Basting

The women are working on their skills.

A Prayer of Blessing

The women say a prayer of blessing over their quilts for the person who will receive it.

Ruth

Ruth blesses her quilt before basting. Recently, Ruth was hospitalized with two of her children. One of her little twins died. During this time, her husband deserted the family, and never even returned for the child's funeral.

Rose...a fine quilter

Rose, getting ready to do her basting. She is one of our finest quilters. She was really pleased today when I told her that her stitches were better than mine.

Lydia...a natural leader

Lydia is not only an excellent seamstress, but she a natural leader for the group. She is always the first to step in and do anything that needs doing. She had a quiet strength. Her husband was the only one in the family pictures.

What could be better than a good day at the Quilting Cottage? I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy working with the women of Mashaka. They come into the cottage every morning neat and clean and with big smiles on their faces. You can just tell they're really glad to be there. Today we began by basting our project to get it ready for hand quilting. There were not enough tables for everyone to tape down their project at the same time, so those who couldn't find room to baste, were the first ones to be working with Jeffrey on the sewing machines. The morning just flew by, with everyone so busy, they didn't even want to stop at tea time. Half of the women completed their basting, and the other half got their project taped to the table so they will be ready to begin tomorrow. Those who finished today, will work with Jeffrey on the machines tomorrow. Margie, I taught them to use your "spoon trick" when basting, and they all say "Thank you, Margie!"

Announcing...Sean Daniel Fitts

Sean was born at 2:45pm on Aug. 19th. He weighed 8lbs. 2.5oz. and was about 19.5 inches long. We are all glad he is doing well and so am I. Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and welcome gifts. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Love,
Kim