Monday, July 7, 2008

Weekend, Windows, and Wowsers

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. A house full of teen boys and country fun. It's great to have "city" kids out in the country. They went fishing, (caught two) hiked out to the point, soaked their bug bites in the hottub and even took out the legos and built things. (yes, 17 year olds building with legos!) When computers and television (there are only 4 channels) and cell phones aren't available (no signal) they find creative ways to fill their time, that is in addition to eating. We did a few fireworks which of course, they loved. Teen boys and blowing up things are a perfect match! We love that Jon's friends see our house as the place to hang out. It was great to have them all here for the weekend. I'm a lucky mom!

Disappearing Nine Patch Update: I'm pleased to report that the quilt is on its way to a new owner. Alison has started a project to provide quilts to siblings of seriously/critically ill children. Check out her site here. She needs folks to make blocks for other kids. It's only one block. We can help. It's a very good thing.
















I had a few minutes with the sewing machine. This is more estate sale fabric. Not something I would typically choose, but again, it spoke to me so I pulled it from the boxes. I spent some time turning these gray scraps...

















...into these windows. Remember the Vintage Windows quilt. I used the same technique to make these. I think they look like the Kansas sky when we have those massive storms that roll over the prairie. I don't know how they are going to be put together. I have 9 completed. I may have enough fabric to do 12. Then I'll go from there.


























John of Quilt Dad and Stephanie of Scraps have given me the Arte y Pico award. It is given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and talents no matter whether it be in the form of writing, artwork, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogger community. I was also given the Share the Love award by Tina at Needles and Notions. This award was started by Crystal to honor the donor that gave her son a heart. This award is for blogs that you love, people who make you smile, those that make you laugh, those that make your day, and those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. You will want to read the story of this award here.
I’m honored and humbled that folks like coming to my blog and get a bit of inspiration from the work I post. It’s taken me forever to acknowledge receiving these awards. I simply write what I have to say and post what I make. If I had my druthers (don’t you love that word) I would give them to all of you. I love reading your blogs and I find inspiration everywhere.

I was also tagged for 6 uninteresting things by Amy at 4Patch. So, how about concluding this post with something really dull…more uninteresting things about me!
1. I can’t wait for the next season of Project Runway. (I’ve recorded all the shows on my DVR and watch them often!)
2. I don’t wear a coat in the winter.
3. Red licorice is my favorite candy.
4. Rearranging furniture is something I do for fun.
5. My house in the country has no curtains or shades, nothing but bare windows.
6. Russian sage is my favorite plant.
Have a great week everyone!

25 comments:

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

Glad you had a great 4th of July weekend - it is great having the sort of home that your children want to bring their friends too! Sounds like you found the perfect home for your quilt!How wonderful to be able to live without any window treatments.

Abby and Stephanie said...

What a generous donation. I know it went to a good home! Oh my gosh...I marked my calendar for the new Project Runway!!! Such drama and amazingly talented people.

MichelleB said...

Congrats on the awards! I agree with them. I love coming to visit your blog!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. I love your stars for the quilt-a-long as well. I love your style and I really admired the "peak-a-boo" quilt in your last post.

Unknown said...

Glad you had a great 4th! And your quilt will be well loved there - it's great. You are well deserved for the awards - I always look forward to your posts :)

Lisa said...

congratulations on your honors/awards! I love red licorice too!

QuiltedSimple said...

Glad you had a good 4th - and got to spend lots of time with your sons and their friends. What a wonderful donation - it will be well loved, I'm sure.
Kris

Bonus Mom said...

What a great blog! I just found you through oh fransson, the vintage sheet swap! I missed the swap too. I have spoken with Elizabeth (Oh fransson) and I will be hosting the next swap. Check my blog if you are interested in signing up. Oh and I would love to add your blog to my blogroll ;)

Nicole said...

Love what you have done with the grey scraps!
Project Runway is my guilty little secret too!

Alison said...

The quilt looks oh so lovely bundled up! Thanks again. I send a little something off in the mail to you today and I haven't updated the KidsQuilts site this week due to some camera difficulties but I will tonight for sure!! Thanks AGain.

Cami said...

Glad you had a wonderful 4th. I'm also glad that you found a home for your quilt. I'm sure it will be well loved!

Julie said...

So glad you found a home for the disappearing 9-patch. What a wonderful organization. Your estate sale finds are exactly what I would go for (my colors, little flowered prints) and I love your window pane idea. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished top. Congrats BIG on your awards. As a testament to your award, I tried a wonky log cabin block this weekend. It felt wierd to not have a pattern, but a good-wierd. I will try some more.

Rebekah said...

it looks like you found a great recipient for your quilt! you're so generous!

Sara said...

What a fun weekend you must have had. I love it when all the kids and their friends are here! Good for you to donate the quilt! I love the idea! And I love the newest quilt your working on! You always do such great stuff!

Amanda Jean said...

I love that your boys still play legos. we had adult friends over one time and the husbands played legos for hours. it was great. and they built some really cool stuff.

bettyninja said...

love those blocks and the soft looking fabrics you used. I also can't wait for project runway. I love that show.

Shanna said...

I thought I was the only one who was addicted to red licorice!! Red Twizzlers are my favorite to eat while I sew. They are not messy at all and I am in love with them :o) I love all your projects...you do inspire!

Anonymous said...

Those rewards are so well deserved. I love your blog and the ideas you share so readily.
Your 4th with the boys sounds great. My boys have a ways to go before they blow things up (I hope!). I best get prepared.
I've got my TiVO set up for Runway already. Make it work people!

Jodi Nelson said...

That quilt all tied up with a pretty bow looks so yummy!

Miss Lady Bug said...

Really? Don't you wear a coat in the winter? What do you wear instead? And don't say a sweater because if you do you can't possibly have a real winter there ;)

Beautiful windows (^.^)

Jessie said...

i am so glad that you are joining in on the be brave project and am looking forward to reading about all the ways that it nudges you forward.

and i gotta tell you: your quilts are BEAUTIFUL!!! :)

Stacy said...

I LOVE your new blocks. Though I love color there is a part of me that understand the need for greys and neutral tones. I am glad you found a place for your purple quilt even if it couldn't be my bed :) Have a great weekend hun. Love Stacy

Thriftin and Craftin said...

I'm so happy you found the perfect place for your lovely quilt. I knew you'd be lead in the right direction. If you listen to your heart, the right answer always comes along.

C

Tine said...

That is a great charity to donate to! What a wonderful choice :-) I'm sure your quilt will be appreciated at its new home!

Stephanie D said...

Great recipient idea for that lovely quilt! Thanks for posting about it--I went over and signed up for the next quilt to be made.

Weekend's coming--more yard sales!