Happy Fourth of July!

250 years ago a fledgling country was born.  On July 4, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was adopted by representatives of 13 colonies of England.   

The Declaration starts "“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”  Yes, for the time it was exceedingly radical. 

As Heather Cox Richardson wrote in her 'Letters from an American' on July 3, 2026 "America was founded on the radical idea that all men are created equal."

But over the years America has made great strides to live up to this concept.  I remember the joy and happiness of the Bicentennial in 1976. We weren't perfect. For instance, it wasn't until 1974 when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act was passed allowing women in all states to take out loans or open a back account without having a man co-sign.  I was surprised to see that date as I started my own bank account in 1969 when I started college. It turns out California was way ahead of the curve by allowing women to have control of their own bank accounts from 1862. 

Today I do not feel great joy and happiness. I am wary of where the country is and where it is headed.  I honor our country but not our leaders. It is time for everyone to read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to see what we should be doing. If we want to continue living in a democratic republic that truly believes in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution we must act. Start by registering to vote. Become informed citizens. Learn about what people actually stand for. And plan to vote and encourage others to vote in November.  

In honor of the United States of Ameica I am showing all the patriotic quilts I've made or been gifted.  Most have been on display in our house since before Memorial Day. 

I made this many years ago, probably in a class. 

I made this one within the last ten years. This one Block Lone Star pattern  is from Debby Kratovil.  

This was made in 2022. It was a mystery block of the month by Sherri McConnell.

This was given to me over 20 years ago by Juliann Phillips. We had been secret pals in a Prodigy quilt activity.  It is hard to see but it is sitting on a small desk that was about the only piece of furniture that my grandfather kept from his youth. 

I made this banner a while ago.  There is no label on it so I don't remember how long ago it was.  (Reminder -- label your quilts! Do as I say, not as I do!) 

A table runner made many years ago.  The color isn't as bright as this shows.  But, it does a great job decorating our dining room table. 

I have another table runner in the works that I shared the beginning of on 6/29/26.  Just scroll back if you want to see the start. I'll be showing the whole thing one of these days.  

Have you been making patriotic quilts?  Enjoy your fourth of July. And remember to vote in the fall. 

Happy Quilting All! Bonnie