Grandma's Kitchen, block #14: Salt & Pepper Shakers

It's time for a new block for Pat Sloan's Grandma's Kitchen quilt along. Here's my block #14, Salt & Pepper Shakers.

Nope, those are not salt and pepper shakers, but you know, salt and pepper spice things up. SO...the theme of my block is Avon!

Gramma Ann was an Avon lady for decades! I remember that the closet by her and Grampa's bedroom was always stocked with the latest in make up, perfume, Skin So Soft (aka Minnesota mosquito repellent), and knick knacks. My favorite was the little green boxes of lipstick samples.

When we left for Europe this summer, we were three weeks in this quilt along. I knew I would make an Avon block. When I found this makeup print at the Utrecht fabric market, I was so excited. Even the background was a perfect Avon green.

Here at home, I bought this awesome metallic lipstick fabric from Fabricsmart on Etsy. The print is Kaufman Bouffant and Broken Hearts Pink Lipsticks metallic gold on navy blue. I love it because it reminds me of those little lipstick samples.

I don't remember when Gramma stopped selling Avon, but she never stopped being glamorous. To me, anyway. Other than high school in the 80s, I've rarely worn make up. One time, in the early 90s, I was with my mom and Gramma and they decided I needed a little makeover. Gramma gave me one of her tracksuits and glammed me up. 

Of course, she was already gorgeous in her own track suit and full make up. 

On her wedding day.

This is the picture my Grampa kept with him during the War. 

As a young mom.

In her 30s.

At my parents' wedding.

On their anniversary. 

Keep up with the latest at Avon. 

The last time I saw her. 

While she sold Avon to help women feel beautiful, she was about so much more than appearance. She raised five independent women who weren't limited by the social norms of the day. And they learned for her. In addition to selling Avon, Gramma also worked at the local newspaper. She was intelligent, poised, and beautiful.

At her memorial service, someone brought one last Avon catalog for her.

Here are my blocks so far, minus the Half a Modern and Kitchen Window blocks because I am redoing them.

Previous blocks:

#1: The Kitchen Table

#2: Sticky Buns

#3: Key Holder
#4: Half A Modern
#5: Glasses & Cups
#6: Wash Day
#7: Oh My Stars
#8: Grandma's Apron
#9: Kitchen Window
#10: Recipe Box
#11: Peppermint Swirls
#12: Kitchen Door
#13: Sunday Dinner
#15: Games Shows & Soaps
#16: Small Change
#17: Pantry Goods
#18: The Fridge
#19: Mending Basket
#20: Lovely Dishes
#21: Telephone Time
#22: Pick a Posey
#23: That One Thing
#24: Grandma's Purse
#25: Famous Cookies

If you'd like to see what I'm currently working on, follow me on Instagram at de Jong Dream House.

Linked to:
Pat Sloan (Click here to see more Salt &Pepper blocks)
BOMS Away @ What a Hoot Quilts
Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts & Doll Quilts
Finished or Not Friday @ Busy Hands Quilts
Let's Bee Social #197 @ Sew Fresh Quilts

Linky Party @ Tweety Loves Quilting

Linky Tuesday @ Freemotion by the River

Main Crush Monday #90 @ Cooking up Quilts
Midweek Makers #93 @ Quilt Fabrication

Monday Making @ Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward @ Em's Scrapbag
Needle & Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation
Off the Wall Friday @ Nina Marie
Oh Scrap! @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework
Show Off Saturday @ Sew Can She
Wait Loss Wednesday @ The Inquiring Quilter
WIPS on Wednesday @ Esther's Blog
Whoop Whoop Friday @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict