threads of love

Endearing

2010-01-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

Someone asked me if I was nervous to meet Nie.

I easily answered not at all.

My comfort was merited; she is just as genuine in person as she is on her blog.

Her family is delightful!

She is Stephanie Nielson.

The scars may mask her previous beauty but her endearing spirit engulfs you.

The scars quickly become invisible and you see her.

No accident could ever take her beauty.

We had a wonderful day.

Thank you, thank you to all who contributed.

Nicholas

Oliver

(On His Birthday!)

Jane

Claire

Games of I Spy and Loving the Quilts Already

First Four Quilts Ready...

2009-12-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

...to be delivered! The first four quilts arrived from Alaska today and they are beautiful! Allyson did a wonderful job quilting and binding them. I am going to try and contact Nie to see if we can take them to her precious family.

I will be sure to post pictures of the finished quilts. You probably won't see them until after Christmas, it is a bit crazy around our house right now.

Oh and in other news we just found out Tuesday we are getting a new baby girl in May! :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lucky

2009-08-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

...when Nie started posting again I would read and ache all over for her....yet, watching her grow and evolve as she gains a new perspective on her new life she is just as she was before, inspiring...I thought of her as I danced in the kitchen with my hubby tonight to colbie caillet and Jason Mraz's song "Lucky." She isn't only lucky to be alive but to be living her life.

Anyway, what I am really here for is to give you an update on the quilts. I haven't heard from Allison in a while but she works summer tourism in Alaska so I am sure she has been *busy*! Last she e-mailed she asked if she could bind the quilts in addition to quilting them...bless her heart! I think she will be visiting Utah this fall and we will probably make a personal delivery if possible. She only has the quilts for Nie's children. Lucy's, the Chief's, and the Nielson's quilts are still in progress.

Sorry I am slow to update. I still have no internet access and no computer now either. Working on both....hopefully we'll find a home for our family soon too...for now I feel lucky we both have jobs and it's a bonus we like them! Hope you've all had a great summer....here's to the beauty of fall.

Drum Roll Please....

2009-03-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hola Amigos! I have to confess, we have have been very neglectful in our picture downloads. After our blessed Sunday afternoon nap, I humbly brought my hubby the camera and external hard drive and sweetly requested he download and back up pictures. My son turned one last August, his birthday pictures were among those downloaded. How pathetic is that? I have three different cards and apparently the bare minimum for blogging purposes had been previously downloaded. Major slackers here. Sorry for the delay but here are the quilts in all their colorful, beautiful glory, I only apologize that my photography skills don't do them justice...

...Claire...

...Jane...

...Oliver...

A photo with meaning only to me, the first three quilts patiently waiting for the last one to have it's border and back prepared...I was seriously ecstatic at this point!

...Nicholas...

...I finished sewing his rows together before I added the borders to the rest of the quilts but the photo fits better here...

...me...

...the night I finished Gigs quilt and prepared them all for their journey to Alaska, I was very excited, nervous about their trip, and sad to see them leave our home. They have been so fun to make and the spirit of love they carry with them will surely be felt by the Nielsons.

...chilling on my super chic red couch before packaging. Allyson is taking good care of them and last I heard she was dreaming up beautiful designs to be quilted on them. Thank you Allyson for your generosity, I can't wait to see your magic!

Lucy's baby quilt is well under way, the chief's and a larger version for Nie and her sweet hubby to snuggle under will be coming soon!

Skagway

2009-03-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

I sent the package last Monday and I put delivery confirmation on it so I could track it...if by chance the quilts were lost in the mail. The idea gave me serious anxiety. I tried to call Allyson twice, the first time I spoke to her delightful husband and the second I left her a message on the machine. I am pretty sure she is a very busy lady. How wonderful of her to donate her precious time, she is sincerely appreciated.

Anyway, I do know the quilts arrived safely to their quilting destination and thought you might want to know as well. I can hardly wait to see them quilted, bind them, and then I dare not imagine giving them away but I will. Sadly and gladly all at once.

I spoke to the husband about downloading pictures for you all, since he takes care of that and makes sure they are backed up for me, and he will. You see, he just does things in his own time. I will try not to nag and post some for you as soon as they are available.

In the mean time, I have Lucy's baby spice blanket ready to sew, forgot to snap a picture before I gathered it all up but you will see it sewn. First on the agenda, a favorite dr. seuss costume to sew, lucky for me it is just the flower with a speck on it. I'll see about a picture of it as well...

The List

2009-02-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

I am not the eloquent blogger most aspire to be and don't really even try. I mostly settle at the transfer of information, the easiest form being a list; thus, in easy form, here is my accomplishments of the last 4 weeks.

01. Endured the 10 day flu.
02. Stayed out of the way for a week while the new gas furnace was installed in our rental house by 2 friendly men from El Salvador.
03. Learned a few new Spanish words.
04. Cleaned and vaccumed for a week after the furnace was installed.
05. Started a new part time job as the "office manager" at my brother's NAPA store, only working while my children are sleeping or my husband is home.
06. Finished sewing 4 beautiful quilts for the 4 beautiful Nielson children.
07. Left to do, a trip to the post office to send them to Alaska, post pictures for you all, and start the whole process over with the 3 remaining quilts!

Oh the joy of living life, seriously, all but the flu has been joyful.

Miracles

2009-01-16T08:22:00.001-08:00

Speaking of miracles, Nie is back. How about that?

I had a fuel leak on our van and found out it was dangerous to have been driving. I now have a plan in my mind about how to exit incase of fire. Does anyone do fire drills for their vehicle? Is this over the top? I couldn't help but think of Nie. Fire scares me. She survived and is hurting but also thriving. She has always been miraculous but now she is truly a miracle.

Another miracle, we moved and lived. I am still unpacking, waaaaay toooo much junk. We had plenty of help moving but unpacking has been a duet. My husband is my new dishwasher and I do most everything else. Almost a fair trade, seriously it is. I will soon unpack the box labeled quilt for nie and soon after that the quilts will be visiting Alaska.

Did you notice the prints on Nie's new header? If you look closely here the yellow print is exact and if you change the color from a pinkish to blueish, that print is the same also. Oh how you know nie. It's all very exciting.

Updates coming soon.

As always, love yous.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-10T20:59:00.000-08:00

Wow does time fly?!

I thought I would update you on what has been happening with the quilts. I was sewing like a mad woman to get them sent to Allyson in Alaska before I trekked to Utah for a day of feast and thanks. She was planning a vacation to Utah early next year and the plan was for us to meet and she would bring what she had quilted with her. Well, long story short, a friend's maternity plans changed and in order to have adequate time to mug on her friend's baby, she needed to go in December. Thus, she is now enjoying snowful baby bliss and nothing has been done on the quilts because I have been engulfed in holiday madness and preparing to move our growing family with our growing piles of junk 700 miles two days after Christmas!

Whew. Just saying it is exhausting.

Anyway, I didn't want you to waste minutes of your precious holiday time checking this blog when nothing has been happening. I am leaving the quilts to pack last so I can work on them again soon! Sorry for the delay.

A random side note, my husband's new boss works with Stephanie's dad Mr. Clark. Small world.

Patience

2008-11-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

As Stephanie relishes in the cool crisp feeling of Utah fall air, the renewal of her energy excites us all! She is near her children, her parents, her siblings, her Mr. Nielson, her mountains all at the same time! Oh the patience required for endurance and how gracefully she has endured. I know we all need patience as we watch and wait for the progress of her recovery to continue but today isn't about patience but joy! She is home!

Thank you for your patience as I have failed to keep you updated on the progress of this project. I have been so excited about the quilts it has been hard for me to find time and energy to blog. I hope you like the quilts as much as I do...remember I am very much an amateur but I think the mismatched lines add character (at least that is what I am telling myself).

First, remember the cloud print from Laura Strickland found here http://quilt4nie.blogspot.com/2008/10/jumping-for-joy.html, so many of the fabrics came packaged with ties and ribbons I didn't realize the clouds were a bag, here is the contents:
Sorry Laura and Thank You!

...The organization...I started by including a square from each of you for each quilt, then I focused on each quilt individually laying the squares out very randomly...

...Claire's quilt prepared to sew...

...Claire's top done except the border...

...Claire's yellow border and flowered backing...

...Jane's top ready to sew...my sewing machine gets lots of interest and attention, after I had sewn all the squares into rows at 2:00 am, I realized a helpful hand had moved the needle, I've had to sew a second seam with an appropriate seam allowance so it has taken much longer but looks beautiful still...

...Jane's pink border and butterfly backing...

...Oliver's top prepared to sew...

...a special square in honor of Ollie's Halloween with his dad, my girl's have trick or treat bags out of the same print...

...Oliver's border and striped backing...

...Gigs quilt ready to sew...

...Gigs border (I think it looks like turtle shells) and striped backing...

...what do you think?

Simply...

2008-11-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

...adorable, eclectic, inspiring, cute, colorful...i can't think of the right word. I wanted to post a picture of the incredible, colorful fan wall Nie made at Christian's parents house (the quilts remind me of it) but I don't know the exact month she posted it. My hubby had a rough evening and is waiting for me to snuggle him to sleep so words are all I can give. I have finished cutting squares for now and tonight I laid out 8 containers on my table (yes, I added a quilt for Lucy and her baby, I hope you don't mind Allyson). I went through your packages one at a time and chose at least one square from each of you to put in the quilts. I was a little nervous about how it would all turn out and I must say, they are...simply...magnificent! Thank you for sending your love! I am having so much fun experiencing the progression of this project. I have to go back through and select several more squares to complete each quilt, I wanted to make sure to include something from each of you to begin. I promise to share pictures of the first quilt laid out and ready to sew soon. I am certain the Nielsons are going to love our gift to them!

Final Squares

2008-11-02T00:52:00.001-07:00

I've been waiting to post the last pictures of the squares hoping I would have them all. If you have sent squares and they haven't appeared on the blog please let me know they are on the way. Also, I probably won't be posting for a couple of weeks. I have many squares to cut and will be sorting them into quilts. When I get to the point of laying out the quilts I will post pictures again. I am so excited to see how they turn out. Here are the final squares:

Thank you Kristin Griffeth from Bedford Texas and her mom Barbara Malmberg from N. Richland Hills Texas!

Thank you Vanessa Ponce from Austin Texas!

Thank you to my talented friend Jill Skousen from New York, New York! (A Utah girl at heart on an amazing journey...)

Thank you Megumi Larson from Roaring Branch Pennsylvania! Megumi brought these fabrics from Japan when she married her husband.

Thank you again to Carolyn Kunz from Milford New Hampshire for sending another package to include this adorable print!

Happy Halloween...the costumes were a hit, the pumpkins carved, the party is over, now on to these quilts!

The Concert

2008-11-01T22:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures I promised, sorry to be slow, it has been a week of ear infections, strep throat, fevers, and a wonderful halloween. I know you've all seen the adorable and hilarious videos on cjane but I thought I would share these anyway...

The opening performer was from "The Gibbons." He was also the guitarist for the night. He is obviously very talented.

Dear Chup, Although I know you'll never read this I have to write it. My husband served an LDS mission in Argentina and knew much more about the origin of your nickname than the lady who answered your question. I really wanted the free tshirt you were giving away but I thought he would kill me if I raised my hand. What do you know? After she sits down, "I could've done better than that." Great. No tshirt for me. La Chup poop.

The beautiful and talented Mindy Gledhill.

This girl was extremely talented, she played several instruments, sang back up, and performed the Somewhere Over the Rainbow song (what is the title?) like I've never heard before including Martina McBride live. She has toured with Donny Osmond and her family has their own show in Branson MO.

This guy was the pianist and played guitar too, by day he is a teacher. He also performed the funniest song I've heard in my life.

The beautiful Nielson girls with Mindy...

...they looked so small and cute...

...their mom will be so proud when she sees this...

...I know many people cried through this but I was so proud of them and they were so adorable I couldn't quit smiling (with just a few tears). They are so sweet, charming, and brave!

Cjane building up to her oncore performance...

...infront of a 1,000 people...

...I really couldn't believe it...

...but so glad she did, we laughed so hard.

Here we are on our way home. Bryce HATES doing this and I must say, we are terrible at it, how does Nie do it so gracefully? She must be much more beautiful than we can even imagine because we always look so ridiculous. At least we are happy right?

Groovy...

2008-10-25T22:27:00.001-07:00

The concert was AWESOME! Seriously, it was so casual you felt like you were on a cozy couch in a basement hanging out with your cool cousins groovy band and a 1,000 other strangers. All of the musicians were extremely talented and the music was uplifting, inspiring, and beautiful.

Claire and Jane were so adorable. My favorite was after one messed up they grabbed each other's hands and held on the rest of the song. The whole time waiting for their turn to perform I kept thinking about all the excitement dancing through their minds. What a big day it has been for them, flying on an airplane after what happened to their parents, seeing their dad with his new scars and after so long, not being able to visit their mom yet (I don't think anyway), the big concert with all their fans, so much for such little girls. They sang beautiful and were edibly cute!

The tribute video for Doug Kinneard was heart wrenching, his family is beautiful. I had so much hope during the tribute for Christian and Stephanie, they have so much life yet to live. AND the night ended with an oncore performance with Cjane singing Smile! She did note that nobody hates her singing more than Stephanie! My hubby even enjoyed the concert and our babysitter told us our kids were the best she has ever watched. What a wonderful night! Blurry pictures coming soon, for now I have to prepare a Relief Society lesson for church tomorrow...

Update on Threads of Love: I am trying to organize a sewing day, I'll keep you informed. I have also received a few more packages that I have not posted yet. Many have also offered to send more squares, I'm sorry I have not been able to reply to everyone individually. For now it appears that we will have plenty of squares for the projects we have planned. Thank you all for your love, prayers, faith, and generosity. I feel so blessed to be a part of this.

Yippeee Skipppee!

2008-10-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

When Cjane first posted about the Mindy Gledhill concert I went to her site to buy tickets but didn't. I've been talking about it ever since. Last night my Mr. Nielson, better known as Bryce, called to tell me he had a sitter arranged and "Go buy those tickets!"

I didn't waste anytime and now I am driving him crazy counting down the hours...in 48 I'll be driving across Phoenix jittery in my seat with excitement! No mascara on the bottom lashes and tissues in my pocket, ready for the beautiful emotions of the night! Hope to see you there...

Refreshed

2008-10-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a good hard cry leaves you feeling refreshed, tonight I had a refreshing cry. As I finished opening the packages for threads of love, I cried at the thoughts and sentiments from each of you. Some of you sent personal sentiments, some sent love and prayers, some sent piles of beautiful fabrics, but each of you sent a piece of you and I love it. I never could have anticipated the emotions this project would drum up! Much gratitude is sent your way for your generosity. I am certain the Nielsons will feel your love when they receive the quilts. Here are more photos of the beautiful fabrics, I am sorry I can't include all of your sweet messages:

Thank you Colleen Cannatelli in Howell New Jersey! Unless you are like me and love the color red, you might not know what is so special about this fabric so I thought I would share Colleen's sentiments. "For weeks I have been searching for a fabric or pattern that would move me to donate. Finally here are 4 squares....These squares are made from my 43 year old Christmas Stocking. It holds so many wonderful emotions/memories. I wanted to include them for NieNie's children. Belief, Hope, Love, Magic, Innocence, Faith"

Thank you Shelby Bingham in Beaumont Texas!

Thank you Brandy Doty (my friend from high school) and her friend Mandee in St George Utah! Brandy also has a fun crafting blog at http://www.mandeeandbrandy.blogspot.com/

Thank you Vickie Willis in Sumpter Oregon!

A large package...

...with loads of cuteness for everyone!

Thank you Glenda Isaacson in Haines Oregon!

Thank you Linda Watson in Everett Washington! (If you aren't LDS, this cute print depicts the Salt Lake City LDS Temple and other images pertinent to our religion.)

Thank you Margaret Kieffer in Ambler Pennsylvania! Margaret sent 2 packages just to be able to include the monkey yoga print, love it!

Thank you Sarah Foster in Oak Park Michigan! Sarah's sentiments contributed considerably to my refreshing cry. Her capacity for embracing sentimental value is very Nie worthy! She writes: "Dear Friends, Enclosed you'll find 2 squares for each child's quilt: one is of great sentimental value to me and given with deep prayer and faith for the road ahead; the other is from a brand new charm pack I recently aquired. About the sentimental ones-the boys each have a plaid square from a shirt of my father. He is the kindest, bravest, most generous man I know and has endured numerous hardships in his life. Always with a smile, never giving up. His pieces will bring the boys both strength and endurance. The girls have squares from a very old quilt made by my great aunt when I was a child. She was a woman of deep faith and although she never had children of her own she dearly loved her neices and nephews and their children and treated them as her own. She made all of my siblings a quilt for Christmas one year and I still use mine today. The girls' squares are from one she made for a baby and was used by all of us. Her pieces will bring the girls continued faith and undying love for all God's little ones. May God's strength and comfort continue to embrace the Nielson's, their family and friends, as they learn to make their way anew in a life they have not know. Blessings to all, Sarah"

Thank you Jean Thut in Escalon California! (Can you guess what breed of dog Jean loves most?)

Thank you Michele Raven in Spanish Fork Utah!

Check out this stack of fabric...

...I was sorting and drooling...

...what do you think of the bird print...

...seriously adorable...

Thank you Kristina Wilberg in Minnesota! (Her mother in law owns a quilting store, lucky girl!)

Thank you Sarah Briese and Marty Koehn in Lee's Summit Missouri!

Thank you Aubrei Norris in Ventura California!

Thank you Mary DelaMare-Schaefer (a friend of Nie's mother) in American Fork Utah!

Thank you Holly Broadland in Vancouver BC Canada! (You have perfect handwriting!)

Thank you Sarah Kotronis in Atlanta Georgia! The fabric reminded her of the Nielson Family Ranch and of JIMMY! I think it is only appropriate to include this important member of their family, thank you Sarah for thinking of Jimmy!

Thank you Eileen Wingfield in Seattle Washington.

Thank you Carrie Page in Murray Utah! Her fabric arrived from reprodepot.com, so cute!

Thank you Alexandra Pielech in Watertown Massachusetts!

Thank you Taraka Pyper in Spokane Washington!

Beauty

2008-10-15T22:20:00.001-07:00

I love the idea of enjoying beauty while it graces you and we enjoyed every bit of beauty that graced us in Utah! We returned early morning Tuesday and we have been running to catch up ever since. I have received arm fulls of packages from you each day but I am scrambling to sew my daughters Halloween costume before her school party on Friday. I will be posting pictures of all the fabrics I have received from you by the end of the weekend. Thank you for your support, ideas, and comments! Stay tuned...beautiful fabric photos will be posted soon!

Surprise!

2008-10-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

Guess what, I saw snow today! Sorry no new pictures of squares yet, I am still in Utah enjoying the lovely weather and family fun. I promise to post pictures upon my return next week!

Jumping for joy

2008-10-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight I feel like jumping for joy, why?

1. My babies are sleeping.

2. My toilet is clean, dishes are done, and laundry baskets are empty.

3. In 48 hours I will be somewhere in Utah, family onboard, driving late into the night to enjoy a weekend of cool, crisp fall air and a date night with my Mr. Nielson. Our first night away from our children in 5 years!

(skipping, jumping, worrying...)

4. I just admired the fabrics and love notes you sent while photographing them to give you a small glimpse of the joy that will be sewn into the quilts.

Here they are...

Thank you Katie Schultz in Kansas City Missouri!

Thank you Natalie Hansen from Woodlands Texas!

(The picture doesn't show that there is several squares of each fabric!)

Thank you Lynne S. Oliver in Charleston Illinois!

(Several more squares!)

Thank you to the Browns in Indiana!

Thank you Laura Strickland in Louisville Kentucky!
(If you've never been to Phoenix, the sky feels huge here and this is what it looks like most days!)

Thank you to Stormy Peterson in Des Moines Washington!

Thank you to Christie Carter in Salt Lake City Utah!

(Oodles of cute fabric waiting for me to make into more piles of squares!)

Thank you Gail Ostrander from Colorado Springs Colorado!

Thank you to Carolyn Kunz in Milford New Hampshire!

Coming Soon...

2008-10-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

...pictures of many more beautiful fabrics you have sent! I wish you all could be with me as I open the packages you send. I was overcome with emotion as I felt your love and prayers for the Nielsons. I am sure it is only a small dose of what they feel; you are truly amazing.

I spent the weekend "hanging out" with Nie's family and millions of others (probably some of you) watching LDS General Conference. I have been edified, uplifted, inspired, reminded, and loved. I know the Lord knows each of us and helps us hear the messages we need personally, even as He speaks through His servants to millions of His children. He knows us and He loves us. He is truly miraculous.
http://lds.org/conference/sessions/display/0,5239,23-1-947,00.html

Ooooh! Aaaaah!

2008-10-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

Seriously, I made these sounds at least 10 times while opening the box of fabric from Caroline in Texas. I have rarely seen so many cute prints and she literally sent stacks of them! Check out what she sent then visit her at http://www.pinklemonadebags.com/! Nie is going to love these...many many thanks Caroline!

Hugs & Kisses

2008-10-02T20:48:00.000-07:00

My lifelong friend Natalie sent hugs and kisses from sunny California this week. She wrote to tell me the fabric was on its way and shared her shopping experience:

"...since you told me about Nie I have been so inspired. Today when I was in the fabric store the ladies in there started talking about C Jane's blog and how it has changed their lives. I piped in and told them that you were making quilts for the kids and that is what the fabric I was buying was for....One hour later, me and 4 other women were standing around the cutting table crying. I couldn't believe how much she has touched the lives of others. They were not LDS and I told them that I was. One of the ladies said, "Nie is such a great testiment to your faith. I really admire your commitment to your beliefs and the sacrifices you make." It is so great that this tragedy can have a silver lining. Nie is doing missionary work and she doesn't even know it. One lady said, "she has made me want to me a better mother and wife." Don't we all wish we could have that kind of effect on the people around us?"

The lady who owned the fabric store also gave her the fabric for free! Thank you miss Natalie, thank you fabric store owner, and most of all, thank you Nie for inspiring us to be better wives, mothers, and friends.

Email Angel

2008-10-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

I received an email a couple of nights ago from Allyson in Alaska. She offered to machine quilt the quilts for free as well as donate the batting. I could not believe it!

Thank you Allyson!

Snowflakes

2008-09-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

I raced to the post office this evening and among the veterinary magazines, junk mail, and mail for previous box holders I found a beautiful card containing the first blocks arriving from the UK! Melanie sent this beautiful snowflake print with sentiments, she writes "I enclose 4 squares of snowflakes as Nie misses the snow in Arizona, and red looks like her favourite colour." Thank you Melanie!

Welcome! Welcome!

2008-09-22T22:48:00.000-07:00

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What?

Please donate 4.5"squares of the most Nie-esque fabric you can find to make new vintage quilts for Nie's children! You are welcome to send as many squares as you would like and you can even label them to be donated to either Claire, Jane, Oliver, or Gigs' quilt specifically. Please include your name and where the fabric was mailed from so I can keep a record for the Nielsons. I will also pass along any messages or notes you would like to include. You can get a better idea of how the quilts will be made from Nie's friend Kelly, her detailed instructions are here http://kellymccaleb.typepad.com/photos/quilt_kit_instructions/index.html

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Why?

If you are here, you probably know why. Just in case, you can read about how the childrens' quilts, handmade by their mother out of their baby onsies were lost, http://blog.cjanerun.com/2008/08/crash-course.html.

Personally, I like to imagine some young mother treasuring the beautiful quilts found on the side of the road, snuggling her baby, and dreaming of the woman who carefully crafted them.

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Where?

Threads of Love

515 E Carefree Hwy #74

Phoenix, AZ 85085

Questions? Email me at quilt4nie@gmail.com

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When?

Please mail all squares before October 15, 2008.

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Wow?

I will be posting photos of the beautiful quilts you help make!

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Thank you! Thank you!