Warm Days of Autumn!

I've had some very enthusiastic walkers this past week, and have we ever had the weather to encourage us to get out and enjoy it!

It also gave folks the opportunity to see some of the Helene aftermath - and yes, there are still things blocking roads - still bridges washed out, still mess that remains 3 weeks past the event.

This is near my favorite barn on Bear Branch road.

There is still a huge tree across the road - 

But evidently folks aren't "THAT" worried about it? We saw a little car just pull up to the downed tree, and go under!

I will admit the sight of this tree gave me a bit of trauma response.  I wasn't sure I wanted to go under it.  But there was no way around it.  So we ducked quickly under.  

I mean, it's been there stable for 3 weeks and though it is ribboned for removal - it looks like it's not high on anyone's list of "Must Do Now."

And this is how life is here.

Leaf strewn dir road - and if you look closely - some cows.

Yea, I see you, too!

Further on down - in the pen, eating pumpkins.  

Photo interrupted by sunbows!

That is one big bull!

Old cabin - now out from the cover of leaves.

Fall color and downed trees.

It only took us away from sewing for about an hour.  My thought is - you can sew after dark, so take advantage of the sunshine and get some steps in.  It's good for your body, mind and soul.

Blind Man's Fancy blocks up on the wall!

And some more on this wall!

This quilt has become a group challenge - and it is wonderful to see the colorful fabric combinations and watch blocks coming together.  Not for the faint of heart!

Pattern from this book - History Repeated.

Yesterday was a packed day for me.

Haircut at 9:30am.  Dentist in Jefferson at 1:30pm. so I left about 12:45pm for that appointment.

In the in between time I managed to do this:

I got County Clare loaded into the machine and will be ready to start on it today in between loads of laundry.

It's time for the Brown Bird Bee gals to head home - I'll post their "over the porch rail" photos tomorrow.

After the dentist I stopped at the cutest little sewing machine shop in West Jefferson:

Ashe Sewing Center

Open by appointment only!

As it turns out, I didn't have an appointment.  I didn't know I needed one.  I stopped by on a whim as the Janome 11000 I have hasn't sewn for a while due to a bobbin issue and I really needed to get it seen to.

It turns out that Lester was able to work on it while I waited - not only that, but he is going to help me get the software updated and give me some basics on using the machine to embroider things like labels.  Supposedly I can even scan in my own signature so it "looks" like my handwriting.

There are other things I want to do with crazy quilting, and I've never used this machine to its full potential.

Truth is, he laughed when I said I was only using it to straight stitch paper piecing.

Okay - so I'm a simple piecer and didn't think I needed a machine with this many bells and whistles, but let's find out what the bells and whistles do before I make up my mind on it.

At any rate - it had me getting back to the retreat at nearly 5pm - what a full day!

Anyone have a Janome 11000 and use it for embroidery? I'm scared of this thing. Seriously.

This morning off the front porch -

Our color has finally arrived - for what little is left of the leaves.

I love the beauty of fall - it just passes far to quickly for my liking.

Maybe a walk this afternoon?  We'll see.

What do you have planned for this Tuesday?

I want to thank everyone for the response to yesterday's Ladder Star Gift-Away!

I am thrilled with the response and can't wait to see what you make!
Entries are coming in on the gift-away post.  Did you get yours in?

I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Ladder Star PDF pattern from me, and a Crème de la crème neutrals roll from  Cotton to Quilts.

These beautiful ivory shades will blend wonderfully with your plaids and scrap fabrics to make Ladder Star your own.

And check out the other fabric rolls they have in stock as well - there are 20 fabrics in each roll, each piece measures approximately 8 1/2'' X 22''. Great for building variety.

Introductory Pricing: I have placed Ladder Star at 25% off.  No coupon code needed. Price is good through 10/31/24. 

Stars and Scraps were meant for each other! Create this stunning star quilt in scrappy plaids from recycled shirts or with your own stash yardage. Piecing options, full color photos and graphics and many tips for easy piecing pleasure included.

Quilt Size: 84’’ X 84’’

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Just some random thoughts as I watch the sunrise over the ridge and begin to contemplate all that needs doing today. ⁣
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What? You don't get random weird thoughts like this, too?

My apologies to those who regularly use Worcestershire sauce - when married to a picky guy, it's not on the list of flavors he likes so a bottle last an eternity in my fridge.

Why am I even having to explain this? I thought it was funny.

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!