Kisses and Hugs Kid Quilt

Another county fair has come to a close.  The ferris wheel, flying elephants and merry-go-rounds have been broken down, loaded up and driven out of town.

All three grandchildren rode the rides, checked out the exhibits, ate the junk food and saw the ribbons on Robert and Laurel’s entries.

7 year-old Robert very sweetly humored 3 year-old Alastair by joining him on the flying elephant.

Big winners were Robert’s blue ribbon chocolate chip pumpkin bread and Laurel’s Best in Class Kisses and Hugs quilt.  While they learned new skills and had fun, I savored each minute of quality Nana-time as they prepared entries. They were so proud of their accomplishments.

Robert’s hocky game, Santa pillowcase, stuffed in-the-hoop dinosaur, football tote and Gator tie tee shirt–Laure’s Girl Scout tote bag and monogrammed handkerchief

Eight year-old Laurel’s quilt was a months long project.  She chose the pattern and fabrics last spring and started right away.  We modified the Kisses and Hugs pattern slightly by reducing the number of yo-yo’s and adding buttons to the centers.

Though initially intrigued and always pleased with the results, Laurel was obviously growing weary of the never-ending yo-yo’s.   So she made 6 large, round yo-yo’s instead of twenty four oval shapes.

This is a really good second quilt project.  I think Laurel’s first, a rail fence with redwork embroidery, is a better first try.

If you have never worked with a child on entries for your local fair, I would encourage you to do so.  Whether it is with your own child, grandchild or neighborhood kid, I am quite sure you will find your efforts are very satisfying.

Jo’s daughter Joy with the shirt and zipper bag she entered in the fair.

Jo’s children have entered their county and state fair. They found the experience to be as fulfilling and exciting as Robert and Laurel have.

If you or the children in your life have entered projects in the county fair, I would love to hear about it. Send pictures!