You may not see too many quilters in the real olympics.... Michael Phelps won’t be seen in a long arm quilting add in the magazines, and major cities won’t have to be converted into quilting stadiums, but since it’s too exciting to quilt and watch the olympics at the same time, I’ve put together a list of alternative “sporting” related events for a very niche market athlete: The Sew-Lympics!

Opening Ceremonies - This event occurs when a person realizes they are a quilter and admits they “have a stash.” Remember how many relatives came out of woodwork when you say you wanted to quilt for family and friends. (No wonder it takes 4 years. I can’t imagine how many other projects I will start by then.)

400 Yard Dash - Everyone in San Francisco experienced that when we heard the Black Cat Quilting Store had a 75% off fabric sale. I live close enough to the store, it was literally, about a 400 yard dash. (Those “professional sprinters,” have nothing on us when it comes to standing between a quilter and their sale.)

Sewing Speedo - A functional outfit that allows you to quickly move from the sewing table, to the ironing table, to the cutting table and back. This is equipped with an automatic pin dispenser and magnet for easy pick up, as well as a “loose thread” sticky pick up.

Balance Beam - It might be as stretch, but when you see a sale on fabric, you can always find a way to balance your checkbook and stick the landing.

Gymnastics - Have you ever tired to paper piece? It involves a lot of “bending,” flexibility, and imagination. Sometimes, it’s even set to music.

All kidding aside; every quilter knows the pride they have in their country and what a great country we have, whether we’re  making July 4 quilts, quilts for veterans, or historical quilts. Quilting is part of America and has been for a long time American pastime, hobby and craft but to me it is also a beloved sport!