Brickwork, Like Patchwork...

Remember that retaining wall that Hubster Dave started in June while I was on tour in Ireland and Scotland?

It's a huge job that needed 3 more rows of bricks high and a finishing top edge to finish it all.

And it had to wait until September to finish so that the tractor, pickup and trailer wouldn't block the comings and goings of quilters in residence.

That work started Tuesday.  And look who is supervising!

Dave and friend John putting the finishing row on top.

It really was like moving mountains - or was it mole hills - to do this job.  We pulled out so much rock out of the side yard to dig the trench that seated the whole thing.

And SO MANY BRICKS!

But isn't this how we build a quilt? One piece at a time....and it eventually gets there.

There is fill dirt being added today - the whole reason this started as to level out the side lawn and make it easier to mow and maintain. No fear of rolling the mower when having to mow on a steap slant.

I think he did an excellent job!

When all of the fill dirt is added, more grass seed with fill in that area.

And we have some stair step solar lights that will go on the end steps to help light the way in the dark when quilters are coming and going.

No sewing at home has happened in a while - but I did take time to do this.  I cleared my cutting table.  I organized and put away.  And now I smile every time I come down here.  I feel like I can breathe.

And it will be nice to come home from Kenya with a clean studio inviting me to create once again.

There is something centering about coming home to a clean space after being on a long trip.

Today I do the same to the QPO studio.

For those who have asked - this table came from IKEA and is no longer available although they may have something similar.

Wait?  You are leaving?

Yes, Lola, I am!

Over the past couple of weeks I've been tossing things I knew I needed to pack on the guest bed.

Last night I finally dug in and began to pack in earnest.

Tomorrow I am New York bound - and I'll meet up with my Craftours group at the airport on Saturday morning.  Off we go!

That means that there will not be blog posts here until I get back, but I will do my best to post to Instagram, Facebook and YouTube while I am gone when I have connectivity.

Please follow me there - I'll do what I can to share where we are and what we are doing.

Some favorite photos from my 2019 trip.

Mama cheetah and babies!

Oh my gosh! So cute!

How can these guys not make you laugh!

Oh how I love the giraffes.

They were my Grannie's favorite too, and I'll be thinking of her while I'm there.  She loved Africa.

Mmmmmm tasty!

Who're you looking at?

This ways the "duty free shop" at the little airstrip.  So much fun!

Hexie project has been restocked and is ready for plane stitching, and so is the beginnings of my stitchery project for January's Australia trip.

Have you signed up for Australia yet?  It's not too late, and yes you can bring a spouse, friend, sibling, adult child - LET'S GO!

And now let me thank you for the great response to my Diamond Tile release!

The Quiltville Store has been humming, and I've also heard from people who started their blocks when the pattern came out in Quiltmaker, but never got around to setting them and now they have ideas.

GREAT!! This gets me so excited to see you excited to dive in again and turn those blocks into something marvelous.

Introductory Pricing:  I have placed the PDF pattern for Diamond Tile at 25% off in the Quiltville Store, no coupon code needed.  Price good through 9/30/24.

If this is your first time downloading digital patterns from my store to a computer click HERE.

If you intend to download to an iPhone/iPad click HERE.

Scrappy Fun!

Simple blocks create strong diagonals! This pattern includes two different options for setting = 2 different quilts in one! Full color photos and diagrams.

Cover Quilt Size: 72’’ X 72’’

Attic Window variation: 88'' X 96''

Optional but helpful: Bonnie K. Hunter's Essential Triangle Tool and Simple Folded Corners ruler or Simple Folded Corners Mini for attic windows option.

Traditional rotary cutting methods are given for those who don't have access to these rulers.

And yes, there is a gift-away!

I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Diamond Tile PDF pattern from me, and a Diamond Tile fabric roll from Cotton to Quilts!
I can't wait to see what you make with this one! Click back to the Gift-Away Post and get your entry in!

I return from Kenya on Monday, 9/23/24. Give me a few days to catch my breath and we'll draw for our winners on Friday, 9/27/24.
And since it's September -

Appalachian Autumn is 25% off!

No coupon needed!

Pull out all of those favorite fall colored scraps, strips, and strings! These beautiful leaves float on a background of stormy cloudy grey and warm vanilla custard cream!

Quilt finishes at 56 1/2'' x 56 1/2'' square.

I'll leave the price drop in place through 9/30/24.

And with that - I'm off to clean up the QPO studio and get that ready for leaving and returning.

Airport departure time tomorrow morning? 7am.

Time to get all the things off the to-do list.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

If you see a slightly unhinged person packing in a frenzy, that would be me! ⁣

⁣

Most of my ducks are in a row.. but some have gone awol!

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone!