One of the best things I have found about living in Niger are all the amazing people that are out here doing awesome missionary work.  Recently, there has been quite a little crew of women that have fallen in love with quilting.

Most of us are beginners.  Many are working now on their very first quilts.  I have been so encouraged and inspired by these ladies that just this week I have cut almost 500 squares and begun the long process of piecing them together

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One day this week we met up at the Sahel Academy library for some good work time.  Some were working on quilts, and others were there for the fellowship or to find some inspiration for other craft activities.

What a joy it is to share each other’s inspiration, advice, encouragement, and supplies.

We had so much fun that we’re doing it again next week!  Most of us have projects that we really want to get finished in the next few weeks.

And so the addiction begins continues (for me at least.)  It’s been a while since I did this.

Two weekends ago when Dave was out of town, I stayed up very late making a new sling for Nata.  He is too big now for the pea-in-the-pod (it’s green) ring sling that I wore with him when he was a baby and, although I’ve tried to tie him on my back like an African Mama when we go for walks, he gets hot.  Walking with a frustrated boy kicking and screaming his way out off my back did not make for a fun walk.

the new sling

I just can’t resist small sewing projects with the pania (african cloth), and I’m so pleased with how this new Mei-Tei sling came out.  I’m thinking that a few of my friends with new babies might need one as a gift from Niger. I’ve hit a lull in my quilt making.  It’s been at least 2 weeks since I’ve touched it, but this project was quick and easy.  I’m sure when it cools off, I’ll have more of a desire to work on my big project.

at church two weeks ago

making Nathaniel’s birthday cake

Last week I went back to our old Thursday play group.  Sam and I used to go every week, but since taking French classes in the morning, we’ve gotten out of the habit.  We had so much fun last week playing at Nicole’s house.  This morning, I wanted to go back, but Dave took the car.  So, with a determined look on my face, we all got ready, I put Nathaniel in the sling, and we took a taxi.  I think this was my first taxi ride solo with the kids (without Amina).  It took 5 tries to get a taxi that was willng to take us to Kora Kano.  And it took much longer to get there than it would have in the car, but it was a fun adventure that I think we all enjoyed.  Nata did great in the sling until we arrived at home.  At that point he decided it was time to get out, and who could blame him.  We walked home from the main road in the 102 degree sunshine.

arriving at the house today after our taxi ride home.  Nata was ready to get down!

I’ve been swimming in little squares of fabric, and I’m here to tell you that it’s glorious and thrilling.  My new obsession with quilting is feeding my soul.  Now I’m addicted to the feel of the scissors in my hand and the way the colors combine to create art and beauty and fill my desire to create.

It all started from a spark of inspiration that I caught from my new favorite blogger soulemama. I began to think about the things that I could create using the bright and unique fabric made here in West Africa.  And once the ideas began, I couldn’t get free of them.  They were so alluring, that I HAD to start.

Over the past 3 or 4 days I’ve cut out more than 250 squares.  And, although I’ve been trying to do my work when the kids are in bed, we’ve all gotten involved in Mommy’s latest project.  Sam has been using my long rectangular scraps as a road for his trucks.  Nata has been sharing little pieces with our visitors.  Dave is full of encouragement and advice on what colors and patterns look best along side each other.  Amina and Krystal walked to the tailor at the corner to collect his scraps.

Late last night (or was it early this morning?) I laid out all the patches and we stood back to catch a glimpse of the finished product that is weeks away.  Getting this taste just feeds my fire.  I’m pretty sure I’m getting in over my head.  I’ve read all the instructions on about.com, but somehow I know this could be a giant mess.  But I’m compelled.  Like someone who is craving a drug.  To try.