Monday, July 14, 2008

Wrinkle Free


The creators of Downy Wrinkle Releaser undoubtedly had teenage boys in mind when they invented a product that not only eliminates the need for ironing, but in a pinch, can stand in for laundering as well. When James went off to college, we sent a bottle along with him. Judging by the piles of laundry lying on his dorm room floor, he had ample opportunity to use it.

William just came home from a week at camp. Naturally, the last thing on his mind was the status of his laundry. When he needed a clean uniform for work this morning, I heard him grumbling as he rummaged through closets and dresser drawers, looking for the requisite plain polo shirt. Apparently, the one he found was wrinkled.

First, I heard it…a telltale spritz, spritz, spritz…spritz… spritz, spritzspritz, spritz, spritz…SPRITZ…SPRITZ, SPRITZ, SPRITZ. He must have nailed each individual crease in the shirt!

Then I smelled it: a fresh, clean scent wafting down the stairs. Let’s see, would that be the “light freshness” or the “vibrant freshness“ variety? Actually, it was the nose burning, eye tearing, headache inducing freshness and an hour later, I can still smell it. I wonder what his poor co-workers and customers are experiencing right now!

I give the boy credit for caring about his appearance and smoothing out a wrinkly situation on his own, but I’ve got to introduce him to an iron!

Friday, July 4, 2008

A Rompin' Stompin' Cowboy Quilt


Our son loved cowboys when he was young, and after spotting these vintage-style fabrics at the quilt shop, he asked if I'd make him something. How could I refuse? The prints were adorable -- bucking broncos, covered wagons, lassos, and spurs. Yeehaw! 


Finding a pattern wasn’t as easy. No ordinary Nine-patch or Log Cabin would do. Instead, I wanted something unique with a bit of western flair. After months of searching, I finally found it -- Cowboy Boots. Yippee I oh ki-ay!   



I love how the boot blocks highlight the prints. Additional elements like striped sashing and fussy-cut cornerstones add even more interest.



The "barbed wire" border was actually an afterthought, made to use up precious scraps.


Vacationing "Out West" a year later, I found this Native American style blanket print (Alexander Henry). It made a perfect backing!



More time passed at the machine quilters. 


In fact, from start to finish, it took three years to complete the quilt. Guess what our son said when I finally presented it to him. “Mom, I don’t really like cowboys anymore!” 
 

"Too bad, buckaroo. You're sleeping with it till you go to college!"