Piece a Quilt, Take a Hike!

It doesn't look like there is much quilting going on here - but every once in a while it is good to step away from the machine and grab a treat from the kitchen and sit in a comfy chair and just engage in a lovely chat with quilty friends.

This is what I walked into on Saturday before we headed out on a nearby road hike down Bear Branch Road...a short drive away, and a 2 mile hike that had 9 of us requiring 2 cars. We were gone about an hour.

There was still plenty of quilting time left in the day!

Some in front of me, some behind me - lovely afternoon!

Trees are leafing out - 

What a difference a mere week makes.

And a creek runs along side it!

Back in the Quilting Quarters -

Hamilton Gardens tops are coming together - Everyone has been so focused on getting our workshop project as far as it could go during retreat.

I love seeing production centers!

The next focus on these blocks is red!

Saturday's workshop focus was on the different setting triangles needed - sides are different than bottoms and tops.  And the corners also have certain things going on depending on where you land.

But before you can even say Shazam.....tops were beginning to come together.

Edges will be trimmed leaving seam allowance and stay stitched before quilting.

Solving all of the world's problems while sewing....

Our get out of dodge moment on Sunday was up to see the ponies along the Appalachian Trail as it crosses through Grayson Highlands State Park.

Gorgeous morning, fun group of ladies!

We saw three.  Only three.

This little first one was off grazing by itself  (We all need that alone time sometimes!) and is still shedding its winter coat.

The Appalachian Trail part can be a bit narrow, rocky and steep, so I like to take this as a "down leg" isntead of an "up leg."

The rest of the group coming behind me -

Pony number two was napping in the sunshine.

Until I got close enough to have it decide that "enough was enough" and it was moving on to join the other one not far off:

We were told by passers-by that there were more about another mile up the trail - but we looked at each other and said..."Nope. There is quilting to be done." And three is better than none!

Making our way back to the cars...and in search of lunch and more quilting.

Another hiker offered to take our photo - I love random acts of photography!

I love the black/batik version - setting triangles in place!

Tula says:

"Where've you been? I need treats!"

Back at home - my evening sewing time is showing slow progress....I've made it not quite half-way on attaching this diagonal row to the mothership hexie project.

And it will stay this way until I get back from Idaho in a week.

My bags are packed.  I've got my mom's hexie quilt and my clothes in the large suitcase.

(I shared the quilting and the binding HERE.)

This quilt has been with me for nearly a year now and it's time to return it to her.

The smaller carry-on side (that I will check) has a quilt for my nephew's high school graduation happening in a few weeks and my toiletries and etceteras.

Backpack will have hexie project blocks ready to fly and sew while I'm away.

Before we head to Bristol TN this evening where I"ll stay the night and take a hotel shuttle for my 6am flight, the inn will be busy with last day retreat activities - group photos, over the porch rail photos, getting the trash to the curb, getting everyone clued in and settled on what happens at checkout for them tomorrow morning.

Oh, and I have a haircut this afternoon.

I don't think there will be any machine sewing time for me - but I did piece a backing over the weekend and perhaps I'll get the Lahinch quilt loaded into the quilting machine and it can just wait there unquilted until I get back next week.

I think that's enough for today.

And Mabel says "Don't' forget to draw for the winners of the Dogwood Daze Gift-Away!"
You are right, sweet girl - and we didn't forget!

We had 3784 entries - thank you so much!

I am drawing for two winners who will each receive a Dogwood Daze

PDF Pattern from me and a Notable Neutrals roll from Cotton to Quilts!

They also have pulled gorgeous fabrics in colors inspired by Dogwood Daze to enhance your stash. Check them out!

Each fabric roll includes 20 different fabrics approximately 8'' X 22'' - a great variety!

Entry 518 is:

Patty Basche!

Entry 3079 is:

Sandy Moore!

Congrats, ladies!  You'll find an email from me in your inboxes with your pattern attached.  Please reply to that email with your mailing addresses and I'll have the folks at Cotton To Quilts get your fabric prizes out to you.

For everyone else that has been waiting - there is a 25% automatic discount on Dogwood Daze through this WEDNESDAY 4/30/25 - no coupon code needed.

And next up as PDF pattern release in May?  My Parade Day quilt!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

How boring life would be if we were all the same. If every day were the same, if every experience were the same. ⁣

⁣

Embrace the differences!

Happy Monday, everyone!