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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Fireworks!

It's almost time for fireworks! The 4th of July is a favorite, happy holiday for me. My DD and her family will be here this year (and bringing my grandchildren of course). She hasn't been home for the 4th in 15 years and we're all excited. This is one of two patriotic quilts I've made that I hang at the office. It's a pattern (called Fireworks) that I picked up at a quilt shop near Jacksonville, FL in 1994. It was the first quilt Kim and I did together. I can still remember sharing little squares of blue and red - bringing them to the office like little treasures and trading them. Then we'd go home, sew some blocks, and come back the next day for show and tell. That is a memory that makes me smile. After the subtle hues of Beauty for Ashes, this seems very vibrant. Change is good. Not sure why the color is off, they replaced the lights in my office and it's messing up my pictures :(.
Every time I get this quilt out, I think I need to re-do the binding. Isn't it good when we look at early work and think... I've gotten better!! My quilting as well as my binding technique have definitely improved since 1996. I think I'm promising myself, this is the year. Before I put this away, I will replace the binding. I figure if it bugs me this much, it's time to do something about it.
Until next time, make something beautiful.
-Karen

9 comments:

Vivian said...

This is a striking quilt. I don't think I've ever seen stars and parts of stars organized together like this before.
I enjoy reading about your quilting times and projects with Kim. You may have mentioned this in a previous post, but which of you began quilting first?

Terry said...

This is such a beautiful quilt! I really love the close-up of it :0)

Anonymous said...

Perfect for the 4th!!

*karendianne. said...

What a lovely post, Karen. This quilt is so charming. I enjoyed reading the story and feelings you had sharing with your friend. A great feeling. Now, those fabrics adn that quilting in the close up... what a TREAT to see. Thank you for sharing that photo, too. As for the binding - I am not qualified to speak of binding. I have to psych myself up every time. Once I'm into it, I'm good. Based on the quilts in the closet... again, I am not qualified to speak on the topic. Badddd *karendianne.

Unknown said...

Love this quilt! Patriotic fabrics are one of my favorites. I love things that bring back fond memories. Enjoy your holiday with your family.

QuiltSue said...

A lovely quilt, and the memories make it more special I would think.

Janet said...

I love the quilt, the stars are set beautifully. I think all my quilts have a little memory attached, I can remember things that happened when I made each one.

Kim Brackett said...

We were so obsessed, weren't we? That was so much fun, and such a nice memory. I miss working in the same office!

Laura said...

What a great quilt! I love the various star patterns going on!