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Friday, October 16, 2020

Friendly Friday Ahead!


Weekend Project! Full Steam Ahead!

And yes, this is my set up at Quiltville Inn this weekend.  

I have a group visiting, and I am jumping right in and retreating with them as heaven knows I've been working my butt off behind the scenes with mystery preparations - This girl needs some FUN!

I posted a tiny sneak preview of what I am working on in Monday's Post.  Did you catch it?

The funky backing for Nearly Lemoyne will have to wait until after the weekend.  And that is okay with me - it's always good to wait when faced with the job of chopping heads/arms/legs off winged baby cherubs aka toile.  LOL!


Can I just state how good it felt to be string piecing away while listening to the chatter and laughter of other like-minded women?

And I know there are those out there tisk-tisking me for hosting retreats, but let me say with the protocols we have in place, we are safer than ANY restaurant or other public business out there (And may I even say schools or churches) full of people who you don't know where they have been, what they have been in contact with, what they have been doing.

All who retreat at Quiltville Inn must quarantine and shelter at home for 2 weeks before coming to keep each other safe.

They must also keep any "away from home" trips to the store to a minimum.  No eating inside restaurants which have proven to be super spreaders. Take out only. No church - go virtual for the two weeks before coming. Stay away from any kind of gathering or crowd.

If they need to shop - wear a mask. This is VERY IMPORTANT.

Every member of the retreat group is responsible for keeping the other group members safe, and Quiltville Inn free from Covid.

We ask for no shop-hopping as the groups travel to the inn, suggesting that they save that for their return trip home. 

Gas stop, restroom break, drive-through lunch break should be the only things happening on their way here.

The retreaters need to do all they can to not bring Covid to my area, and while here - they will stay at the house - no trips to "town" for shop-hopping so that they also don't bring Covid back to the retreat, nor take anything that they caught in town here back to their own homes.

It's Quilters Lock Down on retreat, but we have a great time while you are here - and if everyone abides by this folks should be safe in the house and grounds while they are here.

We are well within the county/state guidelines and likely much safer than any public space elsewhere.

My housekeeping team spends TWO DAYS sanitizing everything before any group arrives.

And that is all I am going to explain on this subject - and let you know that any contrary comments will not be published.


Oooh..these greens are going to be fun!

Just wait and see what they become!


A beautiful yet hazardous tree!

There are SO MANY walnuts on this tree, and they are free falling by the bucket load every day.  Dinner was on the porch last night - likely the last time that will work for evening meals as we are supposed to get a real cold snap starting this evening with temps dipping down into the 30s.

The evening was LOVELY last night - to the sound of walnuts dropping heavily to the ground at any given moment.  Stay away from beneath this tree!  You could find yourself conked on the head by a dropping walnut!

It was after 10pm before I headed home to my own bed.  And today we do it again!


Ivy!  What's in there?

This is the basement studio at the cabin, under my Accuquilt Studio table.

It turns out that she had cornered a very small yellow-necked garden snake - a TINY one.

Yes, it's the mountains, and this is country life.  It's getting colder outside and critters want in where it's warm.

When she finally got it out to the center of the room, I scooped the poor terrified little guy into a paper towel and set it free on the lawn.

How it survives from there is up to the snake - it is NOT going to winter over in my house!


Johanne's Appalachian Autumn quilt!

She writes:

"Even the red was a scrap from a backing  and the backing had leaves in each of the 3 pieces."

It is absolutely gorgeous!  Thank you so much for sharing!


Jan's Punkin Patch quilt from 
String Frenzy!

She writes:

"Punkin Patch Quilt by Bonnie K. Hunter. Loved making this fun quilt, thank you so much Bonnie. I have the table runner on my kitchen table. This quilt is washed and packed up ready to go to a retreat this week on my bed. Appalachian Autumn is cut out and ready to work on. Thanks so much again Bonnie."

It's just beautiful, Jan!  Have a wonderful and safe retreat!


She writes:

"Punkin’ Patch table runner turned into table topper. All ready for the fall holidays."

I just love seeing what you are making, be it pumpkins, autumn leaves, or more!

Punkin Patch table runner pattern is available in the digital pattern section of the Quiltville Store for just $5.00 through the month of October! No coupon code needed.

My book String Frenzy contains the full sized Punkin Patch quilt pattern. 

I am itching to get stitching back over at Quiltville Inn so I better get a move on!

Anything fun happening for your Friday ahead?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

It is not up to anyone or everyone else to create your happy environment. 💗

That comes only from within you. 🤗
Smith Mountain Morning quilt from my book Scraps & Shirttails II  available in the Quiltville Store for just 19.99!

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!


 

48 comments:

  1. Your retreat process sounds very practical and also "possible". I'm sure these quilters are more than willing to take these precautions in order to come and sew together with friends. Good for you! Great example of adapting and persevering while staying safe.

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  2. I spy watermelons. Thanks for sharing retreat goodness. And pooh to those that day differently. Civic is not going away. We have to learn how to safely live with it. So good for you!

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  3. I love Jillene's table-topper. Like you, I am amazed by the creativity of your followers. I may have to try this as I have a round kitchen table and a square table topper fits better than a runner.

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  4. Your retreaters are so very lucky to be able to know they are in your safe space! Enjoy your stitchy weekend and I can't wait to see what you've done with those fun green strings! 🥳

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  5. I’m so happy to hear you are continuing retreats. They are so necessary for our well being. I just returned from a quilting retreat that has been a tradition with our group for twenty years. We didn’t go to town like we used to. We were the first retreat group the camp had hosted since it was shut down and everything was great. It was a wonderful much needed break. No outside distractions.
    So happy you’re having retreats.

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  6. Have fun, Bonnie and gang!!

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  7. Today, I'm baking my Christmas Cake, which I'll wrap up and "feed" with a tablespoon of rum every other week or so, and then serve at Christmas! After that, I'll make a Green Tomato and Peach Salsa from the last of my tomatoes picked last night. Then? I'll collapse on my sofa, LOL! Have fun at Quiltville Inn today, Bonnie!

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  8. It’s great you can still do retreats! I think it’s needed now more than ever. Good job setting up protocols to create a safe place!!

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  9. Getting conked on the head was a right of passage in my childhood. We had 3 trees and I and my 2 brothers were expected to pick them all up before mowing. After my dad passed and the grandkids has all passed away my mom solved the problem and has all 3 trees cut down.

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  10. Ooooh I’m loving your green strippy project!!

    Of course you’ve more than earned your place at the fun retreat!! And I think you have a great safety plan!!

    Snakes... I’m fine with them but don’t want them in the house either. We have one whom I believe winters under our chest freezer in the garage. I call him “Fluffy” because I believe he is also keeping down the mouse population like a good “kitty”, LoL!

    I can’t figure out how to post a picture here on my phone... but my current focus project (as like any good quilter I have many projects!) Is a mini quilt & 18” doll clothes for my 5 yr. old granddaughter’s Christmas gift!!

    Hope someone is gathering some of those walnuts! Yum!
    Happy crisp fall day!!

    Marci H.

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    1. You mentioned hoping someone gets those walnuts. I don't know of many who like black walnuts any more. I like them in dark chocolate fudge. Do any of you like them?

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  11. Maybe the retreats should be two weeks long....you know just that extra measure of safety :). I have missed seeing all the pictures and projects created in the amazing space.

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  12. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve found a safe way to host retreats. This must be a beautiful time to visit.

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  13. Love the photos. Enjoy your weekend.

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  14. Have a great retreat. You are being as safe and responsible as possible.

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  15. For a split second I thought the photo of Ivy was a raccoon, and I wondered what on earth was up. ;) Yay for you for saving the little snake!

    Yep, whatever you're doing with all that green is going to be fun. Looking forward to seeing what it will be!

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  16. I can't wait to see what those green strings turn into! Green in my favorite color. I love seeing pictures of all of the completed projects sent in by quilters. Everyone is so fast! I can't seem to get one stitch in these days. Thanks for all you do Bonnie!!

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  17. Hats off to you for doing so much to keep things COVID free at your retreats. If I had a chance to be at a retreat at Quiltville Inn, I would do everything I could to keep everyone safe. I miss seeing what they are working on and especially their show of quilts on the porch.

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  18. I say you have earned a well deserved (albeit) virtual hug and pat on the back for your efforts to make the Inn safe and welcoming. The quilters coming for retreat will hopefully know what an extra special treat it is during these crazy times. Here cases are on a scary rise again. Everyone needs to do their part to protect themselves and others. You and your guests are certainly good examples for others to follow. I am looking forward to make Appalachian Autumn and Pumpkin Patch. And of course this year's mystery.

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  19. So glad to hear that you are able to host retreats. What fun! And you are keeping everyone super safe.

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  20. So glad you are enjoying a safe retreat with like-minded quilters!! The cold-snap moving through the country is welcomed by many, just wishing for some rain in the west to go along with it. I guess in the spring you can have a lovely Easter egg hunt on your lovely lawn and in the autumn you can have a walnut hunt (without having to hide them)! Fresh walnuts...yum!

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  21. Good thing you had a kitty on snake patrol! Happy for you, you can still host retreats and keeping it safe for your guests! High five to you!

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  22. Anyone else see the cats hiding in Jan's Punkin Patch?

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  23. So jealous of the retreaters but happy for them too. If everyone takes full responsibility for keeping their friends safe and you have certainly taken ALL precautions you can then all will be well and there will be lots of memories of the Retreat of 2020. Have a blessed day and loads of fun and laughter.

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  24. Sounds like so much fun. Glad you can join your retreat group; wish I could join you! I am working on 3 of your projects and so glad that I can. Looking forward to the day when I can take another class from you. Stay safe and well.

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  25. What excitement and fun! We have acorns which are hard but thought about walnuts! Wow and little snakes, cats are so observant and curious. Have a wonderful time and try to enjoy the weather changes.

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  26. Well done, Bonnie. You have obviously thought and planned your retreat. Enjoy it and I hope all the other retreaters will too. Happy sewing!

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  27. I think your retreat rules are full of common sense - wish the rest of the country would be as smart. The squirrels have been throwing acorns on my deck the past few days and they make a lot of noise. Have a great weekend!

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  28. I'm happy your retreaters can still come & have a fun sewing time with their friends. Your precautions sound sensible and I'm sure the guests are happy to have a safe place to gather during these crazy times. Love seeing the quilts being made from your patterns. I have the pattern for Appalachian Autumn and even have some fabrics pulled, but it won't get finished to enjoy this Fall....to much canning and stuff going on. Enjoy your weekend hanging out with the ladies!

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  29. Our granddaughter has been in ICU on a vent and ECMO (lung filtering system) since July 25th. She is 31, healthy, health care worker and in nursing school. COVID is the cause and not to be taken lightly! You are doing the right thing!

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    1. Prayers for your granddaughter coming her way!

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  30. It makes me happy that you are having the retreats and practicing all the safety measures to make things as safe as possible. I know it is giving a needed break for the ladies and helps you just to feel normal again, if only for a few days! Forget all these complainers, they are just jealous! Enjoy your times together!

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  31. Bonnie, there's really no need to explain yourself to anyone. We're all (supposed to be) grown-up boys and girls. We all know what needs done. No one needs to be telling you how to do your business. I'm jealous of your retreat center. Hopefully the quilting fairy godmother will put a retreat under my pillow. Next week is a local retreat with four others. We retreat twice a year and like many events some of our ladies aren't coming because of COVID. Happy Weekend at your retreat Bonnie. Hope you have a wonderful time.

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  32. Have a fabulous weekend with the crew! There will be so much laughter & fun, I’m envious! ❤️🇨🇦

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  33. I think it’s fabulous that retreats are happening. Enough of this! Respect the virus, don’t fear it! I for one am not living in my basement. I get out, but I’m prudent as to where I go. Sounds like you have every sensible precaution in place. Hope you and all the ladies have a fun sewy weekend!

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  34. Sadly both my retreats this year have been cancelled. However, this makes me even more excited for the mystery quilt-along and while I wait I'm practicing on a snail trail quilt and rewatching QUILT-CAM! Will there ever be a day when that will be back? I sure hope so!! Cheers! ~M 🤞🤞🙏

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  35. you are more gracious than i...it's nobody's business how you run your retreats...unfortunately there is not age limit on busybody....

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  36. I am so glad you have retreaters coming to the inn! Thank you for all the precautions that are your taking. I will probably never make it to your inn to retreat but everything we do affects someone else, which affects someone else and on and on. One person can make a difference. Retreats are SO much fun, all that chatter & snacking among like-minded women! May your business be blessed.
    Susan

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  37. Those greens are just beautiful, they are going to look amazing in whatever you have planned for them.
    I still have a heap of orange ones left over from Good Fortune as I got a bit carried away. But I know at some point they will make the perfect border lol.
    Love how safety conscious you are with your and your retreaters health, your protocols are just perfect.
    I hope you all have a wonderful time, it’s so good that you are able to hold these retreats again.
    It will be nice when we can see what they are doing again but I fully understand why you need to keep it all concealed. Have a lovely weekend and lots of fun with your ladies.
    Stay safe
    Love and quilty hugs
    Anne xxx

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  38. Hope you have a wonderful weekend - I'm sure we all wish we could be there. Nothing better than a gaggle of quilters telling stories on themselves. Have fun!!

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  39. Love seeing the quilts from your followers; love the quote - so true!; and glad to hear your retreats can continue!
    We've had baby snakes in our basement too - until we discovered how they got in and fixed the problem (a small opening under the garage door due to the floor settling and another small space under the door leading into the basement from the garage). Like you, they were returned to their natural habitat with our best wishes...

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  40. What a wonderful way to spend your weekend with like minded quilters on retreat together. The green strips are lovely and I can't wait to see how they will be used!!

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  41. I would retreat at your Inn in a heart beat! Hopefully, someday I will get the opportunity. Right now it's helping watch my two grandsons until they are school age. My Friday, no kiddos, was spent assembling the center of a music themed quilt for auction for my son's chorus group. Always love reading about your Inn and cabin life adventures.

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  42. Loving that there is still a way to retreat in these trying times, Bonnie. Thank you for going above and beyond. And thank you for relocating Mr. or Ms. Snake out of harm's way- he or she will find the proper overwintering shelter within the surrounding countryside, because you still have surrounding countryside. It is the non-human beings forced to live in urban and suburban areas who often have nowhere else to go but human shelters, because we have taken basically all other habitat from them. I think this little one will be OK.

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  43. I think it is great that you are having retreats. I went to one near where I live back in July and had a great time. We were able to stay safe and everyone was fine. If you do it right and it sounds like you do, everyone will be okay.

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  44. Just got back from a weekend retreat and it was great. Like others said, we are adults and can legitimately and responsibly choose a different course from someone else. Doesn't mean we need to be judged or put down.

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