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Wednesday, January 22, 2020

All the Way to Phoenix.


This quilt traveled with me to Phoenix yesterday.

Not as part of my Lecture/Trunk Show really – but because someone I love dearly is turning 80 in about 2 weeks.

I know I am so blessed beyond measure to have parents that are not only surviving, but truly THRIVING into their 80s.  And what else does a quilter daughter do when someone reaches such a huge milestone in their lives?  We give quilts to those we love most because there is love in every stitch!

During our Thanksgiving in Virginia, Dad commented on how he loves snuggling under my quilts, as it’s like being surrounded by hugs no matter how far away I am.

OF COURSE you can have another quilt for your birthday, dad! 


Yesterday morning’s sunrise through the airport windows in Greensboro.

I’m not only surprising Dad with a quilt – but also with this:


It seems I did something a little bit drastic on Monday!


Early morning airport waiting.

Birthday week -

First teaching gig of 2020.

Visiting dad.

Opening Quiltville Inn (FOR REAL!)

I needed something new, something lighter – it’s only hair. It can grow back.  But I kind of like it! 

I’m doing the gifting thing in stages.  Dad doesn’t know about his quilt yet.  Not until my teaching days here in Phoenix are over and I head down to Sun Lakes to spend a few extra days.

Dad met me at the airport, helped me with my luggage.  We went and picked up my rental car, then headed out for lunch and a visit before he headed back south, and I toodled over to 35th Ave Sew & Vac to check out our location for this week’s round of quilty fun. 

And I want to give a shout out to the two ladies (traveling separately - one with her hubby!) who recognized me and said hello while in line at the Budget car rental!  One I'll be seeing this week in class, while the hubby and wife team will be snow-birding from Washington (And evidently brought the rain with them!) 

It was so fun to meet you both, and dad got a huge kick out of random strangers recognizing his daughter. You made his day - and mine!

Not only is the store HUGE – but they have also acquired a vacant “Rent A Center” building in the same strip mall and it is ALSO huge – and has become the shop’s event center!  They were busy assembling fabulous heavy tables with classroom space for 50 when I arrived.  (No cheap bouncy hollow core plastic tables for this joint – first class all the way!) It’s going to be AWESOME.

There are a few last minute openings in some of the workshops (As tends to happen as people’s lives throw them whammies and they find they are unable to attend.) so if you are near by and interested, please contact the shop.

Today’s presentation is at 2pm, ticket required.  I’ll be presenting a Trunk Show – and we will continue the fun with audience Show & Share, so please bring your quilts!  

If you are in the area, please contact the shop for more details.


Criss-Cross Apple Sauce from Scraps & Shirttails II 

If I’m giving it to dad, I may as well get a few sleeps under it!


I loved making this one from recycled shirt scraps.

It would be great in ANY fabrics.

Scraps & Shirttails II is on sale in the Quiltville Store for the low low price of just $19.99.


This sale also continues ‘til January runs out!

I had a hard time deciding just which pattern to put at 50% off for the month of January.  Irish Courthouse won out for many reasons -

The biggest one of all being NO TRIANGLES!!  LOL!

Sew SO Scrappy, Sew Much Fun!

This Irish Chain variation starts with a simple 9 patch and grows from there! Easy strip piecing and full color photos. Fat Quarter Friendly as well! Quilt size: 93’’ X 93’’.

You’ll love making this quilt block-by-block easily from strips.  It’s fast, it’s satisfying, and destined to chase away those winter blahs that tend to follow when the holidays are behind us but spring is still far off into the future.

See my latest finish using this block in Monday’s post HERE.



This is it folks!  We are down to ONE available weekend retreat date in 2020.  And it’s a weekend not too far off - Mar 5-8, 2020 are the dates.  That’s only about 6 weeks away.

And the Random Number Generator says:


Anita Bowen & Gals Who Quilt!

Group Entry 81 of 185 groups!

Anita – I have sent an email to the address you provided with your group entry.  Talk it over with your group and see if they can make the March 5-8 dates.  I understand that this is short notice on these available dates, and if you need to decline them your group will still be in the running for the 2021 dates. 

I will continue to draw until we find a group that can make the March dates.

Any group that declines (because the dates are too soon) will also still be in the running for 2021 dates.

Oh, and did you see we have a Quilty Box Gift-Away happening on Yesterday’s Post?  It’s an awesome box, and you don’t want to miss it!  Drawing to happen on Monday, January 27th.


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

It's Wednesday! Do you know where your determination is? Have you confronted at lately?

You are in charge of what happens today!

Make it a great one -


46 comments:

HospiceNP said...

Love your new hairdo! Really makes you look good, brings out your eyes. Your Dad is going to love his new quilt. Have a great time in Phoenix!

KB Hansen said...

Love your new haircut! Your dad’s quilt looks so cozy, he’s going to love it!

maryofkern said...

Love the haircut, and yes it will grow back, maybe quicker than you think. I'm sure that you dad will be pleased with his quilt, as any father should be. Just love the Frolic Quilt, colors and all; saved all the instructions and hope to make it later this year.
Best wishes for the coming year.
MaryAnn

Amber said...

Great hair, it looks good

DebbieG said...

Haircut is great! Reminds me to do the same "update!"

Janet Scott said...

Good morning Bonnie! I'm the random stranger with my hubby in the Budget line. Yes, that was a fun moment. Thankfully, the other gal recognized you and that caught my attention. Hopefully we will get to enjoy the sun today.

Terry said...

I'm going to move Criss-Cross Applesauce to the top of my make-it list. Every time I see yours, I want one just like it. Your new haircut shows how much you look like your Mama. Very cute!

Cats said...

Love the hair. Love the quilt! Love the dad, tho we've never met! Love you and all you do for us (the big family us!) Cats in Carlsbad, a little rain here too, Californa

Bonnie K. Hunter said...

So happy to meet you Janet! Enjoy your time in Arizona!

Linda W said...

Love your dad's quilt. I bought 9 more shirts at a Good Will Distribution Center while visiting my sister in New Jersey the other day. I now have two drawers full of cut-up shirts. It's time for a quilt! I have way more grandsons than granddaughters, so the shirting fabric is great for gifting quilts to the guys.

Louise said...

I also love the new hairdo. Looks great. Enjoy your time with your dad. He is going to love that quilt. Thank you for all that you do for us.

Tammy said...

Bonnie, you look fantastic! Love the new hair style. It's a great one for you. You look 20 years younger! Way to go! And, love the quilt you made for your dad.

Odysset Girl said...

Love the new haircut. Very becoming. I heard that sleeping under a quilt before you gift it adds extra love to it.

Lisa T said...

Love the haircut!!! You look GREAT!!!!

Linda C said...

Great Hair! It highlights your youth! Quilt is great!

I've not started "Frolic" yet. As of 3 months ago I, unexpectedly, became a widow and it has been very difficult to get involved in any thing much less than the quilting that I love and your mystery quilt would have already been completed by now...and I have yet to cut one strip! I understand the gift of your mystery now more than ever. So, to those who have criticized "Frolic" for any reason ...Get over yourself, move on, it's not about you, it's your quilt, not theirs! My mother taught us (9) if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all. (I don't normally get on a soapbox, but I had to speak out!)
Enjoy your Dad, the girls and Phoenix! Thank you, Bonnie.

Kay said...

Great time for a hairstyle change - new year, new decade, new adventures. Looks fabulous! Your quilt gift for your dad's milestone birthday is gorgeous. Hw fun to be recognized by quilting fans. Bet your dad was beaming with pride. Enjoy your days in Phoenix (rain or shine).

Sue said...

I love, love, love your new hair do!!!! Looks great on you!

Dot M. said...

Luv your new hair cut.....Makes you look 10 years younger....I’m sure your dad is going to love his new quilt.....

Roberta said...

Love you haircut! Your dad is getting the best birthday present ever...spending time with his amazing daughter and the beautiful quilt that was made with love!

Joyce Frazier said...

I love the Criss Cross Applesauce quilt you are gifting to your Dad for his birthday! It is fantastic! Have a great time teaching and an even better time with your family, Happy Birthday Bonnie's Dad!!!!! And Happy Birthday to you too Bonnie!!!!

~~Tx~~ Wildflower said...

Love your do... Brings out the youthful you. And your dad is gonna love his new quilt. I admire it greatly... Thanks for sharing...

Sharon in Seattle said...

Love your haircut! You rock, girlfriend! The quilt for your Dad is wonderful! Have fun!!
Sharon in Seattle

Unknown said...

Bonnie I love your new hair style. It is very becoming! And I love the quilt you picked out to give to your dad. I can't wait every day to get to my computer and read your blog. Keep up the good work. You are such a blessing to me.

JoAnne said...

Love the new hairdo, Bonnie! Have fun with your dad! JoAnne/Keller TX

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

That quilt for your dad is gorgeous. It is on my list. But then again, I have all your books and all the quilts are on my list! I need to live and quilt for a long time. LOL Have fun with your classes!

Bettie Goolsby Doyle. said...

I love you new hair cut it. Thank you for everything you do for us. We love you.

Carol Muzio said...

Love your new do.....It makes you look younger and Happy Birthday to you and your Dad. 2020 should be a very happy year for you. Enjoy the sun in Arizona...Birthday Hugs to you.

Marcie Redeker said...

LOVE that hair style! Looks like an A-Line to me!? That was my favorite style of all times...but when I was much younger. Enjoy Phoenix and the time with your Dad. Thanks for all you do for us. I'm making my Frolic blocks now.

Linda W said...

Bonnie--Your new hairdo is gorgeous as is your Dad's quilt!

Debbie B said...

I love your "Applesauce" quilt. I need to make one for ME. Your Dad will love it as it's full of Love and Hugs!!! BTW I love your new haircut. So cute!!!

Lynn said...

Great hairdo, really suits you. Wonderful quilt, have a lovely time with your dad and all that the year holds.

Sherrill said...

Love the hair AND your dad's quilt!! So manly and perfect for your dear old dad. I know you guys'll enjoy your time together!!

Happy Camper Life said...

You look great! You look like you've lost weight and your hair style is awesome!

kupton52 said...

Great new haircut, Bonnie...you look younger, lighter, happier!

Texas_Sue said...

I love your hair and your quilt is to die for! You are the most talented quilter and I just love being inspired by all things quilty that you share with us! Thanks!

Karen said...

I love your new do!

Barbara Kelly said...

Love your hair....and the quilt that is a present to your Dad!

Natalie in Maine said...

Your dad will really love the quilt. A friend of mine made one out of shirts that looks just about like it and had me quilt it for her. It was really special, and I loved it instantly. Have a great time there.

Céline Donati said...

I love your hair! And I love the quilt you made for your dad. I have only one question... you do so much in a day... Do you sleep or take the time to eat??? What you do is great! Keep going! We love to read what you accomplish in each day!

Céline Donati said...

And I love your hair!

Lisa T said...

Oh, Linda. I'm so sorry about you husband! Bonnie's Mystery saved me last year. Was my first mystery, had all the fabrics pulled waiting on Black Friday for the first clue to drop and my husband had a heart attack the Tuesday before. He's fine now but docs said he would not make it. As I sat by his bed - waiting - I thought about those fabrics and had somewhere else for my brain to go periodically. As he healed and I worked on the clues, the mystery gave me a place of peace and calm in an otherwise un certain place. That quilt it now my favorite because it saved me. I have no idea how Bonnie does what she does but I thank God for her every morning as I read her blog post. Take it one day at a time and I pray that you find peace. Lisa T

Lisa T said...

Yeah, I wasn't going to say you looked younger but now that kupton52 brought it up. . . . Cut and color is awesome and you do look great!!!!

Unknown said...

Love your new haircut !! Looking like a teenager again !!

Sherry said...

i love your shirt quilt. and i love your new haircut even better. it hangs so nice and makes you look younger. i bet it will be easy to fix everyday too. Your parents will love it!

Anne Hayward said...

Your hair cut is gorgeous and really suits you, I wish I was brave enough!
Love the quilt you are gifting your dad I’m sure he will love it, it looks amazing on your hotel bed.
Hope you have a wonderful time in Phoenix
Love and quilty hugs
Anne xxx

Shirley said...

love The quilt AND the new hair do.

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