Friday, May 25, 2012

The Weekend Ahead


We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them.  
~Francis A. Walker

As we approach this 3 day weekend, we need to remember why we are celebrating Memorial Day.  Take a moment or two during your festivities to say thank-you to those who have or are serving in our nation's armed forces.  Countless men and women have given their lives to keep our country strong and free for which they have earned our undying gratitude.  The next time you see a soldier in uniform, take the time to say thank you!  Without these fearless fighters of our defense, who knows what kind of country we would be living in.  God bless America and have a wonderful Memorial Day!!
I will be taking Monday off from blogging to celebrate with my family.

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LITTLE FACT OF THE DAY


Flag of the United States of America

I don't think there is a more patriotic symbol than our own country's flag.  The stars and stripes can move my soul with a single wave. We will be proudly flying our flag on Monday!  And since this fits with the coming holiday, here are some little facts about our flag...
Another name for the American Flag; Old Glory actually refers to a specific flag owned by Captain William Driver. Old Glory was made with 24 stars and 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies
The red, white and blue stripes are strictly defined as Dark Red (Pantone 193 C), White (Pantone safe), and Navy Blue (281 C).
The current version of the US flag was designed by an 18 year old high school student, who only received a “B-“ for his efforts. Robert Heft, took exception to this grade, and issued his teacher a challenge: if Heft’s design proposal was accepted by Congress, he would deserve and receive an “A”. Heft earned his “A”, and by presidential proclamation in 1958, his design was officially adopted as the nation’s flag.
6 US flags are currently stationed on the moon. They were put there by Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17.
When folded properly, the US flag is shaped like a triangle with only the stars showing. If you have exacting standards, it usually takes 13 folds: the same number of original colonies.
Only State Governors and the President of the United States order when the flags on government buildings are to be set at half staff.
Red is for Valor and Hardiness; white is for Innocence and Purity; and blue is for Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.


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SWAP BLOCKS


Back in March I made three blocks for swap partners that I never shared....

I made this Eccentric Star block for Karen, my swap partner for Quilting Block Swaps Australia.  Karen requested "bright greens, bright blues, fresh modern colors and each block to have some white".  This block fits both colors and is definitely modern.

This On The Oregon Trail block was fun to make - so much so that I made two!

Barbara was my March swap partner for Block Swap Adventure.  One of her previous month's partners didn't produce so I made her an extra block.  Barbara requested red and white fabrics be used to create her block.

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STITCHERY UPDATE


I was able to start the phase of my counted cross stitch project....


You can't see a whole lot of what I've been doing but you can see a bit at the bottom and then, of course, the outline and the start of a feather (sorry it's a bit blurry).  I just figured out how to enlarge the pattern to an easily readable size without the distortion I was encountering earlier.  Sure wish I had figured that out when I was working on the center section.  But that's okay, because now I know how it do it and it will come in handy for the next 2 Christmas projects I will make from the same designer.  Luckily, they don't have to be completed until Christmas 2013 and 2014 - lol!

Design:  Desert Mandala
Designer:  Martina Weber / Chatelaine Designs
Fabric:  Antique White Belfast (linen - for those of you who do not stitch)
Stitched:  2 strands of DMC floss over 2 threads
1 strand of Treasure Braid over 2 threads


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TODAY'S GOAL


To get the spare bed cleared of all fabric carefully stored on it.  Our DD#2 and SIL will be coming for up for the weekend!!

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FINAL THOUGHT



Thank you to all who have served or are serving to keep our wonderful country free!!  Bless those that have given their lives protecting us!!  


10 comments:

Belinda said...

My family has always realized how blessed we were, that our father wasn't taken from us in Vietnam. God bless our soldiers!!

That first block really calls to me. I love the design and colors!!

Needled Mom said...

I enjoyed reading the flag facts. I guess the grading system was a bit tougher those days for our students. I had not read that story before.

Your blocks look so nice. I especially love the green/blue one. They looks so crisp and clean.

Are you going to share your hint for enlarging the cross stitch pattern? I could use the hints on one I have been working on here. The eyes are not what they used to be. Hmmm.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your visiting family.

Anonymous said...

lovely blocks Linda.xx

Linda said...

Have a wonderful weekend with your daughter and son-in-law! (I always have to remove all the quilts I've stored under the bedspread, but I'm happy to do it if it means family staying!)

Barbara said...

And I loves me my blocks. Have a good weekend.

Quiet Quilter said...

Have a nice weekend...hug your family...

Terri said...

Found you on Sarah's Whoop Whoop! Love your Flag information.
Hugs!

quilterliz said...

G'day Linda. Lovely post. I hope you have a really good weekend. We have a flagpole in our backyard and the sight of seeing our Australian flag flying never fails to bring out the emotion, so I can relate to what you are saying. Love the blocks you have made, the colours are great. Take care. Liz...

Barb said...

Enjoy your Monday!

Sheila said...

Great blocks! Thanks for the interesting flag facts. Have a nice Memorial Day tomorrow :D

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