Happy Birthday Dad – lazy days of summer kick off
June 21 is the first day of summer, occasionally Father’s Day, and my old dad’s birthday. Today he would have been 90 if he had not spent the last 35 years in heaven. In this photo he is on the left and is with two of my mom’s six brothers and his new father-in-law. For a man who didn’t get to grow up with his own family around, he certainly picked the right group to marry into – he got 8 in-law siblings in that deal. This photo is c. 1943-44 and they all look very spiffy, don’t you think?
When I was a kid, June 21 meant the longest day of the year and I spent every minute running and playing outside. Freedom! That was a long time ago but June 21 is still my day to enjoy a little freedom so I took a day off work to give myself freedom to sew. After surveying the hst supply I decided it was time to try putting another block in my hst quilt together. My first attempt (described here) was an exercise in frustration but this time I was rested and had a new plan of attack.
Just when I was giving myself some mental high fives for “having a system” and “working methodically” I wound up with this – can you see the mistake?
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But I did have a system and did work methodically so that minor blip was the only problem I had this time and my second block is done and much better than number 1. Isn’t that always the way? You struggle through the first block in a quilt and then the pieces all start falling into place?
I would probably be a lot thinner if I still spent the day running around outside but sewing is pretty fun, too.
Block is beautiful!
We could all be skinny, but wouldn't you rather be a quilter? 🙂 Keep stitching!
What a lovely reason to take a day off. The block looks great and now the third one will be easy.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Even when I chain piece I like to make a test block or two so that I can get the 'hang' of it before I get too far.:)
I don't really see the block as a mistake, but I see the HST in question. This arrangement is most spiffy and I really love the fabrics you are using.
Your dad and his in-laws really look spiffy. I think folks would do well to get spiffed up like this again. What a great looking bunch. I'm sorry you can't spend his special day with him.
That reminds me. I have six Farmer's Wife blocks to make this weekend, for a block exchange. Methinks I need a system.
Nice job on your block. Those triangle squares can drive a person crazy.
Happy Solstice!
I was looking in the wrong photo for the error. I love this block!
And yes, they are a spiffy looking bunch!
It's also my dad's birthday on the 21st and as we are in the southern hemisphere it is the shortest day of the year so he always feels a bit cheated, especially when he was a boy. I can't spot the error in your block????