Channeling Jacquie

57 comments
Here are my 3 youngest kids below. No we are not polygamists. I want to make that perfectly clear up front before anyone goes further in this post. Again, I repeat, we are not weirdos or polygamists.
Left to right Jamie (18), Laurie (16) and Mason (14). My kids are gone all week at something called "Trek". It is a pioneer reenactment (of sorts) to teach kids about sacrifice and other values sometimes missed in our day-to-day culture and society. It is a time for kids to shut out the world and remember our ancestors and connect for just a few moments with the lifestyle that made the west and our country what it is. I thought the picture I took of them I took at 7:00 AM on Monday morning was cute (right before they left). We made their skirts and Mason is wearing Mr. Hive's suspenders. You get the idea. They are with hundreds of other kids and local church leaders in Wyoming on a very organized event and will end up walking 34 miles pushing handcarts and having hopefully a very positive experience. However, I guarantee you that those skirts will never be worn again when they get home.
Here is Jamie above and my point in all this is my kids are away so I can talk about Jamie's high school graduation quilt. Yes, I know it is the end of July. And I haven't yet blogged about the high school graduation quilt I owe Jamie. She graduated in May this year and so the quilt is slightly overdue. And here is why. Above is typical Jamie.And this is Jamie's room. Can you tell Jamie loves football? Can you tell Jamie is the Philadelphia Eagles #1 fan? I shudder every time I see that paint on the walls of her room in MY HOUSE! Mr. Hive let her do that, not me.
So Jamie wanted, of course, Philadelphia Eagles fabric in her graduation quilt. I was less than excited. A lot less. Her Eagles fabric has been sitting here and I've been really trying to make something that is about Jamie but something I could stand to sew! So I shopped for fabric prints in black, gray and Eagles green. Without enthusiasm I might add.
And I tried to think of ways to bring the fabrics together to make a quilt that didn't look like a total Dude quilt. Jamie has always been a tomboy but she's still a girl, ya know. I've been suffering through this. I asked opinions of Nedra and Kim when the visited me. You should have seen their faces when I showed them the fabrics! haha (I did end up getting rid of one of the fabrics after advice from them, thanks girls.)
After much agony and indecision I thought I would make a wonky quilt. Eeeek I said that word! I channeled Jacquie of Tallgrass Prairie Studio. I went to her blog and looked at her archives. And this is what I came up with. It isn't fabulous like Jacquie's quilts but I felt that I captured some modern flavor and some unity with the fabrics. I still don't really care for the quilt but you know what they say "It will all quilt out just fine". I hope. Well it's off to the quilter, so we'll see.

-nanette
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57 comments

Julie said...

Ahh-Trek--the memories that brings back. My hubby and I were a Ma and Pa in 1997 and then 2 years ago our oldest went. Always a great experience!! Hope your kids have a good time.

The quilt turned out great!! She will treasure it and the fact that you made something just for her!! Have a super day...Julie

Purple and Paisley said...

you make me laugh - it's hard to work on something we aren't absolutely in love with but you know what? jamie will be absolutely in love with it! it turned out great and i kinda like the colors! very, very modern! ☺

Jodi Nelson said...

The quilt looks fantastic! She's gonna love it.

Seth, Sarah and the kids said...

You know, it is hard to work on something 'we' don't love, however I do think she will be thrilled with it! It has just enough girlie in it, and shows off perfectly that she loves the Eagles!! You are a good Mama for making her graduation quilt about her!! :) I am also loving the 'wonky-ness' of it!

Unknown said...

My good friend Della, just went on a Trek and beautifully described the whole expereince. It made me want to go on one...except that it involved areas is the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains...that, not so much. But what a great experience.

I love the quilt and I think you did an outstanding job...it is both hip and girly while expressing her love for her team!!! Way to go Mom...you did good.

Elizabeth said...

Ahhhh Trek... Does sound kind of fun, right? If it weren't around 100 degrees outside? When I went it froze on us at night. We had ice chrystals on our sleeping bags in the morning. Fun, fun times.....

The extent of my football knowledge ends at the football. I know what it is and that's about all I know. However, I do like the quilt. I like the colors a lot and I'm sure she'll love it.

Tracey M. said...

oh, she will love it! maybe you should have all of us daughters post our graduation quilts to spur you on? :)

Darlene said...

Living in Phx I have many, many friends who have participated in the same event - your children will get so much out of this.

Jamie's quilt is perfect for Jamie!

Di~ said...

I love it. You have done a fabulous job working within those perameters. It's a great quilt! That would hard tho'.
Nancy and Travis went on trek in AZ was Ma and Pa!

Kritta22 said...

Oh I wanna go on a trek. I've never been...have you?

way to go for getting out of your box to do Jamie's quilt. She will love it, I'm sure!

Jan said...

IMHO, it turned out amazingly well; and Jamie is gonna be thrilled. It's gonna look awesome in her room. Her Mama did good!!!!

Annette said...

I actually like the quilt and I know that Jamie will adore it. You have created something beautiful...in so many ways.

Des said...

Well, if you were polygomists....I would sign up to be your 'sister wife'. :D

I loved football growing up too and I would have kissed my mother's feet if she had made me as COOL a quilt as this in Pittsburgh Pirates colors. It could have been worse for you.....orange and black. yet, maybe you would like that because you like halloween.

AWESOME mom award.....to you!

Des said...

oops....pressed the button to quickly.

did that creep you out......sister wife? I was just thinking we could combine all our fabric and quilt all day while the "other wives" cleaned house. :D

okay, am i digging a bigger hole for myself?? get me out!!

rachel griffith said...

ooooh i ♥ it.
course i'm a huge football fan.
{just not the eagles...ewww. lol.}

even though you don't, jamie will LOVE it.
promise!!!

and i have to thank you advance because this gives me the perfect idea for my jackson's quilt.

Karen said...

Hi N, although the Eagle fabric wounldn't have been your first choice, I think your 'wonky' (I had to re-read that, since I know 'wonky' isn't your favorite word) squares are awesome. I love the color combo;) Jacquie is a terrific resource and inspiration;) I'm sure that Jamie is going to love and cherish her quilt not only because it's 'her', but because it was made by her mama;) Think of the memories it will hold not only now, but in years to come. Congrats to you not only for using fabric that was out of your comfort zone and making it look beautiful, but also for the 'wonkyness'...oops I said it again;) GREAT JOB!!!

jen duncan said...

Oh my gosh! The thought bubble over Jamie's head is "You owe me, mom. You owe me BIG!" LOL. Make sure and save that photo in a safe place...it's priceless!
You did a super job on that quilt. I know how painful it can be to work on something you just really don't like, but it doesn't show at all! :-D kudos!

Joanna said...

Wait! You aren't a weirdo polygamist? haha! The quilt looks good. She'll love it. And I hope your kids have fun on Trek. I never got to go (THANK GOODNESS!) but I hear it can be fun.... hehe :D

Vicki said...

I was on my pioneer trek 20 years ago this week. I was 15 and it was such a difficult, life changing experience. I hope your kids have fun and are safe!

I love the quilt, it looks so good.

Susan said...

What a good mom to put aside her own personal style for that of your daughter's love of football. I like the bold color on Jamie's walls and after-all it's only paint. And I would never think of you as a weirdo BUT I am shocked to hear you say "wonky". LOL!

Funky Kim said...

I love that quilt! Of course, it's for the wrong team, but other than that small detail, it's terrific!

magirite said...

Trek's are great for many reasons, my daughter went twice and loved it both times. Hope your kids have a great experience.
The quilt and paint job are awesome. I think it is great for her to have a love of football and the confidence to paint her room a wonderful, bold color. That is something she will remember and talk about her whole life.

Candace said...

I hope we get an "after" photo of the three kids - before they shed the skirts and suspenders - that's going to be one photo to remember!! What a great adventure for them to take!
I think you are bang-on as the English say on Jamie's quilt, Nanette - she's going to adore it!! Oh - and from experience - if she ever moves from home and you want to paint over that color - try the new Behr paint - it's kinda pricey, but will cover that color in one coat - I know because I just used it on a deep red wall and it really works!!!
Cheers!

Jan said...

What a good Mom. :-)

Pat said...

It is very hard to work on something we don't like, but you did a wonderful job. I'm sure she will love it and you will be very happy you stuck with it and finished it for her!

Kim Walus said...

I have to say that I'm impressed with the quilt. It turned out just right! It has THE fabric she wanted but you achieved balance with it and it doesn't scream Philadelphia Eagles. Wonderful Quilt!!! I know Jackie will love it!

Carrie P. said...

I like her room but it is going to be a bear to paint over when she moves out. I like her quilt too. I think she is going to be pleased with it too.

Unknown said...

You are way too funny! I just watched Oprah today and her show was a repeat, but it was about the polygamist colony that was raided. Just funny to see that you even started your post that way. I love how your quilt came out. She will just love it and I think that you did a fantastic job incorporating the Eagles fabric. It is almost unnoticeable...LOL!

pratima said...

What a fascinating trip... it is always nice to get in touch with our roots :)

It is so hard to work with fabrics that we don't like but you are doing a lovely job with Jamie's quilt. It is Cute!! She's going to Love it!

Micki said...

I am from Philly originally, so that is my kind of quilt. You did a lovely job on it!
Micki

Mushyhed said...

You're so funny! I'm surprised they agreed to have their pictures taken and posted on the internet. I love that quilt. You did a great job. My niece wanted a camouflage quilt and I kept telling her I don't do ugly. I ended adding her beloved camo to a string quilt so it doesn't look as bad.

Janet said...

I'd love to do what your kids are doing. You did well with the quilt and she's going to love it. It does go with her room perfectly.

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

Nanette, The quilt is perfect. Love that it is "wonky" blocks as sometimes football seasons get a little "wonky", too. There are ups and downs in football games just like there are ups and downs in quilting. All the colors are great and I bet she is going to love it. It will look fantastic in her room with the walls and shelf and football decor! Congrats to Jamie on her graduation! "Trek" sounds like fun and reminds me of time I spent at Murphy's Landing in Shakopee, MN, a living history museum where costumed interpreters share life as it was in the late 1800's. Great experience!

Sherry said...

Hi Nanette. Hope your kids have a wonderful "Trek" experience. I really like the quilt you made for Jamie & I'm sure she's gonna love it. My 6 y/o granddaughter loves football. :)

Michele McLaughlin said...

Freda, Thanks for the inspiration! I need to tackle an Eagles' quilt too (for xmas) and have been dawdling cuz it aient' as purdy as some of the others! Nice mix of fabrics, I have to review my stash again. Thanks so MUCH!!!

Lori R said...

Oh my goodness, my 12 year old is a HUGE Eagles fan! I think your quilt looks awesome--I like the way you worked in the team colors and novely fabric without it looking like an Eagles shrine. Good job!

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

What a fun thing for the kids to do, I am sure they will get so much out their time there.
I also find it hard to work with fabrics that are not my favorite, but she will love it, actually I really like the colors and I LOVE "wonky"

Nedra said...

I think the fabrics and the style of quilt you picked is a great compromise! I do not see any flowers (that Jamie would not like), and yet the Eagles are not screaming out either. Good Job Nanette! And I know you must be giving a BIG sigh of relief to have that project over and done with.
On to more Nanettey things.

Patty said...

The second sentence on today’s post is too funny; I ‘m guessing people are asking you questions or perhaps assuming things about you. I picture you as a fun loving person and I wish we were neighbors so I could learn from you!

Anonymous said...

V.here... I love the quilt. i am not a fan of logos but I really like it. v

Sherri said...

Fun post...and I can't believe you said the "w" word...I haven't said it since your "w" post!

Lorraine said...

Hope the kids have a great time...and I love that you made the quilt in colours of her fave team.....looks great and I am sure she will love it....always hard to work in colours that you aren't that fond of......my son's team is black and white which won't be too hard to work with!!

Dawn said...

Ohhh, Jamie will love it!! It looks fantastic!!

Jill said...

I find it really makes a difference if you're not thrilled with the colors/fabric-it all goes rather draggingly doesn't it? It IS a very nice quilt to us "others" though & I'm sure your daughter will love it!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

what an experience for the kids! they won't forget the adventure - they might want to but they won't!
:)
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

Momoo said...

Enjoy'em while you have'em, before you know it they move away..... to far away places like NYC and Colorado or hours away in the same state.
The quilt is not your usual style or color pallet but I'm sure your daughter will love it. I can understand it wouldn't be as much fun to work with fabric you don't like. I always recommend to my friends who are new to sewing that they should get fabric they like so they will enjoy the project.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I know exactly what you mean. Bats would have to be right up there on my least favorite list, and yet I'm making a quilt with them in the backing. :( The things we do to please those we love!

Gayle said...

From the mother of a soccer loving daughter to the mother of a football loving daughter...good for you for making this quilt based on her passion...you're a great mom!

hetty said...

I love that 'wonky' look! I think your quilt turned out just fine! And I know Jamie will love it! She is lucky to have a Mom who supports her interests!

carole ann said...

First what a great adventure for them, hope they enjoy and learn.
Second I showed your daughter's room to my husband and now he wants one, but with him it's a toss up between the Phillies and the Eagles, I vote for neither one.

Valerie the Pumpkin Patch Quilter said...

LOL about the polygamists...I suppose this being the internet and all it's probably worth making that clear! LOL* I think what your kids is doing is wonderful. I think I would have really enjoyed doing something like that when I was young - or even now! :)

Tricia said...

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!! Eagles fan here, just outside of Philadelphia :) Love the quilt! I can definitely understand working on something you're not thrilled about. Let's just say I could not bring myself to make a Dallas Cowboys, NY Mets, or NY Yankees quilt.

Karen said...

What a great thing for your kids to experience. I think you did a great job on the quilt for your daughter. it's something that is important to her and she will LOVE it.

Hugs - Karen

Rita said...

E-A-G-L-E-S...GO EAGLES! Another Eagles fan here. We live in New Jersey about 40 minutes south of Philadelphia. Your daughter would love the CRAZY football fans we have around here.

em's scrapbag said...

Hope your kids had a great time on trek. My oldest went last year and we couldn't get them to stop talking about there adventures.
You did a great job on your wonky quilt! Way to try something new.

MichelleB said...

You did a fabulous job with that quilt - for having to use football fabric! And yeah for you - you said wonky! lol

Eileen said...

I absolutely love your attitude in this post. :-D!!!