Off The Machine!

Don't you wish that a fanfare would instantly play the moment you took the last stitch in any project - be it machine or hand quilted?

Last stitch - TADA!  And the trumpets would sound.  That would feel so good!

But instead - it was the whir of the motor on my take up roller slowing letting things unwind as the entirety of my Lahinch quilt was revealed - quilting completed.

I love what I see!

I quilted Lahinch with a caramel colored thread in an edge-to-edge design called Honeycomb by Patricia E. Ritter. I love the texture!

And a chocolate brown sugar dot as binding -

I know this fabric is early 2000's - I remember buying a bolt end of it at an antique mall in Waxahachie, Texas and we left there in 2003. It's a P&B.

It's amazing how some fabric just has to wait its turn before it is the right one for the project. I have used this in some other quilts too - but not for a long long white.

Last night's round of binding stitching -

We are really enjoying watching The Residence on Netflix - I love a good "Whodunnit?" It's only 8 episodes and we are avoiding "the binge" because we want it to last a bit longer. One episode a night is all we are allowing ourselves.

Here's how things are looking from the front!

Mary Ellen left this comment on Yesterday's Post regarding a mention I made regarding this coming Friday's PDF pattern release.  

Remember this one?

I made it completely out of recycled shirts - and I started piecing it in June of last year, spending months through the winter on the hand quilting.  

I was originally going to call it Parade Day, but it turns out there is already another designer that used that name.  I'm renaming it Summer Picnic because that's just what it reminds me of.

So Summer Picnic will release on Friday if everything goes well - I've got a few days at my desk ahead.

And there is no worry if you don't have a stash of shirts to quilt with - it would work great in any colors you choose, any fabrics you choose.

Zoey, this morning on my bed.

Today is cram packed full - We've got to drop the pickup off at the car place for some maintenance. I'll follow with the van, and then be dropped off on the way back at the retreat to get things ready for the May Quiltvillians arriving tomorrow.

Plus pattern desk work!

This evening we are headed down to Elkin for dinner with Jeff, Ashlyn and Casden - a couple of birthday dinners and a Mother's Day dinner all combined into one.  Should be fun.

How about your day ahead?

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I was going to post before the weekend but completely forgot in the whirlwind of things happening here -

All digital patterns in the Quiltville Store are 25% off through Thursday 5/15/25. 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.

I wanted to pass this offer on to you - especially if you are thinking of coming with me on future Craftours adventures!

A Mother's Day gift of $250.00 off your booking for future travel with me!

My travel page: craftours.com/tourcat/bonnie-hunter/

You know we have Germany, Switzerland, France coming up in September with 2 days at the European Patchwork Meeting in Alsace, France!

And yes, we are headed back to the Bavarian region and Austria in December for the fantastic Christmas Markets. But did you know we are heading to Morocco in January? (I like warm in the winter!)

Nitty gritty from Craftours:

As a special Mother’s Day gift, we’re offering a $250 discount on any new trip between now and the end of 2026 when you book together before June 10, 2025.

Mention the “Mother’s Day” discount when making your reservation.

Imagine walking through the colorful markets of Morocco, sipping tea in a Kyoto garden, or cruising through the scenic beauty of Alaska together.

Whether you’re a mom planning a getaway with your daughter, a grandmother traveling with family, or someone treating yourself to a creative escape, we’ve designed these experiences with you in mind.

Let’s create memories together one stitch,one destination at a time.

Beautiful new journeys are on the horizon, and we look forward to sharing them with you very soon.

Warm wishes and gratitude,

The Craftours Team

I'm looking forward to 22 quilters joining me in Iceland in about 3 weeks.  On my "must do" list is make the kits for the Cat in the Flowers stitchery we'll be doing while we travel.

Fun times ahead!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Not to mention that I wish I could take back and reclaim every nap I refused to take as a child - with interest!

Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone  -