"Handmade Gifts from the Heart"

I still use some of the same potholders that Terry and I received for wedding gifts.   We’ve been married for 32 years and yes, they’re getting a little worn.  But – they do exactly what they’re supposed to do.  They keep my hands from being burned when I take something hot out of the oven and they protect my table or counter from the heat of a hot pan or dish.  The best part is that they’re broken in.  They bend easily so that I can grip any size pan and truly are quite functional in spite of their age.  The only problem that they have is that they’re ugly; ugly colors, ugly patterns, in ugly condition due to lots of use – they’re just plain ugly.  I don’t mind their ugliness, for the most part.  If they’re “out”, they’re usually under something and not visible.  If they’re “in” - meaning back in the drawer after being used – they are rarely seen other than during the few minutes when they’re doing their job.  BUT…there’s one time of year that I just can’t use my ugly potholders - as practical and useful as they may be.   That time is during the holidays.  This is the time I bring out the holiday potholders.  Some years I purchase new potholders and other years I enjoy making them.  This year is a “handmade” potholder year and I would like to share my pattern with you.  It’s very simple, it goes together quickly and it’s adorable!  It’s kind of like making a VERY TINY blanket – and we know that we all love blanketmaking!

As for blankets...many of us cannot even count the number of blankets we have made for Project Linus.  10, 100, 500…more???  But when we’re asked for proof – something to display – something to show off – we have none.  Why?  Because we’ve given them all away to children who need them more than we do…children who need a special hug that only a blanket can provide.  Our handmade blankets are created in our hearts, put together with our hands, and when given away offer a hug of love, and physical or emotional healing to the recipient. I guess it’s in our nature to give away more than we keep…that’s what being a blanketeer is all about.   

FYI - This potholder pattern makes a nice little gift for a friend or family member.  It is also a gift created in our hearts, made with our hands and given away with love - just like our blankets.  So far I’ve made 4 holiday potholders.  As with everything else, I haven’t yet made any for me but I do plan to do so…just as soon as I finish a few more for gifts.  I think that’s because it’s just so much more fun to give our handwork away…isn’t it? 

Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

Potholder

Here’s the pattern instructions:

Fabric:

You will need 2 fat quarters of fabric (light and dark contrasting holiday fabrics work best) for each potholder.

Cut:

3 – 9” squares of the darker fabric (Fabric A)

2 – 9” squares of the lighter fabric (Fabric B)

2 – 9” squares of batting.  (I like to use Warm and Natural batting.)  If you are using Warm and Natural Insul Bright (insulated batting) you only need to use 1 layer.

Assembly: (Click on instructions below for full size view)

Won't you be my neighbor?

I have a neighbor who has lived across the street from me for over 16 years.    His name is Bobby.   Bobby walks his dog regularly and when I see him he always greets me like a long lost relative.  He may be a block away from me, but as soon as he spots me, he waves his arms, smiles and shouts “Hi Neighbor!!!” at the top of his lungs.  I ALWAYS smile, wave and shout “Hi Bobby!” in return.   I can’t think of another neighbor who greets me like Bobby does and it truly makes my day.  I know that Bobby cares about our family and in turn, we care about him.  When we lost our grandson, Bobby watched the chain of events from his front yard.  He was so concerned about our family and wanted to help – but just wasn’t sure how.  He decided to cut out the obituary from the newspaper and give it to us.  His kindness touched our hearts in a very special way, during an especially difficult time – and his “neighborly” love for our family was very much appreciated.  Bobby has served us in very simple yet meaningful ways throughout the years, for which we will always be grateful.   Bobby has Downs Syndrome – and although he has his share of challenges as he finds his place in the world – he is a neighbor like no other.  He is someone who is such an example of genuine love and compassion and it is a privilege and a pleasure to be numbered among his friends. 

Although we may think that such a kind, caring and attentive neighbor is a rarity these days, actually I have found a special place in another neighborhood that I cherish:  The Project Linus neighborhood.  Last weekend, Carol and I attended a Project Linus regional conference in Kansas City MO.  This weekend we are attending the Portland OR/Vancouver WA Northwest regional conference.   Chapter Coordinators and volunteers in these regions of the country gather together for a weekend of inspiration and fellowship with those who share our love and passion for Project Linus!  Although we are far from our physical neighborhood in the Midwest, we couldn’t feel more welcome and more at home as we gather together with our Project Linus neighbors across the miles.  We have learned new blanketmaking techniques and skills, visited with volunteers and chapter coordinators, enjoyed the inspirational stores that have brought others to our “Project Linus neighborhood” while sharing our love for Project Linus.  It doesn’t matter whether or not we have met before – it feels like home.  As soon as we see the “Project Linus” t-shirt or nametag as we walk down the hall or enter a room – we know that we’re meeting a beloved  neighbor and we feel an instant connection.

We often talk about the mission of Project Linus – donating handmade blanket to seriously ill and traumatized children.  We occasionally mention the second portion of our mission which to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.  This meeting of our hearts is what creates that special neighborhood.  We not only serve the children, but we serve each other.  We teach each other, we care for each other and we love each other. 

It’s time for us to gather together again for Make a Blanket Day.  If you haven’t registered, please do so right away.  We still have openings and we ask that all of our attendees register.  See our Project Linus newsletter for details.

I hope that I can use Bobby’s neighborly example as I see my Project Linus neighbors at home and across the country.  So – to each of you, I’m waving my arms, smiling and sending you a special  “Hi Neighbor” greeting!   Have a wonderful day!

Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

Weddings and Bliss!

To be blissful means to be in seventh heaven - to be on cloud nine - to be walking on air! Weddings are often associated with bliss and rightfully so!  To witness two people in love unite as husband and wife is truly a blissful moment.  The moments prior to the bliss, however, can be a bit stressful as the final details are polished and the preparations are completed.  There are always a few glitches here and there and it always amazes me that once the ceremony begins "all is well".

There are those who, when faced with a situation that may be emotional or stressful or new, are calm, cool and collected.  You would never know that inside they may be nervous and emotional because, on the outside they are able to handle the moment with grace and ease.  I personally know of individuals who have been blessed with this gift, but unfortunately I myself am not one of those.   I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve for the world to see.  If I’m happy – you can tell.  If I’m angry – you know that as well.  If I’m sad I cry and if I’m frightened I look and act accordingly.  When an important family event takes place (weddings, missions, births of babies, etc.) and we are “in the moment”, I usually react by simply losing all touch with reality.  I don’t know why this happens, and I don’t like it, but I have realized over the years that I must live with it.  My family knows that although I APPEAR to be in control, my mind is blank and I can’t be trusted to do much of anything.  So, they lovingly take me by the hand and escort me through the event – making sure that I don’t lose anyTHING or anyONE in the process.

Saturday was one such day.  My son Jonathan was married to the love of his life – Erin.  They are a beautiful couple and we couldn’t be happier for them.   The day before the wedding, all the members of the wedding party, family and friends used our “Disney Give a Day Get a Disney Day” free passes for a day at Disneyland.  We had so much fun and thank Disney for such a memorable and fun-filled day!  All went extremely well and I really thought that maybe I had things under control!  When we returned to the hotel, Terry realized that his contact lens case must have fallen out of his pocket on a ride and had no place to put his contacts for the night.  I suggested that he fill the two glasses in the bathroom with water and drop one lens in each glass.  He thought that was a great idea and placed the glasses on the counter – left lens in the left glass and right lens in the right glass.  The next morning I got up first and began getting ready for the wedding.  When it was time to take my Vitamins I promptly filled up the right glass with water and drank his right contact lens.  I immediately realized what I had done when I looked at the glass on the left and saw the little lens floating in the inch of water.  I then examined the glass on the right, hoping against hope that the lens was stuck to the side of the glass, but it wasn’t.  It was already in my tummy with my Multiple Vitamins.  I felt just terrible, knowing that he really would have preferred to witness Jonathan and Erin’s marriage “clearly” but now he would have to settle for a semi-sharp view of the nuptials.  Either way, it did provide some comic relief for everyone.  As Terry and I sat across from each other at the wedding, the man marrying Jonathan and Erin commented to them about their parents and our happy marriages.  As we looked at each other – Terry closed one eye so that he could see me clearly, and smiled at me.  Everyone in our family knew EXACTLY why he was winking at me – and I think this is one story that I will hear recounted for many years to come – the day Mom drank Dad’s contact lens. 

I didn’t bring any crocheting or quilting with me on the airplane from Illinois to California.  Maybe I should have…because when I’m making a Project Linus blanket, I tend to calm down and relax.  It takes me to a different world and I like it there!  I know that many of you also seek refuge from the world as you make blankets, and the children we serve do the same as they take advantage of our creations.  Well, three of my children are now married with one to go.  I’m not sure what that day will bring, but maybe a skein of yarn and a crochet hook needs to be on my list.    

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Comfort and Security vs. Worry and Panic

"We experience moments absolutely free from worry.  

These brief respites are called panic."  Cullen Hightower

For those of you who know me, you know that it is not my intention to spend my day worrying OR in a panic…but there are "a few" occasions where somehow, I just do.   I think it stems from the fact that by nature, I’m a worrier.  Now – don’t get me wrong – this isn’t all bad.  I try to look at all angles of a particular situation and then prepare myself for what may come.  For example, when there is a severe thunderstorm warning – I am NOT one to stand on my porch with a camera.  My children will testify that we spent many a storm warning in the basement closet with blankets and a radio – waiting for the “all clear” while prepared for the tornado.   I call this “controlled worry”.  When my “worrying” is under control – I am able to compartmentalize it and go about my day.  Then if the anticipated situation arises, all I have to do is retrieve my “worry plan of action” and carry it out.  Unfortunately, there are a few occasions where my worry gets a bit out of control – and I enter panic mode.  I worry about going into panic mode…simply because it takes me by surprise causing me to be totally unable to predict where it will take me and how I will react. I can go from a calm, cool existence where I am totally in control – to chaos, panic and mayhem in a matter of seconds.  In fact – you could almost say that I could be compared to a fast car or jet plane when you look at my ability to escalate my psyche from calm to full scale panic in a moment’s notice.  Yesterday was one of those unpredictable moments. 

We had been out of town for a week and our newspaper was to have been restarted on the morning of our return.  When I checked for the paper (which wasn’t delivered…) I noticed that there were some blossoms on the plants on my porch that were looking a bit shriveled and needed to be removed.  I went back inside, got my clippers and then returned to the porch.  I left the front door slightly open behind me – and the outside door was closed, but not latched.  When I finished my trimming, I picked up the dead blossoms and took them to the trash.  As I was returning to the porch I saw a cat running across the street in front of my house.  MY CAT!!!  Sadie is 2 years old and is an inside cat.  She has never been outside and wouldn’t know where she lived if she ran away and tried to find her way back.  In a single moment, I transformed from being a calm gardener to a panicky "cat mom".  My initial semi-rational thought was to go into the house to see if Sadie was in there (initializing my “worry plan of action”) – but I was already escalating into panic mode and it was too late.  My thought process was that if I went INSIDE where she probably wasn’t, I would lose sight of her OUTSIDE where I knew she WAS.   She can push a door open - and although I THOUGHT the front door was heavy enough to be secure - obviously I was wrong.  She got out.  So, I took off running after her.  I was barefooted and as I ran down the street and through the neighbor’s yards – sobbing and calling her name – I lost all touch with reality.  Each car that passed me seemed to be speeding out of control and I KNEW that little Sadie would never be quick enough to get out of their way.  Garage doors were open everywhere – and I KNEW that Sadie could be hiding ANYWHERE in the neighborhood or beyond.  She was out of my site and I just KNEW that she was gone.  I ran back home, got into the car and began canvassing the neighborhood and beyond – hoping that I would see her.  I called Terry – in my panic mode - and he immediately came home and began to look as well.  A short time later my cell phone rang and it was Terry.  He had stopped home for a second and once inside, guess who greeted him?  Sadie!   Oops -  I suppose I should have gone with my initial “worry plan of action” and looked around the house BEFORE I began my search – but, I have found that once I go into panic mode, it’s difficult to retreat.  If not for my sweet hubby, I probably would still be out there driving around looking for Sadie. 

There are many occasions where we simply need someone or something to comfort us.  We need a hug to take us from our worries to a place of peace and solitude and to keep us from going into “full panic mode”.  Project Linus offers this type of comfort and security to seriously ill and traumatized children through the gift of a new, handmade blanket.  With each blanket that is given to a child in crisis – the hug of comfort not only touches the child – but also reaches out to the family as well.  One blanket serves as a gesture of love that can work miracles. 

When it was time for my 20 minute “power nap” in the afternoon, I was grateful for my quilt.  I wrapped up in it and it brought me comfort AND security.  I’m also pleased to report that Sadie joined me as well.  

Tapping into a Fountain of Youth!

“There IS a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” --Sophia Loren

My granddaughter Lucy turned 3 ½ years old. She was SO EXCITED to learn that “and a half” had been added to her 3 years and she always remembers to tack on the “and a half” to her age whenever she’s asked.  April 15th is MY half birthday, but for some reason I never think to add the “and a half” to my age when asked how old I am. In fact, when I’m asked my age, I need to make a quick calculation.  By subtracting my birth year from the current year, the difference between the two is my age.  I feel that this is a long, arduous and unnecessary process, so I try not to make my age a major life concern . At this moment, I don’t know how old I am in years and I don’t really care how many years have passed since the day I was born. I do know that I am over 50 because my family had a wonderful birthday party for me on my 50th birthday a few years ago.   Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE my birthday month and I look forward to celebrating for the entire month each and every year.  I just don't mark the year with a number.

I have a very good reason not to keep track of my biological age. Between the ages of birth and 21, there are many milestones ahead of us and we look forward to each one.  Starting school, our first date, getting a driver’s license and eventually being legally recognized as an “adult” are exciting events that just don’t come quickly enough.  When we turn any age “and a half”, we are six months closer to reaching those milestones so we keep close track.   Once I turned 21 my age just didn't seem as important to me as it once did.  It was almost as if counting my years evolved into a way of keeping track of the wear and tear on my bones, muscles, organs, feet, joints, teeth, eyes, etc. I find that I just don’t like anticipating the predicted “age” when my body parts begin to show signs of wearing out - so I adapted an anti-aging policy called "Ignorance is Bliss". 

Instead, I now prefer to keep track of my theoretical age. Some days I feel young, and other days I feel old. I have more young days than old days, so I believe that is a good sign. I feel old when I strain my back picking up an item just out of my reach, when I try to play the Wii with my grandchildren and always end up in last place, and when I can’t see the picture I just took on my digital camera without putting on my glasses. On such occasions, when my theoretical age begins to climb, I have found very effective ways to rejuvenate myself.  Engaging in an early morning run either outside or on the treadmill,  a romantic date with my husband, watching The Andy Griffith Show on TV, lunch with my friends, going to a quilt show, gathering with family, listening to an "Easy Listening" music station and quilting in any shape or form all direct my theoretical age toward “younger". I like that feeling.

Another way to lower my “theoretical age” is to associate with Project Linus volunteers. Their excitement, their attitudes, their diligence, their stamina, their dedication, their perseverance and their friendship makes me realize that biological age can be quite deceiving. Once you’ve attended a Project Linus event or associated with blanketeers, you will realize that the number of years we have spent on earth is immaterial. As we join together as friends to serve others, while doing something we love we have actually tapped into the fountain of youth. It's true - Project Linus is actually the “fountain of youth” in disguise!

Now, don't be selfish.  There's plenty of youth coming from the fountain for everyone.  Just pass it along!  :-)
Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

With no strings attached!

I had a crazy dream last night. I dreamed that I was pregnant and about ready to deliver my TWENTY-THIRD child. In my dream, I was in the hospital discussing my large family and impending labor with the nurses. I was relating to them the fact that this delivery was a bit bitter-sweet for me because we had decided that this would be our last child. I’m not sure what prompted the dream but I do know that when I woke up, I was so grateful that I have 4 wonderful children, almost 7 absolutely adorable grandchildren and, thank heavens, I am NOT pregnant.

I have always felt that it is very important that each child and grandchild receives a quilt made by me, sometime in his or her life. As each grandchild has arrived, I have tried to have a quilt finished before his or her first birthday. With grandbaby #7 (a boy) due in a few weeks, I have been searching for fabric that will be just perfect for his “construction/trucks” quilt. Twins Luke and Logan received twin “happy snake quilts” – made from the same pattern, but different background colors. Lucy received a fun and “girly” animal quilt, Tyler’s was an “I Spy” quilt and Gracie received a “Ducks in the Pond” quilt. As I look back, it seems like the pattern and construction of each quilt got a little more involved with each subsequent grandchild. When the time came to make Katie’s quilt, it started as a “Bee in the yard” quilt, and ended up being an appliqued “Bee-attitude” quilt – full of grandmotherly advise. Each appliquéd bee and flower had its own message embroidered in the squares - “Be honest, be grateful, be respectful, be clean, be joyful, be still, be forgiving, be involved, be kind, be positive, be loving, be smart, be humble, be prayerful, be patient, be yourself, and be true.”

Quilting affords us many opportunities to touch the lives of others. We choose a pattern and then make it our own. We choose fabrics that suit our personality, or the personality of the recipient. We choose colors that distinguish our handiwork as something for an adult – or a child; a man – or a woman. We can take hours (or even days or weeks) to select fabrics that will appropriately convey the theme of our quilt. When we cut our fabrics into pieces and then stitch them back together again, we try to make sure that the finished quilt has points that match, borders that are not wavy and backing that has no tucks. After we carefully attach the binding, we sign our name inconspicuously in the corner and admire our handiwork. Then, we look at it one last time, hug it goodbye, and lovingly give it away to the intended recipient - with no strings attached.

As blanketeers, you also lovingly give away your masterpieces with “no strings attached” - but it’s usually to someone you’ve never met – and probably will never meet. What a selfless gift of love! We thank you and we applaud you as do the children and their families who are the grateful recipients of your kindness and generosity.
If you happen to visit the Decatur Quilt Show at the Civic Center on Friday or Saturday (March 26th or 27th) – please look for Katie’s “Bee-attitude” quilt hanging with the other children’s quilts. As soon as the show is over, the quilt will be given to Katie and hung on her wall – a gift of love from her Nonna – with no strings attached!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Nothing has changed!

Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed. ~Irene Pete

One beautiful day in 1979 I was out running errands with my baby Cari, in Guadalajara Mexico. I put my purse on the roof of the car, strapped Cari in the infant seat (we didn’t have car seats then) and hopped into the driver’s seat. I drove a few feet, heard a thump and realized that my purse just flew off the roof of the car. I immediately stopped the car, jumped out and searched the area but my purse was gone. In my panic, I ran to the road workers nearby and asked them if anyone saw my purse, but surprisingly – no one saw anything. I vowed that I would ALWAYS keep better track of my purse…

In the early 1980’s we were driving from our home in Michigan to visit family in Illinois. When we arrived in Rockford I reached for my purse as we got out of the car. No purse. Trying to retrace our steps, the only stop we made was at a McDonalds restaurant in Battle Creek Michigan. I have no idea how Terry remembered the exit number, but we were able to track down the McDonalds phone number through “Information” (we didn’t have internet then) and sure enough, they had my purse. We picked it up on our way back home a few days later - contents intact. WHEW!

On another occasion, while I was shopping in Springfield, I heard my name announced over the mall loud speaker. Guess what? Someone had found my purse hanging on a hook in the dressing room of a store where I had been shopping. Oops! I retrieved it with everything accounted for – thank heavens! Each time I recoverd my lost purse, I vowed I would ALWAYS double check to make sure I had my purse with me. I really tried to keep that vow – however it has been much more difficult than I ever anticipated and I have found that I still have trouble keeping track of my purse. I have left it in various restaurants, gas stations, churches, homes of friends and family and restrooms across the country. It has been suggested to me that I not carry a purse – but that is totally out of the question. What would I do without my camera, cell phone, my checkbook, my hand sanitizer, my brush, my pen, pencil and Sharpie marker? How can I live without my keys, my credit cards, my dollars and my change? What if I (or someone else) need some Tylenol or Dramamine or Immodium, Zantac or Tums? You never know when I’ll need a Band-Aid, Lip Stick, a breath mint, glasses, dental floss, a tape measure or all the punch & discount cards that I have from various shops that I frequent!

Actually I’ve been pretty good about keeping track of my purse lately… well - except for an incident in October - you may remember my blog entry when Cheryl, Jane and I were at the Bloomington airport. I discovered at check-in that I left my purse at home and Terry came to my rescue by making a mad dash to the airport so that I wouldn’t miss my flight…

Well - last Tuesday – it happened again! While driving to Chicago with Cheryl to purchase fabric for Make a Blanket Day – Cheryl’s cell phone rang. It was Terry letting her know that my purse was hanging in a BP Gas Station bathroom stall in Odell Illinois. The kind and honest worker who discovered my purse found my phone number on my checks and called my home. She gave me a pretty good reprimand when we returned (we were almost an hour away when we got the call) and I assured her that I had been beating myself up the entire way back to Odell. Cheryl has since vowed that she will always be on “purse watch” when she travels with me and she said she would also enlist the help of other family and friends!

So – referring back to the quote at the beginning of the blog – although my purses are different, my circumstances are different and the places I go are different – the basic scenario never changes. I still lose track of my purse on occasion. I still panic when I realize that my purse is gone, I waste a lot of time either looking for it or going back for it, I profusely apologize to everyone who is with me for the inconvenience, I express extreme gratitude to the person who returns it to me, and I vow never to do it again…until the next time happens. In addition, I am very grateful that I don’t have to travel with someone like me because I’m afraid I wouldn’t be as gracious as my friends and family have been…each time it happens.

On Saturday, February 20th we celebrated our National Make a Blanket Day. Although the place was different (we moved our event from the Hickory Point Mall to Decatur Memorial Hospital), the set-up was different (due to the fact that our numbers increased substantially to 175 attendees) and the food was different (now catered by the hospital), nothing had actually changed. The Golden K’s, the LDS Missionaries and our spouses, families and friends helped with set-up and take-down and carried attendees’ supplies. We had door prizes, added charms to our bracelets, played games, had special drawing prizes including handmade big boards donated by Bill Busbey and a sewing machine, donated by Stewarts. And all the while, our attendees made blankets…lots of blankets…1553 blankets…for seriously ill and traumatized children in our local chapter area and in Haiti. We visited with friends while we worked side by side, serving those children who needed our help.

Thank you to each of you for your support. It is because of you that our work is able to continue. Even though things may be different on occasion – nothing has really changed! National Make a Blanket Day 2010 was a wonderful and productive day! We still love to do what we do and we try to do our best to offer comfort to any child who needs a hug!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary