A Break In The Rain -

I had a quick break in between rain showers yesterday morning to do something I've been wanting to do since I took those last hand stitches into the binding of mom's hexie quilt.

It deserved its own over-the-porch-rail photo op!

It was also the only place I could photograph it -really.  At 110'' X 117'' it barely fit between the columns in the turret section of the porch.

And I needed to hurry - as you can see by just looking at that "I just dare you!" sky!

This is one of the reasons I put a hanging sleeve on anything and everything that may have an opportunity to hang anywhere - somewhere- at any time.

I've got the pole for my backdrop stand fed through the sleeve, and the weight of it is holding it against the underside of the porch rail.

Something I don't like to talk or think about - but eventually this may hang at a celebration of life in the way far distant future.  Just thinking.  Click to Play:

It wasn't long after this that the misty rain started up again!

Favorite sections -

I think the quilting did the job it was meant to do - add great texture, not upstage the piecing, and hold everything together for generations to come.

And I love that she pieced her name right into the front of the quilt.

Well done, Mama! Well done!

The rest of the day was a complete blur - a rush and a hustle to get everything ready for the July Quiltvillians who arrived right on time yesterday afternoon.

I had two other visits by two groups of ladies interspersed by a couple of hours -

Thank you so much for dropping by and saying hello! It was great to meet you - it makes this world of ours such a friendly welcoming connected space!

I'm up to here with my shirt stars.

There are only a few left to piece and then I can start layout options and think about what to do for borders, etc.

The one on the bottom left is giving me all the tartan feelings of my recent trip to Scotland.

Has a month gone by already? How is that possible?

Onto the 3rd side of binding!
See what I mean about just wanting the binding to blend into the neutral string blocks and not making a statement on its own?
If I had gone with aqua/turquoise it would have shouted out loudly and boxed those string flying geese in.
LAST DAY TO ENTER!!

The response to our Hamilton Gardens release yesterday has been phenomenal!  I can't thank you enough, and I am so excited that you are excited to make your own version while stitching down your scraps.

New Zealand Inspired!

A trip to New Zealand in January 2024 gave me a chance to see Hamilton Gardens for myself. All of that inspiration is captured here with easy to follow instructions, full-color photos and graphics to help you create your own version – no triangles required!

Quilt Size:79’’ X 79’’

Introductory pricing: I have set the price for Hamilton Gardens at 25% off - no coupon needed. Sale price good through 7/28/24. 

And yes - there is a Gift-Away!

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Hamilton Gardens PDF pattern from me, and a Hamilton Roll from Cotton to Quilts!

Of course, they've also got gorgeous neutral rolls to enhance your stash as well.  Check them out!

Winners will be chosen by random number generator TOMORROW, July 26th.

Enter to win on the Gift-Away Post.

As for today? More rain.

I woke up to rain.  I had my coffee sitting in my rocking chair on my covered front porch and just listened to it hitting the trees across the yard.  The birds don't seem to mind - they are chirping as loud as ever.

And as quilters? We don't mind either!  The July Quiltvillians have projects to work on and friendships to share.  It's going to be a good day, all the way around.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Be yourself, but be your best authentic self!

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone!