I had hoped to applique at least five advent pictures and have them posted by now along with some devotional thoughts, but life got in the way (I’m going to a new church and directing the choir). I finally completed this one after Christmas.

This is Gabriel visiting Mary and giving her the message that she would give birth to the Messiah.

I feel overwhelmed each time I start one of these appliqued images. Even though I had Violet Vandor’s illustration to go by and Nancy Gordon’s sketch to simplify the picture for quilting, I was still apprehensive as I tackled each part of the picture. I wonder if I’m being too much of a perfectionist or if I should simplify the pictures even more before trying to applique them.

My heart’s desire is to find a simpler way to make Bible quilts so children will have them on their beds or in the family TV room where they can inspire Bible reading and discussion. I recognize that applique isn’t going to be the answer for very many people, but I hope to inspire people to try to make Bible quilts one way or another.

I would love to get feedback from my readers. What would inspire you to make a Bible quilt? Are coloring pages a realistic approach to making the quilt pictures? Do I need to work harder at finding a way to get pre-printed fabrics with Bible pictures on it? That too seems overwhelming to me.

Some good news: I discovered a website that had square coloring page Bible story pictures on a web page today. The address is www.thecolor.com/