Lightning & Leaves Quilt by Bud and Star Quilt by Chandler
September, 2002 - This is a real treat to introduce two of my grandsons. Bud, 9½ years old, was very eager to start working on a quilt. Chandler, age 5, also wanted to learn to sew. After planning the quilts in Electric Quilt 5, we took a trip to the fabric store so they could each pick out their own fabrics. Chandler was feeling very patriotic and Bud chose some very dynamic colors. I cut out all the pieces but each boy laid out the fabrics as they wanted them. In no time, Bud was very comfortable with sewing. His 9-patch blocks were nearly perfect and he enjoyed the precision of piecing. I had planned for Chandler to only stitch a decorative running stitch around his center star, but he had different ideas. He wanted to drive that machine himself! So we gave it a try. I had to stand right there with him but he did surprisingly well. Both boys learned to use a stilleto so Grandma didn't have to worry about little fingers.
Bud & Chandler sewing
The boys finished their quilts in 3 or 4 sessions, just in time to enter them in the North Country Quilters' Quiltfest. They were very proud to have been awarded ribbons at the show! Upon seeing his quilt hanging at the show, Chandler observed, "It's upside down!" He really knew his quilt.
I'm so proud of my boys! They made quilting look like so much fun, their 7-year-old brother Taylor now wants to start his project. Good work, guys!!
Bud & Chandler with their quilts at Quiltfest
Special Note: Taylor finally did make a quilt! See it here. You'll also see how their quilts did at the county fair.
