Why Patchwork Cottage
Sep. 30, 2008
Sep. 30, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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WELCOME TO PATCHWORK COTTAGE
I will be leaving this post at the top for awhile, so be sure to scroll down to check for more recent posts If you've been here before, you'll notice a great change. At least I hope you will. I also hope that it will not just be a surface change, but a change of over all substance. So why Patchwork Cottage you may ask? For those of you who know me, you'll know that I love doing patchworking. So, I looked up the word, the parts of the word, and decided that it fit what I do perfectly, not just with my quilts but with my life. Here is what I found, and why it fits us. Why Patchwork Cottage When I left "the world" to come home in 2001 and be the mother of my children, it was a HUGE leap of faith. I'm sure that many thought I was being foolish. I believed then, and still do that my calling is to be a Keeper-at-Home, (Titus 2:3-5). In 2003, I was inspired to begin doing patchwork quilts the way my grandmother had, as a means of supporting my family. It took me a long time to find the faith and courage to let the inspiration become a reality. This summer, I've sold 4 quilts that I made "on spec." and I have had a very promising custom order (which I hope to share pictures of with you soon). The word PATCH means to make of fragments or to produce crudely or hurriedly. That describes my quilts. They are no fuss, no muss. Okay, maybe that is not entirely true, but it is the concept behind them. The work PATCHWORK means something made of pieces of different materials or needlework, as a quilt, made with odd patches of cloth. That is definitely my quilts. But it is also our approach to homeschooling. I think from now on instead of saying we do a "hodge podge", I'm going to say we do a "patchwork" approach to choosing our curriculum. It sounds so much more . . . well, us. A QUILT is defined as a badded bed coverlet, and a COTTAGE as a small house or a house used for vacations (and this is certainly what we strive toward attaining in our home, a restful, get away atmosphere). INDUSTRY is an earnest, steady effort or any branch of productive manufacturing enterprise. That is definitely what I do, when making quilts. I have my own little Cottage Industry. Each of these words is exactly definitive of Patchwork Cottage and what we do. In addition to quilts, I've also been making cloth blocks for babies, bandanna shorts, pillowcase dresses, skirts and shirts (all intended to eventually benefit orphans in Haiti) which I will be sharing photos of just as soon as I can figure out the whole HTML and Photobucket thing. I will also be sharing with you quilts that are currently available for sale. This take time as I need to co-ordinate with the WAHM Co-op that I belong to, so that we can get the items out of the store and onto their website, for direct purchase. So, while I will still continue to share support and encouragement with those of you single moms who are homeschooling and striving to be keepers at home, I will also be sharing some of my other efforts with you as well. As Always, May the Lord Bless you richly, MaggieRaye |
Responsibility - Part III
Sep. 3, 2008
Sep. 3, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I warned you! This is my soap box, and it's been a long time since I've stood on it -- well unti recently. However, with all the commotion of packing, having not found exactly where I want to pack this, I keep tripping over it, and taking the opportunity to stand upon it. This mornings little vent is about a dual responsibility, shared by us (single homeschooling moms) and the church. Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve to masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and espise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." While I know this largely speaks to serving the world and God or money and God, I believe the principle can also be applied to the welfare system. Once we've been pushed into it, and become dependent upon it, there is little room to serve God, while jumping through the bureaucratic hoops that are required of us. So where is our responsibility, to stand firm, for the Lord and to resist being forced into this ungodly alliance with the worlds government. To resist being taken out of our homes and away from our children -- because this is the first thing the welfare system does, as soon as it can possibly get away with it. Our responsibility is, and though this sounds easy, it is not, to live and walk by faith and not by sight. (That was for me more than all of you, this morning.) I'm reaching another crossroad in life, not just with our impending move, but also with my faith. I've walked and lived by faith before, sometimes boldly. Right now, I'm not sure I have enough faith to step out the way I need to and live it. For so long we've been referred back to the welfare system, over and over. We've continually been encouraged to go to the State first, and that the church would fill in any gaps still left. I know in my heart this is wrong, but I've been too sick to fight back. I've been too tired to fight back. Now, I'm feeling as if the Lord would really have me take the stand again, for Him and Him alone, trusting in His provision, totally and completely. As you think of me, keep this in prayer. Also, ask the Lord if you are where He would have you to be. Now, I said there was dual responsibility here, so what is the church's responsibility in this? I believe their responsibility is to step up to the plate, and be the first to help all in need (whether single mom's or others). Not last as a gap filler, but first. The cry for help should be answered by God's people not the world. Needs should be met from within the body not from without. Throughout the scripture God clearly shows that those who oppress the poor, the needy, the widow and the fatherless will be judged, scourged, that the Lord will not let them go unpunished. For my own part, this makes me sad. I would not wish this on anyone, even those who've hindered me. So that's it for now. Maybe today I'll find a place to pack this soap box away, until after we move. Or maybe the Lord will speak to my heart again, and I will need to step upon it. Blessings as Always, MaggieRaye |
This Should Make Things Easier
Sep. 1, 2008
Sep. 1, 2008
Posted in Current Quilts for Sale
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For those who want to go by Photobucket and have a look at currently available quilts, here is the direct URL: www.photobucket.com/patchworkcottage That should take you directly there. I'm hoping to add some other albums this week. One of previously sold quilts (maybe), one of quilts I've made as gifts and of course the ones I've done for the nursing home ministry. We'll see what time allows for. In terms of packing. I have two completely empty storage closets, and three empty cupboards in the kitchen. Half my sewing room is packed - the other half must remain functional until the last possible moment, as must the computer/office space. Here's hoping you're having a blessed Labor Day. MaggieRaye |
Responsibility - Part II
Aug. 31, 2008
Aug. 31, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I recently posted on Responsibility - my favorite soapbox. Shortly afterwards I read the following devotional and realized this needed to be a part of this soapbox. No matter how little we have, there will always be someone who has less. You may encounter someone today who has no smile, certainly you will have one to share. So single moms, when you feel that the church is not keeping up with their responsibility, do a personal self-check and make sure you're keeping up with yours. In addition to gleaning, I believe we are responsible to give, as we are able. Here is the devotional: God's Calling Journal, August 30, p. 253 "Give abundantly. Feel that you are rich. Have no mean thought in your heart. Of Love, of thought, of all you have, give, give, give. You are followers of the World's Greatest Giver. Give of time, of personal ease and comfort, of rest, of fame, of healing, of power, of sympathy, of all these and many more. Learn this lesson, and you will become a great power to help others and to do mighty things." Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bossom." So, are you gleaning? Are you giving? I figured if I believed strictly in giving 10% of my money for tithe, I would have little to give. But if I give 10% of my time and talent, too, well, then there is something to share. I'm hoping this week (yah! I know, I'm overly optimistic at this point) to put on Photobucket some of the quilts I've done for our Chaplaincy Ministry. I figured out this morning 10% of my day is 2.4 hours, that is the minimum I need to give back to the Lord. 10% of my work week is 3 - 4 hours, that is the minimum I need to work for the Lord or for my work to count for the Lord. Then there is 10% of my income, which is not much, but that also is the minimum that I need to give back. Let me just put a side note here, in light of recent life experiences, I do NOT believe that the 10% you give back to the Lord MUST be done through your church. The Lord may lead you and your family to tithe of your time, talent and treasure in some other way. Supporting your local church is as important as them supporting you. However, when the church is not supporting those with needs, because they are busy building buildings or adding programs, I feel a personal direction to give to those where I know there is a real life sustaining need first. So are you gleaning? Are you giving? Are you upholding your end of the responsibility? I am trying to. May the Lord bless your Lord's day, MaggieRaye |
Responsibility
Aug. 29, 2008
Aug. 29, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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If you've been here before you know I have a soap box (or three) that I get on from time to time. I've been thinking again about the church and their responsibility to single parents who choose to home educate for the glory of God. I'm again convicted that they are falling short of their responsibilities. Last night I was reading a booklet called Trail of Blood which is about the history of the Christian church from a Baptist perspective. It was written prior to 1940, though the copy I was reading was republished in 2000. Interestingly the writer talked a lot about keeping the church separate from the government. Hello? Did anyone else just read that? Keeping the church separate from the government., now there in a novel thought - NOT! It wasn't until he quoted Christ in scripture where He says to render unto Caesar (the government) that which is Caesar's and to render unto God that which is God's. I don't know if anyone else has given this any thought, but I think that just about sums up where I stand on Christians (whether single mother or others in need) being pushed from the care of the church into the hands of the government welfare programs for support. I once again feel assurance in my stand upon my soap box. On a slightly different note, I've also been praying about what responsibility we have as single mothers, or others that qualify as "poor and needy". We should definitely have our priorities in order and should be training up our children FIRST, then ministering within the church, where we can, according to our resources. We should also be practicing gleaning, where and when possible. I'd like to write a longer post on this idea alone, when I'm not packing or working on quilts or trying to start our homeschool year. Yes, the big yellow buses are rolling through our neighborhood, and while other children don back packs and lunch boxes, my son is running around barefooted in his cowboy hat, shooting the enemy with his cap gun in my front yard. It's a good thing we've been here for years and our neighbor's know us. Well, that is it from my brain this morning. I picked up some clothes yesterday at the fill a bag for a dollar rack at the local thrift shop, so I need to go start tearing them apart and preparing them to be quilt fodder, amidst packing, and trying to have a yard sale in less than perfect weather. As always, May the Lord bless your day, MaggieRaye |
Who Visits You?
Aug. 28, 2008
Aug. 28, 2008
Posted in Just Ramblin
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I just came from my Sitemeter. I am always interested in where people are visiting me from. In the last 100 days I've had visits from countries: Vancouver, British Columbia Santa Atarina Brazil Louth Ireland -- I'd love it if you'd leave me a comment, since I've noticed you are a regular visitor. Kilkenny Ireland Cataluna Spain Palmerston New Zealand T'ai Wan Berlin Germany Hamilton New Zealand I'm always curious what brings people from so far away to my little corner of the blogsphere. Hoping that someday my quilt shop draws customers from these corners of the world as well. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Update on Moving
Aug. 28, 2008
Aug. 28, 2008
Posted in Just Ramblin
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It's official! We are moving! It was kind of scarry submitting our 30 day notice the other morning, we've been in this house for 5 1/2 years. Do you have any idea how much stuff you can accumulate in 5 1/2 years with two children? Yicks! Where to begin.... Oh, where are we moving? I'm glad you asked. We're moving to the coast of Maine. I can't wait. We'll still be here at HSB and my quilts will still be available through Blessed Baby Boutique online. We're still working on getting those up online, but you can catch a sneak preview of some of them over at Photobucket. If I'm absent a little bit over the next month, bear with me. I'll be packing, moving, unpacking and sewing. Plus we still have to figure out how to do homeschooling work on our Haiti related ministries amidst the boxes of stuff. Now I'm off to the dentist, the a dr's appointment, trying to cram in all those final appointments before we move. Looking forward to being settled and quilting, homeschooling and being near family. That will be the biggest blessing in the whole move. Until next time, with blessings, as always, MaggieRaye |
ABC's of Commonfolk Quilts
Aug. 19, 2008
Aug. 19, 2008
Posted in Gallery of Past Quilts
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I wrote this up years ago, and thought I'd share it here. I won't get it finished today, so check back again to read it in it's entirety. Eventually each word will have a reason or description of how it influenced the making of my CommonFolk Quilts. Blessings, MaggieRaye A - Apprentice B - Blind C - Clothing D - Daffy E - Embellish F - Folk G - Golden Rule H - Heritage I - "Impossible" J - Jehovah-Jireh K - Kidz L - Legacy M - Motherhood N - Notions O - Odds N Ends P - Proverbs 31 Q - Quilt R - Recycle S - Scripture T - Tradition U - Unity/Unison V - Victory W - Whimsical X - eXclusive Y - Yesteryear Z - Zeal |
My Apologies - There Will Be A Delay In Posting Quilts
Aug. 15, 2008
Aug. 15, 2008
Posted in Current Quilts for Sale
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I was hoping to have photos up this week, but my ISP is NOT cooperating, additionally, I'll be out of the office, unexpectedly, for a few days. Praying to have some awesome news for you all when I return. In the mean time, you can see the photos at Photobucket. They'll have better descriptions once I get them up on here and on Blessed Baby Boutique (check it out from the link in the side bar). Blessings as always, MaggieRaye |
His Provision - It Is Amazing - Why Am I Always So Skeptical?????
Aug. 13, 2008
Aug. 13, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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The other day, I realized that in paying the bills this month I goofed and neglected to deposit money into my business account to cover our internet bill. Ugh! It's an automatic withdrawal and I can't tell you how many times I've paid late fees and etc. because I forgot to deposit the money for this. So I'm praying furiously, Lord, please, I know it is my fault, and I'm being irresponsible, but right now I can't afford to pay the bill never mind the late fees, please can you provide for this. Oh me of little faith. It was such a small amount, and My Heavenly Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills -- the next day, I did something for a friend, the cash value of which turned out to be exactly the amount I needed to cover the internet bill. None of it was planned, there was no way it could be. As far as I could see in my finite humanness, I was going to end up paying late fees, again. He took care of it, and I almost didn't notice it, almost. But when I did, I not only thanked him, but shared it with my friend, and now am sharing it with all of you. The praise is all His! I oopsed, again, and again, He has provided to help me set things right. But there is more. Today, our neighbors are having this HUGE yard sale. I'm a yard sale junkie. But I had no cash on hand. Remember the internet bill. All I had went into the account to cover it. So I was standing in front of the window working on a quilt, watching them set up and praying. Lord, help me to avoid temptation, I won't go over, because we don't have any money, when my almost 17 year old enters and says, "What, you're not over there checking stuff out???" I explain, that I have no money, and there is probably NOTHING we reallyy NEED there anyway. When my son announces from upstairs, Mom, I have $2.50 left from bottle money last week, can we go, P L E A S E ! How do you answer that? And how does he manage to save the money when no one else in the house can? So off we go to see if we NEED what the neighbors are getting rid of. Low and behold -- there was one thing we did "need" sort of, which ds bought for us, as well as a "treat" each for his sister and I, and two for himself. We have been needing a toaster, ours died recently. I've been to WalMart twice since it happened and both times I forgot to look at toasters. So, again, a seemingly little thing, but truly, why did my son have money, and why did they just happen to have a toaster just when we needed one? I think it is another one of those little things to stir me to a greater faith in His provision, so that I will stop trying so hard and just trust Him. What about you? Has the Lord been providing for you in little or maybe not so little ways that only He could do? Blessings as Always, MaggieRaye |
Grant Resource for those in Need
Aug. 13, 2008
Aug. 13, 2008
Posted in Single Moms as Keepers at Home
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I'll be posting this over at Jehovah-Jireh Mission, too, but thought it was worth sharing here, also. A single mom recently commented about finding my website, while she was looking for grants to help her family. She did not meet the qualifications for the Homeschool Foundations grant programs, but shared this one with me. http://www.modestneeds.org/ Go by and check it out, share it with others. I really know nothing about it, but it looks like it might be helpful to those with short term, needs. If you have experience with this organization, please feel free to leave a comment. Blessings, Maggie Raye |
Homeschoolopoly
Aug. 13, 2008
Aug. 13, 2008
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Some of you, who've been coming here for awhile, may recall that in the spring, we were blessed to receive a grant from the Homeschool Foundation. In addition to that, one of the "extras" we received was a copy of the new Homeschoolopoly Game. We waited, and waited, and waited. I'd about given up on it ever arriving. Well, it did, this week, with a lovely note, from the wife (Pamela Berthume) of the couple that sells the game, explaining their family situation over the last year. I was moved to tears as I read the letter. Last night the kiddos and I sat and played Homeschoolopoly. Please understand that this was a HUGE sacrifice for me, because I seriously dislike all forms of Monopoly, It's a hard situation in my house, as I have one child who is a serious Monopoly freak and another who would like to be. It just takes too long, it doesn't move fast enough to hold my attention and I can always think of at least 110 other things that would be a better use of my time. Well, we played the short version, with one or two slight family modifications, and had a wonderful time. Ironically, I the woman with no license and only two children was the proud possessor or three out of the four possible vehicles on the board. If you are a family that plays board games or likes monopoly, I'd seriously recommend that you visitwww.homeschoolopoly.com and purchase a copy of this. It will be one of those heirloom items to pass on to your grandchildren, no doubt. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Time to Get to Work
Aug. 8, 2008
Aug. 8, 2008
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Well, Now I've figured out the whole Photobucket thing -- and incase I forget, which I'm prone to -- I've printed out Janet's precious picture tutorial (did I say THANK YOU), so I should be fine -- I need to start adding photos for you. Even though I will have photos in the Currently Available For Sale Category, by the first of the week, it will probably take a little longer before we are able to get them up on Blessed Baby's website, so that you can actually purchase them. Be sure to check out the Gallery of Past quilts also, you'll be able to see some of my past efforts there. May the Lord bless you with sunshine this weekend (or rain, I'd be happy to send you some of that - free shipping - no sales tax). May the Lord bless & keep you, MaggieRaye |
Photobucket Test - After Janets Wonderful Tutorial
Aug. 8, 2008
Aug. 8, 2008
Posted in Gallery of Past Quilts
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Okay, Janet gave me a pix by pix tutorial to do this - and I'm still being my typical technologically challenged self. I'm going to give it another shot. If it works, you'll see baby, Lizbeth, as promised, if not . . . who knows. Oh, look, it worked. It really worked. Thanks Janet. Blessings, MaggieRaye  |
Coming Next Week
Aug. 6, 2008
Aug. 6, 2008
Posted in Current Quilts for Sale
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Well, the redecorating is done. Janet has great faith that I can figure out Photobucket. Friday I go to Blessed Baby to pick up my quilts that are currently in the shop and bring them home to photograph them and post them here for you all to see. I'll also be sharing photos of a quilt I'm working on for a client -- old ladies hankies into butterflies -- they are really quite amazing. Check back next week for pix of what's available for sale. I also found out tonight that I may be able to offer free standing quilt racks as well, to those who are interested in purchasing them. I'll keep you posted. I won't have pictures to share until the first of September on this one. Blessings as always, MaggieRaye |
If Only More People Had This Child's Perspective
Aug. 5, 2008
Aug. 5, 2008
Posted in Inspiration and Meditation
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The following was an emal forward I received today, and while generally ignore these, this one spoke volumes to me. Enjoy! UNITED STATES MAP - Short But Good! A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like. Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to Shelby and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this together. This will show you our whole country today.' After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together.' |
Email Notice of New Posts
Aug. 2, 2008
Aug. 2, 2008
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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If you would like to be kept up to date on new posts and would like to receive an email whenever I put up a new post, please drop me a quick note at patchworkcottage AT yahoo DOT com I'll be starting this as soon as I have those who've expressed interest. Always, MaggieRaye |
New Digs
Aug. 1, 2008
Aug. 1, 2008
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Thank you Janet!!!!! Check out the new digs folks and let me know what you think. It's great Janet, thank you. We've been oooing and ahhhing over it for about five minutes. Didn't Janet do a great job? This is soooooo perfect. Did I say thanks, Janet? Need a website done or your blog spruced up? Go by and visit Janet at: www.pineblossomswebsites.com Hope you all enjoy the new look. There will be more new stuff coming soon. Blessings as always, MaggieRaye |
Welcoming Fellowship
Jul. 31, 2008
Jul. 31, 2008
Posted in Miscellaneous Stuff
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Last night we had the opportunity to visit the church we've attended for the bulk of the last three or four years. It was so awesome! We went to hear a visiting pastor from Haiti share, because we are going to be sponsoring children in his school. It was so good to see familiar and friendly faces. It was so good to feel missed and to have folks genuinely glad to see us. I say this, because I know as of late, I've been harsh about some of my experiences and feelings about churches today. I want you to understand that I am not anti-church. I do see churches falling short, but churches are made up of people and even good people are still sinners. It is meant to encourage single mothers, to know that they are not alone, because many have experienced what I've shared. Once we can stop taking it personally, it's easier to deal with and pray for those who have hurt us. It was also a blessing to listen to my almost 8 y.o. son, as some very well thought out questions -- when did that kid get so smart? He has a heart fot the orphans in general and for those in Haiti especially. It was so cool to watch him talking to the visiting Pastor, after the service -- or trying to, there was a slight language barrier. Interestingly, the Love of Christ seems to bridge that gap. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
Letting God Lead (and Choose Our Friends)
Jul. 29, 2008
Jul. 29, 2008
Posted in Just Ramblin
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A month ago, Mrs. W was just another name in our local homeschool group directory. I wouldn't have known her if I'd run smack into her at the local Dunkin Donuts (where she would have been getting her COFFEE NOW!) I was very leary about letting Lizbeth go off with this woman and her teenage son -- who I also had never met -- to Driver's Ed class a 1/2 hour away from my house. It's not that we don't like strangers, or making new friends, it is just that I've learned to be, well, cautious, I guess. Now, I'm in the process of making a quilt for this lady (and I can't wait to post pictures when it is finished), because she hadn't been able to find anyone else who would take on the challenge of what she wanted done. We're going shopping later this week. She may be doing the "parent ride" for Drivers Ed with Lizbeth, because they don't necessarily want me to (as I'm not a licensed driver) and it turns out that her very quiet and seemingly shy teenaged son, actually has a quirky sense of humor that we can truly appreciate. Once upon a time, I felt as if I had very few true friends. Once upon a time, I wasn't sure having friends was worth it. Once upon a time, I was the one trying to make myself into something others would like and approve of. Recently, I've begun to embrace the person the Lord saw fit to make me into, and I like that me, and I like the friends that He is putting in my path. I believe that this lady, though she may never be my best friend, that space is now reserved for the Lord alone, will be a very dear friend to my family. And if nothing else, we'll always share Driver's Ed. memories. Blessings, MaggieRaye |
