Can a Christmas in July retreat be this much fun?
Yes it can!
Even with rainy forecasts through the week, that rain happened either middle of the night while sleeping, or in short bursts either in the morning or in the afternoon/evening for the span of about 15 minutes of downpour, and then cool and clear.
There was plenty of opportunity for hiking either down by the New River or up at Grayson Highlands - there was porch enjoyment at mealtimes and early morning coffee drinking while conversing with the cattle on the hill. (Mooooo!)
As far as rainy weeks go - this is just the way we like it!
There was time for a group mystery quilt that ran all week long -
And another with rows coming together!
When projects had been finished, and there was still retreat time left - there was ample opportunity for slow stitching while still enjoying conversation with close friends.
I admire this kind of close needlework!
My eyes can't see to stitch it - but this is going to be gorgeous!
Vivian is a new member of the Christmas in July group, and she brought some of her top finishes to share! Her Grassy Creek in couch size is gorgeous!
I don't like to think of summer passing so quickly, but it seems another Appalachian Autumn is right around the corner! Have you finished yours?
Chilhowie top is done up to borders!
And I'm so glad that Vivian got to go up to Grayson Highlands for her own hike along Rhododendron Trail while she was here!
Everyone smile, wave, and say TIARA!!
You'll see 4 finishes from Chrissie's retreat mystery hanging here!
I also see a beautiful Good Fortune finish!
5 more beauties -
Some in progress, some finished!
Such a beautiful display of gorgeous quilts!
Last night at dusk -
Tula on the sidewalk. She always has to be part of whatever is going on.
Summers were meant for evenings such as this!
Rule #1 - if yours catches fire, NO FLINGING ALLOWED!
I arrived earlier this morning to a nearly empty house - only 3 were left, everyone else had gotten an early start on their long drives home.
Laundry is running - I'm so grateful for that second washer/dryer we put into the garage.
Today and tomorrow are for flipping the house and making all ready for the July Quiltvillians arriving tomorrow afternoon.
Forgive me if I revel in the quiet for just a minute - and think about the next thing I need to start sewing up.
But for now - I'm just going to enjoy the beautiful late July morning and listen to the birds for just a bit.
Until it's time to flip another load from washer to dryer and get the next one washing.
It's a hit! Thank you so much!
If you missed Monday's post with my Jacob's Chain PDF pattern release and Gift-Away, click to THAT POST to catch up, read the details and get your entry in!
Our drawing happens 7/31/23.
*Introductory Special!* The pattern is marked 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop.
No coupon code needed! Sale good through 7/31/23. Buy now and save!
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Someday you'll look back and understand why it all happened the way that it did.
Choose happy!
Split 9-patch Leader & Ender quilt tutorial found under the Free Patterns tab.
What's up for your Tuesday today?
Good July morning Bonnie 🌻. We are both busy doing laundry 🧺! What gorgeous quilts for over the porch railing time, their mystery is beautiful.. what a fun looking group.
ReplyDeleteI love your block " tulip 🌷 swirl" in Quiltmaker mag. What a pretty quilt
that would make... I'm starting on Bristol! I love It. Gosh, I hope I have enough shirts for the quilt..I really don't want to spend 9.99 on a shirt at Goodwill.
How are the precious dogs doing? I miss seeing them.
Have a Glorious day
Blessings 💞🙏
Stitching makes me Happy. A little rain sprinkled on us last night. Smoky skies and pink sunsets. Nice over the porch pictures. One more week of July. I choose to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteStraightening up a bit for hosting 8 quilty friends for lunch. The sun has gone, but we'll have a good time anyway. I’m feeling a bit sad though. It’s my younger sister's birthday (77). She has Parkinson’s disease and has been in a facility for nearly a year. She has dementia, the end state of this awful disease. I've been thinking of her a lot lately. (She lives in Massachusetts and I live in Alaska, so I don’t see her and her family often.).
ReplyDeleteAt my house who ever walks by the machines is obliged to “ push the laundry”. It somehow always gets done, usually two loads a day. Working on Triple Treat in between other “stuff”.
ReplyDeleteFranSak in Pa
I don't always have time to read the emails fully but I love knowing they are there for me! I'm so glad I read this one since I totally fell in love with one of the quilts!
ReplyDeleteI would love to know if there is a pattern available for the mystery quilt.....the one in blues with 9 patches and stars. I know just what fabric I want to use!
Thanks again for your quilting inspiration!
Oh, I am the same way...relish the quiet whenever I can! Today I bound 3 projects, and 2 yesterday. Whew!! I'm starting to close the sewing room up for the summer, as I head back to work next week. Boo!! It must have been laundry day all over; I did ours this morning too! I really enjoyed the red, white and blue pinwheels, and the mystery project they did was fabulous, especially the black and white one! I am working still on my Triple Treat, and I went through my box of 1 & 1/2" strips, so I know I have plenty for Oopsie Daisy! Tomorrow is house cleaning and some simple stitching! :)
ReplyDelete