Bouncing Boxes

Today, I hosted a "quilt camp" for girls. Brinley, of course, and two other 9 year old friends and one 12 year old. I got the idea from a magazine and thought it would be fun to try.  We started at 9am with the girls laying their previously chosen and cut blocks in the way they wanted them to be sewn. The quilt pattern is called "bouncing boxes."

Wow, the quilts are going to be big.... Can we really do it?

The girls worked industriously for about 5 hours before we took a lunch break and a Cooper cuddle break!

The day passed quickly with much laughter, the hum of sewing machines, and the occasional sighs when one or other was informed of a seam that needed ripping.

I was very proud of how focused and hard they worked all day.  

Brinley very comfortable sewing in her PJ's. 

About 10 hours into the day, a candle I had lit early that morning caught on fire in the bathroom. The door was closed at the time with poor Cooper inside. We kept ignoring the fire alarm when it went off, since we didn't smell anything and couldn't see any smoke. Finally, I DID smell something and when I opened the bathroom door, smoke billowed out. It was very exciting for awhile there.  Amid girls screaming, shouts to call 911, and much running to and fro we got the fire extinguished quite easily when my husband carried the burning Longaberger basket out into the yard and threw some cups of water on the smoldering wallpaper and shelf.

The ceiling was black, the wallpaper burned and black, the toilet bowl ceramic lid was cracked clear across, and the shower curtain rod had melted. It was a mess, but the girls had a great time. What a great ending of the day it was to them! And I get a new bathroom!!

This little four year old was a prince!  I was dreading how bored he would get, and be in the way pestering me and the girls all day, but he did none of that.  He entertained himself all day and never complained.  His daddy took him out when he got home and got him a little present for being so good. After all, sister was getting a new quilt...

After 12 hours-- do you hear me???- 12 hours those girls worked, the quilts were completed!  This is Marjorie's.

And Gracie's. (This quilt has almost made me a fan of batiks- almost!) I was really hoping she would forget it at my house, or maybe an early birthday present? But no, she took it home with her- how rude!

Here's Brinley and Isabelle doing the final tying of their quilts.

And then later, a snuggle on the couch before sleepover.

This is Brinley's finished quilt. Her's was the only flannel quilt- so soft!

And last, but not least, Isabelle's.  It was a long, but rewarding day. Possibly the start of an annual event?  We'll see... Right now? Bed never felt so good for this mama!