Monday, March 27, 2017

A VW Moment

Some time ago I saw a pattern for a throw pillow called Coastal Cruiser.  It featured a VW "bus" and I knew that I would eventually have to make it.  If you have ever had a VW you will understand.  My first car was an aqua colored 1961 VW bug.  I named it Quaddle since the license was QDL400.  I loved that little thing and did all my own engine work on it.  Of course, that was when engines were simple and no computers were involved.  It didn't even have a gas gauge - only a lever that you kicked over to give you one extra gallon of gas when you ran out! 

We still had it when we were first married, but had to sell it when we moved overseas with the Navy.  It was a sad day.

Once we returned home - with several children in tow - a new bug was not an option.  We upgraded to the "bus".  Traveling up mountainous roads was slow going, but it loved going down.  ;-)  I made cute little floral curtains for it.  Every well loved bus had curtains!!!  Our very good Navy friends also had a bus.  Theirs was orange and for years the two buses would head up to the Sierras for our annual camping/fishing trips.  Such wonderful memories! 

This past week was my friends birthday and I decided it was time to make that bus for her.  Rather than doing a pillow, I resized the image to a postcard size.  These pieces were tiny!  I still think I may do a pillow sized one someday.  Maybe I will do one of a bug too.
 

A little spring sewing also went on around here this week.  Our son and DIL always host the family Easter party.  They have a large farmhouse table and it was calling for a table runner.  This one measures at 20x60".


The egg fabric that I used is a piece that is at least 15 years old, but it worked perfectly with the colored rabbits.  The pantograph, Morning Song, is a cute spring one with flowers, birds and butterflies.  The bunny pattern is from The Objects of Design.


Yesterday we took two of the grandchildren to Santa Barbara to see the stage show of Peppa Pig.  It was quite cute and we had a fun time with the girls.


Later this week I will share photos of some amazing Clivia flowers.  We stopped by my BIL's home yesterday on the way home from church to take some pictures of his flowers.  He breeds them as a hobby.  Last time we were there he had over 3500 plants, but it is now closer to 6000!!!!  You will be amazed at some of the colors he has created with his cross pollination.  Of course, he wouldn't let me leave without helping him reduce his collection somewhat!  My gain......

Linking up with Midweek Makers this week.

25 comments:

  1. Love the bunny table runner! And the bus. I always wished I could have had a VW bus. I've had to settle for a little VW station wagen. Not quite the same 'cool' factor! You did a great job on the postcard.

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  2. What fun. Love all your creativity.

    QuiltShopGal
    www.quiltshopgal.com

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  3. My Dad had two Combis sew I Love ❤️ the postcard Combi and I'm sure your friend will too!
    Oh yes you will have to make a Bug and Combi cushions.. will look great together...
    How cute is that Easter tablerunner and nice you had the perfect fabric stashed away for the border....
    What a nice outing with the little ones.

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  4. Such a fun bus! I had '67 bug. I bought it used but so happy because it had a radio :-) Mine was running funny one day...I don't remember how, but I pulled it up next to my friend's bug and we looked at the engines side by side and I saw something was different. I fixed mine just by making it look like hers. LOL Great mechanic!

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  5. The VW bus is so cute, Mary. I'm sure your friend will love it.

    The spring table runner is also very nice and quite long. It will be a nice addition to the farmhouse table, I'm sure.

    Sounds like a great afternoon with the grandchildren. Can't wait to see the flower pictures.

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  6. I have no connection to VWs but love yours postcard all the same! Such a gorgeous runner too, Objects of Design has some fun great patterns. Lovely post. I'm looking forward to seeing the Clivias, I've only seen orange or yellow ones!

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  7. We had both the bug and the bus - my Dad loved VW's. The bug was for his commute work and the bus was for 'adventuring'. And we all learned to drive and care for them. Love the cute bunnies!

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  8. Very cute granddaughters and very cute bunny runner. I loved your story about the VW--your friend will love your creation, for sure!

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  9. Don't laugh...I saw "VW" and for some reason (known only to my mind), I inserted an "F" in between the "V" and the "W" and so I couldn't for the life of my figure out why a post about VFW featured a pic of a Volkswagen!! LOL! It's a very cute postcard -- wow, those pieces have got to be tiny! Your bunny runner is quite darling, too, though it's got nothing on those two grandgirls! :)

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  10. Love your easter table runner, can't wait to see your flowers

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  11. Love the VW bus, and the table runner. Can't wait to see the flowers.

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  12. I just love your bus and bunny....love love love

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  13. I had a red "luv bug"! Loved that car! Your bunnies are just adorable........that's a pretty long table!

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  14. I am in love with your postcard. What a great story to read. Thank you for sharing it!!!! You have been so busy and that table runner is super cute but I'm afraid those sweet girls are stealing the show. I can't wait to see these plants.

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  15. Fantastic VW Bus on a very small postcard. You should create your little beloved bug also. I learned how to drive in a VW Bug. Love your Easter Bunny Table Runner for a really long family sized table. How fun to enjoy a play with your Grands. I haven't been to Santa Barbara in years. I used to work at Woolworths on State Street, corner of Anapamu...a very long time ago. Wonderful Week Dear...<3

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  16. Your VW bus is fabulous - will bring back a lot of fond memories for lots of us. Your bunny tablerunner is so cute but not as cute as those kiddies!!

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  17. What a great idea to my the bus a postcard. Your grands are just so adorable.

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  18. Totally understand the VW thing. My hubby had a bus when we were dating. We had a bug when we had our oldest son. Now there is a karmann ghia in my garage waiting for restoration. Someday I'll make a VW quilt.

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  19. Oh man, I can't believe how much you get done. And, all so lovely!

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  20. Oh my!! That bus is awesome!! Bunnies are too cute!!

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  21. I had a gas lever on my 1959 Karmann Ghia so I know what you're talking about. I love that old car! I never had a VW bus, though. Love that one you made and the bunnies...so cute!

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  22. Those bunnies are just too cute!

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  23. Love both the VW and the bunnies - both are so cute! Thanks for sharing on Midweek Makers!

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  24. Thanks for sharing the VW stories and the smile, Mary! The postcard is so cute, love the orange!! Yes, you should definitely make a bug too!! The bunnies in the table runner look like like they are dancing with each other. The girls look very happy! 6000 plants!! I am intrigued.

    -Soma

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  25. I love that bunny runner! I think there's some of that same egg fabric hanging around here. I really should put it to use.

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