Quilt #22 Refugee Quilt

Quilt #22 Refugee Donation

Quilt #22 was donated to a refugee project by Amanda Rand.

This morning I received an unexpected, unsolicited message indicating that a quilt had been donated and asking where to send the picture and story to have it added to The Duncan Project. It was from our dear friend Amanda Rand.

Her are Amanda's words:

This was a project I started about 10 years ago. It's a buggy barn pattern called Barn Swallows. In SLC there has been a huge influx of refugees coming in from all over the world. I met a woman, who, in an effort to remedy her sever depression gathers donations from the valley and takes them to these people. There are apartment complexes where they are housed and she drives down every week and within minutes their truck and sometimes trailer are emptied. Her stories are incredibly sad and humbling. They are obviously in need of warmth with the upcoming change of seasons. I heard someone say once that when we donate it shouldn't be the items we can do without. Give good things, new things, jeans on sale at Walmart! Buy extra and give so people don't have to feel like they are wearing rags. Same idea with the quilt, hoping someone loves something new and beautiful to sleep under.

The batting and machine quilting was generously donated by Amanda's friend, Tamara Ellis.

I love this reminder to give good things. When I was a child, our family was in need and the quilts that we were given were beautifully pieced, hand quilted Wedding Ring quilts.  I still think often of that gift, the best hands have to offer.  Amanda's generosity inspires me and lifted me this day.

Amanda in front in black tee at her going away party.
She was here in Mililani with us 2 years. Of the 10
women,only 5 are still here.

Quilt #20 Michele:Dedicated to Mothers Who Mourn

Sisters

Quilt #20 was presented to a sweet sister named Michele who faces the daunting task of shepherding her son through a tragic loss. Their story was made very public by the media and will not be repeated here with respect for her privacy. The quilt was given as a small token of support for this mother and to assure her there are many mothers who have walked her path and offer understanding and compassion.

When you bear, raise and nurture a child, an almost tangible connection is created. Michaela once said to me "we have a spring between our hearts."  So it follows that when something happens that threatens to drown our child in sorrow, we. as mothers take on water as well.

Watching this situation unfold, I think of this mother and her anxious yearnings to protect her son, hoping this tragedy will not leave permanent scars. And it lead me to think about many other hard things mothers face...mothers with children in prison, addicted to substances, or those making choices that may take them from the plan God has for his children. The burdens these mothers bear when they are faced with situations they cannot control and in many cases dare not speak of except to a loving Heavenly Father. My heart goes out to these mothers and I  have hope for I know the  Master Healer knows how to "succor his people according to their infirmities."

In my own life I have experienced the power of learning to accept Gods will and I am working diligently to trust his plan for my children, knowing that He loves them as much as I do. I am learning what a gift our most difficult trials can be. Especially when we actively turn to our Heavenly Father willing to be refined by the lessons He has for us. Knowing that as Elder Holland was quoted in the latest conference:

"There really is light at the end of the tunnel. it is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the 'light that is endless, that cannot be darkened.' Mosiah 16:9. It is the very Son of God Himself."

He marked the path and led the way....

Love in the stitches.....

Quilt #19 Beverley and Freya Parker

Quilt #19 was presented to Beverley and Freya Parker on October 9, 2016.  These two beautiful daughters of God lost their father and husband this past month. I had a cute Dr. Suess quilt that had been donated but it just seemed more appropriate to create a unique gift for Freya. She loves princesses and sparkles (Take a look at her cute shoes). She is worthy of a princess quilt and the back is sparkle material.

Raising a child as a single mom is difficult and there will be days ahead when Freya will deeply miss her dad. There are many in her family and ward family that love Beverley and her sweet Freya including a sister, Rosella who will play a huge role in her life.. Im sure her loving father  will be supporting from the Spirit world as well as many others who have gone before.
 
Beverley was holding the quilt while she and I were chatting and her Freya took the quilt from her arms and began to rub it against her cheek.  As time goes bye, I hope it will continue to be a comfort and remind her she is loved by many. There is love in these stitches for girls who are braver than any Disney princess.

Isn't she adorable.

Quilt #21 Na Lima Aloha

Once again I am out of order but I want to assure you all that #19 and #20 are finished and are in the process of being gifted.

One of my favorite gifted quilters Susan Haushalter.  I learn
something new from her each time I am in her presence.
Sometimes it has to do with quilting.

Today #21 was finished and provided to Na Lima Aloha. 

When I first started The Duncan Project, I ran into a wonderful quilter (Sandra Chin) at the fabric store who introduced me to the Hawaii Quilt Guild. The members are without a doubt some of the most generous women I have ever known. I joined the guild and have begun to attend the various quilting get togethers (called quilting bees) on the island. As we sew, we share what we are working on. More than 50 percent of the time, these quilters are working on something to be given away to comfort others. They understand the "love is in the stitches."

This is the description of the Na Lima Aloha project from the guild website.

Nā Lima ALOHA (THE HANDS THAT LOVE)
Nā Lima Aloha was established in July 2004 as a community service to support various organizations and agencies throughout Oahu and to support relief operations in other areas as well. Through the donations of smaller-sized quilts, we share our aloha with displaced, needy, or critically ill children and adults. Organizations we have contributed to in the past include various senior citizen convalescent homes, the Veterans Administration Center for the Aging, hospitals, abuse shelters, and foster care facilities. In the past year we have donated over 300 items throughout the island.

One interesting aspect of the Na Lima Aloha quilts is that they are all made with donated fabric. The fabric once donated is cut and packaged with a pattern and batting creating a kit.  The volunteer quilter can select a kit to work on, either at the bee or at home, and it is returned to Na Lima Aloha for distribution. This quilt cost me nothing apart from thread and time.

We quilt once a month at the
Wahiawa Botanical Garden.

This is a great project for beginning quilters as the patterns are all very simple and as Susan Haushalter told me today, "There are no quilt police." Meaning my best effort is good enough. If any locals are interested in participating, please contact me and I will help facilitate. It is a great way to sew at home or come and meet other quilters. In addition, if you have fabric that is just taking up space, consider donating.  I love the idea that a child will get to enjoy this sweet little quilt and I love that this project has brought me into a space with so many wonderful women who act out of love and concern for others.