Block Party

When I was a kid growing up in Cleveland, Ohio we used to have block parties on our street in the summer.  Someone would block off the traffic, set up tables and for one night we could run up and down the street playing games with our friends to the sounds and smells of laughter and bbq's.  I think once someone even brought in a PONY for us to ride on but mostly I remember my mom's bean salad and a feeling that something easy was happening...something where everyone was having fun while sharing an evening under the stars together in the neighborhood.
I feel like that at the moment.  We are preparing for The Quilt and Craft Show at Darling Harbor next week so if you have stopped in the shop expecting to find solace, compassion and helpful gals eager to play I hope you weren't disappointed.  Instead you may have found a couple of gals with their eyes popping out living on the edge of a frantic breakdown because every party needs to be organized.  We have been cutting and packing kits galore and making a HUGE mess in our pretty little shop. (Pay back is "you know what" since we had so much fun with "you know who"!!!)  Suffice to say the excitement grows as the day nears for seeing all the glorious 350 quilts at the show and then slipping out to explore all the new stuff on display in the booths!!!
Now, that was too much without photos for me.  Last Monday Michelle showed us this very special Sue Spargo (another Ohio girl!!) treat that she did in the class with Sarah.  What a fabulous version it is...well done.  Look out for the three new Sue Spargo Quilt book patterns for you at the show!
We have also seen some of the results of the Kaffe (oh my, I just had to mention that again didn't I...)workshop.  It was no surprise that Elizabeth was the first one back in with a top finished!  It is a beauty and now she is off putting on her borders and the willful surprise backing she picked which ads just the right amount of fling...

There have been a few others but I have to search and find the photos..duh, human failing... but keep bringing them in as I am sure everyone wants to see them.
Now, back to block party theme...I was reading Erica Spink's letter to the editor yesterday in the new edition of Down Under about the quilting community and the bringing together of like minded souls.  This is my ultimate favorite quilting theme which is supported by this photo:
We were thrilled when this quilt arrived in the shop yesterday.  Some of you may recognize the block that we "discovered" recently and both raced off to make.  Well this gal brought in her quilt that she made 12 years ago.  (I missed her name being hip deep in fabric bolts and mess, sorry, but I know she is from Eastwood Quilters)   She saw our blocks on the blog and had to share!!!  That's what it's all about girls!  Thanks heaps for bringing in that gorgeous quilt and telling us its story!!! We love that the blog opens us up to a two way street!
Here are my three finished blocks...on hold at the moment...
Block parties have new meaning now.  Since finding this little beauty and the delightful activity of hand piecing, I have also tried a few others.  This next block I sewed to my finger while traveling to the antique shop for quilt viewing with Kaffe (did it again), Sarah and Florence (Bonjour Miss Nightingale...we miss you!)   Ok, maybe the background is a bit busy...

And for another special treat at the quilt show...we found these fabulous sets of rulers made up with a block pattern in the package.  We got all four sets and set out to make up the blocks which may or may not get done.  However, if you are looking for a hand piecing project for sideline activities or just for relaxation, ask us about these ruler sets.  We have limited supply so get in early as they are FUN!!!! 

And last but not least, I still love the Marti Michelle ruler sets.  This one is the Sunburst and although it has a lot of pieces it can be rotary cut like those above.  Thing is, with a common background these kits allow you to play with fabric combinations (shown below with Katie Jump Rope from Denyse Schmidt) without a huge commitment and are great for the stash...and equally great for the newest ranges.
So, I should be sleeping in today but visions of bikes with streamers wound through the spokes, midriff tops partnered with cut off jeans, ghosts stories told in the dark and sneaking back outside wearing pajamas  woke me up.  The spirit of the neighborhood is still out there and it's just as colorful and exciting as it was 40 years ago!  Thanks for sharing and all the best, kathy

Comments

[gem]

Kathy thank you for your stories/experiences. I wish you all the best for the Quilt Show - only 4 more sleeps - I can't wait.

I am glad you enjoyed my quilt - Rose Star - on Friday. You were very busy - perhaps I can get some of the other girls from Eastwood to show you their versions of the quilt sometime. Elizabeth B.