Dear friend of KISSed Quilts, 

What an amazing trip I've just returned from! I spent several days traveling to and from Mara West, Kenya, Africa. There were 28 of us and we split into two groups doing vision clinics and construction projects. I worked with the vision clinic. We did three clinics at schools and three clinics in the bush - literally. We also organized the remaining supplies for a new Vision Clinic that is due to open on Aug 1 as part of Africa Mission Services (AMS). The clinics comprised of doing accuity tests. Based on results children might get sunglasses or be sent for a further check on a PlenOptik machine. The Eye doc would then review the recommended prescription and try to fit them with the glasses we had on hand.  When in the bush we mostly worked with adults. Accuity Tests and Sunglasses if all was ok. PlenOptik check anb subsequent prescription fitting if we had something that would work. If they had a complaint of itchy eyes, then we had 30 vile packs of Refresh Tears. One day the doc wasn't with us, so we just asked if they were having itchy eyes (tear viles were provided) or problems reading and if so, based on their age tested them with readers. Many went away very happy! In all we served over 500 people through our clinics over 7 days. Thank you to those who dropped off readers and sunglasses here at KISSed Quilts. They were put to good use!

Two days were spent on safari in the Mara Triangle. We saw may animals, including 4 of the 5 'Big Five'. Stop in to the shop and ask to see some of my photos. Facebook (my personal page) has me tagged in a lot of photos, so if we're friends there you might have caught some of our photos. My KISSed Quits FB and IG accounts shared a few. Celebrated my 60th birthday Masai style with a special song in my honor performed by the camp staff and the camp owner's children.

At our first bush clinic I was impressed to give this girl my shoes. I had brought them as a spare and it just seemed like the right opportunity had presented itself. Her heels were hanging out her shoes significantly. Mine were just a bit big for her, so asked if she had socks, she said no and my sister jumped up and took off her socks. I hope these serve her well.

Came home filled with gratitude for the life we do have in America. Grateful we could help this group of people in Kenya. If you have followed along and are impressed to do something, write to ams.sponsorships@gmail.com.  See flier below for details on how you can sponsor a child's school fees. It is a government school that in partnership, AMS has helped to build dormitories, school buildings, etc. This trip the construction projects included cement pads for water collection tanks, painting classrooms, prepping windows, doors and finishings for the new clinic that will have urgent care, comprehensive care, dental and optical facilities. You can also find more information at their FB pages: https://www.facebook.com/marawest and https://www.facebook.com/africamissionservices (they have just posted the kids back in their newly painted classrooms! So uplifting!) School is required by the government up through grade 6 (Primary School). Beyond that dormitory options are available and the school fees are difficult for many families to come up with. It becomes a significant point of stress when fees are due. I have talked with the coordinator and we are working on matching me with a child in need. Everything that AMS is doing is trying to create a self-sustaining development of the Maasai people. We met a gal at the school that had been sponsored and received her teaching degree and is now back teaching at the school. The Community Dental Officer was sponsored and is now back leading out in the new dental clinic. Just a couple of examples of how this is working.

And on a sewing related theme, we were just about to leave one of the bush clinics and I noticed in front of where we were loading up, a treadle machine. Realizing I had a few minutes, I jumped out of our Toyota Land Cruiser and went and spoke to him briefly. I was later informed that most villages will have one around.

 I've got a special offer for you!

SPECIAL FOR JULY: I'm offering a 25% discount on patriotic yardage and panels. Just use the code 250th. This will be good all month, online or in-store. All Patriotic Fabrics

SUMMER HOURS 

Monday - Friday: 10am - 4pm or by appt. Closed Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.

Winners have been selected for the All Pacific Northwest Shop Hop. Congratulations to Debbie Clark for winning our $50 Gift Basket.

I've got a few kits left for the Pacific Northwest Nights quilt and fabrics from both the In the Beginning (dark/jewel tones) and Riley Blake Dear Washington (lighter values) collections. Shop Hop Stickers, one binder, a few magazines and several totes are still available. Did you figure out what to do with your block cards? If you're still interested in the Flower Fields design (middle pic below), I've got patterns you can digitally download or purchase in print form. Also available is the wideback of the dapple dot - in 3 yard cuts -- specially priced at $59.99 that would work for any of your quilts.

Shop here for all things shop hop!

LOST AND FOUND: Did you lose an English Paper Piecing Template covered with fabric and many needles on it? Describe the fabric and it's yours!

NEW PRODUCTS

Pendleton themes -- Tracie Metallic Designs -- standard width cotton fabric and 1-1/2" ribbons in navy or black background. Also now available are solid color 1-1/2" wide ribbons in a variety of colors. Stop in to see selection, or purchase an entire set.

Camping Therapy Fabrics, Panel (shown) and Pattern

2027 Table Runner Monthly Club -- one spot is still available. We are going to do this! If you'd like to join it will be a $59.99 monthly commitment plus applicable taxes/shipping as needed. If interested in coming to work on them together as a class, we will consider it (Subject to our space being ready!). Let us know if you're interested.

SPECIAL REQUEST - THANK YOU!!!
Thank you to those who left us a great review! We are now over 10 reviews and are eligible for marketing opportunities.

CLASSES / SEW-INS

What classes are you interested in taking? Let me know if you'd like a beginner class? Just the 1st chapter of my book? How about a year long class...either 1 day a month or 3 - 1.5 hr sessions per month going through the entire book.  We used to do this every other year and I hope to get back to that soon.

Just want a place to sew on a regular basis? I am entertaining the idea of different days... piecing, machine embroidery, hand work, etc. Let me know your thoughts. Particular days that are better for you?
Thanks for your interest and I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Hope to see you or your order soon!