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Sunday, September 13, 2020

The Home Stretch -


This is where things stand right now.

The Traveling Star quilt is nearly to the point of having the last 3 added in blocks done with the applique.  And that means that SOON I’ll be doing some unstitching of the quilt top to reconfigure how these will fit in the bottom row.

once that is done, string half-blocks also added in to place and the seams re-stitched to make room for these blocks – I’ll finally be ready for borders!

It’s been a process frought with delays – delays of my own making as I threw the “other” Appalachian Autumn quilt into play because let’s face it – it needs to be done NOW, Not in December.

So yes, I’ve been quilt juggling, so much of it behind the scenes.

In the above photo one block has been appliqued, and the center of the background block trimmed out.  I’ll square it later and use it in another project.  The next block has the applique about 3/4 finished, and the 3rd one is waiting in line.

There is another project that has been worked into the time slot of “just one hour a day!”



Remember this?

All 20+ years of this?

The center four blocks need the fan quilting completed.  I have decided that this will be my “lunch break” project.  A bit of sitting and stitching and feet up resting.

No need to be pedal to the metal ALL the time, right?


Podcast addiction!

While Jason was here he turned me on to a couple of true crime type podcasts – I cam currently starting season 2 of Counter Clock.  I am listening on Google Podcasts, but you can find them on Apple, Stitcher, Spotify – wherever you choose to listen.


It’s been 3 days of this -

And I see progress!

Where is this stitching happening?


In the Hen Den at Quiltville Inn!

I don’t currently have a retreat running – so why let the house sit empty and un-enjoyed?

I’ve been fixing my lunch in the kitchen, and then sitting in here for a round of stitching before heading next door to the QPO and back to the machine quilting work at hand.

Some of you have asked if I had stopped retreats because you haven’t heard or seen me post about them.

The answer is – Many of my groups have rescheduled for next year due to Covid 19.  Understandable, and I am happy to just move their reservation over.

That said – there HAVE been retreats happening this summer, but I have chosen to not blog about them because my guests (Who have jumped through so many hoops to safely gather here including self quarantining for 2 weeks before coming.) don’t deserve the backlash from nasty judgmental comments.

I have chosen to keep retreats in 2020 off of social media so that my groups may enjoy their retreats. 

Thank you for understanding why I am keeping mum.

When the calendar turns to 2021 and we open the next year of retreats, I may go back to posting about them, but the jury is still out on that.


Drone photo of the Quiltville Inn roof!

The round part of the roof is original to the porch, and the part that Jason painted for us while he was here.  He did a great job and it looks super from above, doesn’t it?

Up on deck today – TAKING IT SSSSLLLLLOOOOWWWW.

We were up late last night, deeply into “just one more episode” of Yellowstone.

That meant this morning didn’t begin until 7:45am!  I never sleep that late!

We will be back to the inn – the baker’s rack turned coffee station is IN the house, but I think we need to remove the second shelf to give a bit more space for the coffee makers.

And if that happens, there should be room for my ceramic electric tea kettle as well.

Things don’t always go smoothly – but I’ve found there is generally a work-around!

Anything happening for your day ahead?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Vintage nine patch and snowball quilt found in West Virginia.

We've all got something that pushes our buttons. We struggle for various reasons.

Fire, hurricane, pandemic, politics – It’s all so triggering.

Maybe it's health issues, financial issues, along with the after-effects of nature's wrath.

Anger may yank your chain, but don't let it hang on.

Have a peaceful Sunday, everyone!


46 comments:

  1. Bonnie, thanks for being a bright spot in our days. You are smart to keep mum about the retreaters and just enjoy their time there. I can't wait until the day I get to enjoy a retreat there. You have taken such effort to think of every little thing that could make your guests comfortable. I wish you continued success with the Inn. {{{HUGS}}}

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  2. Dang Bonnie, I have always enjoyed seeing what others are stitching at retreat. I was wondering what was happening on that front. In a time of turmoil, cannot we not judge our sisters-in-quilting as they enjoy each other and their craft. So sad.

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    1. I was wondering too - so sad, love watching fellow quilters have a grand time.

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  3. Have a slow peaceful Sunday Bonnie! I miss seeing your posts about retreat era and was wondering if they were still happening too. But thank you for your kindness and consideration for those folks!!

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  4. The drone shot is so interesting. For such a big building with added-on twists and turns that have grown over time, it has remarkably simple roof shapes. Cool perspective!

    It's been really fun watching Traveling Star grow. I look forward to seeing how you wrap it up.

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  5. The Inn roof is so pretty! I had wondered too about no retreat news but am glad to hear they are still happening. Sad that there are judgemental comments. Get a life people. I am enjoying all the pics of Zoey and Miss Ivy, they tug at my heart, love them! Anxiously awaiting the Autumn pattern :)

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  6. Don't post about the retreats but encourage people to attend to tag you if they post and make them aware there are people who know everything that will tell them all about it if they do post! That way people share a wonderful experience on their terms.

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  7. I was wondering about your retreats. I’m glad you are not posting pictures. Seems like people are just looking for something to be angry about these days. Looking forward to the mystery quilt!

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  8. Great thoughts in our world today! Amen, just let the bad thoughts and anger go. Life is too short to not be happy. The drone view is cool. Making time to cook family favorites even though the family is far away. Congrats, that long term UFO is getting some hen den time. Have a peaceful Sunday.

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  9. What about not showing the people at the retreats, but maybe just the quilting going on? I do enjoy seeing your Inn in use, but you are right to protect your retreaters. Unfortunately, another "button" being pushed by some.

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  10. I hope Jason is taking the slow route back to Portland and that he has at least one N95 mask. The air quality here is the pits from all the smoke and fires. What a delight to have him home - he looks good. Keep being you and stay well.

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  11. I love watching the progress of your traveling Star quilt unfold. Your hand quilting will be complete in time for it to be a great Christmas quilt (is Oak Reel the name of the quilt?). I love the pattern! You have the perfect place in the hen den to enjoy your hour a day stitching. Great call on letting your retreaters have peace while they are enjoying Quiltville Inn. It's going to be a slow an steady day for me today too, nothing wrong with taking it easy!!

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  12. I'm glad to hear that some of the retreat groups are willing to do what is needed in order to have that wonderful experience of gathering and sewing. And sad that others are judgmental. The drone shot of the house is so interesting!

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  13. Glad people get to come and enjoy. Smart girl! You enjoy your space and day! Marilyn Marks

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  14. Forgot to mention how much I love love love the pumpkin trucks!!! OMG It's silly but I get so excited, thank you, Bonnie! All this time I have thought there were no retreats going on, so I am delighted they're continuing. You've created such a lovely place, Bonnie, I love hearing about it, but I understand not publicizing people's events. Just glad to hear they are still going on. Quiet day here, still smokey.

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  15. I appreciate that you are protecting your guests in so many ways. We all need to do what we need to do for our own peace of mind, and nasty judgmental comments have no place in our already stressful world. Time spent at your inn is an quilter's dream experience, so I'm glad that you are enjoying it when you don't have guests. Sitting in "your dream come true", relaxing, and enjoying a bit of respite - life is good.

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  16. I love the drone photo! The shapes on the roof are quite amazing! It looks like a quilt design to me! Have a relaxing Sunday!

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  17. Well done, Bonnie, on all fronts!

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  18. We have been watching Away on Netflix. It is in its first season. It features Hillary Swank as the commander on a mission to Mars. A definite watch.

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  19. I'm so glad there are retreats still happening and thoroughly respect your decision to give them privacy to enjoy themselves. More people need to MYOB and pay attention to their own behavior. Keep chugging along on all the those projects.

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  20. We have been watching Away om Netflix. It is in its first season and sure hope it continues. Hillary Swank is the commander of a ship heading to Mars. A definite watch

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  21. Love the overhead shot of the roof!

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  22. I'm so glad to hear retreats are still happening at the Inn because it means an income for you. I really want you to succeed and be able to do all that you've dreamed.

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  23. To us the retreaters are strangers. Would we just join anyone for a 5 day retreat? I don't think so.
    BUT, I think a different way of thinking is in order. Bonnie, you have set up a retreat center that I would feel safe going to and I do think there are 12 quilters I know that I would trust enough to be sure they follow the rules. And then I would feel safe.
    Just from reading you don't get the whole picture. I would still love to know when you have retreaters. Not who or how many and no pictures. But know that all your work that you put into such a center pays off for you.

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  24. Jason did great on the roof; sons are truly a blessing. My son and daughter (both in mid-50's) and I are totally taken with Yellowstone and one evening a week we got together for a meal and to watch the latest episode. Now we have to wait for a new season; though we have re-watched several of the episodes. A blessed Sunday to you. Raining here and it makes me think it is nap time.

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  25. I so enjoy hearing about the retreats at Quiltville Inn! I don't understand why people need to force their opinions on others just for choosing to do what they can't do or are afraid to do. This virus has definitely taken the veneer of civilization from so many and what is left isn't pretty. Personally, I wish I could drive across the country and spend some quality time with other quilters in Quiltville Inn!! Love the drone shot of the Inn - the roof is fabulous and sleeping right under it at the top of the house during a rainstorm would be amazing!! I can't wait to see how you arrange the new coffee station!

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    1. I agree with you. It seems everyone has lost their "niceness". So much anger right now.

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  26. Have many projects in the works. Right now with so much of Oregon being on fire and the hazardous smoke levels in central Oregon I'm having a tough time feeling motivated.

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  27. Glad to hear retreats are happening! I hated to think of your lovely retreat center just sitting empty. I do miss seeing the porch railing pictures but I understand why not. Just sad some feel the need to judge others! Could you perhaps post the porch photos without the people?

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  28. Thanks for the retreat info. I'm glad some of them were able to meet!Totally understand why you aren't posting about them. Love the drone view of the Inn! I'm glad you are taking an after lunch break to hand quilt. You deserve the time to relax.

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  29. Today, I spent time stitching binding on a king-size quilt for my 6ft 7" nephew. I then quilted a few rounds (on the machine) on the last border. It needs at least two more rounds and all that binding stitched down. Then I decided to exercise a different group of muscles. I am planning to move near Del Rio, TN next Spring. And I want to take my mature perennials with me. Whatever money I get for this house will not cover the outpouring of love for them. Cocke County is in your general area. Can't wait to get back to the mountains.

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  30. I was enjoying your posts about the retreaters. dang! There's always going to be gloomy guses in our lives. I personally don't see an issue with the your retreaters. They're all doing what needs done and should be able to enjoy their time with each other and you. Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  31. Mums the word! Smart decision. I’m shocked at some of the comments I’ve gotten from people that call me friend! Love the aerial photo! Hope there are more. ❤️

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  32. It is wonderful that there are still quilters retreating at the Inn and given their privacy as well. I would imagine it gives their time together a true retreat from everyone's opinion. You are so thoughtful, Bonnie. Can't wait to see what you have been working on behind the scenes. I'm sure it will be fun.

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  33. Jason you did a beautiful painting the ROOF!

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  34. Do you ever slow down. You mentioned not sleeping past a certain time, this is when I am getting my best sleep as my sleep pattern is weird. I wish i had your stamina to keep going like you do. I love reading ever single day what is going on at Quiltville Inn and your little part of the world. Thank you so much your posts make my day.

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  35. Bonnie, your sensitivity to your guests is totally heartwarming. sometimes the things we "don't" say, say more about us then those we do!!!thank you for being so caring.
    a long time daily reader of you blog.

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  36. Love your drone shot if the roof , very interesting and the part Jason painted looks great.
    I love to see your retreaters but fully understand your wanting to protect them from negativity.
    Was also wondering about your hand quilting project and think your lunch break hour a day is a great idea, and you have that lovely space to use why not enjoy it after all the hard work getting it so comfortable.
    Stay safe
    Love and quilty hugs
    Anne xxx

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  37. I Think it is wonderful you keep mum about the retreats, even though I really enjoy seeing them. It is an excellent idea. So many are jealous the cannot be there so they turn very negative about everything. Thank you Bonnie for being so kind, generous and thoughtful. At 86 I am making a lot of Garlic Knots, Love the them. Thank you.

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  38. What a shame the quilting retreaters are on covert operations because people make judgmental and snarky comments to you all. My quilt retreat was deferred to next year. I can't see the problem with the ladies (or gents) who have quarantined and taken precautions to have fun, albeit social distance fun. I like seeing people enjoying themselves - especially when respect for personal space is a big issue this year. Boo to the meannies!
    The quote of the day is brilliant! The roof in all it's metallic glory is a job very well done. Cheers and have a good, whinger-free day! :D

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  39. WOW! The roof looks awesome! And I'm so glad you have still been having retreats. I was concerned about that part of your income and having that wonderful vintage house sitting empty. Good for you on your decision, although I can't imagine anyone jumping on the wagon of nasty comments and judgementalness. Surely we quilters have more to do than that!

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  40. That roof picture is awesome...... wonder what a puzzle would be like???

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    1. Speaking of puzzles, in the evening I do my handwork and then spend some time at my jigsaw puzzle table.

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  41. I think that’s great that you’re keeping the quilting retreat off the blogs add a respect to the retreat is from getting slammed with negative comments unfortunately that’s exactly what would happen so yay good for you BONNIE and I love love love the drone photo of the metal freshly painted great job Jason roof.

    Have a fantastic day Bonnie.

    Sincerely Patty

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  42. Bonnie, I rarely make comments, but today I feel like I should! Bless you for not sharing details about your retreats! You and your quilty guests deserve quiet and privacy. Who knows! Maybe someday I can visit. I so enjoy your blog and follow your mystery quilts. I haven’t been brave enough to join in yet. Again, someday! Thanks for being a bright spot in my day.

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  43. I didn't realize that metal roofs had to be painted! Wow, Jason did a great job. And I so wish I could be sitting there with you in the Hen Den working on some hand stitching. I cannot believe that people would post negative comments about people at a retreat! People need to mind their own business. Just my humble opinion!

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