What a blessing it is to live in America ~ and to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday! I am proud to display our nations flag and grateful to those who have lived, worked, and died to protect our freedoms!
I couldn’t resist taking photos on this Fourth of July of some of the patriotic items and quilted decor Mike and I enjoy in our home. I hope you’ll enjoy them to. The photograph at the very top of this post is of just a few of the flags lining the road in front of Shorehaven in Oconomowoc. Shorehaven is the lovely senior home where my parents have spent the past year. Dad is still doing well there. Mom has had a very blessed time and ministry while in hospice, and no one thought she’d be with us this long, but now she is nearing the end. She will be 92 on July 8th and, whether she makes it to her birthday or not, we are grateful that she is ready to be with Jesus ~ and we’ve had this time to say goodbye.
So, as I walked around the house on this Independence Day, I first came to a quilt I made for dad and mom many years ago. It now hangs in our home. I’ve always loved the way the striped fabric frames the star.
In our entryway Mike’s mom’s cedar chest is covered with a red, white and blue Seminole runner. I’ve taught my Seminole Sampler class many times recently, and this is just one of the lovely projects that can be made with this type of strip piecing.
“How Beautiful ~ Liberty” is hanging in the dining room.
You may remember this 3D quilt made for the National Quilt Museum’s “New Quilts From an Old Favorite” contest that challenged quilters to do something innovative with the New York beauty block. From the right you see what is (in my opinion) the true New York beauty ~ the Statue of Liberty. And from the left you can see my version of this lovely quilt block.
The words surrounding the 3D center are from the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. It may not be red, white and blue, but it is patriotic nonetheless.
Our powder room has quilts with an American theme hanging year round (we really do love our country!)
This one spilled out of the powder room and onto the front hall wall for the season.
While one of my few completed wool projects hangs on a door.
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. Thanks for joining in on my little tour.
God has blessed the USA for 250 years! Thank you God!
Sue Halpern says
Chris, I absolutely love all you displayed work! Thanks for sharing your home with us!
Laura says
Love the 4 th as well. God has blessed our country and will continue to do so. I love the quilts and all the memories they hold. Prayers for your family my friend.
Doris Rindfleisch says
Thank you for the warm invitation into your home. Yes, this country is so blessed. I have often asked myself – with awe and wonder – why God allowed me to be born here – I could not earn or deserve it – but even more so, I am amazed and grateful that He guided events throughout centuries of history to have His Gospel made known to me.
Debbie H says
Chris…praying for you and your family as you wait upon the Lord to bless your mom and bring her home to him. May the beautiful memories of a beautiful lady get you through this time ❤️
Victoria Johnson says
Chris, I saw your impressive Statue of Liberty quilt at the Indiana Heritage quilt show this year. It was a striking and impressive site! I’m glad I got to hear you talk when you came to Champaign, Illinois a few weeks ago.
Prayers ascending for your family. Viki J.