Happy Labor Day – September OMG

American-flags

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day to all of our USA (and Canada) friends.  While the USA seems to falter and be divided in some key areas, I am still proud to live here.  While I joked with friends about moving to Canada not too long ago, I am not quite ready to make that leap.  Nor is Canada ready for the mass exodus that was kiddingly promised.  Labor Day in the USA dates back to 1882 in NYC. 

 

Unions did not yet have its foothold, and workers logged a 60 hour work week.  It didn’t become a national holiday until 1894, although that was basically meaningless and union workers were told to strike that one day to have ‘off’.  Controversy plagued this holiday throughout history, but picnics are now the order of the day.  Do a little research if you’d like more information about this holiday, but definitely give yourself the ‘day off’ however you interpret that!  We are happy to have the day off from work.

Time for a September Goal

It is time to make a September goal for the month.  A short 30 days long, this month means getting back into school-year routines.  Sue has had the summer ‘off’ although those days went by so very quickly.  Travel to Canada, Maine, and North Carolina made June pass by in a flash.  July came and went by equally as quickly with the 4th of July, a bridal shower, weekly Dominic sightings, and family visits.  August brought a beautiful wedding, a new baby announcement, and never-ending humidity that made everyone thankful for air conditioning.  Five day work weeks are back for me (boohoo), along with planning meals ahead of time and schedules.  The long holiday weekend does help us ease back into our routine!

What to do, What to do?

Should our September goal focus continue on UFOs or take a new path??  We chose I Wish You A Merry quilt to be our focus for this month.

IWYAM flimsy

Last fall we joined in a QAL with the release of biweekly blocks.  When I look at the different blocks, I appreciate each designer sharing their talents with all of the participants.  We picked some fabric called Red Dot, Green Dash by a favorite design team (Me & My Sister).  Looking at this quilt top now, that fabric really makes me smile!  There were a few blocks that we didn’t make, and they’re not going to happen now.

September Merry

Inspiration for a quilting design is needed as this quilt top is all layered and pinned.  Challenges do await us, since we have sewn on the buttons for Mr. Snowman.  We are leaning (today) toward a meandering or stippling pattern.  The newly acquired skill can be tested on this quilt, and I believe Sue is going to tackle it!!  I don’t want to say it doesn’t matter how it goes, but it really doesn’t matter.  This quilt will be out for a short holiday, making an appearance Thanksgiving night through mid-January.  Not one single person who may see it will care about how it is quilted.  Including us! 

We will revel in the special angel block representing Sue’s sister, Jodi.  We learned a lot making each of these blocks, and it’s about time we enjoy it.

Steptember Goal

To make it official, our goal for Patty’s Elm Street Quilts September OMG is to quilt and bind I Wish You A Merry quilt.  That will be another item off of our UFO list and get us closer to earning our PHD by the end of the year.  Another two-fer.

 

Our other Linky Parties can be found by clicking the link or along the sidebar on our website for more quilting fun – check out what our friends are up to.  Like/follow us on our Facebook page and you can share your photos of what you’re working on.  We would love to see them!

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12 Responses

  1. dezertsuz says:

    Mine is at the quilter’s, too, but that is not me! =) Your 9 blocks look great, and will make a terrific quilt. Best of luck to Sue!

  2. Good luck on your goal! I have one too, but instead of writing my post today for tomorrow, I took the day off! 🙂 You could move to my little Canadian town ANYtime Roseanne. 🙂 Thank you especially for KNOWING that we two countries share this holiday! I’m floored when so many have no clue and they even have Canuck friends! Egad on the Christmas vibe of your goal, though I could use some coolness today other than 24/7 AC! Hope you’ve had a wonderful holiday weekend; we sure did! Hugs.

  3. Kathryn says:

    These blocks look fabulous so its great you are going to get them well ready for the holiday season. All the best with it. Hope you enjoyed Labor Day, it will be at an end now I guess. Maine is always a place that has seemed magical to me. Well stay where you are – as Senator McCain’s daughter said ” America is already great”. Just one little change and things will swing I hope!

  4. Patty says:

    Great timing for a holiday quilt! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck with your project.

  5. You can reach this goal, I’m sure! Yay Sue for tackling the new quilting design. I’m sure it will be great!

  6. Barbara Esposito, TheQuiltedB says:

    I love the Christmas quilt! And it is actually very refreshing to have someone not lament and pontificate over how to quilt the quilt and just admit that it will be what it will be! This quilt will be used, admired, enjoyed, and loved, not entered in a high fa-looting contest, so go to is Sue! Git ‘er done!

  7. Happy Labor Day to you!! While my “labor” these days consists of working in the quilting studio, I did spend 30+ years in the work force. I do NOT miss the 6am morning commutes at all!

    Your Christmas quilt is beautiful and I agree with a stipple/meander.

    And now to take your challenge…what to do in September? We are traveling a lot this month….actually to two places you mentioned! Maine and Canada (Nova Scotia area) along with a few other stops on the East Coast. I’ve got a charity quilt in the works….one more day to sew before we leave and then about 9 days left to complete when we get back!! Wish me luck!

  8. Vicki in MN says:

    And September will whiz by much too quickly too!! But I believe that you girls can get that top done in no time flat!! Have a great Labor Day.

  9. Hi Roseanne –great post! I think stippling will be a perfect match for your I wish you a merry quilt — love the blocks! I’m having a great time with Evelyn… Happy Monday!

  10. Great goal – this quilt will then be ready when you need it. 🙂 Have a happy public holiday.

  11. Gretchen says:

    You’ve got today to make a good start on meeting your September goal. Have a fun day sewing!

  12. Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts says:

    Good luck on reaching your goal – I know you can do it! I enjoyed seeing all the IWYAMQAL blocks last year, and it will be fun to see your finished quilt. An all-over meander will be the perfect quilting design. Enjoy your day off!

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