Local County Fair

 We made a trip to our local fair the day before I had to make an emergency trip to Washington. The last several years our fair has gotten smaller and smaller with attendance falling off remarkably. Someone had the brilliant idea to make it free! Wow! What a concept. A family event that doesn't cost anything!

 Of course the animals have always been my favorite. It seems like 4H isn't what it used to be either.
There weren't as many animals as I remember from the past. Even though we are in a rural community I think there are other things the kids are doing. It's a lot of work and economically the auctions may not be bringing in enough money to make it worth their while.

 

I tried to do my part and enter a few quilts as did a few of my friends.  I think mine was the only hand quilted large size quilt entered. They didn't have a mixed category, so it was entered under applique. Their entry book needs a little help.

I didn't see too many small hand quilted items either. I tried to make my contribution.

Do you enter anything in your local fair?

Here's my Just Takes 2 blocks for May 1.

 And here is my not-so-creative challenge block!! It's a little lonesome looking but it will look great with the other challenge blocks.

 

Almost 1/2 through hand quilting the third block of Beyond the Cherry Tree. Once I'm done with the motifs and outling the applique I will do some sort of overall quilt pattern.

For those of you joining in how are you coming on your A Little Porch Time house block? I've got the windows and the star left and that is all. I'm excited to see everyone's blocks at the end of the month!!

Americana Winners

I drew 4 lucky names today.
The Declaration of Independence Panel goes to:

Qltmom9- Lucy in IN
Ooo...I would love to have the Declaration of Independence on a pillow, for my (homeschooled) children to learn! Those are neat! Of course, the civil war generals are educational, too...so either would be nice. Thank you for the chance. I enjoy your blog daily.

The 3 Civil War generals panels go to:

Nancy E (anonymous)
I think the star is Martha Washington. Thanks so much for sharing. Please include me in the drawing. Nancy E
PS I love seeing all the old quilts!

Elaine at Soggy Bottom Flats
I have no idea what that star is, but I do love coming to your blog for a wonderfully entertaining education on quilts. I would love to be put in the draw. Thanks for all the informative pics you post, since I never seem to get around to telling you! Thanks, Elaine

Marcie from Patchalot More
I would love to put my name in the basket for the Grant and Lee panel. I just got back from Gettysburg and regret that I didn't get one while there.

Please send me your mailing addresses, loridweightwatchers (at) gmail(dot) com,
and I'll get these in the mail on Monday.


Thank you all for entering. A drawing is a fun way for me to share my extras.
For those of you that guessed the block was the Martha Washington star- you are correct!
Lea posted a comment on the medallion and mentioned something about Martha and it got me thinking about how to include her in the quilt. I kept thinking of the saying, "Behind every good man is a great woman." And I knew she'd be a perfect addition to my backing.

Have a great weekend!

Laundry Basket Quilt Book

I made a comment at Quiltmaker's blog and happen to be the winner of this book by Laundry Basket quilts.

The applique in the book is wonderful and Edyta's tips are great, but this Lemoyne star quilt really caught my eye. (I love that jug too) If I didn't dislike set-in seams so bad I might actually make this.

Make sure to read the first post I put on my blog today. Two in one day!