Long Autumn Walks & Some Very Fine Finishes!

Early Autumn is glorious.  That's all I can say, really - 

Temps have been warm and we've tried to make the best of enjoying each day with as much outside time as possible.

Days like this - we shouldn't let the sunshine and warmth go to waste even if we are quilting inside.

We can quilt in the dark of the evening.  Afternoons are meant for walking long dirt roads and taking in the changing of colors.

Things have gone yellowy-green.

The dried leaves along the side of the road rustle as we walk on by, talking and laughing.

The thing I love the most?  The aroma of it all.

Irene's Sewciologists have some speedy walkers, and some who went at their own pace - a large enough group that we needed two cars to get to the start of our walk.

I love watching the first-timers who are taking it all in.  Such a great group!

It only took us about an hour - we can make up for that non-sewing time by sewing after dinner.  And in exchange we enjoyed some beautiful nature, got to know one another better, and did something good for our bodies.

Heaven knows that quilting is a sedentary sport and if we don't want the aches and pains we have to take care of ourselves and MOVE.  Get the heart pumping a bit.  Put the legs through some paces.

It improves our mindset and gives us renewed energy and endorphins to get back to the cutting table and the sewing machine.

I walked in yesterday to a couple of fine top finishes!  I love this sparkling star sampler - so pretty.

And this one blew me away!

Check out the size of those curved geese!

There are great things coming together as retreat continues - I can't believe we are already half-way through their time here as of today.  Today is mid-retreat day which means for me it's time to do a couple loads of laundry and refreshen everyone's towels, etc. so they have fresh for the rest of their stay.

We had rain last night, it is supposed to be cooler today - so I know those days of long walks are waning and soon it will be too cold to want to go out. It's currently only 48 with a high of 54 today.  That's about a 20 degree drop since we took the above walk photos.

Time to pull out the Aran sweater I brought home from Ireland in June!

I am this far.

I'm sewing blocks into fours and pinning to match points all the way.  There are loads of points to match.

My batting is on order and I'm floating around ideas for the border I want.  Or no border at all.  The jury is still out!

My weekend plan is to get all of the blocks sewn into fours, and then arrange the blocks for a pleasing color balance.

Once that occurs it's getting the top together and moving on to borders.

Circular geese?  NO WAY, JOSE!!

We've got a group dinner tonight in Jefferson which should be fun - we've even twisted the Hubster's arm to escort all of us.  One rooster and 13 hens.

What's up for your own weekend ahead?

You have made Starshine a hit! Thank you so much, everyone.  I can't wait to see your projects in progress and down the road - finishes.

Quilt Details:

Let Your Strings Shine! String Piecing by machine made easy – and a great way to use up an armful of favorite scraps in a rainbow of blossom colors! Full color photos, step-by-step instructions and many helpful hints included.

Quilt Size: 83’’ X 92’’

Introductory special:  I've placed the PDF pattern for Starshine at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed.  

Pricing good through 10/15/23. Hurry now and save!

Even more:

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Starshine PDF pattern from me and a Star Bright Color Roll from Cotton to Quilts.  The fabric rolls are a great way to add sparkle to your own scraps.

And yes, they have neutral rolls and blue rolls too.  Check them out!

Enter to win on the Gift-Away Page.

We will draw for our winners on Saturday, 10/14/23.  Good luck, everyone!

Other goodies going on (If you've made it this far)

For fun, I've placed the PDF pattern for the Punkin Patch Runner at $5.00.

Let's celebrate the changing of the seasons with some fun string-pieced pumpkins!

And if you've got this one as a UFO - it's time to pull it out and finish it up.

You'll also find Appalachian Autumn at 25% off in both the Quiltville Store and the Quiltville Etsy Pattern Shop. No coupon needed.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

If you want to get things done, get in there and do it!

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Scrappy Trips quilt from the Free Patterns tab.

Have a great weekend, everyone!