English Language Center SUmMer PiCnic

We love the English Language Center school and the great work they do. We both volunteer there in different ways and are so impressed with both students and staff!

HoMe sHow

The first home we visited wasn't the biggest or even my favorite. But the sunlight shining through these glass vases was very pretty and made me excited for what we'd see in the 

next few hours. 

Bold patterns.

Wallpaper. 

                                            Mixes of patterns, stripes, and whimsical prints. 

Several houses had little hiding places and hidden rooms. Made for kids and Scott.

Never stop exploring. 

This sink totally reminded me of the kitchen my mom grew up in. 

TV over stove. Not.

Pretty marble and quartzite.

"If we have to have stools," said Scott, "I would be OK with these." (They're probably not the right look, I thought.)

I want another smooth cooktop with the fan behind it. This has been  one of my most favorite things in my kitchen for 23 years. I was glad to see this one!

:: watermelon quilt ::

It's time to put away my summer decorations and start filling the house with fall colors. I'm sad to say goodbye to my red geraniums, pink petunias, favorite whitewashed Longaberger baskets, and especially this cute watermelon quilt. Everyone who comes in my back door (our "family and friends door") stops and smiles at this bright, happy quilt. 

The pattern is the Watermelon Table Topper from Kimberbell Designs. It's one of Kim's "Cuties" patterns which means it's quick and easy and darling! 

The finished size in the pattern is 22 x 22 inches, but I added extra borders so it would fit my quilt hanger and fill the wall above the blue dresser. It was fun to piece because the center square is made with the easy disappearing nine-patch technique. The applique was simple but hand embroidering all those ant legs and antler took a little time! Not bad though, if you watch TV while stitching.

I love love the black and white stripe border! It looks delightful next to the red chevron fabric. And I think the quilting is awesome. I had Leisha Farnsworth of Quilt It in Providence do the machine quilting and was so tickled when I picked it up.