The Art of Change

I had been anticipating our lunch date at Cafe Veronese.  Surrounded by funky art, rusty metal paraphernalia from days-gone-by, and chippy-painted-wood structures, the setting was inspiring and creative and insulated from the bustle of the town.  In this peaceful space, with food for body and soul, my dear young friend and I opened our hearts and shared our dreams as we sat and supped and meandered in the hidden garden.

Perfection wasn't the heart of the place or our thoughts on that day.  Rather, our musings were more about possibility in the midst of brokenness, and about freedom to dream, explore, and step forward in faith.  I knew I would find inspiration in spending time with dear Alethia, who possesses God-sized dreams and a heart for the hurting.....and I was not disappointed.  Indeed, I was challenged and encouraged to set out on a new adventure.....beginning with attending an anti-human trafficking event. 

A painting of Cafe Veronese

Following lunch we perused a couple of cool little shops in the downtown whose mission through business and creativity is to bless and serve the community and those in need.  One was Share and Do Good and the other, Oh, Hello Friend, the shop where the anti-trafficking event would be held.  To see before my eyes the the passionate efforts of those doing such altruistic work was really quite moving.

For me personally, the issue of human trafficking has been very heavy on my heart for a few years now.  The feeling is so strong that it gets me choked up every time I mention it.  Although I've desired to do something, I've felt paralyzed about what to do, and so I've failed to do anything at all.....or perhaps I've just been waiting for the Lord's specific leading, timing, and inspiration.  Hmmm.....or has that just been an excuse?.....pondering.

I know I am blessed.....to be a blessing!

The following day, I awoke early, my head filled with artsy ideas, and my heart seeking ways I could help fight slavery.  Moved to my knees with prayer book and pen, I came before the Maker of heaven and earth and committed my ideas to Him in prayer.  

"Lord, may it be that I live for Your kingdom and Your glory.....and not my own!"  Though I feel insufficient and powerless, my God is big and powerful and Mighty to Save!  Because of His great love and His power that lives in me, I can do something.  I can participate in the art of change!

Because of the challenge set before me by Alethia, I went to the
 Anti-Human Trafficking Event at Oh, Hello Friend.  We heard stories of captivity and rescue, and learned much about the issue from Destiny Rescue, an incredible ministry.  All my tears from last night resulted in a headache this morning, but it was so worth it.  It was a beautiful evening full of reality, and hope, and lovely people, and opportunities.   
We were inspired with many ways to get involved.
So glad I went.

Sales of jewelry and other items were for sale for the cause.

I met these sweet student activists.

We wrote encouragement notes for the rescued victims.

Patch Attach

The not-so-perfect or pretty side of my patch.

I admit that it's a fact that I have a hard time getting rid of stuff and that I hate seeing perfectly useful things being thrown away in the garbage.  The way I figure, waste is bad for the environment and besides, one man's trash is another person's treasure.  Go ahead.....call me sentimental or frugal or perhaps even a hoarder.....yikes!  

Wherever I can, I do my best to recycle, re-use, save for a garage sale or give away.  For example, I never just throw away junky T-shirts.....they become throw-away rags that can be used to wipe up greasy stuff in the garage.  Old socks are great for cleaning blinds or fan blades, and if they get really dirty, then I toss them instead of wash them.   Another thing I save for re-use is denim jeans.  If they're in good condition, I tend to pass them on for someone else to wear, but if they're worn, I save them for projects like quilts, tote bags or decorative items (see them at My Reformed Denim or Rags to Riches or Dedicating my Heart).

My old pants with possibilities.

So all this is a little background on my latest  project.....patching up some favorite comfy pants.  I bought these cargo-style pants years ago in two different colors and have absolutely loved the way they felt and fit.  When the beige pair saw their demise, I snipped off the cool metal buttons before I threw them away.....who knows what use I'll find for them someday?  But these faded gray pair with the hole in the leg and the frayed cuffs, I have continued to wear.

I don't know about you, but when I'm wearing clothes that are super-cute and nice and new, I feel a little stifled as far as getting stuff done around the house, but when I'm wearing clothes that aren't so perfect and that are maybe even a little junky, I feel that the possibilities are endless for what I can accomplish.  Hence, I felt it was worth it to patch up my holey pants.....and I had the perfect fabric saved for just such the occasion.

I cut patches from my old, torn cords.

A pair of old ripped cords came in handy as the patch material for my cargo pants.  I had saved these because I loved the soft texture and the rich color of the deep rose corduroy.....I figured they had to be good for something .....something heart-shaped.....of course!  I cut a free-hand heart to cover the hole and then used that first piece as a pattern for cutting a second patch as a backing.  I cut the design out of a piece of fusible webbing too.

Ironing on the patch.

Snipping off the frayed threads.

Next I cleaned up the hole by cutting away the frayed threads.  Then I created a little heart-shaped fabric sandwich on the hole with fabric under the hole, and fusible webbing and the heart-patch over that.  Since fusible webbing takes moist heat, I plugged in the iron, and moistened a cloth to layer over my patch, then held the iron over the area for a minute or so until the patch was attached.
 

Final step - sewing on the patch.

The final step in the process was sewing around the edges of the heart.  I considered zig-zagging too, but decided against it in order to let the edges fray for a little more texture.  Turns out I didn't make a great fabric sandwich as the backing fabric didn't quite cover the hole, but that's no biggy, no one will ever see it.
 

Project complete!

Most importantly, I consider this project to be a successful experiment.  I figure that what I practiced this time for patching a hole could be done just for embellishment on some other item some other day.  The creative ideas are endless.  After all.....I've got lots more rose colored corduroy ready and waiting!