That will put starch in your shorts...

I have learned WAY more about the anatomy of a pair of boxer shorts than I initially thought necessary while working on this little project called "Boxer Rebellion."  (If you are just joining me here, click back 2-3 posts to get the skinny on this one.)  When you cut away the elastic waistband and the ridiculous little trap door in the front, you get three main pieces of fabric.  The piece pictured above is the rear panel (literally), then there are two larger pieces that make up the sides and fronts.  I had no idea they were so complicated, even though I have folded them hundreds of times after doing the laundry! 

Due to age, and a little blended polyester, the fabric is really thin.  Frankly, I don't know what was holding some of these together!  Next time I plan a sassy little project, I should check out the quality of the ingredients first!  I am having to use spray starch to stiffen these up a little in order to piece the blocks that will accompany the three applique squares.

Then I needed to audition some "neutral" pieces of light blue from my stash...most of the boxers are really dark.  I am also going to throw in some bright orange just to shake things up a bit.

Here are the first two pieced blocks for the project, "Contrary Wife" and "The Dandy."

After the starching, the plaids are even wonkier than they were before...I guess that will just add to the charm.

The quilt will consist of 3 applique blocks and 9 pieced blocks, all finishing to 7.5 inches square.  I'm thinking the pieced blocks will be sampler style, with no two block patterns being the same.

I popped in at the Saline Community Fair this week at the Washtenaw County Fairgrounds.  I entered a couple of quilts for exhibition.  Michigan no longer has a state fair, due to budget concerns, but this community fair continues.  I love walking around the exhibition building and seeing all the lovely things that people have entered...quilts, sewing, knitting/crocheting, flowers, food, photographs, antiques, collections, animals.  It's a great slice of America that is slowly dying, I'm afraid.   

"All Around the Town" continues its winning streak taking Best of Show.

"Wickedly Liberated" earned a second place ribbon...with the limited hanging space, it wasn't the best quilt to enter.  It was probably hard for spectators to get my full meaning with half of the words folded away, out of sight.  It is a big quilt!

I had to visit the baby animal barn.  Just look at this sweet little baby horsie.

And this handsome character is either Chip...or Dale.  They weren't talking...

These two porkers were awaiting the judging.  They prove that there is someone for everyone.

T

hey were all scrubbed and looked ready for Sunday School.

The judging for the flowers took place a day or two ago, but many blooms were still beautiful.

I'm sure this sunflower looked better for the judges...I took a picture of it because that's how I feel sometimes, LOL.

I picked a good time to go...the booths making deep fried butter-on-a-stick and funnel cakes were not cooking yet.

In stitches,
Teresa  :o)