Life Creed and Ehren Tool

People, knowingly or unknowing, have a personal motto or creed in which they live by. It helps us in defining our place in the world and the method behind our madness. It is that quote, bible verse or saying that moves you forward and helps to bring you back to yourself when you feel lost or disconnected. Early in my college life I stumbled upon a quote from Shakespeare's Hamlet-

"...to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."

This quote defined me throughout my college and young adult life. I worked hard to be true to myself, even in moments when I was still trying to find out who my 'true self' was. But after the transformation that took place on August 8, 2008, this quote, though still powerful, no longer felt like it defined me. I needed something different for this new life I had begun. I was different now. My outlook and purpose in life had changed. I needed a new anchor for this new journey.

Recently I was watching a show on PBS.org. The show is called 'Craft In America'. I was watching episode 13 which was an extremely moving piece simply entitled- Service. In this episode, the focus was on "craft and the military and the power of the handmade to inspire and heal". I strongly encourage you to watch the entire episode which can be found HERE.

Ehren Tool
(photo credit: the dirty canteen)

The program featured ceramic artist Ehren Tool. In Ehren's segment, he said something that struck me to the core. I had to go back and hear him say it several more times, and each time it still struck me. It wasn't just a nice quote. It was a powerful affirmation of who I now was. I felt like I could call Oprah and tell her about it, because this indeed was my 'Ah!' moment.  I had found my new creed for my life and all that I do within it-

"There is nothing I do, I think, that's going to change the world. But there's nothing in the world that releases me from my obligation to try".  -Ehren Tool

Thank you Ehren Tool, for the work that you do and for the inspiring statement that you made.

Memorial Day: Remembering the Fallen

Patriotic Stars Quilt designed by Nancy Mahoney. Machine quilted by Sue Krause

Consider making a Quilt of Valor for a military member in your life. If you do not know someone who has served or who is serving in our armed forces then please consider making a quilt to donate. You can learn more about Quilts of Valor at http://www.qovf.org/

Quilts of Valor National Sew Day

Today marks the 2nd annual Quilts of Valor National Sew Day. This day has been set aside in hopes that quilters would take the time to sew a quilt for our military servicemen and veterans.

In celebration I went out and purchased some lovely patriotic fabrics. I'm thinking of making a table runner. This is a bundle from Joann's fabrics called Americana Bundle. They are five 18"x 21" 100% cotton fabric.

The polka dots and wavy lines are pretty groovy. The white fabric actually reminds me of a polka dot summer dress my mom use to wear.

If you get a chance, head on over to Quilts of Valor and see the many wonderful quilts that have been made in honor of our military. They also offer free patterns and details on how you can make your own quilt of valor.

Thank You For Your Service

As the wife of an active duty military member, I understand the sacrifices that my husband makes everyday to serve our country. The job is beyond tough, the hours are grueling and most of what they do never gets noticed or ever recognized.

On this day we take time out to say, "Thank You" to all soldiers- past and present- for the sacrifices they have made to keep our country going.

It doesn't matter if you are for or against war, everyone should take the time to say 'thank you' to those who have chosen to fight for the freedom of others. Freedom has never been free. And I am thankful that there are men and women out there risking their lives to protect ours.

Why not show your appreciation by knitting some hats for soldiers. There are many organizations who collect knitted and crocheted hats to give to active duty servicemen, retirees and wounded soldiers. One such organization is Warmth for Warriors.

Or if you personally know a service member, why not make their day with a warm home-knitted gift directly from you?

THANK YOU ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY. 

THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO SERVE TODAY. 

YOU SACRIFICE YOUR FREEDOM SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO.

Ribbed Watchman's Hat by Channah Koppel

March Is National Craft Month

Yup, it's that time of year again. Time to break out of your crafting rut and try your hands at something new. That's right, its National Craft Month!

Oh how I love this wonderful month. It's like having a free pass to shop at your favorite yarn shops and craft stores. Local craft stores will be offering tempting classes in everything from scrapbooking to cake decorating. Yarn shops are stocking up on fresh spring colors and patterns that you just 'have to' cast on.

I actually have three knitting projects in the works for March and a plan to get two of my patterns on Ravelry. I plan to back some cookies that my local church gives to an assisted living home.  And, I've also made it a goal to finish a needle point project that's been hanging around the house for far too long.

Stuck in a rut of what to do to celebrate the month of crafting? Why not let charity be your motivation.

You can bake cookies and take them to your local nursing home.

Crochet a prayer shawl for a friend going through a rough time.

Sew a quilt and donate it to a local shelter.

Surprise a friend with a week's worth of prepared meals.

Pull out those canning jars and can the last of the winter vegetables and fruit in your area. Then send them in care packages to a friend or loved one who just moved away.

Knit some socks and donate them to military members overseas.

Make baby blankets for preemies at the local hospital.

Embroider a handkerchief to give to a bride-to-be.

Teach someone, (older or younger) how to crochet and/or knit.

The list of things you can do are endless. And if you don't consider yourself very crafty, then why not use the month of March as a time to learn a craft that always interested you. Just don't let National Craft Month go by without sharing the love of crafting.

War's Gift To Knitting

The more I learn about the history of knitting the more I realize how much the survival and continuous interest in knitting is due largely to our military.

During every war we have fought in, from our war for independence to the current war on terrorism, it has been the single plea from our soldiers on the battlefield that time after time moved women of all ages, races and economic backgrounds to pick up their needles and learn to knit.

Throughout history, knitting has experienced peaks in interest. Less than ten years ago, knitting once again became all the rage. It became the 'It' thing to do. But just like every fashion fad in craze, knitting is now seeing many of those hipsters put away their needles and unfinished fun fur scarves in search of the next new thing.

These ups and downs in popularity has never been and will never be what keeps knitting going. As long as there is a soldier in need of socks or a warm hat then knitting will continue. For it is the every present need to help those who protect and defend of freedom  that will continue to keep needles clicking and the art of knitting alive.