Infectious Idealism

As the Olympics kick off in London, we dream of peace and brotherhood, and the prosperity of spirit that arrives with the games.

Last night, after the kids and I attended the Long Beach Quilt Festival, we snuggled into our hotel room to watch the Parade of Nations, the athletes and their flags, as they came smiling and waving into the Olympic Stadium. The lighting of the torch still brings a bittersweet tear, as we dare to hope, dare to wish that this peaceful spirit might infect the population of the world.

Sophie was excited to see all the athletes from China, and I just had a great time seeing all the smiling faces of the flagbearers and athletes from 205 countries.

If these are games you wish to commemorate with a quilt, you may already know that the Olympic logo of the 5 colored rings, are a closely-guarded copyright. However we have many sport-themed prints, and you can always re-create that image yourself with 5 circles. Whether you follow the swimmers, gymnasts, equestrians, track athletes, baseball, soccer or basketball…we have fabrics for almost every sport.

We've been stockpiling British and London-themed prints for months now, so you can mix together English, international and sport designs for your own commemorative Olympic quilt project!

During the Long Beach Quilt Festival, we worked with Pam Holland to film a "Kids Eye Review" of the quilt show with Sophie, so you can look forward to that video in the near future.

I wish you the infectious idealism and many smiles from the Summer Olympic Games. As the athletes give their personal best, we can all ponder how to apply that attitude and enthusiasm to our own creative work. I know I will!