I'm going to start right out with a plea. (you can call it begging if you want, I'm not proud!)
For those of you who normally don't read the words, but just "look at the pretty pictures", I'm going to encourage you, read the words. This one time. Pretty please?
This is a story. Of a giveaway. It all started here, when I won Candace's Birthday Celebration giveaway. As soon as I received the fabric, I knew I was supposed to make a quilt and give it away.
That's when the surrendering began. I say "surrender" because I like to work with fabrics that are bright and colorful. And although these fabrics are pretty and have some color, they definitely aren't bright. I don't know about you, but I can fly through a project if I love the fabric. It takes me being very intentional if I'm not in love with it. So I put the jellyroll on my shelf for a little while (oh, about 6 months!).
A few weeks ago, I finally started the quilt. At first I was going to put all the blocks together and make a border for it but as I laid the blocks out, I just thought it was too dark. So I added the sashing and that really helped. Then the orange polka dot and aqua and white border was totally my attempt to put my "signature" on it.
Things were going along quite nicely and I had it all pinned together ready to be quilted when the next surrender came. The two thread colors that had popped into my head for the quilting were chocolate, and aqua. Now I realize that this quilt was going to someone else's home but I wanted to use aqua.
Now I haven't shared a lot about my faith on sewtakeahike, but I'm about to bust that box wide open today. The story continues with me bantering with my best friend about what color of thread to use, when she asked me, "What color is God saying to use?" And I knew right then I needed to use chocolate thread. Now this is my belief and you don't have to agree, but I believe that God cares and is interested in the smallest details of our lives. Down to the thread color used on a quilt. A quilt that will be going to the home of one of His most precious children. A child He loves soooooo much that He wants this quilt to be perfect for that child of His. So chocolate thread it was going to be.
I had decided I was going to quilt it with 3 inch (not so perfect) squares and had the quilt about half way quilted when I knew I needed to surrender once again. I wasn't supposed to quilt it that way. After some deliberation (I'm not perfect by any means) I proceeded to unpick the quilting I had done, without knowing at first how it was supposed to be quilted. But as I took that step of surrender, a most miraculous thing happened. I knew in an instant how it was supposed to be quilted. And I believe this is how God works. We must first take that step of faith and then He will be faithful to follow through on His end.
So I started quilting. Crazy quilting. Seriously, this quilt has 120 different stitches in it. And once I started seeing how stunning the crazy quilting made the quilt look, it brought me to another surrender. A surrender of my heart. I fell in love with this quilt.
Which then brought me to another surrender. Following through with giving it away. And that's where you all come in. All you have to do is leave ONE comment (make sure your email address is valid so I can reach you if you win) and I will use the random number generator to determine the winner. I'll leave this post open for comments until Sunday the 26th at 5pm.
Oh, and just two more things. I have been collaborating with Candace about this quilt (since she is the one that started the whole thing when she gave the fabric away) so I decided to put her name on the label.
If you'd like to read "the rest of the story", go here and check out what she has to say!
And secondly, when I emailed Candace and told her how I was quilting the "surrender" quilt (I bet you had guessed by now that that's what I named it cause you're all quick like bunnies!) she clued me into the tradition of sewing a spider's web onto a crazy quilt, for good luck. Initially, I thought I would follow through with this tradition even though I don't believe in luck (as you have probably guessed once again because of my faith). I even went as far as sewing a spider's web onto the quilt but it was just gnawing at me. I had to take it off. And replace it with a heart. Representing my Father's Heart, which was the final surrender.
I cannot WAIT to see who wins this quilt!
Beautiful story for an equally beautiful quilt. Great work! And thanks for sharing your heart.
Posted by: amylouwho | 22 July 2009 at 06:20 AM
The quilt is beautiful and so is the story. The crazy quilting reminds me so much of a simple patchwork quilt my mom years ago.
Posted by: Linda | 22 July 2009 at 06:20 AM
This is so beautiful - both the quilt and your story. My fingers are crossed!! [email protected]
Posted by: Anne | 22 July 2009 at 06:28 AM
Oh my....I love, love, love this quilt!! my favorite colors are aqua and brown! This is so lovely!
Hope I win!
Posted by: Marilyn | 22 July 2009 at 06:28 AM
This story brought tears to my eyes. The hardest quilt I made was one for a friend going through difficult times - every friend gave me a bible verse, I embroidered each verse and person's name, then had to put it together. Which gave me fits until I prayed. I love your story, and your quilt turned out beautifully. I love the name you gave it, what a lovely reminder that we need to surrender all to His will.
Posted by: Allie | 22 July 2009 at 06:32 AM
A quilt with an amazing history already - it will surely be one to treasure, wherever it ends up.
I saw a quilt that was crazy quilted at the weekend, the first I had seen 'in the flesh' & admired it greatly. I shall try it one day as there must be a reason why I have a machine that does so many wonderful stitches!
Thanks for sharing & I'm sure the quilt will get the home it deserves
Chris x
Posted by: Chris | 22 July 2009 at 06:36 AM
I love it and the story surrounding this surrender quilt makes it even more special - I too believe that God is interested in the tiny details of our lives. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Posted by: Heather | 22 July 2009 at 06:39 AM
this is an amazing story how something not so promising turns to a magnificent quilt. I love your story because sometimes it happens to me too. and the winner will be the Lord's choice.
Take care
Posted by: erika | 22 July 2009 at 06:46 AM
What a wonderful post my bloggin friend! What a beautiful quilt. I hope you will put a copy of this post with the quilt when you send it to it's new blessed owner. ooxx`jodi
Posted by: Jodi | 22 July 2009 at 06:48 AM
what a wonderful tale. I clicked on every picture to see the stitching up close, and it's wonderful. 120 different stitches? Wow.
Whoever is lucky enough to win this beauty will most certainly treasure it forever. I know I would.
Posted by: Katy | 22 July 2009 at 06:48 AM
I too have a relationship with my saviour that is one of coming to Him for everything, down to the smallest detail in life. I know He does care so much about everything we battle over no matter how small.
To be honest your story has humbled me and reminded me to go to Him. I have, in my ugly, sinful, human way, been trying to deal with my life lately forgetting to hand it all over to Him. What burdens I've carried in the last weeks, trying to do it on my own.
thank you for reminding me to take it all to Him. No matter how silly or "simple" it seems. And also to "Surrender" to His desires for my life.
You will never know how much this post has touched me.
I hope whoever receives the quilt will remember your story every time they see it and that it might remind them that God is bigger than all things and He's waiting on them to share their burdens with Him.
Posted by: Kelly O. | 22 July 2009 at 06:48 AM
it's lovely! it can be so hard to take yourself out of a project -- but then there is the joy of realizing that you are able to produce such a variety & depth of work, beyond a limited circle of personal taste.
Posted by: Raheli | 22 July 2009 at 07:11 AM
What a lovely story for a lovely quilt. Anyone who wins this will have an awesome story to go along with it! Truly a treasure forever!!
Posted by: Robin | 22 July 2009 at 07:15 AM
gorgeous..you can surrender it to me anytime you like....
Posted by: jen | 22 July 2009 at 07:17 AM
I like the more muted colors of this quilt and absolutely am amazed at the variety and beauty of the different stitches. What a great quilt and a great story.
Posted by: barbara | 22 July 2009 at 07:21 AM
I am still crying as I make this post,
this is a beautiful give away. When we give
from our hearts like this it is never easy.
And the fact that you fell in love with it
is because you listened to what it should
be, God leads us and talks to us all but we
have to silence ourselves so we can hear
him. Everything if we are quiet ..inside
and out, he will lead us. I am happy that he
touched you in such a close way.
A test of your faith I am sure that you
are to give away something he has lead you
to make and in his guided hand have fell in
love with as you worked on it.
Thank you for this post. If you dont mind I
am going to show this post to my children to teach them today about how God leads us in even small things, and big, but we have to listen to what he wants and not out own.
Have a beautiful day.
Rane.
Posted by: Rane | 22 July 2009 at 07:23 AM
The transformation that you and the quilt went through is pretty awesome :) Very inspirational!
Posted by: Meghan | 22 July 2009 at 07:26 AM
You did the whole thing just right. It's perfect just like out Savior. Thanks for sharing, Penny, and blessings many times over to you!
Posted by: Arlene | 22 July 2009 at 07:38 AM
It's beautiful. I love how God nudges us and doesn't let us go until we follow his will. Whoever this quilt is meant for will be truly blessed by it and it's story. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mim | 22 July 2009 at 07:45 AM
I almost always read the "story" shared with the "pretty pictures", but your sharing of the heart is exactly what we are about- salt and light! God does care about even the thread color; a God Who knows the number of hairs on our head- who else bothers? Thank you for your testimony, and the yielding of a heart. p.s. the heart was exactly the way to go!! pokey
Posted by: Pokey | 22 July 2009 at 07:47 AM
What a great story! Thank you for your generosity!
Posted by: Meg | 22 July 2009 at 07:51 AM
Lovely story! Made my heart sing this morning. It is truly a beautiful quilt.
Have a great day.
Posted by: Donnelly | 22 July 2009 at 07:51 AM
I love this quilt! The story behind it is wonderful and inspired and I would LOVE to win it! How neat to know that God has plan for this one!
Posted by: randi | 22 July 2009 at 07:56 AM
A beautiful story that comes just at a time I'm trying my own "surrending" in my life. A constant process but always filled by the love of God.
Posted by: Leslie | 22 July 2009 at 07:57 AM
I really enjoyed your words and I love this quilt! Please enter me in your giveaway. ~Susan
Posted by: Just Susan | 22 July 2009 at 07:57 AM
I came over from Candace's and I'm so intrigued with the story of this quilt. I love it and I love the fact that you named it "Surrender." I guess I've never really thought of naming my quilts before. I'm glad Candace left a link to get here. I'll definitely be back!
Posted by: Cindy | 22 July 2009 at 07:57 AM
This is a beautiful quilt. I can just imagine someone being wrapped in this quilt as in god's love, with a visual reminder to "surrender". It's perfect.
Posted by: Ivy | 22 July 2009 at 08:00 AM
This is a beautiful quilt and a wonderful story. The 'surrender' quilt will be well cared for at my house. God Bless. Jane
Posted by: Janey Joop | 22 July 2009 at 08:00 AM
Penny, what a powerful testimony you have shared about this special quilt. I so appreciate how you showed God's love and provision in making this quilt. If I were to win this beautiful quilt, I would like for it to be sent to the daughter of my BFF who is fighting breast cancer. She has 5 small children and they are missionaries in Alaska.
Thank you for the opportunity :-)
Posted by: Jocelyn | 22 July 2009 at 08:02 AM
What a delightful story - I have to admit that I have huge crocodile tears in my eyes!
Posted by: Darlene | 22 July 2009 at 08:10 AM
Sweet surrender. I call it stepping into the Jordan at flood stage. It is so nice to hear about your faith. I believe also that The Lord cares about the smallest details of our lives, creation shouts of the detail He put into it! I'm glad you went with the heart instead of the spider web. The quilt is amazing and who ever gets it will be wrapped in the comfort and love that the Lord worked threw you.
Posted by: Jody Blue | 22 July 2009 at 08:16 AM
OH ALL RIGHT!!! I SURRENDER and accept this quilt humbly and meekly, knowing it is the Father's will for me to have it. He told me it's for cuddling the grandchildren under when they come to visit with me. Many hours wrapped in a quilted love quilt, rocking with Oma...I can certainly understand why He wants me to have it! Thanks.
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net
Posted by: Shelley C | 22 July 2009 at 08:22 AM
This is a beautiful story, and thanks for sharing about your faith :)
Posted by: darci | 22 July 2009 at 08:24 AM
I read every word and I believe as you do that this is a very special quilt. Whoever wins it, was meant to win it.
Posted by: Ruth B | 22 July 2009 at 08:41 AM
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing it and your faith. Not many people out there today will admit that they have faith and believe in God, but I am one of those people and I'm glad you are too!!
Posted by: Lisa J | 22 July 2009 at 09:27 AM
I'm glad that I found you through Candance's blog. I needed to hear (or read) the words you have in this post! I am getting ready to go through some changes and this causes anxiety so I need to remind myself to relax and surrender and let God lead the way. I also grew up in Colorado, both Aurora and Colorado Springs were my home until I was 16. I've been in San Jose ever since and now planning a move about 500 miles away.
The quilt turned out beautiful by the way as did this post!
Posted by: Ferne | 22 July 2009 at 09:30 AM
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing...and your quilt is absolutely gorgeous...love the decorative stitching.
Posted by: Anita in Florida | 22 July 2009 at 09:35 AM
What a beautiful quilt, and a beautiful story. That will be one lucky family to get a quilt with so much love behind it.
Posted by: Janel | 22 July 2009 at 09:42 AM
Hola desde Costa Rica.
Excellent story and I love the quilt, I think a wonderful idea to make a quilt for my child of 5 years.
Posted by: Mónica | 22 July 2009 at 09:42 AM
oh Penny... it's absolutely beautiful and the story that goes with it makes the quilt even better!
I agree, God wants to be part of every detail of our lives. Right down to thread color for a quilt!
I'm also anxious to see who might win this one! Only He knows!!
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Lisa | 22 July 2009 at 09:47 AM
Thank you so much for sharing! I've been wanting to learn how to quilt but have been a little bit nervous about taking on such a big project. Your story showed me how each piece can be glorifying to God and loving for the recipient. I can't wait to get started!
Posted by: Elaina Sharp | 22 July 2009 at 10:02 AM
Yes!... the Lord does want us to seek Him for all our desires. This quilt is so cute and I love the story behind it. Hope I win.
Posted by: Mariel | 22 July 2009 at 10:23 AM
what a lovely quilt! thank you for sharing your story. i would love to win this quilt -- initially just because i have never owned a homemade quilt (and i love contests)...but before i even read your "story", i knew that if i won it, it would be given away. we have a new teen pastor at our church -- they have "found" themselves pregnant ... they have a 16 and 4 year old daughters...they have NOTHING for a new baby they brought nothing with them when they moved to this state not expecting to have another baby) but especially because this new little one is a boy...she has had several scary complications (including now waiting to hear if she has contracted lyme disease from a tick bite) ... she is one month behind me in pregnancy, so her pregnancy and family are especially close to my heart (she is due in september) ... i have been wanting to do something special but i dont have the finances - this would be an amazing gift and would be incredibly meaningful...thank you for this opportunity.
Posted by: elizabeth | 22 July 2009 at 10:33 AM
Wow! I love God-stories like that. It's amazing what happens when we listen to him, isn't it? What a beautiful quilt!
Posted by: wendy | 22 July 2009 at 10:38 AM
Hi-this is the first time that I have commented on a blog-I am new to the whole blog thing. I have been following your blog for a few weeks now. I love the story of this quilt and your courage to share it-thank you. Because of the inspiration I have found in following some fellow crafter's blogs I have started my own blog as a way to express myself and hopefully be an inspiration to someone else along the way. I am sure that whoever wins this quilt will treasure it-I know I would :)
Posted by: Betty Anne Warriner | 22 July 2009 at 10:48 AM
What a beautiful story. I am celebrating 14 years of surrender to my Father, yesterday!
I LOVE the chocolate thread.
Posted by: Renee E | 22 July 2009 at 11:05 AM
That is so cool! I can't believe you are giving it away!
Posted by: Kate C. | 22 July 2009 at 11:07 AM
What a wonderful story of surrender. I have learned alot about that lately, thanks to a discussion with the owner of my favorite quilt shop owner. God told her to quit hovering and He would take care of things. I took this advice also, and the outcome has been very satisfying. You are a strong person to part with this beauty.
Posted by: Linda Bylsma | 22 July 2009 at 11:25 AM
LOVE IT!!! What an amazing job you did... and I'm so proud of your surrender.
Hoping to win as this fits my color scheme and would look SO amazing on my bed!
Thanks for the chance! [email protected]
Posted by: kimmer | 22 July 2009 at 11:27 AM
Wow - what a great story. I knew Candace was a wonderful storyteller, but together you two have created an amazing tale.
The quilt is gorgeous - and I believe that we put a little of our hearts into everything we make.
Posted by: Rachel | 22 July 2009 at 11:35 AM