The Porch Swing @ Shady Creek Hollow

Easiest Frugal Quilt

Have you ever wished that somebody would teach you how to quilt? Or have you ever wanted to quilt on the cheap? I have. I used to quilt with my Grandma around her big ole quilting frame. I got to have time with her and learn to hand quilt too. Nowadays, I'd rather machine quilt but I haven't had the means to buy a high tech machine that could do that easily and nicely. So yesterday when I was at the library and mentioned that to my friend Trish [who works there and was in one of our movies] she told me about making rag quilts.

Last Christmas Trish made one for each of her grandchildren using Christmas dollar a yard material from Walmart. She had a great time and now her grandkids have a holiday heirloom made by 'Granny'. 

Obviously I've been under a rock or something as these have been around for years, and I've not known about them. Anyhoo, now I'm hooked! I found an especially cute and informative site that details exactly how these little jewels are constructed. If you can sew a straight line, you can make these type quilts. A small throw rag quilt would be an excellent first project for anybody- child or adult. 

An added bonus is that this blog has instructions for more than just quilts. There are really cute belts, purses, tablecloths etc there. If you're a paper instruction kind of girl, Joanne Fabrics has the tear off one page kind of instruction sheet at their stores for the basic quilt.

I'm going to start small with rag pot holders that I'll make from fabric I already have. I'm thinking using old jeans would be cool too. Instead of batting you could use heavy scraps that you have or have cut from old clothing. The finished products wouldn't be puffy quilts but old fashioned heavy ones.

Heck, I might even make several of these type projects. They would make very neat little gifts....or if you made a quilt... a really nice big gift. Anyhoo go here: jubilee homespun   to check them all out.

Off to my sewing machine....      

Easiest Crocheted Socks

For a long long time I've been looking for a really easy crocheted sock pattern. At this time of the year I think it would be fun to sit with a cup of tea and crochet socks by candlelight some evenings. With a nice fire in the fireplace I couId imagine it would be a wonderful way to pass an evening. It would be a soothing and calming activity, I'm sure. I've been wanting to do this for quite a while, but have had beginner's anxiety.

You see, my skills are very basic when it comes to crochet. I just know one or two stitches. So I was very pleased when I found this web site that features a sock that actually looks like a sock and not like an elf shoe. I was even more pleased to see that it uses only one stitch....and one I happened to know!

So my project over the next few days will be to try and master this pattern. I love the bulky warm homey feel of handmade socks. I have one pair that I purchased at the thrift store. They are wool and are the very best socks I've ever owned. Hopefully I'll learn to make this pattern and will then be able to make my own socks as well as make socks to give as gifts.

You have to admit, getting a hand crocheted pair of socks that look good would be a wonderful gift. Sooo....go here if you want to try this pattern along with me: Easiest Socks

Hope we can all keep our toes warm for the rest of the Winter!

    

Sew A Snuggie

I know we've all seen the ads on TV for the famous...or infamous 'Snuggie'. I'm not a big fan of the commercials but the product itself does look kind of practical to me.

 So today I went in search of a 'do it yourself' snuggie pattern. Found a great one here: Snuggie Pattern 

The nice thing about this pattern is that you could make it with a twin blanket you probably already have. In effect it is a free way to stay warm.

I'm going to give it a try myself and hope this pattern comes in handy to others who want to keep warm without having to boot the thermostat up.  

Easiest to Sew Baby Quilt

 

I've had a lot of hits on the posts for the crocheted baby's blanket and hat here and that made me think that with the cold weather and the sagging economy these kinds of posts serve folks well. With all that said, I wanted to post my super-duper easy way to make a baby's blanket in about an hour. Yes, it's true- you can make one of these in an hour or less even if you aren't that great a seamstress. I make a lot of these for charity [mainly Samaritan's Purse] and I'm not really great with a sewing machine so you know they have to be easy peasy if I can do them! OK, here goes:

Materials you need:

1 yard each of two different [but not 60 inch wide] fabrics- I suggest one of these be flannel and one be a sturdier kind of material- I've even used mattress ticking for the tough side as that washes well and is VERY sturdy & warm. Get both these yard lengths cut by the folks at the fabric store- this eliminates one of the steps for you. 

1 package of quilt batting of your choice- or if you're only making one blanket just get one yard from the bolt cut for you by the ladies at the fabric store- this also eliminates another of your sewing/ prep steps.

A sewing machine & thread

A square of paper [newspaper, wrapping paper, etc] cut into a 18 inch square

OK, here's how to make this little cutie pie. On a flat surface lay the first fabric [right side up], then place batting over that layer. Next place the final piece of fabric on the top [right side down]. So what you've got is a right sides together fabric sandwich with the batting in between. Stitch this together leaving an opening in one side so you can turn the whole thing inside out. Cut away excess fabric in the corners. Turn it, poke out the corners [I use a chop stick for this part]. Fold under the place you left open to turn, pin it shut if you'd like, and stitch all the way around. This catches those raw openings and makes the quilt look finished. OK the last part is this. Take your paper square and center it in the middle of your quilt. I don't measure this part, I just eyeball it. Now pin the square down. Now the last part...Just stitch around the paper square [not on the square, just around it]. Voila! You're done! 

These are always well received by the folks you give them to, for a couple of reasons...they look so much harder to make than they really are, & who doesn't want something else to keep a baby warm in the Winter? If you are a beginner with sewing and have a yen to do some good in this world, I highly recommend giving this simple way of making a baby quilt a try.      

Easiest Crocheted Baby Hat

            

I found this web site the other day and have made a couple of these cute little hats recently for our local Crisis Pregnancy Center. They work up really fast and I have found that by using a little sturdier yard they keep their shape nicely. Go here: Ruffled Baby Hat 

I have made my hats with leftover white yarn and they have turned out nicely. The thing I love about this pattern is the fact that you only need to know 2 stitches to make it. I would recommend this pattern as a good beginners crochet project. Hope you go by and check it out.

Painting Angels

For all you folks out there who have kindly been praying for my mother- she went to the surgeon yesterday and he gave her some really comforting news. According to him, 90% of ladies who have the calcifications like my Mom's find out they are benign. That is really hopeful news and I'm so proud of how well my Mom is handling this situation. 

As for the rest of this week, I've been refining my exercise and eating habits. I have bumped my running up to 2 miles with a 2 1/2 mile walk and I've done much better about eating fruits and veggies this week. I've been eating an apple a day and really enjoying it along with all the salad and other fresh fruit I've had.  

I've spent some time on my genealogy and I've also had a really good time painting some folk art angels. I love the combination of art and words...so my angels all have verses from the Bible with them. If I get them to where I think they might be good enough, I might post them on eBay. It would be a nice little cottage industry for us..... LOL.

Another thing I've been doing lately is noticing how many squirrels are scampering about with BIG bulging cheeks. I know this is 'hide the nuts' time of the year, but I've never seen so many with such huge cheeks. My Grandmother would say that means a hard winter is coming. I sure hope not. 

Well I guess that's about it for now, I'll try to write more in the next day or two. Hope you had a nice week!  

For Those Interested in Hand Spinning Yarn

I mentioned the other day that I was going to try my hand at drop spinning, just to get the feel of how folks might have done it in the Medieval Period. I found a really nice site that has a tutorial and gives directions on how to make your own drop spindle. I know you can go to Ebay and  buy a starter type kit....but when I took a close look at these, most of them were exactly what was featured on the site I'll list. I have to believe you can make this little rig lots cheaper than you can buy it ready made. Anyway here is the site for those who'd like to practice a little 'hands on history'. www.joyofhandspinning.com/make-dropspin.shtml

On another topic, I'm really excited this morning because I was able to get 15 pages done on the manuscript yesterday. It will be less when I go back and edit, but I'm still so happy with my progress. Every time I work on this story I pray that God will not only use it, but be glorified by it. Hope your day is great and that you get to do something that gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment too.  

Cute Easy Purse

I wrote earlier about a crafty type thing I was going to try. Well, I did and it was super duper easy and it turned out nicely so I thought I'd post the link to the tutorial. I chose not to go with the curvy shape as shown in the instructions. The person I made the purse for isn't into that shaped purse. She likes a rectangular boxy type purse.

Soooo.....I made two large flat panels and one bottom panel for what else, the bottom. After I'd gotten the panels laminated [super cheap at an office center] I bent on side of each big panel to form the sides. Then I put it all together with red concrete tape [it's just like duct tape but I liked the color as a liner better]. I also made two small panels and added them to the inside of the purse as compartments. The person who's getting teh purse likes inside compartments as well. Then I put in big silver eyelets in each front corner panel. Finally I ran a sturdy webbing/braid through the holes and knotted them.

Of course I can see every flaw in this purse, but my husband [who looked very carefully at the finished product] declares he can see none. I love that man!

So that is what I've been working on so far today. I had a wonderful surprise at the clothing store while I was out this morning. I needed a pair of dressy black pants in the new silhouette. I went to Marshall's and found a pair in my size for ten dollars....but when I tried them on they were very big on me [my normal size is 10]. So I had to hope they had the exact same pair in a smaller size. They did in a size 6!!!! And they fit me!!!! WhooHoo!!!

All that walking and stuff must be really paying off. Anyway, I need to get off the computer because we have a really nasty line of storms heading our way. Hope your day has been great!      

Views of Test Bouquet

Method for the Flower Arrangements

I wanted to write a very short 'how to' for the wedding flower arrangements. As I wrote before they are made on Styrofoam forms. This is the pricey part. The forms were 4.95 each. Then you will need several bunches of Spanish Moss and flowers. You will also need wide white satin ribbon and an urn. The flowers and urn I got at a Dollar Store. It took approximately 7 bunches of flowers to cover the balls.

The first thing I did was hot glue an empty clean  margarine tub into each urn bottom side up [I did this to give the form the proper height]. Then I glued the ribbon around the dowel part of the form to cover it. The first arrangement I made I hot glued each flower onto the balls. But I found it was better and easier to cut the flower stems a little longer and use the longer stem part as a floral pick. Just push it in.

Lastly I glued some Spanish Moss onto the base so that the arrangement had a finished look. Very  easy.....and probably around $14.00 an arrangement. Do Not Use the Spanish Moss on your own trees for this!!!! See previous picture. Get the sanitized version at the store. Spanish Moss in the environment is full of little itchy insects called chiggers. It can be microwaved to kill the chiggers, but I'm willing to pay the $1.99 for the store version just to avoid these little demons altogether. They cause a terrible itchy rash that is very hard to get rid of. From my childhood I have a memory of becoming a 'chigger victim'. The solution was to paint every one of the bites with clear fingernail polish to suffocate the little beast under my skin. I'm not sure which was worse, the chigger or the cure.         

Bella's [the flowergirl] Dress

Very Cute Pillowcase Dress

I did finish my little dress today....I will post a picture. But doing research on sizing I came across this really cute and easy dress made from a pillowcase. Go here to see tutorial: http://www.andersonsplace.net/sewing/pillow_case_dress.htm

Looks so easy and cool for Summer. If you have little ones it looks like a fun project.

Kitchen Cabinet Room Deoderizer

I've been very busy this morning making things that smell wonderful. I've made a batch of soap and some room deodorizer gel. I used a 'Lovely' [Sarah Jessica Parker's perfume] type fragrance oil that I purchased from www.worldwideperfumeoils.com . This place has great bargains on all the newest perfume oils. I've written about them before so you'll probably remember the name. Anyway, I made a batch of olive oil soap [see index for easy recipe] and a batch of this super easy room deodorizer gel, both using the same scent. Here is the recipe, and it is made of things most everybody has in their cabinets.

Ingredients:

2 cups water

4 packages [the envelopes] unflavored gelatin

4 tsp fragrance oil

2 tablespoons salt

Heat 1 cup water with the salt- stir to dissolve. Then add gelatin packs and stir to dissolve as well. Add 2nd cup water stir one more time. Put fragrance oil in your containers. I used a cut glass sugar bowl, a votive holder, and a fancy teacup. This recipe makes 2 cups of stuff. Pour the goo into your scented containers. Put the containers in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. When set cover with plastic wrap until you want to use.

I also planted my last 14 day lily bulbs and filled the bird feeders. I'm going to sit out on the porch and read the rest of the day. It's just too beautiful outside to stay in the house today. Hope it's nice where you are.

Finished the Skirt

I finished the skirt this afternoon. And I must say, I'm pretty happy with it. it was very easy to make and it is very comfortable. I've taken a picture and will post it this evening. I encourage anybody to try this pattern and making it a patchwork was especially fun.

Patchwork Skirt

For the past couple of days I've been piecing patches together to make a patchwork skirt. Go here to see the free very easy pattern: http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/skirt.asp I'm plugging along- it isn't a very fast process. I've chosen [from among my scraps] materials that have lots of 'Springy' colors. Blues, pinks, & yellows are highly featured in these fabrics.

Some of the fabric came from the thrift store. Some I was given because the scraps were so small. A very small amount is from leftovers of other sewing projects I've enjoyed in the past.  I still haven't decided if I'm going to make it long [to my ankles] or short, to my knees. My problem is that a long skirt is going to look very busy with all these little patches.

I normally wear longer skirts....so I'll just have to see. I'll be sure and post a picture when its all done. On another related topic, I read about a lady who made some knee length shorts out of patchwork. That sounded really cute also. So I'm not exactly sure which way I'll go with this idea.

One of the things I really like about this piecing project so far is that I'm making the squares in different sizes. This is giving the finished 'material' a sort of crazy quilt look, which I adore. Anyway. I hope you are able to work on a project that you're enjoying at your home sweet home today.      

Tatting

We went on a Lay Witness Mission some years back and the lady who was hosting us in her home gave me a lovely Cross bookmark that she had tatted. That got me wondering if I'd like to tat. Well the answer is YES.

But I didn't want to spend the money to take lessons so I put it off. Today I found a wonderful tutorial on You Tube that shows exactly how to begin learning. Go here to see it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_JGTCju4G8

I can't wait for my next errand day so that I can purchase my shuttle and thread. I will let you know how it goes.

Scented Necklace

I ran across this the other day and I want to make it. I love things that have a nice aroma, and I'm thinking that the scent of these beads will intensify as you wear them and they warm with your body heat. OK here's the recipe:

1 part spices of your choice [I'll use cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, & Ginger]

2 parts applesauce

Yes, it's a new take on that old standby Christmas ornament craft. So anyway, you mix the ingredients together to form a stiff dough. You roll them into balls. I think I'll do graduated sizes for my necklace. You let them sit somewhere and dry for at least 24 hrs then you carefully poke a hole through them. I'm going to use one of my big embroidery needles- probably the one for working with plastic canvas. You let then fully dry- several days then you string them on clear fishing line. Of course the string has to be big enough to go over your head, unless you choose to add the jewelry finding claspy thing. I have some magnetic ones in my jewelry crafting box so I'll probably do that.

And here's a neat site for those of you who, like me, love everything scented. I just ordered two scented writing pens from them. I'll let you know if they really work.

Click here to go there.       

Little House on the Prairie Bonnet

OK, here's the disclaimer to this pattern....I made it and it came out sort of big for me. So if you are making this for a child you'll need to cut down the pattern considerably. 

Supplies: paper for making pattern, pencil, ruler, scissors,

1 1/2 yards of a nice sturdy fabric 45 inches wide [honestly the pattern calls for this much but I used only about a half yard of a wider material] - an upholstery remnant from the thrift store would be good. If you use everyday chintz or muslin type material be sure to interface the brim!!! I didn't do it and I have a floppy brim because of the light weight material I used...

1 yard grosgrain ribbon - maybe an inch wide

I'll try to post the pictures of my pattern in the next few days [my son has our camera].

For the brim: you'll need a straight edge of 22 inches and sides of 4 1/2 inches with a gentle curve drawn between that is 7 inches in height [cut two of these]. For the body of the bonnet: You'll need a straight edge of 22 inches with sides of 11 inches with a gentle curve between the sides up to 18 inches deep.

Sew the brim pieces with the right sides together all the way around leaving an opening on one of the short sides to turn. Top stitch, iron. Hem the body section all the way around except for the straight edge. Sew the brim to the body straight edges matching, right sides together.  Iron this seam open. Two inches from the hem of the body [all around] run a gathering stitch and gather. Stitch over tightened gathers. Measure and cut ribbon for ties. Stitch ribbons to inside lower edge of brim. You're done!!! This is an extremely easy pattern but like I wrote earlier it [the body part] is big on me so make it much smaller if you're doing this for a child.         

 

Very Easy Crocheted Bookmark

This is suitable for a beginner, which I am. Instructions are sort of easy to understand and I think the final product is pretty  & dainty.

Materials: bedspread weight cotton thread- 1 ball, steel crochet hook sz 7

Directions:

Ch 56

Rnd 1 :dc in 4th ch from hook [3 skipped chs count as 1st dc], ch2, 2 dcs in the same ch, * skip next 3 chs, {2 dcs, s chs, 2 dcs} in the next ch *, repeat from * to * across the last 4 chs, skip next 3 chs, 2 dcs in last ch, [ ch 2, 2 dcs] 3 times in the same ch; working in the free loops of beginning ch, repeat from * to * 13 times, ch 1, sc in 1st dc to form last ch-2 sp: 112 dc & 30 ch-2 sp

Rnd 2:  Ch 1, [ sc, 6 ch] twice in the same sp and in each ch-2 sp around; join with slip st to 1st sc, finish off.

Tassel: holding 10, 5 inch strands of thread together, add fringe in 1st ch-6 sp made on Rnd 2. Just push it through and catch it in a loop back to form the simple knot.

'Green' Grocery Bags

I took the plunge this week and started making grocery bags. I used a very nice pattern highlighted by Crystal At www.thefamilyhomestead , it is in her craft and sewing room section. I love her blog and recommend it to anyone interested in homemaking. I used upholstery fabric I got at my local thrift store. It was extremely cheap and is very durable, and I think it made pretty bags. I will post pictures if I can. I loved this pattern and it made up quickly. I did it assembly line fashion. Cut them all out, sew the handles, and then put together the rest of the bag. If I didn't I'd estimate you could make one entire bag in under an hour easily. It made me feel very good to hand these nice bags to the checkout lady and have my groceries go into my own bags.         

Pioneer Perfume

I ran across this recently and thought it was neat. It must have been how the pioneer ladies made floral scent. OK, you start with an old recycled jar, fill it halfway with olive or almond oil. Then fill it to the top with flower petals of your choice. Of course you're going to want to pick the ones from your garden with the nicest fragrance. Shake real good and let sit 24 hrs. The next day take out the petals put them in a square of cheescloth and squeeze them out over the jar. Repeat the process until you have a perfumed oil that is the strength you like. Use the oil as is if you have a problem with scent lasting, if not dilute oil with equal part vodka.       

Regency Era Scents

My favorite historical era is the regency era- generally the early 1800's. I love the flattering clothing and I love the gentle manners. After some careful research I have found an easy way to recreate what were, supposedly, some of the favorite scents of the ladies during that time. My research showed me that ladies preferred floral scents as they were the easiest to make at home. Rose, jasmine, violet, and lavender led the way - so to speak- as favorites. And unlike today, strong perfumes were derided as vulgar. A ladylike floral scent was always subtle. Saying all that, here are some ways to make your own Regency scents.    

Ingredients

Essential oils of your choice in rose, jasmine, violet, lavender, lilac, lemon, bergamot, neroli, rose geranium, lemon verbena, lemon grass, and rosemary. I sometimes cheat and use the oils that flavor candy or soap.

toothpicks

small dark glass vials, bottles, or jars [pimento jars make nice little gift sizes for the creams. Spray paint lids and tie with satin ribbon[I prefer white for lids and ribbons]

fragrance free moisturizer- bought at the dollar store

white wine

Styrofoam cups

OK here's the fun part. Dip a toothpick into each oil and then stick it in its own upside down Styrofoam cup. This keeps the scents separate. Now combine the scents by carefully wafting two tooth picks at a time under your nose. You can sniff coffee if your nose becomes confused- this will help clear it out. After you find two oils you like, then add further individual toothpicks until you have the final combo you love. This is your own personal regency type floral scent. Now you can make cream by adding 5 drops each from your chosen oils to 2 ounces of the unscented cream, or you can make toilet water by adding your oils 3 drops each to 2 oz. of white wine.

Below are some combinations that I think work nicely:

neroli, lemon [verbena], bergamot, rosemary

rose, jasmine, and lavender

lemon verbena, lemongrass, and rose geranium

violet by itself is truly sublime as is lilac

Now all you have to do is slip into your pastel muslin highwaisted gown [simple to make from a costume type sewing pattern], put your hair up in a simple knot, and brew yourself a cup of strong tea. Add a few cookies, ginger snaps or tea cakes are good choices, on a fancy plate and enjoy your trip back into a kinder gentler past.   

Old Fashioned Man's Toilet Water

As always if you can't find these items, they are easily ordered online. I will say it helps to think 'outside the box' when looking. The glycerin and witch hazel are at Walmart or any pharmacy, the fragrance drops can be gotten in the candle or soap aisle of craft stores or Walmart or use candy flavoring type oil. Bay Rum is tricky but Sally's Beauty Supply or the Dollar Store are an idea if Walmart is a bust.

Ingredients

3 drops of any of these or a nice combo of one drop each to make three drops: clove oil, wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil, or lavender oil- dip toothpicks in them and smell in concert to see which ones make a pleasant combo to you.    

14 oz Bay Rum

2 oz. Witch Hazel

1 tsp glycerin- for men with dry skin

Mix all and keep in a jar or recycled spray bottle.

Easy Shampoo Soap Bars

As the title says these bars are good for bathing and washing your hair. They are extremely mild and are nice for folks with dry skin. It's important to have everything ready- utensils and such. If you have a hard time finding the essential/fragrance oils you want, consider ordering online at San Francisco Herb Co.- or going to your local craft/ health food store. Use only stainless steel or glass bowls!!! You'll need a meat thermometer, candy thermometer, electric beaters, and some plastic containers to use as molds. If you want bars use a mold container that is sort of rectangular if you want fancier rounds use one with a round bottom. You're going to slice either of these to make the individual soaps. OK here goes- this is really easy if you decide not to be scared of the lye. I use plastic gloves and you could use shop glasses too- always think safety. The first time I didn't wear the gloves and the lye spattered up on my hands- not fun...

Ingredients

10 0z olive oil- I know you're not supposed to do this, but I measure these liquids in glass measuring cups, I don't weigh them. 

2 oz Castor oil- purchased in the pharmacy aisle

2 tbsp lye- get at hardware store or grocery

4.5 oz water

1 small bottle essential oil or a mixture of fragrance oils to equal a small bottle

• Outside put the lye into the water in a small bowl. Put meat thermometer in this- I stir with the thermometer to mix. Leave it outside because it smells yucky as the chemical change takes place. On the stove or in the micro heat oils to 110 degrees, this is checked with candy thermometer. When the lye solution and the oils are both at 110 slowly pour the lye into the oils. Now beat this mixture on Low until you get a product that sort of looks like pudding. At the pudding stage add your fragrance. Pour into your molds and let sit 3-5 days. Unmold at that point and slice using knife or dental floss. Let sliced soap cure on a dry shelf somewhere at least a month. Then it's ready to use. I just packaged some of these for my Mom to give as hostess gifts yesterday. I wrapped them in cloth squares I got from the thrift store and tied them with black ribbon I got on sale for a 99 cents a spool. Wish I had thought to photo them. Oh well next time.                

14th Century Hungary Water

This is an 'updated but as close to authentic as we can make it now a days' recipe for a very old perfume. It may not be suitable for modern tastes but it does give one an appreciation of days long gone. And remember, folks lived a lot closer to basics back then. I'm sure it smelled wonderful compared to the aromas in communities where people dumped their chamber pots out the window and where pigs routinely rooted through dung and rotting refuse heaps in the streets. I like this recipe because it uses items that are very easy to get.

Ingredients

4 tbsp mint

4 tbsp rosemary

8 oz. alcohol- any flavorless kind-vodka is good

16oz rose water- if you can't find this make it [32 oz water plus 1/4 oz rose oil]

4 tsp each grated orange and lemon peel.

Combine all ingredients- I use a canning jar with a good lid- and let sit 1 week. Shake every day.

Strain through a coffee filter and bottle as pleases you.

 

More for Samaritan's Purse...

 

Baby blankets for Samaritan's Purse

Here are a few more pictures of some of the most recent baby blankets I had an opportunity to sew for the Samaritan's Purse ministry. My husband has really enjoyed looking at them, and especially the beautiful patterns on the material. He suggested the pictures as a way of being able to send them and, at the same time, enjoy the memory of making each one of them and the prayers that were offered over each one.

Baby blankets for Samaritan's Purse

Here are the long awaited pictures of the baby quilts for Samaritan's Purse. I've already sent one box, but these are the ones I've worked on this week. As I make each blanket, I pray for the baby who will receive it. It makes me realize how small the world really is to be a part of this project.