Friday, July 4, 2014

Celebrate the Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July. I always try to look for a quilt or two to display around the house this time of year.  I often forget I've made so many small quilts in a red, off-white and blue theme. I'll bet many of you also have some if you look hard enough.






This year's favorite quilt is "Union Stars" from The Civil War Sewing Circle. I forgot to bring it out last year. I'm so spoiled - Isn't it nice to have made so many quilts you forget about some of them?? It's always fun to see and appreciate them again.




When I first began to think of quilting (it took me awhile to actually start), one of my favorite books was Little Quilts All Through the House by the Little Quilt  ladies - Alice Berg, Mary Ellen Von Holt and Sylvia Johnson. A few years after buying their book I did begin to quilt, and then wrote a pattern book of my own (who would have guessed THAT would happen?). My publisher was their publisher and when American Doll Quilts came out you can imagine what a thrill that was to see my book listed alongside their books. Me, a long-time fan.  Patriotic Little Quilts is another wonderful Little Quilts book and Martingale & Co., is having a blow-out Fourth of July sale  this weekend so here's your chance to buy it.



A few days after the tragic events of September 11, Little Quilts sent out a request to their fans for small quilts to mail to the families of  New York firefighters, police officers and emergency workers who were killed. Over 2300 little red, white and blue quilts were made and donated by quilters from all over and sent in by October of 2001. 

From Patriotic Little Quilts

The quilts they received were displayed in the parking lot. Look at all those little quilts! I wonder if any of you donated one? 



Celebrate Freedom!

So, while you're celebrating the holiday, step back and think about all of the freedoms we Americans enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Education is a big one for me. I think of schoolhouses - and how hard the early Americans (and my immigrant ancestors) worked to establish schools in America so their children could have the best opportunities. To me, education  IS freedom, in the strongest sense, particularly for so many in this country with limited economic prospects. My son teaches in a public school in an impoverished area of the city and I am so proud that he makes a difference in children's lives to help them have a better future.

"I believe in America because we have great dreams - and because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true."   ~ Wendell Wilkie




 "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.”

~ Benjamin Franklin



One more reason for us to celebrate here today - it's my littlest girl's birthday! Happy birthday Ophelia! (Princess Lia to her friends and family.)  She will enjoy her freedom to play in the backyard and be cute all day . . . .



She's still bummed about the U.S. losing that World Cup game to Belgium . . . .


11 comments:

Jacky said...

She is very cute too - little Ophelia - what a sophisticated name! I have the book 'Little Quilts all through The House' - I think it was that book that got me into making small quilts. I have got a handful of large quilts, but find now that I like to make smaller projects that I actually get round to finishing! Happy 4th July!
www.thequietstitcher.com

Kathleen Tracy said...

My daughter named her. She was reading Hamlet in high school at the time . . . .

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

seeing all your star quilts makes me want to make one too - it has been awhile since I did

Susie said...

Hi Kathleen, love all those small quilts, especially the red, white and blue ones. It is a project on my To Do List, which seems to grow every time I read the Blogs!!! Happy 4th of July. Susie x

sandi s said...

She is adorable! I know she will make you all laugh. You could see that little gleem in her eye in the first picture! I have all the little quilt books and a bunch of the individual patters too. I have made quite a few of their quilts also. I finished my quilt from your book the Soldiers Cot. It just went to the quilter and I will post a picture when I get it back. I just love how it turned out and loved your pattern and the directions were so good. Have a good 4th of July. Hugs,

Ann said...

Lovely little quilts!
I could say I'm sorry the USA didn't win the football game on Tuesday but that would be a ly! ;-).
Going to check out the books you've mentionned!
Kind greetings (from Belgium),
Ann

Ann in PA said...

Kathy, Your red, white, & blue quilts are all pretty! Princess Lia is adorable -what's not to love about a cuddly little puppy and a cozy quilt. Happy 4th, a day late! :)

Carmen y Prady said...

Felicidades a Ofelia. Preciosos todos los maravillosos trabajos. Y una idea estupenda hacer todos esos pequeños quilts para las familias de loa afectados por el 11-S. Enhorabuena por la publicación de tu libro. Nos encantan siempre tus entradas.
Un beso.

The Civil War Quilter said...

What a yummy group of red, white, and blue quilts to choose from. I'll bet your house looks very pretty and patriotic for the 4th.

Anonymous said...

Happy Belated 4th! Is that little book titled "America's Beautiful Quilts" for large sized patterns or small?

Sue McQuade in IL

Kathleen Tracy said...

Hi Sue - The book is a collection of pictures of antique quilts with a little commentary. No patterns.

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