Signature Quilt

Back in 2004, I secretly made Miss K a signature quilt for her high school graduation.  So long ago that none of the graduation photos are on the computer.  LOL!!  I had everything kept in a dark plastic container, on a far away shelf in my sewing room, and would only get it out when she was gone.  The work times were short and hurried.  In the box this summer… a lunch sack that I used for all the fabric scraps for fear she would see the scraps in the trash and ask what I was making.  Ha!

I collected signatures from family and friends and transferred the signatures to the fabric with a fabric pen (pigma pen) and heat set them with the iron.  Then I assembled the quilt top.  The top was finished for her party but papers were out for others to sign and I added those names this summer.   I quilted this in August but kept it a secret until we could visit with K and I could show it to her.

The pattern is called, The House That Jack Built, and I got it from my LQS back in 2003.  I don’t know if it is still available.  It was shown on the pattern and done at the quilt shop in dark, masculine colors but I switched it up a lot by using pastel batiks.

I had in my mind 10 years ago that I’d quilt it once I got better at quilting.  I had NO idea that a long-arm machine would be in my future back then.  Meanwhile, I kept doing other projects.  But since this year is strong on me finishing my UFOs, this is one I have finished.

It is all custom quilted; ditch work, rulers, and freehand / hand-guided quilting in the blocks, borders, and setting triangles.

Lots of photos.  I’ll just let you browse.  I will reply to any questions you post in the comment section.

 

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JP’s Graduation

Life really needed to slow down to get me back to blogging.  Now to catch you up on the rest of May….

JP had finished his classes at the community college the week of May 10 and his classes at home were done that week as well.  🙂  

His party was on May 24 and we were so thrilled with all that could attend.  He actually had a good time!

The K cousins arranged my table in the kitchen for food.  

 

We had ham & roast beef sandwiches, Mrs. Mike’s chips, marinated veggie salad, and dutch apple & peach berry pies.   The counter had water pitchers and orange sherbet punch.  

One counter was full of the 13 pies I had made.  My mom & I baked them on Saturday.  I was embarrassed/disappointed the peach berry pies were runny but no one seemed to mind.   

I love this picture!  It emcompasses our wonderful afternoon sharing with so many near & dear to our hearts.  It was so fun to see special friends.  

JP was honored to have several of our family come from Indiana & Ohio for his party.  

The K Cousins

David & A sample the apple pie. 

My sister with her granddaughter and my mom.

This little J snuck in a nap midst the party… right on the living room floor!  🙂

Great-grandma & A playing with the truck.  

 

My grad with me.  🙂

 

 

Congratulations JP!  

 

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K’s Graduation

K’s graduation from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago took place on May 16, 2009 at the Pritzker Pavillion in Milliennium Park.   

 

The invitations from the school said “rain or shine” and “come prepared” so I had prepared that week by buying ponchos and extra umbrellas.  The forecast that morning was for 25 mph winds with gusts to 40 mph, cloudy, and cool.  I thought of some nice winter scarves we could use around our necks with our spring jackets.

About an hour from home (and we left here all pretty at 6:30 a.m.!) the sun peaked out and by the time we arrived downtown at 9 a.m. it was sunny!

We came out of the underground parking garage and it was beautiful!  A slight breeze and wonderfully warm – we didn’t even need our spring jackets!  🙂  Answered prayer!!

Each student was given 5 tickets and then late in the week were given 2 more!  🙂    Answered prayer!  But the 2 extra tickets were in K’s hands so even tho she had already checked in by the time we arrived, she met us and handed over the 2 needed tickets.  It was a treat to see her early!  

We were pleased to find ourselves near the beginning of the line at 9:15 for the 10 o’clock gate opening.  I blazed an easy trail to our seats and was quite pleased with our location.   (Second section, row 2)

What a lovely pavillion and setting for the graduation.  Before it started at 10:30 they showed pictures the students had submitted of their work.   We caught a quick glimpse of K’s kitchen sink bags.  🙂

The service was short and did not include  l o n g  drawn-out speeches but interesting honorary degree presentations.  The main speaker was Renzo Piano, the architect of the brand-new Modern Wing of The Art Institute!  He was fascinating to listen to and encouraged us all to walk across the bridge to the Modern Wing.  But “not all at once!”  🙂 

As the graduates formed a line to cross the stage, I was able to get some quick pictures of K as she waited in line.  

(we appreciated the overhead screen shots!)

Graduation ended about 12:30 and we met K near The Bean just outside the Pavillion area.  

 

The Ladies

 

JP & K

Both sets of grandparents with K

 

Family Picture

After pictures, we were joined by my cousin, Carolyn, and her husband, Jim, for lunch at Miller’s Pub.  Carolyn is my mom’s niece and they live nearby.  It was a treat to spend a bit of time with them.  

Following lunch, we loaded up K and some things to move home.  We got home about 7 and were exhausted!  

K & her friend Emma

 

Beth, K, & Emma aka Charlie's Angels

 

 

The red carpet was for the opening of The Modern Wing in the background

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Yahoo!

Just had to post this quick.  Of course, much more later.  🙂

 

Honoring the grads at church... I had TWO! 🙂

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