Heidi Kaisand
Creativity and quilting go hand-in-hand at my Iowa house. I am a busy mother of Henry and identical twins Goldie and Virginia and a wife to Jeff. Visit my web site at www.heidikaisand.com to learn more about my retreats.Syndicate
Quilting Bloggers
HenandChicks
Practice, Practice, Practice
The week has arrived for the wedding of our friends Brett and Liz. Months ago, they asked Henry to be the ring bearer, and now the time has come to do his important job! Having been to two weddings in June, we've had discussion in the car and at home about "what is a wedding?", the difference between the ceremony and the reception. And, of course, the wedding rehearsal.
Before heading to the rehearsal, we went for one last fitting of the tux. Henry had been having a little "I'm tired meltdown" as we got the tux shop, but Jeff was able to use his humor and "what happened to your hands?" lines to get Henry to smile! All was good after that.
We explained to Henry that rehearsal was were he'd practice what he'd do at the wedding. Here, Megan, mother of the flower girl, gives Cameron and Henry some last minute instructions.
Groom Brett gives Henry a welcome up front.
It's getting harder and harder to hold both girls at the same time...but I got one more picture of the three of us for the record book. Click here for a look back at the three of us.
Virginia, Heidi, and Goldie
After the practice session, we headed to the rehearsal dinner, where Brett's mom had made the cake for dessert. It was yummy.
From left to right, Jo (mother of groom), bride-to-be Liz, Mary Jo (mother of the bride), groom-to-be Brett.
Count down begins for the big event on Friday.
Before heading to the rehearsal, we went for one last fitting of the tux. Henry had been having a little "I'm tired meltdown" as we got the tux shop, but Jeff was able to use his humor and "what happened to your hands?" lines to get Henry to smile! All was good after that.
We explained to Henry that rehearsal was were he'd practice what he'd do at the wedding. Here, Megan, mother of the flower girl, gives Cameron and Henry some last minute instructions.
Groom Brett gives Henry a welcome up front.
It's getting harder and harder to hold both girls at the same time...but I got one more picture of the three of us for the record book. Click here for a look back at the three of us.
Virginia, Heidi, and Goldie
After the practice session, we headed to the rehearsal dinner, where Brett's mom had made the cake for dessert. It was yummy.
From left to right, Jo (mother of groom), bride-to-be Liz, Mary Jo (mother of the bride), groom-to-be Brett.
Count down begins for the big event on Friday.
Biker Henry
Sunday was the close of our vacation bible school program, so we invited my folks and Jeff's mom to join us. Henry danced well during the program, cookies and ice cream after church were yummy as always. At home, we grilled hamburgers for Grandma and Grandpa McNutt and Grandma Kaisand. While I was busy getting lunch on the table, Grandpa was helping Henry take the training wheels off his bike.
Henry did very well, especially considering how windy it was! Once he got going he wanted me to take pictures and movies of him. Of course, I did! Click here for a snippet of Henry riding his bikes past his sisters and into the yard. And, what's with the head shaking?
Last night he exclaimed "I'm all John Deere. I have John Deere boots. John Deere bike. John Deere t-shirt. John Deere helmet." Yes, you are all John Deere, Henry! Can I take a picture? "Sure."
While Henry peddled and peddled throughout the yard, I carried groceries into the house. The girls were equally busy. There are always the cats to play with. Sammy is the BEST cat. Chuck-e (previously known as Charlotte meows loud, but doesn't let the girls pick him up.) Sammy loves the attention. There is lots of reminding to not grab or pinch or poke. But, he stays right there and waits for the cuddling.
Goldie and Sammy
I got the girls hair cut last week. They do not like having their hair combed, so I finally decided we were just cutting some of it off to avoid tears. I love the hair cuts...they look so much older. Last night Virginia had some great looks...I didn't capture the best, but here's one as she's sitting on the riding lawn mover, leaning back. Both she and Goldie were also having fun drinking water out of a cup without a lid. Although they did great...both of them were soaked by the time we went in the house!
Virginia
Henry did very well, especially considering how windy it was! Once he got going he wanted me to take pictures and movies of him. Of course, I did! Click here for a snippet of Henry riding his bikes past his sisters and into the yard. And, what's with the head shaking?
Last night he exclaimed "I'm all John Deere. I have John Deere boots. John Deere bike. John Deere t-shirt. John Deere helmet." Yes, you are all John Deere, Henry! Can I take a picture? "Sure."
While Henry peddled and peddled throughout the yard, I carried groceries into the house. The girls were equally busy. There are always the cats to play with. Sammy is the BEST cat. Chuck-e (previously known as Charlotte meows loud, but doesn't let the girls pick him up.) Sammy loves the attention. There is lots of reminding to not grab or pinch or poke. But, he stays right there and waits for the cuddling.
Goldie and Sammy
I got the girls hair cut last week. They do not like having their hair combed, so I finally decided we were just cutting some of it off to avoid tears. I love the hair cuts...they look so much older. Last night Virginia had some great looks...I didn't capture the best, but here's one as she's sitting on the riding lawn mover, leaning back. Both she and Goldie were also having fun drinking water out of a cup without a lid. Although they did great...both of them were soaked by the time we went in the house!
Virginia
Pardon Cowboy
Every bride has a dream of what her wedding day will be like...and we're just lucky enough to get to be a part of it. Two weeks ago, the wedding was tropical. Last night it was Western. Wonder what next week's wedding event will bring?
The community center where the reception was held had all the makings of a barn party/turned wedding for Heather and Paden Lawler.
Sunflowers and barbed wire fence adorned the cake.
The cake maker was our friend Dianna. Here she is serving the it. Jeff could tell you after eating two pieces that the cake was good!
Tables were decorated with cowboy hats and bandanas and chicken feeders...peanuts and mms.
Drinks could be found in the saloon. Every guest got a can coozie with the HPL (Heather Paden Lawler) branding logo on it. Imprinted on the back was "Always drink upstream from the herd."
Hats turned into fun wearables as the peanuts disappeared.
Friend Brooklyn...just too cute!
Denim and lace were worn by the bridesmaids. Here's the back and front of the dresses.
Love the horse necklace, too!
Although not the best picture of the bride and groom, I wanted to show you the decorations that carried out the theme at the head table. I asked Paden if he wanted to take Henry home with them last night. He kind of looked at me funny. So I reminded him that almost 18 years ago when Jeff and I got married, Paden was 5. And, Paden wanted to come home with us on our wedding night!
We danced a little before we called it a night...the girls were tired and it was time to go home. Henry on the other hand would have stayed all night.
Virginia, Heidi, Goldie
The community center where the reception was held had all the makings of a barn party/turned wedding for Heather and Paden Lawler.
Sunflowers and barbed wire fence adorned the cake.
The cake maker was our friend Dianna. Here she is serving the it. Jeff could tell you after eating two pieces that the cake was good!
Tables were decorated with cowboy hats and bandanas and chicken feeders...peanuts and mms.
Drinks could be found in the saloon. Every guest got a can coozie with the HPL (Heather Paden Lawler) branding logo on it. Imprinted on the back was "Always drink upstream from the herd."
Hats turned into fun wearables as the peanuts disappeared.
Friend Brooklyn...just too cute!
Denim and lace were worn by the bridesmaids. Here's the back and front of the dresses.
Love the horse necklace, too!
Although not the best picture of the bride and groom, I wanted to show you the decorations that carried out the theme at the head table. I asked Paden if he wanted to take Henry home with them last night. He kind of looked at me funny. So I reminded him that almost 18 years ago when Jeff and I got married, Paden was 5. And, Paden wanted to come home with us on our wedding night!
We danced a little before we called it a night...the girls were tired and it was time to go home. Henry on the other hand would have stayed all night.
Virginia, Heidi, Goldie
Barn Quilt Painting
Barn quilts are popping up all over the country side, and Iowa is no exception. As the editor of American Patchwork & Quilting I worked with the Barn Quilt project of Grundy County to do a story for the magazine. Sac County is also a popular quilt block location. Well, my friend Barb and I have talked for several years that Hardin County should get on the ball and get a Barn Quilt project going. We discussed getting quilt blocks for our own barns.
When Barb called me earlier this week with an exciting proposition, I couldn't turn it down. A couple in Hampton, Iowa, provides all the materials, the location for painting, prep and finishing work. All we needed to do was show up to paint. It sounded too good to be true.
My schedule this week was a little busy (note previous blog posts about the Great Iowa Tractor Ride). But, heck, you all know me...let's just squeeze one more thing in. Besides I couldn't pass up this opportunity to get a quilt block and have fun with Barb! We hope someone in Hardin County gets moving on a county-wide project soon, too.
When we arrived this morning, my 6x6 foot slate was white, with the Hen and Chicks block drawn on the primered board. I used the table runner I made for my 1st Blog Anniversary as inspiration.
This was Barb's second trip to work on her block, so she was working on second and third coats of paint.
Quickly, the block started to form.
And before I knew it everything had a first coat. (The blue really looks grey in this picture.)
I'm going back tomorrow night to finish painting it. Barb and I are already planning the barn block raising...a bbq to follow. Let me know if you want to join in the festivities!
Others had been working on blocks and I thought you'd like a snippet of what will be hung on barns in Iowa in the near future.
When Barb called me earlier this week with an exciting proposition, I couldn't turn it down. A couple in Hampton, Iowa, provides all the materials, the location for painting, prep and finishing work. All we needed to do was show up to paint. It sounded too good to be true.
My schedule this week was a little busy (note previous blog posts about the Great Iowa Tractor Ride). But, heck, you all know me...let's just squeeze one more thing in. Besides I couldn't pass up this opportunity to get a quilt block and have fun with Barb! We hope someone in Hardin County gets moving on a county-wide project soon, too.
When we arrived this morning, my 6x6 foot slate was white, with the Hen and Chicks block drawn on the primered board. I used the table runner I made for my 1st Blog Anniversary as inspiration.
This was Barb's second trip to work on her block, so she was working on second and third coats of paint.
Quickly, the block started to form.
And before I knew it everything had a first coat. (The blue really looks grey in this picture.)
I'm going back tomorrow night to finish painting it. Barb and I are already planning the barn block raising...a bbq to follow. Let me know if you want to join in the festivities!
Others had been working on blocks and I thought you'd like a snippet of what will be hung on barns in Iowa in the near future.
Tractor Ride Days 3 and 4
If you read my last post you'll remember that I talked about planning the WHO Radio Great Iowa Tractor Ride could be a reality TV series. Here's the twist for the show from yesterday...what do you do when 525 tractors are spread out across the county and a thunderstorm warning/tornado warning has been issued with wind damage and severe lightening being reported? Well, if you're Molly Pins and the WHO Radio staff, you don't panic. You rely on the good people of Iowa. John Deere employees opened one of their buildings to my husband and the many tractors behind him. A woman stopped tractors in one spot and made them take shelter in her basement. A man opened his machine shed for shelter, then popped some popcorn and served Kool-aid while they waited for the storm to pass. A church in Jesup sheltered many drivers as well. Everyone was safe...that was all that mattered.
The day started out hot and just got hotter. By 10:30 a.m. when I arrived in Independence with the kids, the truck said 86 degrees and it was stiffling hot. We went into the Heartland Acres Agricultural Center where the fun meter was going to the high side and the cool air was turned low! There were so many wonderful hands-on activities for the kids. The first time I've been in a museum telling my kids "sure, touch that."
Including, milking a cow.
There was even a wonderful exhibit of traditonal hooked rugs. I wish I'd had time to take pictures of them all.
Henry got a chance to take a picture with Mark Pearson, host of PTV Market to Market (our Friday night entertainment) and co-originator of the Great Iowa Tractor Ride as co-host of the Big Show (a must-listen show for farmers). He's a fun-loving kid of guy...and always friendly.
The rest of our afternoon was spent in Independence at my cousin Anne's house. While Henry went swimming with cousins Matthew, Stephanie, and Liz, the girls and I took a much needed 2 hour nap. I even got a 30-minute nap. Whoohoo...just what we all needed. Then Jeff called and said turn the weather on. Sure enough, storms were headed our way. The kids and I sat tight and waited until they passed. By the time we got back to Waterloo, picked up Jeff, and got supper it was time for bed.
Today was a new day. One more swim in the hotel pool. Then off to see the tractors roll in one last time.
We're proud tractor riders...
Goldie and Henry were drafted to help the WHO staff (in green t-shirts). (Thanks Janine for being so sweet.)
After one last group lunch and group meeting, it was time to load up and come home. Click here for my video clip of Henry and Jeff discussing where to put chains.
Here's our truck-and-trailer loaded and ready to go. Click here for my second video clip on Henry learning from Jeff as to where the chains go.
With this, I say goodnight. (Virginia left, Goldie right)
The day started out hot and just got hotter. By 10:30 a.m. when I arrived in Independence with the kids, the truck said 86 degrees and it was stiffling hot. We went into the Heartland Acres Agricultural Center where the fun meter was going to the high side and the cool air was turned low! There were so many wonderful hands-on activities for the kids. The first time I've been in a museum telling my kids "sure, touch that."
Including, milking a cow.
There was even a wonderful exhibit of traditonal hooked rugs. I wish I'd had time to take pictures of them all.
Henry got a chance to take a picture with Mark Pearson, host of PTV Market to Market (our Friday night entertainment) and co-originator of the Great Iowa Tractor Ride as co-host of the Big Show (a must-listen show for farmers). He's a fun-loving kid of guy...and always friendly.
The rest of our afternoon was spent in Independence at my cousin Anne's house. While Henry went swimming with cousins Matthew, Stephanie, and Liz, the girls and I took a much needed 2 hour nap. I even got a 30-minute nap. Whoohoo...just what we all needed. Then Jeff called and said turn the weather on. Sure enough, storms were headed our way. The kids and I sat tight and waited until they passed. By the time we got back to Waterloo, picked up Jeff, and got supper it was time for bed.
Today was a new day. One more swim in the hotel pool. Then off to see the tractors roll in one last time.
We're proud tractor riders...
Goldie and Henry were drafted to help the WHO staff (in green t-shirts). (Thanks Janine for being so sweet.)
After one last group lunch and group meeting, it was time to load up and come home. Click here for my video clip of Henry and Jeff discussing where to put chains.
Here's our truck-and-trailer loaded and ready to go. Click here for my second video clip on Henry learning from Jeff as to where the chains go.
With this, I say goodnight. (Virginia left, Goldie right)
Tractor Talk Day 2
The Kaisand family is enjoying the recording-setting heat in style during the Great Iowa Tractor Ride. Our central location is Waterloo, Iowa. Our tractor is spending the night at the National Cattle Congress grounds with the other 525 tractors on the ride. Red, green, yellow, orange, gray...the colors of a tractor rainbow.
Jeff took the shuttle over to the tractors this morning so that the kids could sleep as long as possible. They didn't sleep in too late...but we did have breakfast in bed. Thank you to the nice cleaning crew that vacuumed up the blueberry muffin crumbs...and a lot of them!
Goldie, Henry (under blanket), and Virginia
Because no hotel stay is good without a swim in the pool, we took an early morning dip.
Virginia, Goldie (standing), and Henry
Off to Waverly we headed to watch the tractors arrive for our lunch break. The Bremer County Fairgrounds were the host to our group. There's always a little sitting and waiting.
I have to take my hats off to Molly Pins and her crew at WHO Radio. I love to plan events and understand that the behind the scenes work is hard work. Can you imagine trying to find a location for 525 tractors to roll in for lunch, park, eat, get back on the tractors and roll out in groups of about 90 tractors, some groups are smaller? Oh, yeah, and you have to find a way for them to get their on good roads with decent shoulders, not horrible traffic, and beautiful scenery. And, you want a spot about half way for a break with some porta potties, cookies, and cold water. Maybe it's the heat from today that's getting to me...but I'm thinking this could be a new reality TV series. Hands down, Molly Pins would win every time.
My husband Jeff leads group 3, averaging 12 mph on his John Deere 435 Detroit Diesel. Someone offered to buy it this morning because it's only one of 200 made. How much I asked? I got the look of "are you kidding me? This tractor can't be bought!" Just kidding honey, I know we're not going to sell this gem.
In the picture above Jeff has arrived at the spot on the edge of the fairgrounds in preparation for leaving after the lunch break. Click here to see a quick video of him (and the kids, too). Image 90 tractors lining up behind him, all eager to get back on the road, with about 3 hours of driving ahead of them. Click here to see the group taking off.
After a hot day, we cooled off in the pool. While Goldie hung back and really thought long and hard before she finally got in, her sister Virginia was a dare devil in the water.
Virginia
Jeff took the shuttle over to the tractors this morning so that the kids could sleep as long as possible. They didn't sleep in too late...but we did have breakfast in bed. Thank you to the nice cleaning crew that vacuumed up the blueberry muffin crumbs...and a lot of them!
Goldie, Henry (under blanket), and Virginia
Because no hotel stay is good without a swim in the pool, we took an early morning dip.
Virginia, Goldie (standing), and Henry
Off to Waverly we headed to watch the tractors arrive for our lunch break. The Bremer County Fairgrounds were the host to our group. There's always a little sitting and waiting.
I have to take my hats off to Molly Pins and her crew at WHO Radio. I love to plan events and understand that the behind the scenes work is hard work. Can you imagine trying to find a location for 525 tractors to roll in for lunch, park, eat, get back on the tractors and roll out in groups of about 90 tractors, some groups are smaller? Oh, yeah, and you have to find a way for them to get their on good roads with decent shoulders, not horrible traffic, and beautiful scenery. And, you want a spot about half way for a break with some porta potties, cookies, and cold water. Maybe it's the heat from today that's getting to me...but I'm thinking this could be a new reality TV series. Hands down, Molly Pins would win every time.
My husband Jeff leads group 3, averaging 12 mph on his John Deere 435 Detroit Diesel. Someone offered to buy it this morning because it's only one of 200 made. How much I asked? I got the look of "are you kidding me? This tractor can't be bought!" Just kidding honey, I know we're not going to sell this gem.
In the picture above Jeff has arrived at the spot on the edge of the fairgrounds in preparation for leaving after the lunch break. Click here to see a quick video of him (and the kids, too). Image 90 tractors lining up behind him, all eager to get back on the road, with about 3 hours of driving ahead of them. Click here to see the group taking off.
After a hot day, we cooled off in the pool. While Goldie hung back and really thought long and hard before she finally got in, her sister Virginia was a dare devil in the water.
Virginia
2009 Great Iowa Tractor Ride
Our annual family vacation has begun! But, not without a rain storm at home this morning. The farm truck that I got cleaned on Wednesday looked a little muddy. Jeff tried to touch it up this morning while he was washing the John Deere 435 for the ride. The puddles left behind from both the rain and the car/tractor wash were just too inviting for Virginia.
Once we arrived in Waterloo, Iowa, at the John Deere plant, Henry was in awe of the trucks and trailers rolling in. He watched what was happening around us while Jeff was busy taking the chains off the tractor.
Jeff drove the tractor to the front parking lot and Henry watched the parade from the back of our trailer. (The girls and I were inside the truck.)
Waves to fellow tractor friends and hand-shakes with many friends. We have spent the evening catching up with other riders and friends from past rides. Henry has never met a stranger and quickly made friends with a young man whose mother has worked on the tractor ride in the past.
The next few days ahead promise beautiful Iowa scenery, good Iowa food, and hearty Iowa conversations with friends. But for now, we're kicking back and hitting the hay....
It was a long day for the girls, so I laid in the bedroom until they were sound a sleep. But, before that happened there was rolling and squirming and more rolling. Goldie was on top of her quilt and said something (twin talk) and as she was working the quilt out from underneath her, Virginia reached over and helped her get covered up. My heart melted for the special relationship these two will always have.
Once we arrived in Waterloo, Iowa, at the John Deere plant, Henry was in awe of the trucks and trailers rolling in. He watched what was happening around us while Jeff was busy taking the chains off the tractor.
Jeff drove the tractor to the front parking lot and Henry watched the parade from the back of our trailer. (The girls and I were inside the truck.)
Waves to fellow tractor friends and hand-shakes with many friends. We have spent the evening catching up with other riders and friends from past rides. Henry has never met a stranger and quickly made friends with a young man whose mother has worked on the tractor ride in the past.
The next few days ahead promise beautiful Iowa scenery, good Iowa food, and hearty Iowa conversations with friends. But for now, we're kicking back and hitting the hay....
It was a long day for the girls, so I laid in the bedroom until they were sound a sleep. But, before that happened there was rolling and squirming and more rolling. Goldie was on top of her quilt and said something (twin talk) and as she was working the quilt out from underneath her, Virginia reached over and helped her get covered up. My heart melted for the special relationship these two will always have.
An Adventure it Was!
Every year, Jeff's employer takes all of it's employees and families to Adventureland, an amusement park just outside Des Moines. It's certainly not at the level of a Six Flags, but it is fun. We woke up yesterday morning to rain, but the forecast said hot, humid, and clear in the middle of the day, with more rain later in the afternoon. So off we headed about 8:30 a.m. as the sun was starting to come out.
Henry on the airplanes.
Goldie driving a semi-truck.
Virginia and Henry driving a semi.
Virginia, left, Henry right, and unknown boy in the middle on the hopper. Virginia loved the rides more than Goldie. Goldie didn't even want to get on a few, such as this one.
Henry (and Goldie) is checking to see if he's big enough to go on the roller coaster.
And, he was!! And, he did! And, he liked it! Didn't like the upside down one as much.
Goldie, Jeff, and Henry
Then, came the rain. Yes, that's my husband and son in this raft with a co-worker and his family. The girls and I were under a picnic table shelter.
Despite the fact Conner and Henry were soaked, they were having fun!
Henry on the airplanes.
Goldie driving a semi-truck.
Virginia and Henry driving a semi.
Virginia, left, Henry right, and unknown boy in the middle on the hopper. Virginia loved the rides more than Goldie. Goldie didn't even want to get on a few, such as this one.
Henry (and Goldie) is checking to see if he's big enough to go on the roller coaster.
And, he was!! And, he did! And, he liked it! Didn't like the upside down one as much.
Goldie, Jeff, and Henry
Then, came the rain. Yes, that's my husband and son in this raft with a co-worker and his family. The girls and I were under a picnic table shelter.
Despite the fact Conner and Henry were soaked, they were having fun!
Hot, Humid, but Happy
It might be the first hot and humid day in Iowa, but there was a bit of cool relief tonight at the Kaisand house. Grandma Kaisand had come to get her canoe ready for her vacation to Minnesota, but instead she took Henry out on the water.
Click here to see the first video clip.
I even tried using my tri-pod since the canoe and it's boaters were so far away. Clickhere to see the second video clip.
To get the canoe back to the barn, Grandma Kaisand has to drag it up the hill. Look closely and you'll see Jessie, the canoe, and Henry just below the red grain truck. They had to start to the right of the lower right-hand corner of this photo...it's a trek! I'm standing on the porch taking this photo.
So do you think Henry's pushing was any help? There was lots of giggling.
Click here to see the first video clip.
I even tried using my tri-pod since the canoe and it's boaters were so far away. Clickhere to see the second video clip.
To get the canoe back to the barn, Grandma Kaisand has to drag it up the hill. Look closely and you'll see Jessie, the canoe, and Henry just below the red grain truck. They had to start to the right of the lower right-hand corner of this photo...it's a trek! I'm standing on the porch taking this photo.
So do you think Henry's pushing was any help? There was lots of giggling.
Connecting with Friends
The quilting world is like a large family, and after nearly 20 years, I know a lot of the aunts, uncles, and cousins! So, going to a quilt show like the Minnesota Quilter's annual show in Duluth last week is like a big family reunion.
Julie Hendrickson is part of my family. Her quilt shop, JJ Stitches, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is heaven. Her booth at the show just gives you a taste of what she does.
Reproduction fabrics and antique quilts are her speciality. If only her shop was closer...I'd be in there all the time. I'm sure she'd recall the evening that my friend and former co-worker Jennifer Keltner arrived quite late to shop. What an evening. We had so much fun at the shop, then took Julie out for dinner at a cute diner.
Here are some bundles of fabrics that Julie is designing herself. Way to go Julie!
When I opened up the show program in Duluth, the page it opened to immediately had my attention. Nancy Amundson from Northwood, Iowa, was right there...smack dab in front of me. Nancy was my 4-H leader and had several kids including a son in my class. Her entry noted that this was her first time in entering anything in a quilt show. I knew I had to find it!
Later in the day during a break from working at the APQS booth, I headed out in search of her quilt. After asking a few "helpers" I got in the right area. Of course, like any good family reunion, I had to stop and chat along the way with a few family members. During one of these conversations I got the sense that someone was waiting to the side. I glanced over to see who it was--it was Nancy Amundson herself. After a big exclamation, and of course, a hug, she showed me her quilt.
This was in the challenge category (APQS sponsored this category, so click here to see the winners of the challenge.) where they had to purchase a packet that contained three fat quarter fabrics to coordinate with one-half yard of a Ricky Tims' Focus fabric. Here's what Nancy wrote about her quilt, "With Respect to the First People":
My keen interest in early civilization, the northern Minnesota landscape, and magnificent Lake Superior depicted in the challenge kit fabric gave me the inspiration to honor the First People who preceded us here.
Here is a close-up of the stamping that she did in the outer border.
It was so good to see Nancy...many fond memories of my childhood came rushing back. Isn't that what a family reunion is for? To recall the past...and look forward to the future.
Julie Hendrickson is part of my family. Her quilt shop, JJ Stitches, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is heaven. Her booth at the show just gives you a taste of what she does.
Reproduction fabrics and antique quilts are her speciality. If only her shop was closer...I'd be in there all the time. I'm sure she'd recall the evening that my friend and former co-worker Jennifer Keltner arrived quite late to shop. What an evening. We had so much fun at the shop, then took Julie out for dinner at a cute diner.
Here are some bundles of fabrics that Julie is designing herself. Way to go Julie!
When I opened up the show program in Duluth, the page it opened to immediately had my attention. Nancy Amundson from Northwood, Iowa, was right there...smack dab in front of me. Nancy was my 4-H leader and had several kids including a son in my class. Her entry noted that this was her first time in entering anything in a quilt show. I knew I had to find it!
Later in the day during a break from working at the APQS booth, I headed out in search of her quilt. After asking a few "helpers" I got in the right area. Of course, like any good family reunion, I had to stop and chat along the way with a few family members. During one of these conversations I got the sense that someone was waiting to the side. I glanced over to see who it was--it was Nancy Amundson herself. After a big exclamation, and of course, a hug, she showed me her quilt.
This was in the challenge category (APQS sponsored this category, so click here to see the winners of the challenge.) where they had to purchase a packet that contained three fat quarter fabrics to coordinate with one-half yard of a Ricky Tims' Focus fabric. Here's what Nancy wrote about her quilt, "With Respect to the First People":
My keen interest in early civilization, the northern Minnesota landscape, and magnificent Lake Superior depicted in the challenge kit fabric gave me the inspiration to honor the First People who preceded us here.
Here is a close-up of the stamping that she did in the outer border.
It was so good to see Nancy...many fond memories of my childhood came rushing back. Isn't that what a family reunion is for? To recall the past...and look forward to the future.
