Sun and Sea {June CiL Block Drive}

Summer time is already here in Texas, and soon to be upon the rest of the country. What does summer make you think of? Sunshine, beaches, popsicles, sand castles and ocean waves.  Being a red-head, I'm all-but allergic to sun.  Summer means a lot of going around wrapped up like a mummy, but even I am not immune to the draw of the beach.

In honor of summer this month's Covered in Love block drive is one I'm calling "Sun and Sea".  The proper name is this block is Diamond Weave and it was designed by Maureen for Janome using fabric from her own lines!

You can find the tutorial for the block at Janome's project center.  Everywhere that she talks about using red or coral we're using yellow instead, for the blues use "true blues", that is, not aqua or teal but regular blue. You can make these with just a couple of fabrics or make them scrappy.  Her instructions are great, so there's no need for me to reinvent the wheel.  Although...

As it stands the cutting instructions make 1.78 blocks.  If you will cut 2 additional 4.5" squares, one each of yellow and blue, and use the same instructions as for the larger HSTs to make them into (2) 4" HSTs you will have enough for 2 whole blocks.

(Edited to Add: View some finished quilts here)

I'm not sure if any of you watch "Gold Rush" on the Discovery Channel. We're occasional watchers and recently caught the memorial episode for one of the show's old-timers who passed away at 96.  Suspecting that his time was growing short he was peaceful. In one scene, on his birthday, he sings this song by Terry Jacks,  (you can see the scene here, about 1 minute in)

Goodbye my friend it's hard to die
When all the birds are singing in the sky
Now that the spring is in the air
With the flowers everywhere
I wish that we could both be there

Sometimes it's like that. The sun is shining and life is going on everywhere and it's hard for those that have to leave, but even harder for those left behind.  That's why we make quilts, to comfort the loved ones left behind.  If you would like more details about Covered in Love check out the main page and if you would like to support us by making blocks this month you can make as few or many as you like.  Comment (make sure I can contact you) or email me at CoveredinLoveTx@gmail.com for a mailing address.

You can also check out some of out past block drive quilts here.