38 x 38 - Make a Quilt

As you remember, a month ago or so I started my first quilt. I cut the fabric, pieced it together, and sewed all the little blocks. I ripped seams (surprisingly not as many as i expected) and pressed seams and at the end, had a nice quilt top that I was fairly proud of. Then I rolled it up, stuck it in a drawer, and forgot about it!

I'd drag it out occassionally but then remember that I don't know what to do next. So I'd roll it up and put it back.

Until two nights ago. I was bored, in the mood to accomplish something, and had some extra time on my hands (not really but the dishes and housekeeping could wait).

I found this tutorial on Pinterest that looked pretty easy. The author says it's Quilting and Binding the Easy Way. It seemed pretty dang self-explanatory.

I'd like to share with you some really great photos of the process but I don't have any. Just use the link above...she does a much better job.

Here's a closeup of my work (for those of you with experience....yes I understand my sewing is less than perfect - get over it! :)

Not too bad for a beginner

 Once I got started, it was really pretty easy. I am jealous of people who are perfectionists and know what they're doing. My line is a little crooked and probably not too pretty but I'm still proud of it!

And here is my finished project. Perfect for my youngest son, Nate. 

Looks good right? 

I was just waiting for the right time to give it to him. Yesterday, I chaperoned his field trip to Crater Lake. While it was a balmy 60 degrees and sunny here in Klamath, it was 50 degrees and snowing up at the Lake. It was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. I love it when it snows up there.

For those of you unfamiliar with Crater Lake National Park, it's Oregon's only National Park. It's the deepest lake in the United States at 1,943 ft. The park was founded in 1902. And Klamath County is proud to be its home. 

The lake is the bluest you may ever see and there are dozens of hiking trails. If you've never been, come any time but winter is truly my favorite. and they offer snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and it's just plain awesome (bundle up though, it's cold). 

On the field trip, I didn't learn much that I didn't know. Crater Lake was formed when Mt. Mazama erupted. 

Local tribes didn't live there but they used it as a place for visionquests and prayer. Understandably since it's majestic and magical!

Nate at Crater Lake 

Nate loved playing in the snow. 

It was a chore keeping over 30 fourth graders in line but they all made it home, safe, sound, and cold. It was the perfect time to give Nate his quilt! 

I think I liked quilting enough I'll try another. I'm searching patterns and looking for ideas. In the meantime, add a visit to Crater Lake to your bucket list!