions. It truly is Christ-bought grace which allows us to see the problems in our own character when we ask the Lord in prayer to ‘clean us out’, because it is really is His desire to do that, and we can trust He will do it for our benefit and His glory.

Verse 20...

What I loved about this verse was the activity of not just opening her hand to give (reminds me of tithing and giving donations – whether that be in money or groceries or things we no longer want/need) but actually reaching out her hands to those in need. That’s really being involved, looking out for the needy and physically connecting with them in order to assist. There’s quite a lot in that one little verse and it brought to mind Mother Teresa – hands on, all for Jesus, seeing Christ in every person, responding to their needs sacrificially because her love for Jesus was expressed in  how she loved the unlovely. 

May we grow ever closer to the examples given in Proverbs 31, but closer still to the example set by our Lord Jesus himself. 

Use the link below to download the second of two Virtuous Wife patterns I am sharing in April. 

DOWNLOAD block 7 The Virtuous Wife

If you have missed the first six patterns in this block of the month they are still free to download HERE

Have you been stitching along with this project? I'd love to see photos if you'd care to email them to me (link HERE) or you can tag me on Instagram (HERE)

Bless you heaps,

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