Happy Independence Day and July Goal

Happy Independence Day to everyone in the United States! How are you celebrating?

We’re just having a quiet cookout at home, followed by neighborhood fireworks. 

We’re not much for big gatherings and goings-on.  

If you're outside of the USA, I hope your July 4th is wonderful too!

It’s time for me to name my monthly goal (OMG) for the July link-up at Elm Street Quilts.

Last month my goal was to get the background and base of my Spokes and Blossoms wall hanging completed, which I did. And now for July, my goal is to get it finished. To do that, I need to collage all the flowers and leaves over the peachy-colored blob spilling out of the basket in the picture below. I may also collage some other reds onto the handlebars.

Once that’s done, everything will get its final pressing and trim. Then I’ll sandwich/baste it to the backing (as yet unselected) and quilt it. The quilting will be very dense as recommended on the pattern. Plus it will add a bit of stiffness which is great for something that will be hung and not frequently laundered. Finally, I’ll need to add a hanging sleeve and binding... and voila!

We are days away from the full ripening of the apricots on our tree, and July is going to see us eating, dehydrating, canning, freezing, sharing, baking (etc) apricots with family, friends, neighbors, my Weight Watchers buddies, fifth cousins twice removed, and any random person who happens to stop by.

Have a Safe and Happy July 4

This year there have been so many wildfires here in the Western US. I am petrified that the tinder-dry grass and countryside is going to be assaulted yet again. Americans love to observe their Independence Day with fireworks, fire crackers, guns and the like. It seems that most people believe this patriotic holiday cannot be celebrated without lighting a match or firing something. *Sigh*

But I will step down off my soapbox. 

Here are some lovely, gentle and G-rated patriotic images for your collection.  Just right-click and either open in a new window or save as is. 

May your Holiday be safe, sane and full of love, laughter and joy!

Hugs,

Happy July 4 ... and Debunking the Myths

Wherever you are in the world, Happy July 4th.  Everyone has a July 4th, right?  So, may it be a great day for you!

And to my friends in the United States, Happy Independence Day!  May your Fourth of July be filled with lots of love, laughter, family and/or friends, good weather and good health.

Don’t get sunburned at that parade!

Don’t eat too much of Granny’s homemade apple pie!

But DO enjoy these vintage images!  Hopefully I’ve dug up some that are new to you from my collection.

These are some of my favorites, because there are no guns depicted in them.  To me,  guns and celebrations do not go together.  Just my opinion.

Hubby and I ran across an interesting read about myths of the American Flag.  Read it here.  For example, did you know that Betsy Ross did NOT design or stitch the first American Flag?  As needle workers, I thought that might pique your interest!

I will be back in a couple days to show you my finished Sendai block (Hearts and Hands for Sendai - a quilters fundraiser for our Japanese friends).  

Hugs,

Thanks and Happy Independence Day!

I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who has visited my blog and left a comment in my celebration Giveaway.  Remember, you have until July 9 to enter!  The “how-to’s” are in the previous post.  You have all been so wonderful and supportive!  I believe my Etsy shop is off to a good start, and I’m working hard over the long weekend to add many more items (lace and other things) to the shop, so check back often.

Thanks also to my dear friend Pam Kellogg for inviting me to be her guest blogger.  Through her, I’ve made several new friends.  And many of you, my regular readers, have discovered Pam and her wonderful talents and wares.  The community of artsy bloggers really is like a big extended family, and it’s great when we distant “cousins” can all get to know each other and become friends.

To my fellow “sistahs” in the U.S. - have a Happy Independence Day.  I know some are celebrating it on Saturday the 3rd, some on Sunday the 4th, and still others on Monday the 5th.  Whatever you do and wherever you are, enjoy good times, good health, and the love of family and friends.  We are so blessed  to live in the United States of America!