An Invitation from Research Rave!

I received an email yesterday from Tara Miller of The Quilt District letting me know of a Research Rave Retreat she is hosting in Cincinnati with quilt historian pal Lisa Erlandson who has been featured on The Quilt Show a few times, and currently has an exhibit of her collection on at the Museum of Texas Tech University.

These gals know their vintage textiles and dating methods for vintage quilts and want to help you discover the stories behind your own antique/vintage quilts!

These photos are from a 2023 Quilt District retreat at Quiltville Inn, and I always look forward to seeing the vintage and antique quilts during our quilt turning with everyone gathered around to discuss and discover.

Here's the link to the information on the Research Rave: https://quiltdistrict.com/research-rave/

If you are interested in quilt history, have quilts you'd like to find answers to, or just want a wonderful getaway to make more friends interested in antique quilts the way you are, you can contact Tara through the page link above.

Do you want to learn more about a special quilt in your collection—but aren’t quite sure where to begin?

Join quilt historians Lisa Erlandson and Tara Miller August 13-16 in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the very first Research Rave, a welcoming, hands-on workshop designed to help you uncover the stories behind your quilts.

Over the course of three days, we’ll gather at the beautiful main branch of the Cincinnati Public Library, where you’ll receive step-by-step guidance on how to approach quilt research with care and curiosity. 

Lisa and Tara will share examples of their own research journeys, and support you as you begin exploring the history of your own quilt—or quilts—including tips for using census records, newspapers, archives, and more.

You don’t need to have any prior research experience. You just need your interest, your questions, and your quilt.

And you won’t be doing it alone. You’ll be surrounded by a community of fellow quilt lovers and learners, with access to research librarians and personalized support throughout the week. After our time in Cincinnati, we’ll continue the conversation and offer additional guidance through follow-up Zoom sessions designed to keep your momentum going and celebrate your discoveries.

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s an invitation to connect more deeply with your quilt’s story, and to the lives and hands that made it.

We’d be honored to support you on that journey.

I'm happy to pass this information and opportunity along to those who may be interested.

While much of yesterday was spent at my desk getting Summer Picnic ready for tomorrow's release and gift-away, I did take some time before the May Quiltvillians arrived to switch out some quilts hanging on walls.

Memorial Day weekend is only a couple of weeks away - it's time for summer quilts!

I hung Solidarity in the hen den. I love the pinwheeling hearts and how the red heart "bases" make a 4 pointed twirling pinwheel or star.

I made this variation after our Hearts of Hope Sew-a-long for Ukraine.  

So the PDF pattern for Solidarity also includes the Hearts of Hope quilt pattern as a bonus.

Summer Picnic is on the wall! On the table is my Right Way Round topper I made with the extra Wrong Way Round blocks.

Here it is, laid out flat.

More on this quilt HERE.

As with Solidarity, the PDF pattern for Right Way Round includes BOTH quilt variations - a two for one!

I also placed my Rivanna runner on the side board!

Rivanna is another two-for-one and includes the runner pattern along with the quilt.

Last Day to Save!

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All digital patterns in the Quiltville Store are 25% off through TODAY5/15/25. No coupon code needed!

This is a great time to pick up the patterns you've been wanting - there won't be another "All Digital Patterns" sale after this one until after Thanksgiving.

And Summer Picnic!

Summer Picnic is now hanging in the front foyer at the inn - perfect for all of the summer holidays coming up.

The pattern release is TOMORROW - so be sure to check back. Yes, there is introductory pricing and gift-away you don't want to miss.  I can hardly wait!

Yesterday while wiping down the outdoor tables on the back porch - enjoying the company of cows below!

Some stitching time of my own -

I'm stitching down side 3 of the binding on my Lahinch quilt.  I didn't get as far a I'd hoped - I came across a section where the seam allowance on the binding is off - it needs to be removed and readjusted.  Guess what I'll be doing tonight?

Cat standoff through the glass door -

I was enjoying my morning coffee on the front porch with the hummingbirds this morning and turned around when I heard a ruckus.  Ivy and Lola - showing the other how fierce they are.

I wish they'd give it up, but I doubt that will ever happen.

Airplane ears seem to be a daily fashion around here.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Time to get up and at it!

There are quilters at the retreat, and new projects to be started!

(Interrupted by a dentist appointment this afternoon.)

Have a terrific Thursday -