Officially it is summer–first we had the meteorological summer that begins on June 1 and Sunday we observed the start of the astronomical summer..June 21. In Kansas, summer begins any time in March, April and May with over 90 degree temperatures. But for the past few days we have had cooler than normal days with rain. I am writing this with my sweater on! In June in Kansas! I wish I could bottle it up–my family from the Pacific Northwest will be visiting in July. They are not used to temperatures in the high 90’s . The average July temperature in Seattle is 75 degrees; they see a trip out of the house when it is 100 degrees as life threatening!
When I taught, summer was divided into milestones. Anytime before June 1 was a bonus. June was the best..cooler mornings, my flowers looked good and I still had weeks until school started again. The last half of June brought two turning points–the pop-up gardens centers in local parking lots closed shop and tents for selling fireworks began appearing! After the 4th of July, it was downhill. My husband’s birthday is the 8th of July and he is the most difficult person I know for which to buy gifts. And he loves to open gifts–they don’t have to be expensive–he just likes lots. I usually stress a bit this time of the year–my track record isn’t great on birthday gifts! Then there were the “back-to-school” ads! The final stab was the official letter in the mailbox from the district office, welcoming me back to another “exciting” year of teaching. I really, really did love teaching. It was satisfying, allowed for creativity and paid my bills, but let’s just say, I really, really, really love being retired with summer all year around.
This summer I have several fun milestones–judging fiber arts at the 4-H fair, the great nieces ballgames (don’t even believe at their age they keep scores!), my family visiting, Church Class ice cream social at our house, and I found the perfect place to treat my husband to dinner for his birthday–the ball park!
During the summer, we quilters watch as the shelves and cupboards in the quilting room at Church begin to fill with finished projects for the October Sale. Here are some of the latest additions—
Quilts of all sizes
This block is called an Economy Block or A Square in a Square. The pink and orange fabrics were suggested by a teen girl- her favorite colors. It is machine quilted, and hand bound.
The backing is a small floral in the same color family. The quilt measures 54″ x 62″ and is $175.
This quilt pattern was a perfect match for this fabric line. The colors in the contemporary print are repeated in the center blocks. Note how the borders don’t completely surround the center. The backing is a completely different look but works well with the front’s very modern design. The quilt is 62″ x 76″, machine quilted and could be yours for $250.
The blue and green print is very calming, perfect for using when taking a short cat nap. The quilt is 45″ x 62″, machine quilted and hand bound. $75
Can’t go wrong with a two-color quilt. Blue and white is a classic.
The pattern is called “Starlight”. A huge variety of true blue and white fabrics had been collected for this pattern. It is machine quilted with small stars and hand bound. It measures 70″x72″. $250
A baby quilt using vintage inspired fabrics would show your little one lots of love.
The machine quilting is large swooping hearts. The quilt measures 52″ x 55″ and could be used even on a “big girl” bed. $75
Quilters think ahead months! This Halloween table runner was fun to make and would be great on your table in October. Both sides are display worthy. Measuring 12″ x 42″ $40
This table runner is not specific to a season but does remind me of spring with its muted colors. The striped binding is a filtered black and white with a touch of blue. 14″ x 52″. $40
Batiks in blues, pinks and browns were used to made these string half squares that form the 12″ x 36″ table runner. A batik is used as the backing also. $40
Holiday placemats! If you purchase all 8 identical mats, the price is $75. Otherwise the price is $10 a mat–i.e. 4 for $40. Both sides of the mats used the same winter print. They are machine quilted and bound. –The hanging thread is free!
Two very different aprons were added to our collection this week. The yellow/green block apron is lined and topstitched along the seams. The neck strap is adjustable with eye rings. $20. The KU quilt is unlined and has a small pocket. The neck strap is also adjustable–it is part of the side ties that run through the arm casings. $20. A huge thanks to Elaine for modeling it. She is a true KSU Wildcat and not a fan of KU–but for me she put it on with a smile.
Ah, the best for last. Diane has been busy trying new crochet patterns—
More cardinals, a couple of pumpkins and for the 4th–EDDY the American Eagle! $10 each
Every other summer, the Prairie Quilt Guild has their huge show at Century Two. I go and ohh and ahh at all the beautiful quilts–especially the one I totally appreciate but would never attempt to make.
This quilt was the BEST IN SHOW. There were hours and hours of hand appliqué and the choice of colors is perfect.
The hand quilters at First United Methodist took home three ribbons!
This quilt already has a home–the quilters custom quilted it for the owner.
Remember the white on white–really, green and gold on a whole cloth quilt? The king size quilt won the “Best Hand Quilting” !!! I heard the judges thought only one person quilted it because the stitches were so consistent.
Congratulations to these very precise and patient women.
Happy summer to all of you–there are plenty of days to fill with your favorite things –be it popsicles or trips to the lake or quilting!
Quilts, Etc. 