Patriotic!

First, I DO know that the 4th of July is over.
Second, this is not for me.
Third, my mother has a thing for flags & red, white, & blue.

This is for her birthday, which is July 22nd, and I know that she has been wanting a patriotic something or other. My mom has been asking my dad to put a flag in our yard for... oh, my whole life, basically! She made herself a throw pillow that was red, white, & blue when she was at my house, but I wanted to add a little something to it. She found this tumbler pattern on YouTube that she liked, but I didn't feel like buying a template, so I just used 3" x 4" rectangles of scrap fabrics that I have left from projects. Some of the fabrics are from this quilt, and others just came along the way! I'm happy with how it turned out, I just hope that she is too! I had use two different fabrics for the binding, but it's all good and navy. Muslin is the backing, and I machine quilted in straight lines and used my Janome walking foot (used these instructions). Why have I never tested this foot out?! It's awesome!
By the way, I checked out the first season of Lost to watch while I bound it (I'd never watched one episode) and now I'm a bit weirded out. Didn't people love that show? Maybe I'll like it if I keep on watching..? I don't know. My favorite series at the moment is Doc Martin. Sarcasm & British accents? Yes, please. Maybe I'm just a weirdo, but what else is new!?
~Rachel

 

 

Red, White, & Blue

Since I am posting today instead of on the actual 4th, Happy 4th of July from me! I hope you all have a great time with your cookouts and fireworks and all of that goodness! I know that I am definitely thankful for our freedoms and love our country. While I feel blessed to live in this country, I feel that our freedom is starting to mean less to us because we have never had to fight hard for it. This of course doesn't mean that none of us/you have. Both of my grandfathers served in the armed forces, and I have a brother who is currently a Marine. I'm grateful that there are people willing and able to fight for our rights. I won't use this blog as a political platform or a soap box, so that's that!

These past couple of days, I've still been working on the nautical quilts. Nearly there now, the first one is bound, tagged, and washed... Now just for the second one! I started quilting it this evening and should have it finished sometime tomorrow after I come home from the bakery. Then I need to figure out what I'm going to bind that one with. So for today's posts, I found little bits of red, white, and blue in my house to share with you. I'm definitely no decorator, but I'll share my mantle too. I hope you all enjoy!

A scrappy banner of my extra red, white and blues!

 

I think one day I'll learn how to decorate properly, but for now, this will have to do!

 

This quilt just happens to be the festive 4th of July colors! Hand quilted for my cousin.

 

Making tags for quilts for my Etsy shop and checking out the coupons at JoAnn Fabrics!

 

Extra pile of fabric. I wanted to make a scrappy flag wall hanging, but I ran out of time. Maybe one day? Hopefully!

 

Well, have a fun time tomorrow, and light a sparkler for me!

~Rachel

 

Summery Table Runner

It's summer in Yuma! What better way to get you table ready for summer foods (like watermelon!!!) than a new table runner?! This one is a simple one, made out of 3/4 yard of fabric and sewn together with no measuring and no pinning. Gasp! Don't tell my mother ;)

Anyway, look at the wee little ants! Don't they just remind you of a little picnic around the 4th of July? Not in Arizona maybe because its way too hot for that nonsense, but in other places maybe, like Tennessee, where I will be in July, woohoo! A while ago I got a Janome Quilters Edition that has several cute stitches that I haven't gotten to use yet, so I seized the opportunity to try the heavy border of Xs on this one. I love how simple little designs can make things look so much better!

 

Now the only problem is that I need to find some good ideas to decorate my table! This just isn't cutting it for me right now!

 

Since we are on the subject, I've decided to find a few little things to share with you guys to make your 4th parties a little more festive! I hope you go check out these and find something that you like.
~Rachel

Oh Sew Crafty Life has a post showing ten different 4th of July desserts!

 

Red Bird Banners has a picnic garland/banner that is so cute!

 

A to Zebra Celebrations shares some 4th of July party ideas. Even one for when you are on a tighter budget!

 

Want more 4th ideas? Here is a pinterest board with some cute ideas!