How to Grow a Monkey Patch

This week’s Photo Challenge is “Growth.” This particular composite picture says “growth” in a few ways to me.

To begin with, this is my very first EVER attempt at doing a patchwork quilt, which is stretching my boundaries and sewing horizons. It’s for my friend, who gave me the material . . . oh . . . about 5 months ago, and asked me to make this for her sister’s birthday. The birthday is in September. I’ve been so afraid of cutting into her material –  afraid I’d ruin it, and that I wouldn’t be able to replace it. The monkeys have a special significance to her and her sister, and I wanted it to be right. So, how do I get it right? By procrastinating, of course!

I literally did this whole project on a wing and a prayer. I was wingin’ it because I had no idea what I was doing or how to even go about starting a quilt. With a few pointers from a quilting friend and a LOT of prayer, I took the plunge and finished it in 13 hours. Whew – what a wonderful feeling to have it finished, and in time to send to the sister.

The only part of this project that qualifies as REmissionary is in the black strips between the patchwork squares. I used an aborted attempt at a black blouse; the front and back had been cut out, but then the whole project was apparently abandoned (another ‘find’ in a bunch of yard sale material). There was enough material for the short strips, but it wasn’t big enough to do the long ones in between the rows or on the back. I don’t think I’ve ever SEEN a blouse that big!

I must confess that I labor under a heavy Charlie Brown complex. But through this project, I felt the stirrings of growth in confidence.  Just watching it take shape, and seeing my prayers answered as it came together, made me realize that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be accepted. It just has to be done with love and as much care as possible, and the recipient will be happy.

So . . . that’s my story of growth this week. What’s yours?

I’ve looked at a few other growth projects, and thought they were worth sharing here.

islandtraveler

thirdeyemom

retireediary

Dad Knows

bullfrogs symposium

words we women write

untitled adventure