Who Knew a Simple Quilt Could Bring Such Joy

Who knew a simple quilt could bring such joy

In the last few years I have been learning how to sew, one of my first projects was a block quilt and was very simple and easy to create. The quilt turned out to be a big hit with the kids in my life. They use them to not only cuddle but they also use them to cover their homes and forts. They bring them to the park, in the car. So I thought I’d share this simple pattern with you today.

You will need:

· Sewing machine

· Thread

· 1 -1 1/2 yards (yards depends on the size of the quilt) of two different types of fabrics for the squares.

· 1-1/2 yards of fabric for the back the size also depends on the size of the quilt.

· Batting

· Fabric scissors

· Ruler

· Paper and pen (for a pattern square)

· Iron and Ironing board

· A big flat surface or at least enough space to lay out the pieces.

I like to use all sorts of different fabrics and colors but in my experience the coziest quilts have been made of soft flannel type fleeces. I really enjoy going to different fabric stores, sometimes I just get lost in all the different kinds of cool kids fabrics.

Just a side note

I like to Iron the fabric before and after every cut and before and after I sew a piece together. I find it makes the squares easier to sew together and it makes the quilt look crisp and clean at the end.

After finding two contrasting fabrics cut them into squares once again the size of the squares depends on the size one wants the finished quilt to be.

I like to use 7x7 or 8 x 8 squares, approximately 8 to 15 squares of each fabric and 16 to 30 squares total. This also depends on the size of the child that I make the quilt for. Next I like to lay the squares out on a flat surface so I can see how I want them to look.

Once that is done and the arrangement is good, I start sewing the squares together row by row, then the rows together one after another until the front of the quilt is sewn together. I then iron over the big piece again making sure all is nice and flat.

Next, I take the fabric piece for the back and the finished front, place the fronts facing each other (right sides) together. With one of the wrong sides (back side) facing you then cut the batting to mach and put it on top. Sew all three pieces together leaving a small opening to pull the quilt right side out.

Last but not least iron over it one more time and either machine sew the gap, used to pull it through or one can hand stitch it closed.

I love making these simple quilts they make great gifts.

Creston Park and pool

Ceston Pool is one of my favorite Portland outside swimming pools. The staff are amazing, my little one takes swim lessons and absolutely loves it the Instructors are just like the staff amazing.
The little ones get a break from the parents at the same time they are very accessible if needed. The classes are only 30 min. long but they are every weekday for 10 days. It is defiantly worth $45.

Creston Park is nice to they have a great play structure. From 12pm-3pm Portland Parks and recreation puts on the Free summer for all program. This is a great program I remember being part of it
myself as a child. During 12pm-3pm kids can enjoy a free lunch and activities in the park. the lunch usually consist of a sandwich, fresh local veggies, yogurt, fruit, and some kind of cookie or crackers. The activities include gimping or making silly putty things like that. Once again great staff.

The park it's self is cool if you get a chance to just sit without being consumed by all that's happening around you. You might get lucky and get to see a Hawk which, I have seen there on numerous occasions

For more info on this pool or park just click on this link.
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=1107&action=ViewPark

Jimmy Cliff at the Oregon Zoo

This was my first zoo summer concert. e((http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm ) As you can see in the pictures there were thousands of people there. I got there right on time just to not early enough to really find a good spot to see. For 24 dollars a ticket I wish that they would have had two beer and wine lines so that people wouldn't have to stand in line for 30 min and miss most of the show. The musicians were awesome crowd, was cool despite the numbers. There was one security guard or security personel that was just on a roll you almost couldn't walk fast enough out of the walk way and behind the red line.
Crowed part on

toward the front


Jimmy Cliff


Not only does Jimmy Cliff have an amazing talent but so does his whole crew. I really like how every member exited on his or her own solo and recognition.
Over all I love the Oregon Zoo have been a member for a few years and cant wait to attend another concert here in the future.

Tryon creek

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My Portland
Tryon Creek is a great place to go hiking. It is one of my favorite and most successful places to see wild life. a few weeks ago I attended a evening guided hike and got to see wood peckers just hammering away 3 on one tree and huge chunks of wood falling down. On damp days there are a lot of cool looking banana slugs and snails.







Another time I have seen two young Bard Owls.
This picture does not do the experience justice.

The Free Guided tours a awsome, my 3 year old loves these goups most of them consist of 3-6 years old kids and their parents.I have even been so lucky as to have my child be a part of testing Obie's creek with one of the rangers.
http://www.tryonfriends.org/