Summer Quilting

Summer-themed quilts are one of my four favorite seasons to quilt!

I really don’t have anything against the other seasons…but summer is my absolute fave! Maybe it’s because I grew up camping and water-skiing all summer long, every weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day then for two weeks at Table Rock Lake. My friend, Annette, and I would go from one dad to another to beg him to ski us until we wore one of them down. The memories I have of sliding across the lake water, singing “Summer Breeze” at the top of our lungs while we’d double-skied are unforgettable. We’d love to go first thing in the morning before any ski boats were out but the fishermen were well in their coves, when the water was as smooth as glass.  It was only this year, when I was reminiscing with my 90 year-old  dad, that I realized that all those times they said their boats weren’t working they were just trying to move us along!

Image of Quilt Near Pool

Water Colours

When I got a summer job, it was at a city pool — for eleven summers. I’d ride my bike across town to work, starting as a “bag girl”, teaching swimming lessons, becoming a life guard and eventually the manager.  I had a pretty darn good whistle twirl, I’m telling ya! My friend, Patti, and I had the magical “Summer of Grease” and went through countless coins at the concession stand and at least three swim suits a summer from the hours we spent there almost everyday. The quilt above uses a background fabric which looks like the bottom of the pool when you’re swimming laps and the sun is shining. I just love it!

Image of Quick Trip Quilt

Tropical Trip/Quick Trip by Eleanor Burns

As a mom, I always loved when the kids got out of school for summer and never understood why people wanted summer to end and school to begin. I just have a thing for summer, sunshine, warmth, and water, I guess.

So I guess it’s not too surprising that summer shows up often in my quilts. When we get to vacation at the beach, I take my quilts for photographing and my Featherweight for sewing. See Pensacola Dreamin’  for more quilting at the beach!

Image of Featherweight Machine with Beach Background

Vintage at the Beach

Image of Bright Potato Chip Quilt

Jacq’s Potato Chip Quilt

I believe there is nothing like water in the background to make a quilt sparkle.

Image of Instant Bargello Quilt

Seaside Dreamin’/Instant Bargello Quilts by Susan Kisro

Do you like to certain projects in the hot summertime? Tell me how you spend your summer stitching time. Comment below.

Some exciting things are happening with Phoebee (click here) and Belle (partially shown here)  — stayed tuned!

Don’t miss a post! Sign up for  email notification and you’ll know when a post goes live (about once a week). Thanks for following!

10 Comments

  1. Pat Smith.

    I love all of your quilts. Your tropical quick trip really does remind one of the water and reflections in the pool.

  2. Donna Irwin

    I loved reading about your summer days, made me smile! They also made me think of my camping and skiing summers……so relaxing and carefree!
    Your collection of summer quilts are a fun and beautiful reminder of happy times!! 😉
    DI

  3. Annette

    Such great memories st Tsble Rock Lake! Love you! ❤️

  4. Barb Egbert

    I liked your summer theme and enjoyed seeing your pieces. Love your work!!!

  5. The Bee

    Thanks, Barb!

  6. The Bee

    You, too, Netsy! Thanks for reading!

  7. The Bee

    I didn’t realize you spent your summers that way, too! We’ll have to chat about it! Thanks, Donna.

  8. The Bee

    Thanks, Pat. The interesting thing about Tropical Quick Trip is that it’s all Kaffe fabrics. I don’t usually consider that to be a beachy line, but it worked!

  9. Cookie Little

    I love your summer quilt collection. The colors are bright and beautiful!!!🏝🏖⛵️🚤

  10. The Bee

    Thanks, Cookie. I really miss not going to a beach this year, so I’m revisiting my pics of quilts at the beach from other years. Looks like you’ve had some nice travels this year! Do you have a favorite you go back to?