There are those kinds of days where there is blue sky and sunshine over head - but immediately in the near distance and moving quickly is the blackest cloud-filled sky you've seen and you know - you just KNOW that it is going to rain buckets.
That's how it was on Sunday lunchtime as we sat on the porch enjoying homemade pizzas.
Those clouds were gathering - and if we were going to get our over-the-porch-rail photos in - it had to be NOW. Like right now. No matter where the sun was overhead.
I love this group photo shot! I'll have to remember this for future reference.
The thing is - over-the-porch-rail photos don't work if the sun is directly overhead because of the sunbeams that come shining down through the photo. There is not shade for me to step into, no place to block the sun, and that is why photos usually happen later in the afternoon when the sun is shining on the porch, not backlighting it from behind.
Because if it is in the wrong place - the following happens:
BEAMS!
And lovely quilts!
Orca Bay from String Fling on the left followed by a drunkard's path and star and nine patch variation.
I got Bunny and the Orca Bay in the shade near the bushes -
BEAM!
And the beam only points to the lovely quilts you see here! I don't have the details on the first two, but the second section of porch is all Betsy's - from her Frolic, to Allietare to En Provence and the pinwheel swirl she started last year with half-square triangles.
BEAM!
Framed charm squares, strippy quilt and a Pineapple Blossom from the Free Patterns tab.
BEAM!
But that storm behind my shoulder was approaching quickly and within 10 minutes we would have a deluge of immense proportions!
Sometimes you've just got to grab whatever opportunities the afternoon throws at you, sunbeams or no sunbeams in the photos.
I've had a wonderful time with the Christmas in July group. They are heading home this morning and there is one day to do all the things (including 12 loads of laundry) and get everything ready for the July Quiltvillians arriving tomorrow.
Safe travels home, ladies! We'll see you back next year!
As for me - this has been going on. Click to Play:
It looks like splashing water to me. I'm using the palest of pale aqua colored threads to quilt with.
Even with 2 broken needles - it's turning out just great!
Be watching for Huka Falls to release in January. I know that's a way off, but that's the plan as there are many other things in our PDF release line up coming soon.
And this time of year you KNOW there are other things being worked on behind the scenes!
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 on Friday, July 26th.
Fabric prizes must be shipped to a USA address. If you are outside of the USA, we can ship the fabric prize to a friend within the USA who can forward it on to you.
Awesome over the porch railing quilts. Love this time. What troopers and you too. I'm currently sewing the pieced border together getting ready to add it onto the quilt top. Might add another after that. We're forecasted to get rain today. We'll see. Have a Sparkling day 🌞 Blessings 🙏
Definitely we can be friends. I even lived in S Idaho and Burley area. Quilting is my happy place and the recent bus trip with a whole herd of fun quilty ladies gives me new fabric to pet. And they fed us chocolate at the shops. Talk about a perfect day. Love your blog and have enjoyed making many of your wonderful quilts.
It is Christmas in July so we expect sunbeams. Those sunbeams take nothing away from those gorgeous quilts. Great job ladies. Kudos to the photographer. Who also did a great job.
Bonnie—you choose such great quilting patterns! That Baton Rouge does look like splashing water. I’d love to hear about how you choose what quilting patterns (and thread color) to use with your quilts.
Lovely Quilts even with the Beams. Such is life, the storms gather and come at the best and worst times. I love a cleansing Rain, with all the smoke in our skies here in the PNW. We need it! Time for stitching will come. Hand stitching is so relaxing. I need to get one going here at home and invite my sister over for a Quilting day.
I always think of sunbeams like that as being God's way of approving! :) Such great quilts this week. I never thought of framing 5" squares like that. What great inspiration. We are having rare summer thunderstorms today... I am thanking my daughter for this because today is her first day of work! Ever!! HA! Wish her luck! (& me too!) Anyway... the binding party has started. I have about 5 small projects to finish up. Happy quilting!
Another great mini quilt show from the Inn's guests....fabulous. How does it feel to know you have inspired so MANY quilts? I must have made 50 of your patterns by now :0) Bonnie!
Does anyone know of the pattern for the yellow, rust and black quilt hanging over the porch in the fourth picture which looks like it's made from equilateral triangles and then sewn into hexagons? I've never seen a quilt like it and I am quite intrigued.
If you are commenting as "anonymous" please leave your name at the end of your comment.
Did you know that ad space on this blog provides for all of the free patterns and free mysteries and challenges at no cost to you? Without ads, this blog would not be possible.
Thank you for understanding the many hours that go into this blog 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. :)
Awesome over the porch railing quilts. Love this time. What troopers and you too.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently sewing the pieced border together getting ready to add it onto the quilt top. Might add another after that.
We're forecasted to get rain today. We'll see.
Have a Sparkling day 🌞
Blessings 🙏
Definitely we can be friends. I even lived in S Idaho and Burley area. Quilting is my happy place and the recent bus trip with a whole herd of fun quilty ladies gives me new fabric to pet. And they fed us chocolate at the shops. Talk about a perfect day. Love your blog and have enjoyed making many of your wonderful quilts.
ReplyDeleteI love today’s saying. I think my spirit animal is Garfield! Lasagna! Yes!
ReplyDeleteIt is Christmas in July so we expect sunbeams. Those sunbeams take nothing away from those gorgeous quilts. Great job ladies. Kudos to the photographer. Who also did a great job.
ReplyDeleteBonnie—you choose such great quilting patterns! That Baton Rouge does look like splashing water. I’d love to hear about how you choose what quilting patterns (and thread color) to use with your quilts.
ReplyDeleteWe are on the way to Quilter’s Hall of Fame in Marion, IN!! Can’t wait to see Bonnie’s exhibit there.
ReplyDeleteJane Sayler
Lovely Quilts even with the Beams. Such is life, the storms gather and come at the best and worst times. I love a cleansing Rain, with all the smoke in our skies here in the PNW. We need it! Time for stitching will come. Hand stitching is so relaxing. I need to get one going here at home and invite my sister over for a Quilting day.
ReplyDeleteI always think of sunbeams like that as being God's way of approving! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch great quilts this week. I never thought of framing 5" squares like that. What great inspiration. We are having rare summer thunderstorms today... I am thanking my daughter for this because today is her first day of work! Ever!! HA! Wish her luck! (& me too!) Anyway... the binding party has started. I have about 5 small projects to finish up. Happy quilting!
Saw Bonnie’s quilts at Indiana quilts hall of fame last week. Awesome quilts and a beautiful setting. Also had a quilt show at the local library.
ReplyDeleteAnother great mini quilt show from the Inn's guests....fabulous. How does it feel to know you have inspired so MANY quilts? I must have made 50 of your patterns by now :0) Bonnie!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know of the pattern for the yellow, rust and black quilt hanging over the porch in the fourth picture which looks like it's made from equilateral triangles and then sewn into hexagons? I've never seen a quilt like it and I am quite intrigued.
ReplyDelete