I've been doing more applique this summer so the projects that take shape on the design wall have been few and far between. I do have some finished appliqued wallhangings on there but they'll stay there until I decide how I want to finish them. And, knowing me, they could be there a long time.
I read a few blogs everyday. One is called Mary Quilts (
http://blog.maryquilts.com/). I like her style of writing (very casual) and I like the scrappy quilts she designs, makes and gives away. And she always gives step-by-step instructions so that if you like the quilt, you can make one for yourself. I really like that.
When I saw the lattice quilt design, I knew I needed to make one. Earlier this spring, Randy's cousin gave me some yardage that she'd picked up at a garage sale. There are quite a few yards and it's a pattern I've always liked. In fact, I had the same fabric in 2 other colorways...and still have a bit of each!
Since I'd gotten a lot of the blue colorway, I decided to use it, along with a navy-on-navy floral
and a rose-on-pink fabric
...to make my own lattice quilt.
I cut and pieced enough for a few blocks on Friday just to see if I liked it. Then, Sunday, I cut and pieced a few more. One thing I really like is that you oversize the blocks when cutting; then square them up after piecing.
It makes for a bit of waste...but more importantly, it makes for very square blocks!
Now that I've got a few blocks done, I'm thinking I may need to applique something in the middle where the four blocks come together. To me, it looks a bit blah:
Since the 4 blocks together make a 12" finished block, I could applique something, but what?
And that's why it takes so long to finish quilting projects!
The quilting - this just blows me away - is the hippocratic oath. You know it - it's the "do no harm" speech that you hear on every medical TV show. It's tough to see on these photos, but it's there...trust me!
Our nephew is planning a film career. He's been into movie making projects since he was very young, and he's very talented. He's at Chapman University in CA...hence the red and white for that university.
His quilt is quilted with the names of actors, movies, directors and producers - very fun and very unique! 
I got them back a couple of weeks ago, added binding and labels, then sent them to the twins. I hope the quilts keep them wrapped in hugs whenever they're feeling a little homesick.
The patterns are from a favorite blogger of mine - http://blog.maryquilts.com/. Check it out - you'll love her work!
Every time we go to the San Juans, my MIL asks if we're taking bird pictures for her to see. This time I made the effort.
These certainly aren't wonderful...blue heron tend to be pretty skittish as you near them. So these were shot from a distance; then cropped.
Don't be looking for digital perfection here. But they're okay shots.
And no, I am not a bit biased.
I mean, come on...look at that sunset and tell me that is not beautiful.
Or that one.
It was just like living in pictures from a travel magazine.
And of course, part of the charm is the sailboats reflecting in the water.
This was the view from our bed the first night. It's difficult to close your eyes when this is the view outside your window.
The regatta is hosted by a Portland club but held at our club because...well, because it's a nice club with a nice lake and good camping facilities. 
They have such enthusiasm and are so good.
They aren't afraid to jump on a boat they've never sailed before and that has unfamiliar rigging.
After a few instructions from the boat owners and within a few minutes of leaving the dock, they're heeled over and flying across the water; laughing and grinning from ear-to-ear.
It's pretty fun to watch. 
We watched this pair of Lightnings approach the finish line from our house deck before driving down to the club...that was fun!
This picture was also taken from our deck.
