I am challenging you all......

[Charae H.]

Brilliant picture of your granddaughter, Ritzy! And I looove that pillow. I bet the owner of the pillow is quite a little monkey at times.

Just two questions: What is '4H'? And what is a 'pillow sham'? I have heard of both before, but have no idea what they actually are. Please, educate me.

4 H is a youth organization. The "H"s stand for head, heart, hands, and health and they are part of the moto/pledge. Ritzy, I should have read the instructions! I made the skirt--which probably has changed little over the past (a-hem!) "few" years! Would have used the sham--wore the skirt once, if memory serves! Congrats to both you and DGD!

[Charae H.]

Yes, all the skirts are the same and I think the girls only wear them for the fashion show and that is it. Only the fabric is different. They could have made shorts or a pair of pants. For non-wearables, they could have made the sham or a tote. I was careful to make sure we could do more with the sham than just the basic before I mentioned it to her. Directions said "simple pillow sham". I wanted to make sure that if we followed the directions for the sham if we could decorate it and they said yes. The quilted block is appliqued on the simple pillow sham. Good thing because that is the first thing the judge said "I took a close look at your project to make sure you followed the rules".

[Charae H.]

Lorchan, I am thinking that a pillow sham could possibly translate as a cushion cover for us. Because I know as sure as eggs are eggs that I wouldn't use such a pretty 'pillow' as Ritzy's DG made on the bed.

In UK pillows are solely for use on the bed for resting weary heads on and are covered with pillowcases (which usually match the sheets) for ease of washing.

[Charae H.]

Rosemary is right. A Pillow Sham is a decorative removable cover for any size pillow. It is not like a pillowcase as you wouldn't want to sleep on it. We most often use them on beds in addition to the sleeping pillows, but they could be used on a couch too.

[Charae H.]

Ok, the other day I told you I was on my way to see 4H judging (yes, I know I am off topic). I don't think I told you that I help my youngest granddaughter do her first sewing project for 4H. They usually do skirts but while reading the rules I saw she could do a pillow sham. So, when I asked her what she wanted to do, her eyes lite up and she said she wanted to do a quilted pillow (she has no idea what a sham is). After many weeks, stressful for grandma, she got her project done. Here is the happy girl with her pillow that won a blue ribbon and I am happy to say I survived all the whining(apparently that works with her parents).

Ritzy, perhaps you need to post this up for your GD - I found it over on Bonnie Hunter's site and had to keep a copy!

[wendy w.]

I hope Marilyn's not going to throw those cutters :shock: :shock:

[wendy w.]

You're right Rosemary--that sign would be perfect. DGD's mom and my mom both told her that whining doesn't work with this grandma but she was persistent in trying to see if she could get it to work. She forgets, I work is a middle school--I show no fear and keep on going.

[Rita C.]

Ritzy congratulations to you for making it through the whine barrier and to your DGD for making a lovely pillow sham.

Michelle, I love your new profile photo.

[Lois B.]

Michele, You are looking good. Rosemary, great sign. Ritzy, you are an inspiration for handling whinning grandchildren.

[Lois B.]

Too much whining could lead us to too much wining, at which point I hope someone has plenty of sticking plasters handy with all these cutters about...

[Norma H.]

Michele, You are looking good. Rosemary, great sign. Ritzy, you are an inspiration for handling whinning grandchildren.

Ditto to all the above

[Norma H.]

Too much whining could lead us to too much wining, at which point I hope someone has plenty of sticking plasters handy with all these cutters about...

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Norma H.]

I guessing that "sticking plasters" would be Bandaids??

Just love all the local and international banter we have here!

[karen f.]

Great picture Michelle! When I saw your rotary cutter pic I thought I wouldn't have known it was the same person as in your old profile picture. lol Both nice but different look.

[E.M. T.]

Love ALL the new pictures !