Step Outs, Patterns & Ponies!

This was on my agenda yesterday.

The crazy thing is that I KNOW I took step out photos while I was making the blocks for the quilt - but months pass, I checked the file folder where I've been stashing everything, and they are nowhere to be found.

Not on my phone, not my computer, not in google photos - 

And it's kind of a good thing really.

I was able to refresh my memory DURING the pattern writing process on just which way worked best to place things, to send them through the machine this side up, or that side up.

A refresher and which way to press for the best of nested seams -

And it reminded me of just how fun the Catching Rainbows blocks are to make!

SO MUCH FUN!

Pattern release day is set for Friday - so you have a few days to start your fabric pulls if you haven't already.

For this quilt I found it best to stick with more tone-on-tone colors, or things that tend to read toward solid.

The backgrounds of course can be a bit bolder and busier because the colors provide enough contrast.

When I left for home around 6pm last night I found that all I really need to do is a bit of formatting and the cover page.  We are getting there!

It's the season of pony watching.

And even though it was gusty and blustery out there, by 2pm I just had to step away from the studio and get some sunshine and fresh air.

And I didn't go alone!

My friend Tracey rode shotgun!

Tracey, I hope you forgive me, but your hair shows exactly how windy it was up on the ridge! LOL!

When we got back I could hardly get a comb through my baby fine mess of hair as well - but every stel was worth it!

People were few and ponies were out in droves.

There are 5 in this photo.

After THIS photo the most amazing thing happened -

We were walking down the Appalachian trail and from behind us came a thundering of hooves.

I looked over my shoulder to see two playful ponies playing chase down the edges of the trail - galloping as fast as they could - heads thrown back and manes blowing.

If there was anything that could nearly stop my heart in joy and surprise, it was this scene.

We watched them run, gallop, and then canter off as some "elder" ponies whinnied at them as if to say "No running in the halls!"

Zoey was all excited. She wanted to run too!  And she usually doesn't pay the ponies any mind.

I'm so glad that Tracey came with me so we could hike and chat about quilts, fabric, machines, longarms, and how grand life will be when retirement happens and we have the gift of TIME on our hands.

Evening lap shenanigans.

Ivy is batting at Zoey's nose as if to say "Quit sniffing my tail end!"  These two. What a crack up.

Scrap Inspiration from Bente!

Bente shared this photo of her Checkerboard Rails Leader & Ender finish in our Quiltville’s Open Studio group on Facebook!

"My Leaders and enders from 2017, Checkerboard rail is finished. It will be quilted by my longarm quilter. I have only used scraps and old fabrics. My 1.5 inch strip bin is now empty !! I had 2 meter of black solid fabric and the quilt size was determined by that. Only a few strips left "

Bente, this is so wonderful!  For those who'd like to make one of their own, you'll find the free pattern for Checkerboard Rails under the Free Patterns Tab at the top of the blog.

Speaking of Quiltville’s Open Studio  - some hacker/spammer has set up a FAKE PAGE impostering mine. 

It makes me SO ANGRY!  They just changed the spelling by leaving out a couple of letters - 

THIS IS THE FAKE PAGE. Those who are on Facebook, could you PLEASE go to that page and report it as a FAKE PAGE? I've already reported and blocked them - so I can't see them anymore.

If all of us who can do it, we may be able to get them shut down. I need thousands of people to do this.

My thoughts are of those unsuspecting people who "like" that page thinking it is me - when all they are doing is gathering profiles.

Thank you so much.

So here Tuesday is upon us and what shall we do with it?

If I finish the pattern writing I can SEW!!  Are you finding some sewing time today?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Something to always remember and never forget- Remind yourself often!

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Oh how I love the simplicity of this darling quilt!

Have a lovely Tuesday, everyone!