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Tuesday, July 04, 2023

It's a Quiet 4th!


Friend Martha came by yesterday - it was machine quilting day!

I hadn't ran the Intelliquilter system in something like 6 weeks or so - so there was once again, a bit of a learning curve when it came to advancing and getting the next patterns aligned and ready to go.

It is likely much more easy than I made it out to be for myself, but if you forget to click the right thing, it goes on to the next thing and I find myself backing out to go back at it again - talking myself through each step.

There is only one thing to do to remedy this situation -

Quilt More Quilts!


Isn't this a sweet thing?

Martha purchased the panel at Heavenly Stitches quilt shop on a trip through Tennessee.

It was cute "as is" but really took on a life of its own when she added the friendship stars, Ohio stars, and nine patches as a border.

We chose a simple repeating star design for the quilting, using a sand colored thread that blended in nicely and didn't shout out as "too light" against the red background in the center panel.


This quilted up so quickly that she was on her way home and ready to sit down to stitching the binding by 2pm!

Stitching binding on a patriotic quilt over 4th of July week just seems like the right thing to be doing, yes?


My best treasure from Egypt.

I'm so glad that you didn't find the Valley of the Kings post yesterday too boring or overwhelming - and happily there were no comments stating "I thought this was a quilting blog." 

For me, this is a LIFE blog, and I write about things that happen outside of quilting as well as with the quilting -

But in this case, it's a bit of both!

This is real mother of pearl inlay - and I chose it out of many boxes we saw in many market stalls in Cairo.


Here are some scenes from walking through the marketplace!

There are geometric patterns everywhere - a quiltmakers dream.


Spices, oils, teas & coffees.


A mix of people and purple blooming trees.


From our bus on an overpass above -

It gave a great glimpse to the inside of the market.


Trinkets and other items.

And a box fan that was a nice try, but didn't really help the heat.


These little vans!

They fit 6 people quite snuggly and were found everywhere.  I thought they were the cutest thing and wouldn't mind having one as they likely got great gas mileage.

Can I have a little red bus please?  PLEASE!?


Yes - the Marketplace.  Fascinating!

And fast paced.  And you better know now to negotiate because they expect a showdown when it comes to agreed-upon prices.

As for me - I'm not so good at bartering.  Just give me your best price and I'll pay it - but don't overcharge me or you'll have my wrath forever.  Make it fair.


We were told that if it is real mother of pearl that they will put a lighter up to it and it will not burn or melt.

This box passed the lighter test and I knew it had to come home and be mine.

Just look at all of the different geometric designs on it!


Lined in tan velvet.

I wanted something hand made - something I couldn't get anywhere else and this was it for me.

Of course there were other things - "T-shirts! 3 for $10.00!" said the sign - and yes, that is in American dollars and 3 t-shirts came home.  Of course they did.

I bought some fun bead bracelets and a couple of pashmina scarves as gifts.

And the resin little statues for my mantel? I knew they weren't alabaster, but I didn't really care.  3 for $10.00!

I bought them in Egypt - and that's want matters to me.


Wild Rhodies blooming for the 4th!

While the big rhodie at the front porch at the inn blooms around Mother's Day - the wild ones in the woods bloom at the end of June to 4th of July.

I took this photo from the back porch this morning.


They are very pale pink -

and starting to brown already thanks to the tons of rain we've had.


I'm just happy that through all of this travel over a month I didn't miss them completely.


And guess who is exploring outside a bit?

Lola!


Lola has "ALWAYS" been an inside kitty.  But this morning when I opened the screen door to the porch for my morning coffee, she scurried right on out with Zoey.

We are still dealing with the daily battle-to-the-death between Lola and Ivy (Ivy is living under the beds and only comes out when Lola is locked in the basement) so when Lola decided to wiggle through the rungs and go down the stairs into the yard I thought I'd just keep an eye on her and watch what happens.

There has been a lot of change in her life since we brought her back home to the cabin to live.

She gets more interaction - which is good.  She terrorizes Ivy which is bad.

But she was happy just to lay in the weedy grass on the hillside beneath the rhododendron and look at the world she has been kept away from for all of her 12 years.

After a while she came to the screen door and meowed to be let in. 

And maybe this Lola vs Ivy thing will right itself in time?

Today - there is a very small parade happening at 2pm.  We plan on being there to be part of our community and enjoy the day.

I may sew a bit.  I know I have some pressing to do.

I'm working on the sample for this year's Leader & Ender challenge with the hopes I can release it by Friday. That's the plan.  We'll see how it goes.

Do you have plans for today? How are you celebrating our Independence Day holiday, if you do?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Happy birthday, USA!


 

39 comments:

bee bus said...

Great day to read a great blog.

Anonymous said...

Love that quote! ♥️πŸ€πŸ’™ We’re having a small town 4th of July too here in Liberty Lake Washington. Parade starts at 11 am. Afterward there are games like egg & water balloon toss, gunny sack races, three legged races, & a pie eating contest. Then dear daughter and her wife & mom in law will join us for a picnic and fireworks over the Lake.

Anonymous said...

Sweet Kitty. I enjoy reading your blog each morning.
Pat

Anonymous said...

I would have brought home a beautiful box too! The one you picked is a beauty. I can see it sitting on a table where you hand sew and storing your supplies. Enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Happy Fourth! Enjoy

gmask said...

I see lots of inspiration for your upcoming mystery quilt! Can't wait to see what you design for us....

Anonymous said...

Happy USA Fourth. We celebrated our Canada Day on Saturday .

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your travel adventures-and I know that I and so many quilters will be thrilled with the next leaders and Enders project.

Sandy McCartney said...

That box is exquisite - what a find! I'm very much enjoying traveling virtually with you, so please do keep it up.

Flipflop said...

I love the pictures of Egypt that you are posting. Keep it up. I'm waiting for Ireland.

Debcal1946 said...

Great quote for today and every day!

theresa said...

Thank you for another wonderful Blog! I love that you Blog about your life and adventures, pets, family and friends! The markets fascinate me! They are so beautiful. The box you bought is perfect. I wanted a little red van as soon as I saw them, adorable! I am so happy to see Lola investigating her new chapter in her life I bet things do get better between her and Ivy. Our 4th is pretty quiet but I am getting ready to make some yogurt Rhubarb pies for my family! Happy 4TH of July to you Bonnie and all of your family!

Ruth McIlwain said...

This heat and humidity is so awful thst I have to set my alarm in order to get Lucy out for her walk. We haven't walked in the evening several days now because it was still "ugly" outside. The good thing of being up early is that I have more time to putter around in the sewing room. I am leaving on Tuesday for a quilt retreat in Ohio. We are an online group and I haven't seen my fellow quilters for several years due to Covit and my trip to Germany last year with family. Today I am cutting more foundation paper for a strip quilt. Thanks to Bonnie I have saved several books with thin paper. I am also taking Depression blocks with me to sew together for a top. I found them by accident in one of my boxes in the sewing room. Last but not least, I have cut out fabric from my "stash buster" for another Triple Treat. It will be nice sewing with friends all day long and not have to worry about dinner, et .

Debra said...

What a beautiful box!
Special treasures go inside..
I would go nuts at the market place. Can't wait to see the T-shirts.
That Rhododendron is just gorgeous πŸ₯°
Nothing special happening today. Just sewing
Blessings πŸ’ž

Cats said...

of course it's your blog and of course you can write about whatever "moves"you at the moment... My only explanation for peopple who criticize might be that because we have you in our home every morning, telling us all but the most intimate details of your life, we feel we know you and you know us and wecan just speak up like old and trusted friends! Well, I try not to sound critical nd I know I've probably made a suggestion or two (ya think?) that may been more than "helpful", but it was always with affection and an attempt to be helpful... Besides the quilting I think MY favorite part of your writing is about the animals, well no, thereps the photos, but then... sigh... thanks for ALL the many parts of my life you contribute to... I am in awe of how much you accomplish and how very wel you do it... Hugs, blessings and be independent!!! g'wan you know you want to... Cats in Carlsbad CA

Lesley Gilbert said...

Love seeing all your photo's from whatever you are doing in your daily life!
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY to you all from across the pond :)

Cindy Dubinski said...

Happy 4th. You found some treasures in Egypt that will remind of the trip forever. So much inspiration from the marketplace pics. Thanks for sharing everything. I love catching up with you via your blog.

Anonymous said...

I get to feel as tho I've gone to Egypt with you. If I don't like what ur discussing I'll just move on to the next day. Keep sharing your life.

MJ said...

I LOVE Martha's quilt.!!!!! ENJOYED your pics of Egypt. Happy 4th of July to all. ENJOY and be SAFE.

Ginny A said...

I am also getting a binding sewn onto a patriotic quilt today. We are planning staek and sides on the BBQ later. I doubt I will be up for fireworks. Happy Independence Day to you and yours, Bonnie!

Marsha said...

Thanks for sharing your trip photos! Your box from Egypt is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I always look forward to your "life" posts, all the fabulous pictures of countries I would love to visit, but may never get the chance to; the quotes at the end of your posts and pictures of everyday living and nature. Please keep up the great posts and have a wonderful life. Looking forward to the next adventure, whether it be at home or on another marvelous trip.

Ginny A said...

That is a gorgeous trinket box.

Anonymous said...

Love everything about your blog. Enjoy your 4th.

Anonymous said...

Celebrating in Ferndale, CA. Husband, twin daughters, and a friend from Germany! Will sew another day, and enjoy family today. Mary Emelia Montgomery

Mary said...

I love the box you brought home. A Blog can be anything! It's not bad to share other things. Martha did good. I am celebrating with a Day Baseball game with Hubby and later a BBQ with Church friends. My Dear Daughter in town usually joins a Beighborhood parade and passes by our house. Time to fly my Flags on the path and from the corner of the house. Happy Independence Day!

Ruth McIlwain said...

Happy 4th to everyone!!!

Rhonda said...

I look forward to your blog so much Bonnie. I love vicariously traveling through your trips & life in general. And of course the quilty adventures are the best! That box you found is exquisite! I love the geometric designs too. Thank you so much for all your hard work you do on your blog. I will be relaxing on the 4th & maybe trimming my latest quilt & sewing on the binding. Have a blessed day!

Amy said...

That is a beautiful box!

Sharon in Seattle said...

Oh! Bonnie! I love love love the market in Cairo! Thank you so much for that. I think I would have gone nuts for everything, but esp the geometric designs. Your box is beautiful and such a nice keepsake. Thanks again for sharing your travel pix!

Celeste said...

I too loved the little boxes. I brought home one for me and a couple more for gifts. I love that Lola just wanted to relax in the grass and take in the fresh air. Our Turbo (dark gray tuxedo cat) loves laying under lilac bushes. He is 18 so I’m not sure how many more summers we will have with him. My 4th is being spent camping at the International Peace Garden along the US and Canada border. The gardens are so peaceful! There will be some reading and hand stitching too!

Kara Benavides said...

I'm guessing your humidity is similar to mine, in the high 90's. Love Heavenly Stitches, but alas, haven't been there in a while. But I did haul the shredded uncomfortable recliner to the road and lay down new linolium in the kitchen. We have been putting up with painted plywood for long enough! Now to sew a few "patches", as my grandmother would say. I recently bought the templates for Flora Belle. Love the curvy, blobby, oil vs water feel. Bright florals getting appliqued on top of pieced lights. And maybe I will sew up that shirt I already have cut out - cut out of quilting cotton, that is. lol

Anonymous said...

I so enjoy reading your blog and glad you have shared pictures and stories from your trips to Vietnam, Egypt and Ireland. So interesting . Happy 4th πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Bonnie Keilbach - San Pedro, CA

C said...

I love everything you write about on your blog, the kittys, dogs, quilts, your travels, life!!

Anonymous said...

All travels are wonderful to share. So travel safe and bring on the joy!

Anonymous said...

I can see future quilt patterns from the top and side designs of your box. So pretty! Enjoyed seeing your pictures from your trips. We are staying home and grilling hamburgers to celebrate the 4th! Rose

Anonymous said...

I really love your “life blog! “ I enjoy it that you share so much of yourself with us. I am a quilter, yes, but also love cats and travel. So, I enjoy all that you share.
I have dreamed of a trip to Egypt, so every detail is most interesting and valued. Is there ever a time to go to Egypt that it isn’t so terribly hot?

Anonymous said...

No, the Valley of the Kings pics aren't boring AT ALL, and neither are today's colorful market photos! I don't expect to ever be able to visit the places that your Craftours trips take you, so I really enjoy and appreciate that you take us along for the ride.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking us along on your journeys be they near or far, about quilting or travels, or anything else. I so enjoy reading your stories. You made a great choice on that box. It's inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing your time & talents. Blessing on you & yours.

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