December 2020 Work Day Recap

It was great to get together again in Room 134 for the final December meeting, especially since we had to forego a true meeting in November (just three hours of sorting a donation and organizing shelves.)  We had a very small crowd each day but we had fun and got a lot done.  Friday brought rain all day and Saturday brought us a snowstorm, did we expect anything different from Iowa weather?  

Each member needs to do what is best for them and if not gathering in person yet is your decision, that is absolutely okay.  We were very safe.  Masks on all the time and a huge room for only 5 of us.  A few stopped by, dropped off a quilt, said "Hello".  A few sent warm messages, wishing we could all be together again but just not ready for close contact.  And that's okay.  It certainly was a fitting end to this challenging year.

You've been busy in your quilting rooms over the past couple of months!  We were able to give 28 quilts to missions for distribution to LSI, Bidwell, Door of Faith, and YESS.   One thing that is sorely missed (as with many things this year) is our ability to do a "Show and Tell" with all your beautiful quilts.  Since we never know if we'll be able to gather in-person or if any of the quilts will make it to a monthly meeting that might actually occur, let's try this option:  Send your finished quilt photos to Cathy to put on the blog.  You may not be used to taking a photo of them, since we did that at the meetings, but we still want to see them!  They are so cool and that's the most disappointing thing about missing Show and Tell.  Feel free to post them on our Facebook page, too!

The recent donation we received was quite a blessing!  (Photo HERE)  Here's a list of some highlights:

• 2 bags of non-quilting fabric that will be used in the Journey to the Light program for costumes.  
• 1 full bag of 30's fabrics
• 2 bags of homespun
• Lots of flannel
• 2 bags of yardage to add to HQ bins
• Several large yardage pieces for backs
• Several finished quilts and tree skirts.  Some went to missions, the tree skirts will be kept for the quilt auctions
• Kits, kits, kits: Quilts in different degrees of completion.  Kits cut and ready to sew, orphan blocks enough to make several quilts, etc, etc.
• Christmas decorations, patterns, some odds and ends that are going to Many Hands Thrift Store.
• 2 bags of unusable fabric went to the animal blankets   

Our kit bins (3 of them) are quite full.  So much inspiration.  Please stop by to get one or two to make sure you have something to do in the next snowstorm.  They are front and center on the rolling cart in the closet.  If you'd like one or two but can't make it to the closet let me know and we'll try to work something out to get them to you.

A few final business items:

1. Be sure to let Linda know when you get your quilts back from the quilter.
2. We are on the calendar for our regular meeting dates and times in 2021.  This means the 2nd Saturday of each month and the Friday before.  Of course, we will adjust as necessary as long as we are still working through Covid concerns.
3. April is going to be a change because there is a Wedding that will conflict with our Saturday time.  We have decided to meet only on Friday that month but extend the time.  So we have the room from 8 to 8 on April 9.  Hopefully, that will give us plenty of time to sew and those that need to work can still come in the afternoon and evening.
4. We have the retreats scheduled as usual for the 4th weekend (Thurs, Fri, and Sat) of January, April, and September.  At least you can put them on your calendar and we'll make a decision at the time if Covid will affect any of the details. 

As our year draws to a close, prayers for a blessed Merry Christmas for all of you.  Prayers for a safe environment for us to again have large gatherings with hugs, shared treats, Show and Tell, and a regular schedule.  And even if the new normal doesn't look like it used to, have faith that being together will not be the challenge that we've had this year.  2021 is going to be a good year.

Here is some information on Hope's big upcoming Christmas events.  These are sure to brighten your season.  There are some volunteer opportunities listed as well.

“Journey to the Light” Christmas Candlelight Drive-Thru Experience 

 Online Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, “All Eyes on Jesus.” 

Don't forget to check out the PHOTOS page!  We've also received ANOTHER donation, which you can see in the second photo!  People are so generous, and God is good.

October 2020 Work Day Recap

Praise the Lord!  Hope Quilters felt almost normal for our October meeting since we only did a Zoom meeting in September.  The room was full of quilters making Joppa blankets, sorting fabric, and making kits.  The pile of quilts we turned into our mission partners was just like old times.  The only real difference was that everyone was wearing masks.  Ok, no hugging either but being together in person felt just about as good as a big old bear hug any day.

Our goal was to finish up the JOPPA blankets and we did it!  We made 74 of them!!!  If there are a few still to be finished, feel free to drop them at the missions office when you get them done.  Just label them for JOPPA.

Twenty-three children's quilts were delivered to Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center.  This is a Hope mission partner but we have not shared quilts with them before.  Contact was made to them to see if small quilts would do.  They were thrilled to receive our quilts.  This group focuses on younger children in daycare and preschool.  

We had two masculine twin-sized flannel quilts that are doing to Door of Faith mission and thirteen more that will go to LSI.  What a great feeling to see the work that you've done for others.  And thanks to those who helped to deliver quilts.  Any of you can get involved if you'd like.  Just pipe up at the meeting.

There was so much joy at being together again this month.  Despite the troubling times we are facing, we know that we are to look to the Lord for our strength and guidance.  We are blessed to have each other and our prayer is we can all put on the armor of God and be a blessing to the world.  Leaving you with an excerpt that was read at our meeting:

Dear God, please make us dangerous women.

May we be women who acknowledge our power to change, and grow, and be radically alive for God.

May we be healers of wounds and righters of wrongs.

May we weep with those who weep and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

May we cherish children, embrace the elderly, and empower the poor.

May we pray deeply and teach wisely.

May we be strong and gentle leaders.

May we sing songs of joy and talk down fear.

May we never hesitate to let passion push us, conviction compel us, and righteous anger energize us.

May we strike fear into all that is unjust and evil in the world.

May we dismantle abusive systems and silence lies with truth.

May we shine like stars in a darkened generation.

May we overflow with goodness in the name of God and by the power of Jesus.

And in that name and by that power, may we change the world.

Dear God, please make us dangerous women. AMEN

                ~Excerpt from Lynne Hybels' book Nice Girls Don't Change the World 

August 2020 Work Recap

What a topsy turvy week it was planning for Hope Quilters.  Should we meet in person?   Does anyone want to sew?   Will it rain?  Radar changes every 3 or 4 hours???  Do I really want to ask Hope to have someone there to open the building if we aren't sure if anyone will show up?  Where is there a convenient shelter we can meet?  Do I have to pay to rent it?  Oh well, the ole cement floor in a two-car garage is a sure thing so...we went with it!  We had a nice visit with 13 in attendance.  We were able to sit outside under an apple tree and it wasn't too hot. Whew. 

After four and a half months of limited everything, we are all realizing that Normal may not look the same in the future.  So what does our New Normal look like and what do we do in the meantime?  Well, your guess is as good as mine.  And quite frankly, you are all part of the answer☺.  We will likely not be able to have large group sessions for a while.  Whether because of group-size limitations that the church must adhere to or simply because many in the group are uncomfortable meeting in closed-in spaces, smaller groups, and limited sizes are likely the norm.  Sewing with a few friends is a great way to stay connected and get some mission work done.  Why not invite a few Hope Quilters over to your house and sew together?  Outdoor impromptu gatherings for coffee or happy hour are easy to plan for if you have a deck or backyard.  Reach out to your sisters.  A phone call or email is a great way to put a smile on someone's face.  Facebook is also a great place to send a general invite.  So what's stopping you?  Connect with a few Hope Quilter friends 😀.    

Be sure to read carefully below as there is a lot of helpful information about how we'll operate for the new future.   Also, note some key decisions we made for Hope Quilters in September so you can plan accordingly.

1.  Tops that need quilting:  Without meeting at the church this has become a challenge of it's own.  

• Linda Bergeson will be coordinating with our machine quilters any quilt tops that need to be quilted.  When you have a completed quilt top and backing that you will not be quilting please contact her.  She will help coordinate a quilter, batting if needed, and a method of getting the quilt to and from the quilter.   The quilt will be returned to the quilt piecer for binding and to deliver or hold on to until it is needed for distribution.   

2.  Quilt distributions:  I (Jody) am working with shelters that I know need quilts now.  If at all possible I will ask that you deliver your quilts directly to the agency location or else keep them until we know more.  In order to do this, I'm keeping track of finished quilts as well as staying up to date on an agency's needs.  To date I know of the following needs:

      **** Door of Faith is in need of masculine men's twin-sized quilts from you so we don't need to coordinate so many handoffs.  

      **** LSI is collecting for their normal bed giveaway in November and needs twin-sized youth quilts.  

      **** Sleep in Heavenly Peace has begun doing builds again so can use our twin quilts to distribute along with the beds.

Just let me know when you get them done, I'd love the size and a picture.  Based on current match with the needs we can decide how to get them delivered or I'll ask you to hold on to them.

3.  Closet at the church:  You still have access to our quilting supplies.  Our supplies are in the big closet in Room 130.   As long as Day Care is not in session, we should be able to get in the closet during church office hours.  You may need to get a staff member to unlock the door but anyone should have keys.  Church hours are currently Tuesday - Friday, 9am to 4pm.  Feel free to call ahead if you are concerned about getting in.  The phone should be answered during office hours.  515-264-2000  

4.  Joppa blankets:  We have made Joppa blankets really easy to make this year due to several generous donations.   While COVID has interrupted most everything we can think of, I'm pretty sure it will not reduce the need for warm blankets for the homeless starting in October or November.  A small group of us are going to get together and get backs and tops put together in "kits" and leave them in the closet.

5.  Quilt Auctions:  
Click HERE for Riverside Auction, our quilts are Lots 110-117.

Click HERE for Okoboji Auction

6.  September plans:  Zoom meeting and retreat cancellation:

Planning for the unknown is always a challenge.  The group decided that with everything going on it's best to plan on doing a Zoom meeting in September.  There will likely be no critical agenda, just a time for gathering and sharing.  You will receive an email with the Zoom link as we get closer to the meeting time.  

While it seems a little early to make decisions for a retreat at the end of September, it's not practical to wait till the last minute for making a decision.  The group, therefore, decided it's likely best to postpone the retreat until we have a little clearer vision of the long term impact of COVID.  We sure hope that we'll find a way to have a large gathering of quilters but it's unlikely this will be clear by next month.  

Until our Zoom meeting in September...have faith and trust God's plan for us.  We just need to wait for the vision a while longer! 

July 2020 Work Day Recap

Our apologies for not having a June post but really, there was not that much to report.  Hope Quilters are doing their best to try and be safe and keep others safe so we were all still pretty much stuck at home with some of us actually managing to focus on quilt making!

But the green light was given to gather and we attempted our monthly meeting!  The room was set up for social distancing and we wore masks most of the time.  Numbers were very low and most people just stopped by.  We had four people sewing on Friday and seven people on Saturday.  We did manage to get lots done.  Several worked on masks and we turned in 128 to the church.  Several quilts were brought in and binding and labels finished them off.  

Our devotion was one of the highlights of the weekend.   Rather than reading a prepared devotion, Doris shared a suggestion that she had heard on the radio that morning.  Praise Over Fear.  By focusing on our praises we can alter our attitude in such a way to overcome the fear that may be debilitating.  After all, we know God's got this.  But that doesn't mean we don't have moments of anxiety and uncertainty.  We spent some time sharing our praises.  It was certainly uplifting.  One member shared her personal mantra that she tries to live by and it is worth sharing here:

1.  Express Gratitude

2.  Live Intentionally

3.  Say I Love You

Quilts were delivered for Auctions.  Five sent to Riverside and six to Okoboji.  We have heard from both auctions that they are proceeding as planned.  Let's pray for generous bidders to continue support for those ministries.

Thoughts on future monthly meetings:  Given the lack of improvements in the virus counts and ongoing cautions encouraged for social gatherings, it's logical that we could continue to see low attendance for a while.  We discussed having Hope Quilters just on Saturday. We could extend the day if Hope has not changed to in-person church. At the present time, it may be more comfortable for everyone to just meet for a devotion and time to visit.  

The distribution of our quilts has slowed, which is a result and reality of the times we are in.  As we slow down on distribution thoughts turned to alternative ways to use your sewing talents and our fabrics.  Masks are still in high demand.  Now there are also calls for scrub caps.  The fidget blankets are also a fun project that will brighten someone's day.  Batting was another topic.  There might be a possibility it won't be as well supplied as in the past and so we will still be exploring and discussing ways and techniques to use smaller amounts, like as in quilt-as-you-go options.  

Just as the weekend get-together was very different because of Covid-19, so is the meeting recap.  Our new normal may look a little different but have no fear that this group's love and encouragement will sustain us. 

PHOTOS page includes our gathering in June in a beautiful backyard to just connect and catch up on our lives, and some of the Auction Quilts and other quilt projects turned in.  Enjoy!

May 2020 Work-At-Home Recap

So, you came to the blog looking for something.  Guess what?  We are all still stuck at home so there's not much to report!  Personally, I would've thought I'd have been inundated with completed quilt pictures because really, what else have these Hope Quilter ladies had to do but make a bazillion quilts while locked away in their sewing areas?  Oh, I know!  Some of them have been making a bazillion MASKS for the times we find ourselves in.  Masks for family.  Masks for friends.  Masks for co-workers.  Masks for organizations that have requested them.  I had to move my unfinished quilt stuff OUT of my sewing room to turn it into a Mask factory.  Lutheran Church of Hope launched a mask ministry and in case you want to help out click on the link, Masks of Hope.

I'm positive quilts are being made, and are simply awaiting the day we can be together again in the same room and have our "Show and Tell" moment, and ooh and aww over them in person!  Meanwhile, we've all been doing our best during this stressful time and trying to navigate through all the confusion that is sometimes presented to us.  Some are finding quarantine absolutely liberating and enjoyable, some are finding it tedious, some are finding it isolating and perhaps depressing.  Here are just some reminders from scripture that we can meditate on when feeling stressed:

Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength,
An ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 73:28
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

So even though I don't have that much to report, we can be reminded of God's faithfulness and goodness to us even in this time of COVID.

Here are the few PHOTOS I do have for this month.  Jody did a fun thing, she made some Fidget Blankets per a request, and we may all be trying out at a later meeting (or contact her for information on how to make one now).

God bless, everyone!  Stay safe!

April 2020 Work-At-Home Recap

This blog post, like everything else that has “changed” in our world due to COVID-19, will have to be adapted to fit the times.  We’ve learned new words and how to live with them like, “Social Distancing”, “Stay-At-Home”, “Quarantine”, “Online Meeting Apps”.  Some of us have stopped sewing quilts for Missions to work on the immediate need of making masks and maybe even gowns for medical personnel and also family and friends.  But what hasn’t changed is the servant heart of this group of women in Hope Quilter’s ministry!

We probably are experiencing some sadness and loneliness at not being able to meet for our April Hope Quilter’s weekend, let alone three weeks of no church services in a building together, but you are encouraged to check out the Church's website for all kinds of ways to connect.  It has been very therapeutic to read and hear the daily prayers, devotions and other inspiration from all of the church ministries. If you haven’t already discovered this new podcast, give it a listen.  It’s called, “Pastor Mike Drop”.  https://www.lutheranchurchofhope.org/pastor-mike-drop/  In one episode Pastor Mike interviewed newscasters Eric Hansen and Dan Winters.  Greatly encouraging to hear how it's their faith that is the basis for how they can handle these times when there is so much bad news to report.  Both gentlemen spoke about the need to report the truth.  And the most important truth in these times is that "it's NOT all bad news"!   It's so encouraging for these two newscasters to see story after story of the way Iowans are helping each other through this challenging time, and they're sharing those stories with us!  How can you not see God at work? 😀

As we adjust to our new normal we may feel very out-of-control at moments, but remember that God is ALWAYS in control.  This did not come as a big surprise to Him, and He is here for you; to comfort, to listen, to guide you.  Also, He gave us the gift of friendship and this is a very faithful and generous group and we'll be here for each other.  I (Cathy) have been the recipient of being reached out to and have reached out to others to check in with them and it’s amazing how much of a mood lifter that is!  Please, don’t hesitate to reach out if you could use help! 

May God bless you all!

Our PHOTOS page will look a bit different for the month of April!  There will be some quilt tops/finished quilts, there may be masks, and there are items being made to help out Freedom Blend Coffee which is an enterprise of Freedom for Youth.  Check it out!

March 2020 Work Day Recap

On this weekend of surprises at Hope, in the state, in the nation and in the world, it was a blessing to gather much as we normally do.

The crowd was a little light but was attributed to spring break more than anything.  Most gals worked on the Lenten project, cutting T-shirts to weave into the altar cloths.  If you'd like to help weave the altar cloths, here is more information:  https://www.lutheranchurchofhope.org/west-des-moines/calendar/eid/50d09ff29fc877d5/west-des-moines/lent-altar-cloth-workshop/

During our Technique Demo class, Norma and Mary Helen spent time talking and showing examples of Improvisational Quilt Block ideas.  What fun to share creative ideas!  As with any technique, some looked intrigued.  Some just want to stick with straight lines and 90-degree angles.  But that's okay.  I felt it was a great interactive time for us to share and encourage each other. Exciting to see what creativity may come from our members from this demonstration!

Devotion time was a healing time.  Time spent sharing needs, concerns and ideas about handling the current health situation were discussed.  Encouragement was the theme of the day, including encouraging you to be there for each other.  We are blessed to live in the day of "Social Media" where we can absolutely stay connected to one another during this new experiment for a time of "Social Distancing" by text, email, Facebook, and other social media outlets. Use them, and use them often to reach out to others.  A few giggles lightened the seriousness of this time in history when it was mentioned that quilters don't really find it a hardship to be locked in their sewing rooms quilting away. 😂

An update was given by Phyllis and Marty on Retreat Planning. These gals took several trips and spent time researching costs and facilities to find our best option for an overnight quilting retreat. Their hard work is greatly appreciated!  More discussion and input will be gathered over the coming meetings and it was agreed it might be best to wait for early next year to hold this type of Retreat.  Any information or details of a pending Retreat will be given via email to members.

Just a small item reminding us what we're all about....we turned in 18 finished quilts to missions.  As always, quite a variety of inspiration and ideas, which you can see for yourself on the PHOTOS page!  We are wonderful together.  Thank you, sisters!

A final reminder that our April meeting is planned for April 3 and 4. We've moved it due to Easter falling on the 2nd weekend.  We will continue to monitor the current health situation and will only be meeting if it is safe.  In the meantime, please be safe out there, and...enjoy a WARM (albeit touchless) hug from us!

   

February 2020 Work Day Recap

We did it!  Our new home is official at the Hope campus in Waukee.  The move began at West Des Moines where we had a great turnout of people to help pack up the supplies in the closet.  We were headed to Waukee by 11 a.m.  We spent the rest of Friday and Saturday organizing all of our supplies to fit into the new closet as well as what was stored at some of our houses!  (Moving Day photos can be found on PHOTOS page.)

Reorganizing bins and figuring out how to organize everything on the shelves in the closet was a challenge.  Can you image about 20 women, all with an opinion on how to do things 😂?  Thankfully we had coffee, a new hot pot for tea drinkers, lots of treats as well as some old friends to keep us busy with visiting as we were deciding where to put the irons and the 25 bolts of new fabric.  We were blessed with a huge donation of fabric from The Iowa Quilt Block.  Thankfully, room wasn't a problem in our new closet!  Be sure to stop in and say a big "THANK YOU" to Shelley!

Donation:  The Iowa Quilt Block!  So many colorful options!

Since reorganizing and visiting took up most of the time the only real order of business was discussing Hope Quilters three yearly retreats.  The April retreat is going to be at Waukee Hope Campus but a committee is looking for room at other Hope Campuses.  We thought it would be fun to visit the other campuses, getting to know the staff and other area Hope members who might want to sew with us!  An overnight retreat offsite is also being discussed.  It's been eight years since our last retreat at Riverside so it's time for another!  Keep checking the blog for more details, if interested in joining us!

Had a few quilts brought in and can be seen on PHOTOS page!

Thank you to all the Hope Quilters who helped out on our big move!  You are very much appreciated!

January 2020 Work Day Recap

We sang about snow last month and Mother Nature must have remembered.  Friday we watched as the day got more treacherous by the hour.  By 3:00 pm most had left, taking their machines with them in case they couldn't get back the next day.  Those who left early called with warnings of the icy roads.

You may have thought the month would be a bust. Not So!  The demo on quilting with rulers will be postponed, but let's not assume that some icy roads can keep Hope Quilters down.  We still had 31 finished quilts and blankets to go to Missions!

We even dropped off the quilts for missions on Friday as we weren't sure we'd have an audience for Show and Tell.  So check out PHOTOS page to see pictures of all this month's finished quilts. By Saturday only two gals were left with sewing machines and that meant two more Joppa blankets and one Emoji got done.  The rest came for fellowship and snacks, and how fun that so many of you just stopped in for a chat.  What a great example of the power of relationship.  

There was also some continued discussion on the future of Hope Quilter's Ministry.  

                              *****Change of Location*****

There was a consensus that in order to continue to have a bit more of our supplies available, and since Waukee Hope campus has graciously agreed to help out this Ministry with some storage space, it was agreed by HQ members that we will be moving our monthly meetings to the Hope Waukee campus.  Given we get all the details worked out, this will be effective for our next (February) meeting and if you are on the mailing list, details will be shared via email.

From Jody:  God never said life on this earth would always be easy.  Figuring out where to store fabric for quilts is certainly not the most critical topic of the day.  But put in perspective, it did create some angst for all of us.  I am so blessed by your willingness to put your faith in God.  If we let Him guide our ministry, I believe we will continue to see opportunities unfold in front of us and we will be fulfilled by his Amazing Grace.  Thank you for your prayers and support!