Seattle Graduation, Sharing Old n' First Quilt

Last weekend DH and I took a quick trip to Seattle to celebrate our niece's graduation from Seattle University School of Nursing. She is the one with the drink in her hand, didn't notice that when I took the picture. Pictured with her are classmates that are graduating with her. A very nice group of "young" people. Visiting with them I found myself asking questions about their views on our aging society, lol...... us boomers need to be thinking about these people who will be our caregivers........ I was very impressed with their openness and intelligence. They were all full energy and excitement for their new careers. They also had a sincere sense of compassion, I really liked that. Then I asked who was making those yummy bloody mary's, cause I would really love on too!! LOl........ after all it was a party and it was a long drive, I needed to relax!

Sarah in her little hat that she would wear during the cap and gown ceremony. We all wanted to know if the guys were going to wear the same one!!.. lOl.....no mercy!
After the party my sister and I went out for a little shopping time together to my favorite place , Country Village. It is a very quaint set of shops in Bothell. They have beautiful flowers on the grounds and even some feathered friends. This pink peony was just beautiful.

This wonderful dogwood tree is at my sister's home, they are just beautiful this year.I participated in a Primitive Porch Swap and I made a very fun flag for my partner. It is a Country Threads pattern. I have been wanting to make this up for some time and the swap just seemed the perfect opportunity. I did some machine quilting on it and I just need to do a lot more or give it up. It has been awhile and I was so tense, I really had to dig to find my quilting gloves and when I did it was so much better. They really do help.

I found the birdhouse at a vendor mall in Sisters and thought it was perfect. It was made of old wood. The book is blank pages for drawing or making notes. I like doodle pads and journaling. Not pictured are the flags I purchased at the last minute and then proceded to close up the box, I had set the camera on top of the box when I loaded the car and didn't notice it slipped inside. LOL......

I had to put the quilt in my little garden area for a memory shot.

So now I am quilting up another small project which I will show soon.

The next quilt is one I purchased on a trip a couple years ago to Seattle. We were with my Sister and her husband, there is a wonderful shop at Pike's Market and we both found an antique quilt.

I love tree quilts and late 1800's this quilt fit both. I feel in love, it has some wonderful fabrics and it really sparkles. I took it off the quilt ladder this week and gave it a tumble in a warm dryer and its resting on the spare bedroom for awhile.

A close up showing some of the fabrics.
This wallhanging is the project I made when I learned to quilt. It is hand pieced and quilted.

The instructor picked the four blocks specifically for the techniques. We started by picking a border piece and fabrics that coordinated with it. I learned so much in that first class and still use some of the tips for machine piecing. That first border took some time, there were alot of set in pieces in it. I think it was a good thing to learn early on, it wasn't difficult I just needed to be precise.

I wished I had picked the red and green border and had a christmas quilt, but it is fun to go back and look at your first projects.

Many of my first projects were given as gifts, and I wish I kept better photo records of them. I do try to sign and make labels for them now, I didn't do that earlier. I really love the new digital cameras, not having to wait for film to be developed is wonderful.

I am painting my adirondak chairs this weekend, they have really needed it. I may be working in the garage since the weather is questionable for tomorrow. Hope your having a wonderful weekend!

Prim Blessings,

Carrie