Sandy Hook







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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

postheadericon Paypal!


btn_donateCC_LG.gif

The Donation button on our blog is now set up and ready!  We currently accept credit card donations through PayPal.

If you would like to purchase a Cardinal Ornament, please select the Donate button and send a $5 donation to us.  We will receive your email and contact you for delivery.


If you would like to place an order for a quilt, please contact us immediately to discuss your request by selecting the contact us button!

The Holidays are almost upon us, and Comforting Quilters would like to thank all of those who have graciously given of their time to provide a quilt of comfort for those in need.  This truly is a labor of love.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving and may you find yourselves with many thankful memories!

Blessings
Tuesday, October 26, 2010

postheadericon Gingerbread House Market






Comforting Quilters is preparing the fundraiser for the Gingerbread House to be held on November 27, 2010. It was decided to create a signature ornament to sell at our table. This promises to be a fun and enjoyable day of crafting, conversation and fellowship while creating our ornament.

Be sure to join us on November 20, 2010 at Julie Love's home. We will be there from 9 AM to 3 PM. The coffee pot and muffins will be out!

We need supplies to keep our expense down. If you have any of these items, please call or email Comforting Quilters and let us know. If you are unable to make it that day, but still want to donate supplies, we will be glad to pick it up before hand.






List of Needs:

  • Red Felt
  • White Felt
  • Tracing Paper
  • Red Thread
  • Sharp Embroidery Scissors that cut to a point
  • Pinking Shears
  • Red or White Braid (this will be use for the ornament loop)
  • Dark Burgundy Fabric
  • Red or Ivory Embossed Paper
  • Double Stick Fusible Web
  • Small Black beads for our Cardinal's eyes
  • Glue Guns
  • Hotmelt Adhesive

Monday, October 25, 2010

postheadericon Vintage Quilt Show


At the Battle of Byron last Spring, 2009, Comforting Quilters sponsored a Vintage Quilt Show in the museum section of the Byron Depot.  These quilts were so beautiful and carry a great deal of history for many families here in Georgia. 

Do you see a family quilt?  Leave me a comment and let me know!  I'll mark the quilt with your name.

Enjoy the show!


Thursday, October 21, 2010

postheadericon The Winners Have Been Announced!


Comforting Quilters recently submitted a photo of the Raffle Quilt to The Pocket Testament League for the new cover of their pocket bibles.  While we did not place among the top twenty finalists, they have posted all of the entries and their stories on their Website.

Take a moment and view all 130 entries, and have fun viewing our submission as well!  CQ's entry is number 41.

Have a Great Day and Thanks to Para Vinson for the photo!  It's absolutely stunning!

Don't forget that we will be at the Byron Chili Fest this Saturday, October 23, 2010 selling our Raffle Tickets for this quilt!

Stop by our booth, buy a ticket and watch us quilt!

Tickets are on sale now!

$1.00 Each
$5.00 for Six
$10.00 for Twelve

Email us to order your tickets now!

Monday, October 11, 2010

postheadericon Comforting Quilters is Saturday!


Come Learn a New Technique!


September has flown by too fast! I took a great trip to visit my Dad for his 80th Birthday the first of the month, and the remaining 15 days or so have simply breezed on through!

Mike and I spent the day at the Georgia National Fair this past Sunday. What a great day of fun and excitement. I actually had my first funnel cake and it tasted pretty good! Of course, my favorite adventure is browsing the art, photography, and quilts! What beautiful works of art! If you get the chance, you simply must put in at least an hour to do nothing to gaze to the heavens and see what creative minds these women have. Truly an inspiration!

While visiting a booth sponsored by a quilt guild in Perry, I learned a new technique for making quilts. It is the most excited I have been in a very long time, and realized that this was the ticket for comfort quilts.

This weekend, I will be showing you all how to make these fabulous, beautiful and quick quilts that pull the art of quilting together for all to enjoy!

Be sure not miss this! It will be a great day of sewing quilts for everyone!

Remember, we will not be meeting Friday night. Our scheduled business meeting will be at 9:00 AM Saturday morning, October 16th at the Byron Depot. We'll have the coffee on and provide a breakfast snack, so come prepared to learn, cut, sew and quilt!

Again, it is always nice to know who will be in attendance. Please take a moment and let me know if you will be there so we can plan our day!

Blessings,

Julie
Comforting Quilters
Monday, October 4, 2010

postheadericon Tagging Bears in Canada

This film was too cute and funny not to post. What a comfort!

Friday, September 24, 2010

postheadericon The Pocket Testament League Submission


Thanks goes out to our own Para Vinson for her stunning photo of our Raffle Quilt! The photo has been submitted to the The Pocket Testament League's Contest for their new cover's on their bibles. Please visit their website and make a donation or a sponsor a group needing bibles. Comforting Quilters has received sponsors from this group in order to provide the Book of John with our quilts.


The God of all Comfort
 
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (New International Version)

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.


In February 2010, a prayer was answered with the establishment of Comforting Quilters in Byron, GA.

What a comfort to me, to have been given the opportunity to give to those in need, while at the same time, feed my love of quilting. It is through this medium, that the Lord has nourished and comforted my soul with His Spirit of giving.

One early Saturday morning, a few gracious women gathered at a dining room table for brunch to discuss the goals and dreams of a group that would sew quilts to comfort those needing a hug, something to keep them warm when life seems cold and daunting or something soft to cry a tear of joy.

Comforting Quilters was born that morning, with great expectations, fantastic dreams and not a penny to our name. A fundraiser was needed right away! What better way to raise capital than to have a Quilt Raffle. Unsure of how we would accomplish the task of a raffle, how we would sell tickets or even when we would meet again, each woman ventured out to contemplate the morning’s events.

God works in mysterious ways, for soon we were asked to provide a General Store at the Byron Depot for the Battle of Byron in May. We only had 6 weeks to pull this group together, create a quilt and build a General Store!

After many late nights stitching the quilt top and a flurry of activity building store props, gathering antiques, ordering penny candy and designing our store, the Lord provided us with another blessing that we had yet to see.

It was during our planning meeting one evening that the yet unfinished quilt top was brought to show the group the progress. The quilt was taken outside to hold up and view. Para Vinson pulled out her camera phone to snap a photo or two and everyone was mesmerized by what they witnessed.

There on the deck of the Byron Depot, with the sun just beginning to set, the quilt top was displayed with the sun coming through the top. Our quilt, that we had meticulously stitched shown with the Love of Christ by displaying a beautiful stain-glassed window effect and the cross shining through! It was at that moment, we realized that indeed, the Spirit of the Lord was working through our quilts to provide comfort to those in need.

This picture has made the rounds to family and friends around the country having an effect of awe and wonder at the might and glory that only He can provide.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010

postheadericon Sewing Class!

Comforting Quilters had a great time with the kids on July 31st at the Byron Depot.  Each child brought four bandanas and made the cutest bags!  In addition, all 13 raised their hands to do this again.  By the end of the session, they were all sewing comfortably with the machine and ready to rock!  Great day and fun times!

postheadericon Quilting History


More History for your to enjoy:



The Nineteenth Century

During the first half of the nineteenth century, distinctly American styles of patchwork quilts developed in the Delaware Valley. Combining British needlework techniques with German decorative traditions, these quilts featured bold geometric designs in contrasting colors. Quilt makers typically constructed their quilts with repeating blocks rather than in the older framed-center style. The new styles entered Georgia through coastal cities and inland routes into the backcountry, largely replacing older styles by about 1850.

Bible Quilt
Harriet Powers finished her Bible Quilt around 1886 in Athens. 
The third panel in the second row depicts the story of Jacob's dream, 
when "he lay on the ground."
Enslaved blacks identified with Jacob, 
for he was homeless, hunted, and 
weary of his journey.  
Courtesy of National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution



African Americans, both enslaved and free, made quilts. Slave owners
typically either supplied families

with purchased blankets or directed the production of thick whole-cloth comforters on the plantation. Some skillful seamstresses made fine quilts for their owners or clients, while others acquired fabrics to make quilts for their own use. Although most surviving nineteenth-century quilts made by African Americans resemble those made by European Americans, there is some evidence of the survival of African design elements. Harriet Powers of Athens, the most famous African American quilt maker of the nineteenth century, made quilts depicting historical events and Bible stories. Her pictorial motifs resemble West African ceremonial textiles.

The Civil War (1861-65) and Reconstruction affected all aspects of everyday life, including quilt making. The families of Confederate soldiers were required to supply their clothing and bedding. Many women returned to spinning and weaving when manufactured fabrics became unavailable. Shortages of sewing-machine needles, manufactured thread, cards, and other textile tools limited production. When Northern armies invaded, some families hid fine quilts and other valuables to save them from theft or destruction.

Ladies Aid Society, 1904
Members of the Ladies Aid Society
of Marietta at a First Baptist Church quilting in 1904.
Courtesy of Georgia Archives, Vanishing Georgia Collection
During the mid-nineteenth century, New England textile mills produced affordable fabrics, replacing imports for everyday clothing and household needs. As the southern economy improved after the war, quilt making became popular among middle-class women. Sewing machines enabled women to make family clothing more quickly, allowing more time for decorative sewing, including quilt making. Georgia quilts made in the second half of the nineteenth century display a wide variety of techniques, patterns, and color combinations.



"Whig's Defeat"
This pieced and appliqued quilt, entitled "Whig's Defeat," 
was made in 1856 by Susan Lloyd, a resident of Rome.
Courtesy of John Burrison


Between 1880 and 1900 Georgia quilt makers took part in a popular internat
ional phenomenon of making what are known as crazy quilts. Women assembled irregularly shaped pieces of satin and velvet into random arrangements, then embellished them with embroidery. Too fragile for actual use as bedcovers, crazy quilts reflected the ornate decorative styles of the late Victorian era.

Popular periodicals, which circulated widely throughout the country in the 1890s, published quilt-pattern diagrams. As a result, regional patterns became distributed nationally, many new patterns emerged, and some old patterns were given names for the first time. The development of textile mills in southern states near the end of the century made fabric less expensive, and even poor families could afford fabric for quilts.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010

postheadericon Quilt Making History


The Art of Quilt Making dates back centuries. I thought it would be fun to study the history of Georgia Quilt Making on the blog. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll try to post some information from the Georgia Encyclopedia for your enjoyment. You can navigate to this website by clicking the link below:


Let's start with the 18th Century....

Quilt making
Courtesy of Georgia Department of Economic Development
Busy Bee Quilting Club
is the process of sewing decorative bed covers from layers of fabric, either for personal use or for sale. Georgia quilts and their designs have changed over time, reflecting the influences of geography, historical events, technological innovations, economic circumstances, ethnic traditions, and personal aesthetics.

The Eighteenth Century

The earliest settlers in Georgia depended on transoceanic trade for their household goods. Bed covers were among the most common household textiles in the American colonies.

As quilts became popular in western Europe during the late eighteenth century, they also appeared in Georgia. Only wealthy families could afford the expensive fabrics used for quilts. Among the earliest styles were whole-cloth quilts, made from two large sheets of silk or cotton fabric with a layer of loose cotton between, typically sewn together with a decorative pattern of stitches.

Center Motif Design 18th Century
Early Georgia quilts were also made from printed cotton fabrics imported from India or Europe. Quilt makers cut out individual floral motifs from printed chintz fabrics and sewed them to a plain foundation in pleasing arrangements. Early chintz quilts in Georgia follow the European style, typically featuring a large central motif surrounded by multiple borders. Another European needlework technique that was popular in Savannah in the early nineteenth century was English-template piecing, or mosaic patchwork. In this technique, small geometric shapes—often hexagons—are cut from paper and covered with fabric; then the covered motifs are sewn together to form a design. Many fine early-nineteenth-century chintz and mosaic patchwork quilts survive from coastal Georgia.






English-Template Piecing


There are many places you can go to study and learn these techniques.  I recently completed a quilt top using the English-Template technique and was surprised at the ease in which the hexagons stitched together.

Enjoy your history lesson, and remember to Comfort someone with a quilt!












Friday, July 23, 2010

postheadericon The Schlafer Family


The owner's of The Green Frog in Byron, Dan & Barbara Schlafer, recently learned that Dan has both liver and lung cancer.  A quilt was given to Dan & Barbara a few weeks back.  Please keep this wonderful couple in prayers this evening as Dan's condition has worsened and comfort for Barbara is badly needed. 

With this very sudden news, the CQ gathering set for this evening will be held following a visit to the MCCG, in Macon to be with our dear friend Barbara as she struggles with her grief.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010

postheadericon Happy Birthday Mom!!!


Well, it was 81 years ago today, that a wonderful woman entered the world.  My MOM! 

Happy Birthday Mother!  I hope your day is just as fabulous as you are.  So...

Stop by and wish her a Happy Day if you're in the neighborhood.  If you see her at the grocery store, wish her a Happy Birthday!  If you have her on your facebook friends list, type her a Hello and if you don't, post a comment on my page or my blog...I'll make sure she gets them!
Friday, July 16, 2010

postheadericon GREAT NEWS!!!


Our own Karla Chidester has graciously donated back the Comforting Quilter's quilt to the group!  Yes, it is true, and now you will have a second chance to win this beautiful quilt.  Be sure to contact Comforting Quilter's to buy your tickets! 

The drawing will be held on October 23, 2010 at the Battle of Byron Chili Fest.  Tickets go on sale July 19, 2010!  Contact us now!

Tickets:

One Ticket        $  1.00
Six Tickets        $  5.00
Twelve Tickets  $10.00
Thursday, July 15, 2010

postheadericon The Hubby's Away!


Let's Party!!!

It's a Girl's Night Out/Slumber Party in Comforting Quilter's style!


Date:      July 23 -24, 2010
Time:      6:30 PM
Place:     Julie Love's House!
RSVP:    Comforting Quilter's
               Be prepared to let us know what dish you will be bringing  for potluck and if you will be going to Byron Nails

What to Bring:
  • Quilt/Pillow/Sleeping pad
  • Favorite Movie
  • Potluck Dish
  • Snacks for Movie night!

Our gal's have worked long and hard these past few months and now it's time to sit back and have some fun.  Please join us for an evening of pampering and girl-talk!  NO MEN ALLOWED!  This is a night to celebrate us!

The evening will begin with a manicure/pedicure at Byron Nails.  Then the gang will head over to the house for potluck dinner, movies & fun!  Breakfast will be served in the morning with fresh muffins, fresh fruit, juice & coffee.

Friday, July 9, 2010

postheadericon Sewing Class!


Comforting Quilter's Sewing Class is approaching and we need your registration forms.  The class is limited to 20 students ages 6 - 12 years.

Please contact  
Comforting Quilters 
or  
Call  
478-978-0842 
and sign up today!

Date:      July 31, 2010
Place:     Byron Depot
              101 E Heritage Blvd
              Byron, GA

Time:     10 AM to 1:00 PM

Lunch will be provided




We will be sewing this darling bandana tote bag with a lining.  The class is free of charge.  Please bring with you:

  1. 4 bandanas of any color of your choosing
  2. Your Sewing Machine if you have one

No sewing machine?  No problem!  We'll have plenty of machines for you to use.


See You There!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010

postheadericon Watch a Video!


Every wonder how to cut a quilt square?  Have you got the desire to learn the next step?  Watch this beginning quilt video and learn the basics!

Monday, July 5, 2010

postheadericon WMGT 41 Newscast

Comforting Quilter's made the morning news this morning!  I've attached the newscast for you to see.  Our piece is about 2 minutes into the broadcast.


Happy 4th (or 5th) of July!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

postheadericon Quilt Raffle Results!


The Watermelon Days & Peanut Craze was a complete success!  Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to make our event fun-filled, happy and successful!

It is through our dedicated Comforting Quilter's members and those others  who generously gave of their time and donations we were able to raise over $500 to assist those in need of comfort when facing difficult situations.  Your donations will go a long way in purchasing the much needed supplies for creating a memory of comfort!

Our winner of the First Annual Comforting Quilter's Quilt went to Karla Chidester of Byron, GA.  She was not present to win as she and her family were on vacation, but we phoned her from the park and congratulated her!

WMGT 41 was on hand to film the event, and we look forward to watching our morning unfold on the news Monday evening.  Be sure to tune in and watch the fun!

Again, thank you so much for your donations and efforts.  We could not have given Comforting Quilter's such a great beginning without you.

We will be keeping you updated on our next raffle!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

postheadericon Raffle!


The Comforting Quilter's Raffle is quickly approaching.  Make sure you get your tickets this week!  We'll see you all at the Byron City Park on Saturday!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

postheadericon Hidden Benefits


The week is coming toward an end, and I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has worked so hard over the past few months to make Comforting Quilters a reality.  What a fabulous group of gals we've got!  We'd love to have you join whenever you can make it!  I recently received an interesting email concerning a woman's health and thought that I would share it with everyone this evening.  The email started with a 

"Thought to Share......"

 " I just finished taking an evening class at Stanford. The last lecture was on the mind-body connection--the relationship between stress and disease.  The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.  At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

 Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin--a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being.  Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going.  Jobs? Yes.   Sports? Yes.  Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf?  Yes.  But their feelings?--rarely.  Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters, and evidently that is very good for our health.  He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

 There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged--not true.  In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!  So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health!  We are indeed very, very lucky.   Sooooo let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health


Next time you're feeling left out, lonely, bored or just need a buddy, stop by and pay us a visit!  We'll cure those woes in no time!

Monday, June 21, 2010

postheadericon YARD SALE!




Comforting Quilter's is up to our stuff again, with another yard sale at Karla's house this Saturday, June 26th.  We'll be selling the leftover items from our last sale and adding a few more things as well.  If you'd like to join us, stop on by and give us a shout!  Your donations of items are also welcome.  Be sure to mark the price before you drop it by the house.  

If any of you will be in town & would like to help that would be great but if you can't, don't worry about it. There will also be an ice chest of bottled water and drinks in addition to our raffle quilt ticket sales.

Our yard sale made was a hit grossing $115 at the old Welcome Center, so we're hopeful that we can bring in more with this next one.

postheadericon Thanks for All You Do!!

We had a great weekend & were very productive! Friday night, we cleaned out the caboose, and followed up over at Julie's house to sort all of our fabric by color. Saturday, welcomed Barbara Yeates to our group along with delivery of our 2nd quilt, which was delivered to a lady who's suffering from bone cancer. We enjoyed our day as several of us brought salads for lunch. A total of 5 quilt tops have been completed so that we may deliver more to hospice patients. Thanks to everyone who came out. Have a blessed week & please let me know if you can help on Sat.

postheadericon Sewing Class!

 
The Comforting Quilters group is interested in hosting a sewing workshop for kids (ages 6-12) at the Byron Train Depot for Sat July 24 OR Sat July 31 from 10-2. Space is limited to 20.
 
1.Please select date that's better for you.
 
2.Do you have a machine that you're willing to donate use of?
 
Thanks in advance for your response.
 
Karla - "The Listener"
Don't forget to purchase your raffle ticket for the CQ Quilt!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Packing up for a good quilt day today! We'll be hanging out at the Byron Depot from 9-3. Stop by and join us! I
Friday, June 18, 2010
We'll be cleaning out the caboose and sorting fabric at Julie's house tonight. See you at 7 at the depot!
Hope to see everyone tonight at 7:00 PM at the Byron Depot. We always have such a good time. Happy Quilting!
CQ has gone mobile! Stay tuned!

postheadericon It's CQ Night!


Tonight is Comforting Quilter's at the Byron Depot beginning at 7 PM until whenever we feel like going home! We'll be cleaning out the caboose and loading it all to my house to sort and organize. We've had a huge donation of fabric and my dining room needs help! I hope to see everyone out this evening for some good old fashioned fun!

If you can't make it tonight, we sure hope to see you on tomorrow. We'll be loading up the machines, ironing board and fabric to cut more quilt tops. Lunch is a special occasion at CQ Saturday, so be sure to bring a salad to share. Table service will be provided. We meet at 9 AM sharp and will be quilting until 3 PM so stop on by for the day or an hour!

Sewing Love with Each (and every) Stitch!
Saturday, June 12, 2010

postheadericon Rainbow Around the Block


Let's Help our Neighbor!

Ran into this website while reading a few posts at my personal blog and thought you may have an interest in sending a quilt block for this cause. Please visit the Rainbow Around the Block website and help those in Tennessee who have lost their homes.

Blessings!

postheadericon CQ Needs You!


Busy Day today at my house! I've been blessed with a Fabulous bunch of fabric that is in need of washing, ironing and color sorting! The washing has been a task in itself, but this week will be ironing and sorting week at my house!

If there is anyone who would like to volunteer an hour or two next week, give me a jingle! I'll welcome you help!

Stay cool everyone, the heat index hit 111 degrees at 11:00 AM this morning. A good afternoon for quilting inside where it's nice and cool.

See ya and don't forget to purchase your raffle tickets!
Monday, June 7, 2010

postheadericon Buy Your Raffle Ticket Now!!
























Time is running out to purchase your ticket for the 1st Annual Comforting Quilters Quilt Raffle.  We don't want you to miss out on winning an heirloom quality quilt to benefit the Comforting Quilter's work.

Email us at comfortingquilters@gmail.com, or call us at 478-978-0842.  We'll get you a ticket straight to your door!

 
Tickets cost:
$1 Each
$5 for Six (6) Tickets
$10 for 12 (12) Tickets

The drawing will be held on the 3rd of July, 2010 at the Byron City Park at noon.  No need to be present to win!

Thanks go to everyone who has made a purchase and helped support the work of Comforting Quilter's.  Sewing Love with Each Stitch!






Posted by Picasa
Wednesday, June 2, 2010

postheadericon Byron Yard Sale!


Hope that all of you had a Blessed Memorial Day Holiday & this finds you well!  Our Appreciation Day for Comforting Quilters was a fabulous event at last month's meeting and a big Thank You goes out to all who contributed food for the event.  Our sponsors truly appreciated your thoughtfullness!

We have a new member to our group, Kathy Garrison, and she fits right in!  Welcome Kathy!  We look forward to getting to know you even better over the coming months.

The Community Yard Sale is quickly approaching on the 5th of June.  Comforting Quilters and ICU Survival Kits will have their yard sale set up and ready for customers by 9 AM on Saturday at the Byron Visitor's & Welcome Center.  Be sure to stop in and see what fun things you can buy from our yard sale!

In addition, the groups will be selling sack lunches with your choice of Chicken salad or Pimento Cheese sandwiches, a bag of chips, a cookie or two and a few other surprises!  We'll also have canned soda and water on sale.   What better way to shop!  Grab your lunch and go!

While your in our shop, be sure to bring an extra dollar for the quilt raffle!  Time is running out on your opportunity to own the first Comforting Quilter's Raffle Quilt.  It's a wonderful quilt that you are sure to enjoy when the cold weather hits.

Stop by and say hello!  We'll be there from 9 to 12!
Saturday, May 29, 2010

postheadericon Never Forget...

In Honor of Memorial Day, please remember to thank a Veteran.  You'd be surprised how many you know!


Thursday, May 27, 2010

postheadericon In Memory of Olivia Culpepper

Olivia Culpepper was an amazing little girl, but even more remarkable is her mother, Cindy, who has braved this illness right along with her beautiful daughter. She has recently posted a journal entry at caringbridge.org and I thought I would share it with you this morning.

Please keep the Culpepper family in your prayers as they struggle with the loss and rejoice in the knowledge that Olivia is once again "Painting Rainbows!"

Wednesday, May 26, 2010 9:56 PM, CDT

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." Luke 18:16 (KJV)


We have certainly felt your prayers and outpouring of love. We have not lost Olivia; we know precisely where she resides. She never once felt sorry for herself, and she lived every day to it's fullest potential. She was loved tenderly and taught me more in 7 years than any elder ever could. We have all been so very blessed.

Not sure what's going on with CB, I've lost this post 4 times. So sorry for the lack of updates; I've simply been swamped with tasks and decisions, and haven't been near a 'puter and had little sleep over the past 14 days. Some of the family is having a very hard time. Please keep my big kids, and Olivia's little friends and fellow warriors, in your prayers today. It is very hard on these kids when one of their own goes to heaven. Momma is OK; Olivia is sorely missed, but we will play together again soon.



We would be honored for all who are able to join us in
A Celebration of Life, Olivia Style


Visitation:
Thursday, May 27, 2010
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Watson-Hunt Funeral Home
1208 Main Street
Perry, GA

Memorial Service:
Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 2 p.m.
Henderson Baptist Church
2813 Highway 41 S.
Elko, GA

We intend to host a very kid-friendly service. Olivia loved bright colors, especially Aqua! Please, dress for your comfort with these ideas in mind. She would've liked that.


She never really liked cut flowers, only the ones which needed planting and care. In lieu of flowers, we'd ask all those who are interested bring a DVD, Lego set, craft kit or similar activity for donation to The Children's Hospital in Macon. And donations to your favorite charity are always gratefully appreciated. 

I would like to say a special thanks to the organizations who've helped us so much over the past 4 years. You have made what could have been a hard road so much more bearable:

The Ronald McDonald House of Macon, Atlanta, and Houston
Jay's Hope
The JoAnna McAfee Childhood Cancer Foundation
The National Childrens Cancer Society
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation
Henderson Baptist Church
And all of Olivia's friends, family, and followers, I hope I've not left anyone out.

We will never know exactly what started this past episode; the Doc's best guess is a lingering viral infection that was stripping her bone marrow, allowing her WBC's to fall dangerously. Which allowed a bacteria to enter her lungs and/or eye and then into her blood stream. Her battered immune system was unable to fight a battle on two fronts. This caused septic shock, which means her blood pressure bottomed out, which further shocked her bone marrow and organs, including her brain; she lost the ability to clot blood properly and blood vessels in her head became more fragile. she had a slowly-growing brain bleed or 'had a stroke'. She had very confusing symptoms, but it was unmistakable on the CT. Our Olivia would not have wanted to live like that. Surprisingly, she was not relapsing, her bone marrow was recovering but not quite fast enough. I've prayed for hope or peace. I have both. I never said goodbye; only "I'll see you in a little while". I would not be surprised if she is sassing the Lord upstairs right now. Maybe she will paint a rainbow.


See ya later, alligator. Momma C.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010

postheadericon Olivia

Olivia has passed. Please keep her and her family in your prayers as they work through the grief of losing their sweet angel

postheadericon Olivia Culpepper


Please keep Olivia and her family in your prayers today. The CT has discovered that she has massive irreversible brain bleed on the left side. The machines will be turned off today.

postheadericon Olivia Culpepper


Our first quilt has been delivered to sweet Olivia along with an ICU Survival kit and many prayers. Her condition has become grave and major decisions as to her treatment affecting her ability to survive are needing our prayers now more than ever. Please keep Olivia and her family in prayers today as they make choices that may not come easy.

Many blessings to you Olivia.  Such a brave little girl.

You can visit her website at:


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/oliviaculpepper

for updates on her condition, share your thoughts or find information to donate to her fund to assist in her medical costs.

All donations can be made to:
                                                              State Bank & Trust
                                                              Perry, GA
                                                                C/O Olivia Culpepper




Sunday, May 23, 2010

postheadericon Follow Our Blog!


You can now follow our blog! Simply click the Network Blogger on the right hand side and you will receive posts and news on the latest happenings of Comforting Quilter's.

Email Julie if you need assistance or would like to make a donation

Sewing Love with Each Stitch!

postheadericon Quilt Raffle!


Comforting Quilter's continues our Quilt Raffle through the months of May and June, so don't feel like you've missed out if you haven't purchased your ticket yet. We will be out and about selling tickets around the area, particularly at the Byron Market on Saturday's at the City Park.

Look for our booth as we will be there with the quilt and other fun things to help you enjoy your morning at the market!

June 5th is a Special Day in Byron, and we'll be in the park selling food, penney candy and raffle tickets.

Tickets prices are

$ 1.00 Each
$ 5.00 for Six (6) Tickets
$10.00 for Twelve (12) Tickets

Feel free to contact any CQ Volunteer to purchase your tickets, but you can always give the President, Julie Love, a jingle. Call her at 478-978-0842.

Many thanks for all the Support the Byron Residents have provided to our new organization. These funds will help purchase needed items such as batting, thread, needles, cutting blades and other essential items to help provide a bit of comfort to those in need.

Remember our slogan:

Sewing Love with Each Stitch!

postheadericon Battle of Byron

postheadericon CQ General Store!


Comforting Quilter's teamed up with the ICU Survival Kit crowd and had a great time with our Battle of Byron General Store fundraiser.  Root Beer Floats, Penny Candy, Raffle tickets for our Quilt, boiled peanuts and a fabulous Quilt Show of quilts kindly donated by local residents filled the Byron Depot with fun and excitement


Thanks to everyone who assisted in making our store one of the highlights of the Battle!  We couldn't have done this without you!  All total we raised over $600 for Comforting Quilters and ICU Survival Kits.  These funds will go along way towards purchasing items needed to provide a little comfort to those needing a snuggle from a quilt or anxious in the waiting rooms of local ICU Units.

Be sure to view the slide show of our event.  We had a GREAT Time!  See you next year
Thursday, April 15, 2010

postheadericon http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/eaglecam/

http://www.cbc.ca/bc/features/eaglecam/
Monday, April 12, 2010

postheadericon Upcoming Events!

The Comforting Quilter's have been working like dogs the past few weeks in preparation for our Mercantile store to be open and ready for business on May 1st during the Battle of Byron.

Stop by the Mercantile and enjoy a glass of home made root beer, a root beer float, a game of checkers or a jigsaw puzzle or a cup of boiled peanuts among many other items we will be selling.

You will also be given the opportunity to enter the Quilt Raffle for a beautiful quilt created by our team of quilters to help provide quilts of comfort to those in need.

In addition, the Bryon Depot Museum well be transformed into a historical walk down quilters lane, with a wide array of quilts provided by some of our local residents. These quilts all tell a story and the show promises to be a highlight to our Mercantile store.

UPCOMING EVENTS!

May is a time to weed the flower beds, mow the lawns, enjoy a good steak on the grill and get those vegetables in the garden. CQ will be meeting as usual in May, and we hope to see some of you out!

June is seminar month! Let's have a class on quilting! Anyone have something in particular they would like to learn? Let me know and I'll get the class put together.

All for now. It's a beautiful Spring Day here in Middle Georgia!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Some Spaces Available for 2010 Quilt Workshops
PADUCAH, KY - There is still time to learn a new quilting skill in 2010! Embellishing, exquisite machine quilting and strategic appliqué are just a few skills that can be learned during this year’s Workshop Series at The National Quilt Museum.

Friday, April 2, 2010

postheadericon Comforting Quilters Fundraiser!

Comforting Quilters is making it's debut at the Battle of Byron to held in downtown Byron, GA on the 1st of May!

The event is sure to fun-filled, and as usual, our fun group of gals have a great day of Old-Time Mercantile Relaxation planned for all those who stop by to visit.

The planning has been fast and furious, but plans are in the works for the First Annual Quilt Show to be shown in the Depot Museum, a Quilt Rack displaying the techniques of quilting by hand, and a Quilt Raffle to go to the lucky winner of a authentic Comforting Quilter's quilt.

While we'll be selling raffle tickets all day, if you miss out, you can always catch us during the month of June. The raffle is scheduled to draw it's winner on the 3rd of July at Noon during the Byron Downtown Farmer's Market.




Wednesday, March 10, 2010

postheadericon Quilting a Quilt


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

postheadericon Airing of the Quilts!

Airing of the Quilts                                                                                                                                   

postheadericon History Revisited!

My daughter who lives in Fort Scott, KS sent me this wonderful news piece.  I have provided it below for you to consider in your own community.  What a magical display will this be!  Thanks Jody! 
The Airing of the Quilts

     What a festive sight in historic Fort Scott all of March, recreating a long time tradition bringing winter bedding outside to bask in the sunshine and catch the fresh breezes welcoming springtime to the Prairie. Celebrate Women's History Month with Voices from the Quilts.  Toss quilts over balconies, banisters, fences & clothes lines to tell our story from the Voices from the Quilts!
     The entire month of March centers around the Fort Scott National Historic Site bringing Civil War Quilts and memorabilia for all to appreciate and admire:  "Reflections on the War: Women and their Civil War Quilts"   The Sutler of Fort Scott has contributed authentic Civil War sewing tools and accessories to be on display all month. 
      See  Quilts telling the stories of local families at Lyons Twin Mansions  daily  and free of charge.  Downtown shoppes have their windows and walls full of quilts.  Window shopping is a delightful experience in historic Fort Scott . . just like in the olden days!  Come on downtown and experience the magic!

 Lyons Twin Mansions B&B, Spa, Corporate Center
620.223.3644          1-800-78-GUEST
Visit historic Fort Scott   www.FortScott.com
Monday, March 1, 2010

postheadericon About.com Quiz


Here's a fun quiz at About.com.  See how many quilt blocks you recognize!  Don't recognize any?  That's okay because now you can learn their names!








Share your score here and we'll see who got the highest one!

Have Fun!
Saturday, February 27, 2010

postheadericon Contact me!

I'm in the process of creating a monthly Newsletter for Comforting Quilter's. I'm looking for photos and work in progress photos from our first weekend quilting session.

Keep posted! As soon as I learn how, I'll get that newsletter posted for you all to read. If you have any tips and tricks to share, please send your articles to me by clicking the Contact Me link above.

The deadline for the April Newsletter is March 15th.

Blessings!

Julie
Thursday, February 25, 2010

postheadericon Free Motion Quilting

postheadericon Free Motion Quilting



Free Motion Quilting is sometimes daunting, but with patience and practice your quilts can become a work of art!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

postheadericon Comforting Quilter's Happenings!

I've had a great day!  It would appear, however, that the comment boxes are finally being diagnosed.  I've had some issues with them on all of my blogs today. 
Have a comment?  Send me an email and I'll be sure to post it when Blogger gets back up and rolling.

I've found a few books that may be of interest to some of you.  Comforting Quilter's will be dealing with grief, sorrow and stress of families awaiting the passing of their loved one.  In addition, these quilts go to those whose time is short here. 

My apologies for the inconvenience.  Happy Quilting!

Julie

Friday, February 19, 2010

postheadericon Comforting Quilter's Happenings!

postheadericon Comforting Quilter's Happenings!


 QUILTER'S MAKE BETTER COMFORTER'S! 


Well, the maiden voyage of "Comforting Quilter's" was a fabulous success, and I wanted to get these photos posted of  the great time we had!
Some were experienced quilters, others had never even touched a pair of scissors and we even had a wonderful man who took over the ironing job!

Everyone learned something tonight and tomorrow morning promises to bring at least two finished quilt tops and the completion of two more quilts ready to stitch!

Thanks to Comforting Quilters supporters!  We're off to a great start!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

postheadericon LinkedIn.com

 I recently joined linkedin.com through an invitation from an office acquaintance.  I signed up out of sheer curiousity as I had no idea what it was.  After receiving several invitations, I decided that I needed to check this place out!

I started with my work information and hit the group directory looking for groups that I could network for the Law Firm where I currently work.  I found some great groups in Legal Marketing, Taxes and Personal Injury information that helped me to improve my job.  Already I have taken two Webinars are marketing law firms and am anxiously awaitng my third tomorrow on blog writing for search engine optimazation.

While this is all very interesting, I decided to check out my hobby!  What a blast!  There are numerous quilting groups that are active and informative.  I have all three of my emails listed under one login, so when I join a group, I can choose which email I would like to receive comments.  A great addition to my busy life with Quilting a Memory, my personal email and my work email!

Now let me bring you to my point of this writing.  I joined a great group moderated by Pat Snyder of annthegran.com.  There are currently 38 members in this group, "Machine Embroidery for the 21st Century".  I love annthegran.com's designs, and didn't hesitate to join up!

Unfortunately, sweet Pat is having some family issues with her autistic grandson and has sent out a message to the group pleading for a moderater for this group as she simply can not handle the group at this time.

If any of my readers has an interest in helping Pat out, join linkedin.com now and contact her throught group directory.  I know that she would appreciate not losing such a worthwhile group.

Pat's blog is amazing as well and I encourage everyone to visit her blog and follow her.  Simply an amazing designer!

About CQ

My photo
Comforting Quilters is a Non-Profit Organization that was organized to create and provide quilts to anyone need a bit of comfort. These quilts are created and delivered to Hospice patients, seriously ill patients, those who have suffered a loss or anyone who comes to our attention.

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