Out of this World BOM #1 :: The Space Shuttle

If you follow my blog regularly, you may remember that last year I participated in Pat Sloan's mystery quilt, "Grandma's Kitchen." It inspired me to make memory quilts to honor my Gramma Ann. I ended up making six quilts: one each for me, my mom, and my four aunts. 

I wasn't planning to do any social quilting this year because I had so many to finish from last year. 

But then...

Pat's Block of the Month theme for 2019 is Out of this World. My aspiring rocket scientist insisted that I participate. How can I say no to this face?

So, we will be doing this project together. I will sew the blocks, and then D will help me write the post. Hi~ My name is D and my mom asked me to help her with the posts she write for this quilt she is making for my friend J. It's all about space, and I am the space expert at our house! I first became interested in space when I went down to Florida and my parents asked me, "Would you like to go to Disneyland or the space center?" and I said; "I DO NOT LIKE MICKEY THE MOUSE!" So my parents said, "Ok then, space center it is!" and since then when I was 3, I have been into space. but, even before I was into space, I watched the last shuttle launch and land. I have seen a bunch of the space shuttles in museums, and I have quite a few space shuttle toys. I like using my little space shuttle lego set to re-enact a space shuttle launch! This is D, signing off. 

At first I asked why he needed a third space quilt, especially after I just finished making him One Giant Stitch for D a few months ago.

He thought about it for a bit and then asked if I would make it for one of his best friends instead. That was all the reason I needed. J shares D'slove of space, though not his obsession. As I share my block for this project, I will share D's lifelong love of NASA and the wonder of the universe.

The first block is based on the space shuttle. 

D's first introduction to the world of NASA was in July of 2011, when the last space shuttle launched. On a whim, we decided to watch it. 

D was only 19 months old, but apparently it stuck with him!

I don't remember the first time we went to a science museum, but I'm pretty sure that is when he got his first space shuttle toy.

This is the day that D's train obsession left the station and the space age began.  

Our first trip to a NASA facility. D is wearing a shirt I made him with my new Silhouette Cameo under the guidance of my friend Lauren from The Thinking Closet.

Since then, we have been to many other NASA facilities, including one vacation that included 3 NASA stops (Marshall, Stennis, and Johnson), as well as one drive by (Michoud). 

Of course, with every trip, we also have to stop at a quilt shop, where I often end up buying space-themed fabric. As a result, I have a pretty good stash of space fabric, including this print that I am using for my center sections.

When D had his first school picture as a preschooler, the photographer asked parents to send in a comfort item with each child to help with nerves. Most kids brought a stuffed animal. D, on the other hand, brought his space shuttle.

When D learned to draw, the space shuttle was his favorite object to create.

Early Shuttle

Later Shuttle

Shuttles have played a part in more than one birthday party.

Another one of his favorite toys was a big cardboard space shuttle. He even drew a cockpit on the inside.

When he learned to make pizza, his dough was shuttle-shaped.

The shuttle has even become part of our Christmas tradition--21st century baby Jesus hangs out in a shuttle, not a manger.

When D was 7, he was finally old enough to go to space camp with Niels. 

Last summer, they went back again.

With his love of space spanning from age 3 to 10--so far--I anticipate many more NASA adventures ahead. 

Linked to:

Pat Sloan's Link Up

Tuesday:
To Do Tuesday @ Stitch All the Things

Colour Inspiration & Linky Party @ The Clever Chameleon

Wednesday:
Let's Bee Social @ Sew Fresh Quilts
Midweek Makers @ Quilt Fabrication
Wednesday Wait Loss @ The Inquiring Quilter
WIPs on Wednesday @ Esther's Blog

Thursday:
Needle & Thread Thursday @ My Quilt Infatuation

Friday:
Beauties Pageant @ From Bolt to Beauty
Finished or Not Friday @ Busy Hands Quilts
Off the Wall Friday @ Nina Marie
Whoop Whoop Friday @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Saturday:
UFO Busting @ The Madd Hatter

Sunday:
Oh Scrap! @ Quilting is More Fun than Housework

Monday:
Design Wall Monday @ Small Quilts & Doll Quilts
Monday Making @ Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward @ Em's Scrap Bag
What I Made Monday @ Pretty Piney