WordlessWed...July 4th Reflection

July Flag Flashback

While searching photo files for Red White and Blue's, this 'Flag Pin' surfaced.   I wear it every July.  As a matter of fact, I wore it day before yesterday...July 1st...for First Saturday at The Chicken Farm.  It was pinned on one of my Patriotic shirts...of course.

The thing that caught my eye on this pinning was the strap it was pinned on.  It was a flashback to last years July when this apron strap hung around my neck for the last time. 

Yes, it has been one year and one week that my Hancock Fabrics Apron was retired to the Apron Collection. 

In the year since the closing and loss of my job as 'Supervisor Sue', I often think of and miss my co-workers, the customers and my special section of fabrics everyone called 'Sue's Cotton Patch'.  Most likely, I'd still be working there had they not closed...but then I wouldn't be doing this.....

So, from Me and Modella....Happy Fourth of July 2017!!



Tank Tops and Flip Flops Top Fabric, Fiber and Quilt Tops

Featuring Patriotic Fabric, Quilts, Jewelry and Tunics on July 1st at The First Saturday Event may not have been as timely as I anticipated.  Even with Saturday as the beginning of a long Fourth of July Weekend, folks either already had their 'Fourth' gear, have been saturated for months with Big Box Stores Red White and Blue Bargins or simply out of the 'Patriotic Mood'.  Can't say I blame them with all that is going on in Uncle Sam's Houses.

There is quite a difference in stocking a Quilt/Fabric Shop as opposed to a Fabric/Fiber Studio.  First there is the space difference and secondly, folks are 'Quick Pick Shoppers' in Studio/Vendor shops.  If they are Fabric or Yarn Crafters, they are more likely to pick up a Coordinated Bundle of Fabric or a Yarn Kit rather than a bolt of yardage or individual skeins of yarn.  So, I am learning and adjusting my marketing strategies. 

Then there is the 'Dog Days of Summer Sales'.  Yep, when it's 90 to 100+ degrees it's hard to think about quilting, knitting, crocheting or much of anything that requires more than a tank top, shorts and flip flops. 

Next year's 4th of July Feature!!!

Welcome July!!!

Patriotism by the Bundle

Late in May I began going through my Patriotic Fabric Stash to get ready for a display at Sue's Fiber&Fabric Studio.  What a surprise to discover my Red, White and Blue Stars, Stripes and all things patriotic was hardly enough to be raising 'Old Glory' up the flag pole.  But, as I have done for earlier holidays and celebration events, I managed to do July 4th justice.

Who knew you could Bundle Patriotism!!!

Ancestor Born On The 4th of July

Finding an ancestor born on the 4th of July took me back to Colonial America and my paternal 2x great grandmother's maiden name.  The name is fourth in line in my Pittman, Carroll, Marley, Leatherwood Family Tree on ancestor.com.  Out of 1,550 names there was just this one person born on the 4th of July.

Fannie Frances Leatherwood was born in the midst of turmoil leading up to the Revolutionary War.  Her parents, Zachariah and Mary Nancy Stone Leatherwood of Prince William, Virginia Colony, had endured the effects of the French and Indian War, the Sugar and Currency Acts of 1764.

 Five years before her birth violent demonstrations against the Stamp Act occurred.  These demonstrations resulted in the Virginia Resolve and ultimately in the Stamp Act Congress which petitioned Parliament and King George to repeal the Act. 

In the months before her birth in 1770, were two major conflicts between the Colonist and the British in what would become the American Revolution.  The Battle of Golden Hill in January 1770 between British soldiers and the colonists known as the Sons of Liberty took place in New York. The second incident which was widely propagandized by leading Patriots like Paul Revere and Samuel Adams was the Boston Massacre.  On March 5, 1770 British soldiers killed five civilian men and injured six others after a mob formed in protest of Parliamentary Legislation. 

The Leatherwood family survived the American Revolution as residents of Prince William, Virginia, and in the late 1790's migrated to Spartanburg, South Carolina.  Frances along with husband John Edwards and their children followed her parents to South Carolina then to North Carolina and eventually settled in Jackson/Bartow County, Georgia.

Their settlement in Jackson County is somewhat of a Family Tree coincidence as this was one of the home counties of the Pittman's, who five generations later would become related through the Texas marriage of my paternal Leatherwood-Marley-Carroll grandmother to my Georgia born Pittman grandfather.  Jackson County was changed to Bartow County in 1861 in honor of Colonel Francis S. Bartow.

Frances Leatherwood married John Edwards on October 6, 1871 in Prince William, Virginia, a veteran of the American Revolution.   Frances and John had eleven children.  John died in 1838, just three years after settling in Georgia.  Frances was last listed in the 1850 US Census when she was 81 years of age.

Although her exact death date is not known, she and John's burial markers are most likely lost in the abandoned grave yard at Pettite Creek Cemetery near what is now Bartow County, Georgia. 

Only one grave marker remains...that of their son Colonel Zachariah Edwards who was celebrated as the most popular man in Spartanburg on July 4, 1832...his mother's 61st birthday. 

On this July 4, 2016 I honor and celebrate my 6x Great Aunt Frances' 246th Birthday.  Thanks for the remarkably patriotic Family History, Fannie Frances Leatherwood Edwards.  Rest in Heavenly Peace and know you are remembered in the Pittman-Carroll-Marley-Leatherwood Family Tree.

PS...As was the tradition, children were often named after family members.  Fannie and Frances/Francis were given names of both girls and boys in the Leatherwood Family.  In the realm of the 'Meaning of Given Names',  Fannie/Frances/Francis means FREE, and people with this name value truth and justice.  What a fitting name for a child 'Born on the 4th of July'.

Flag Fabrics Fly Proudly in Fashions

For those of you are Fabric Junkies, you probably notice that fabric follows what is 'Trending', as they say in the social media world.   For instance when there is an event that triggers a wave of 'Patriotic Passion', it is quickly reflected throughout just about every commercial avenue imaginable.

Fabric designers and the Textile Companies they design for are quick to jump on the Patriotic Passion Wagon to give the Fabric and Fashion world a plethora of Red White and Blue in a variety of themes from Vintage to the latest in Pop Graphic Designs.  As a Fabric Collector...ahem...of course I have a few pieces of Patriotic Prints I have been collecting, hiding, hoarding, saving for.....I don't know, but have finally reached the point where it is time to use it on something other than making quilts.
 

 TaDa...Modella models one of my Flag Fashion Tunic Tops.

I guess I will always be a 'Piecemaker' whether it be for Quilts or Fashion!

 

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands,

one Nation under God, indivisible with

Liberty and Justice for All.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was originally composed by Francis Bellamy in 1892 and formally adopted by Congress as the pledge in 1942.  The official name of The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted in 1945.  The last change in language came on Flag Day 1954 when the words "under God" were added.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

Wordless Wed...Old Glory

Welcome July!!!

Red White and Blue Sewing for Sue

With June half over, it is past time to give July a second thought.  The first thought was at the beginning of June, which by all 'Sewing Project' standards is LATE.  But, as they say, 'Better late than never.'

In the 'Fabric World', seasonal/holiday themed fabrics should be 'Out There' at least six months in advance.  So by all rights, I should have been thinking about '4th of July' projects while sitting in front of a cracklin' fireplace back in January.

So here I am... six months later...sewing in a sweat box studio with the AC and fans blowing...trying to stay cool.

Even though this year's patriotic sewing is getting a late start, it has been easier than previous years.  Due in part to my collection of Red White and Blue fabrics being down sized, and I haven't added any new patriotic prints to what was once a collection of bolts and bolts.  Today, a couple of small baskets and three bolts is working out fine for my ABS (aprons, bags, shirts) projects. 

 

Back to the 'Sweat Box Sewing Studio!

  The Chicken Farm First Saturday Event is on July 4th. 

I'd better get Firecrackin'.

Memorial Day 2015

"These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation

who has a long history of patriotism and honor - and

 a nation who has fought many battles

 to keep our country free from threats of terror."

Michael N. Castle

It Is Patriotism

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every 4th, not with a parade

of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle,

but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy,

and the flies die from happiness. 

You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.

~Erma Bombeck~

 

I have always been a fan of Erma Bombeck.  Her down to earth, day to day quotes about life in the 'Good Ol Days' make me smile!  I remember swatting flies at our Family 4th Picnics, but I never thought of it as a Happy ending for them.  I probably was more concerned about them landing on the wax paper covered bowl of 'Iffy Potato Salad'.  It might have been a Tubberware Covered bowl, too.  At any rate, some things never change, and I'll probably be swatting flies and grandkids this coming 4th of July weekend. 

I hope YOU and YOURS have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!! 

I Am So Not BLUE

If Your Favorite Color is BLUE...you are conservative, reliable and trustworthy!

Oh, Whoa!!!  I AM conservative, reliable and trustworthy...but BLUE is not my Favorite Color.

Having a personality color BLUE means you have a deep need

 for peace and harmony in your everyday life.

Not a 'Deep Need', but some peace and harmony is always welcome!



You don't like to draw attention to yourself...you prefer to be in the background.

Uh...No...somehow my background self ends up 'Front and Center' of attention.

As a personality color blue, you are sentimental and love things from the past. 

Okay, now we are talking!  I'm positive this is a trait for RED, too!

How else can I justify and call myself a BLUE and RED Button Collector?



When I am into RED WHITE and BLUE Button Jewelry Making!!!!

Okay...So I am a Little Bit BLUE!!!

Linking To

Smiling Sally's BLUE MONDAY

My Name Is America

What's in a name? Everything! The power of a name and its value has long been immortalized in prose, poetry, and religious ceremony. Everyone recognizes himself or herself by name.

What's in the name America?
~The first name of America gives one an eagerness for knowledge and an intense desire to do something worthwhile in life.
~A person named America longs for freedom from restrictions and for outlets from restlessness, and does not tolerate drudgery and monotony.
~America, it isn't easy for you to take advice, therefore, you tend to work independently.
~You suffer inner turmoil especially when you feel misunderstood, and being sensitive, you are easily hurt and offended.
~Many people do not realize that you have a depth to your nature resulting from having thought a lot about life in many facets.

America's in my Georgia Family Tree



America Taylor Pittman

Nov. 16, 1805 - Aug. 24, 1872

daughter of

James Greene and Martha Patsy Taylor Pittman

wife of

Benjamin Woods Cash

mother of

Marion Linton, Ethelred Green, Julianne, Noah Bee and Martha America Cash

America Harden Pittman

1820 ~ 1870

daughter of

Jefferson and Rachel Harden Pittman

wife of

Jackson Boyd Sloan

mother of

 Florence, Robert, Mary Jane, Jackson Boyd,  and Jabez Henry Sloan

Martha America Pittman

Feb. 22, 1836 ~ March 19, 1898

daughter of

Pleasant Owen and Susannah Benton Pittman

wife of

Cephus W. Matthews

mother of

Effie, Charles, Noah, Mary Lou, Milton, and Edith Matthews

Martha America Cash

April 16, 1839 ~ July 1904

daughter of

Benjamin Woods and America Taylor Pittman Cash

As was the custom and tradition in the early 1800's, children were named after close relatives.  Such was the case with three of these America's.  America Taylor was the first to bear a name that reflected her father's service in the Revolutionary War, his love of country and dedication as a Georgia statesman.  America Harden and Martha America Pittman were named after their Aunt America Taylor, and Martha America Cash after her mother, the first America.

 

As most 'Trend/Fad' names do, the name 'America' in the Pittman Family Tree ended with Martha America Cash...so far in the research. However, the pride and patriotism of our early ancestors in 'America' has not waivered.

 Our love of Country and Flag is still a tradition as seen in the 'Sleeping Baby on Stars and Stripes' photo.

That sleeping baby, a descendant of the first America, is today a Pittman American Beauty from Texas.


"The dons, the bashaws, the grandees, the patricians, the sachems, the nabobs, call them by what names you please, sigh and groan and fret, and sometimes stamp and foam and curse, but all in vain.

The decree is gone forth, and it cannot be recalled, that a more equal liberty than has prevailed in other parts of the earth must be established in America."  John Adams

Letter to Patrick Henry, June 3, 1776

The Meaning of Red White and Blue

The colors red, white, and blue did not have meanings for The Stars and Stripes when it was adopted in 1777.

 However, the colors in the Great Seal did have specific meanings.

Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal, stated:

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valour, and Blue, signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice."

"The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial;

the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun."

Photos by CollectInTexas Gal

All Rights Reserved

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4,

NOT with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle,

 but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.

You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."

~Erma Bombeck~

My Patriotism will be showing way past The Fourth.

 Try these UnBelieveable Sweet All-American Desserts.

Be sure to ShooTheFlies!

All American Spirted Sparrow Sunflower Seed Selebration

Betcha can't say that real fast without Spittin'!!!

This past Spring the Red White and Blue Birdhouse Feeder was full of Bird Seed and Birds.

The RedHead spent lots of time Pickin' N Grinnin' and Splatterin' Seeds all over the ground.

I think He had a Plan back then that would all come together for the

'July Fourth Freedom Seed Feed'

It started early....Yep, with the Hotter N Jalapeno Summer we have had,

the Sparrow Seeded Sunflower Seeds gave RedHead and a Friend  a head start.

Now I'm not a Sunflower Seed Spitter, but I am a BirdsEye View PhotoShooter!

Speaking of Views....here's a Few Views of my Red White and Blue's!!

 

Just a Few of the Red White and Blue Patriotc Fabrics NOW available in my ETSY Shop!

SignUp for the Quilt Address Book GiveAway!

1. Visit my ETSY SHOP and VIEW at least ONE Patriotic Fabric.

(View Counter will record your visit)

(Click HERE to go ... click Back Arrow ... to Return)

2. Leave YOUR Name and Bloggy URL in my COMMENTS!

(say...'I'm In'...)

Last Pink Saturday was the First Day of my ETSY Shop Re-Opening and if you SignedUp for the Quilt Address Book then,

you are Welcome to Double Your Chances to WIN and SIGNUP AGAIN!!!

Winner will be announced Next Pink Saturday, July 9th!

 As Always...Thanks Beverly at How Sweet The Sound

for

Making Saturday Pink!!!

July ShootOut in West Texas

Photos by CollectInTexas Gal

All Rights Reserved

Hello Bloggin' Friends

Here's wishin' Ya'll a Happy Fourth of July!

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4,

NOT with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle,

 but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.

You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."

~Erma Bombeck~

My Patriotism will be showing way past The Fourth.

 Try these UnBelieveable Sweet All-American Desserts.

Be sure to ShooTheFlies!

AMERICA...LET FREEDOM RING

GOD BLESS

THE

WHERE MEN AND WOMEN  SERVE THEIR

 COUNTRY WITH A SENSE OF

...PRIDE...

...PATRIOTISM...

AND

...HUMOR...

GOD BLESS AMERICA, TEXAS AND YA'LL!

HAPPY JULY 4th