Time Really Does Fly -

6 years ago today we were closing in on completing the new ceiling in the QPO studio - 

We had purchased the inn property the year previous - in April 2018 but all of the focus had been on getting the retreat house ready for guests - the need to move into the QPO as the main office/studio for my quilting business was not at the forefront....not for at least couple of months yet.

That would happen in July over the 4th of July week coming up with the moving of the long arm into this space...

These photos came up in my Facebook memories and I am still marveling over how we were able to transform this old USPS post office into a wonderful creative space.  

I do not take this space for granted!

Besides having to completely replace the ceiling and rewire it for new lighting - those old windows had to be torn out, and that was quite the job.  It was once a federal building with bars on the windows.  Those had to be ground out to be removed.  It was an awful process - but the new windows let in so much light!

Ceiling ready for wiring.  That was a big job!

Let there be light!

And yes, those vertical blinds are LONG GONE. We put in reflective window film, and added different blinds - much better.

The QPO Studio is my home away from home, right next door to Quiltville Inn.  It's perfect. And I'm so happy that I get to enter this space daily and focus on creating.

Today I'm celebrating a ceiling that is 6 years old. And the lights are still great.

Refreshing the paint!

Two years ago when we had the retreat repainted, railings and all - we opted not to paint the exterior walls on the lower level.  That paint was still "okay" and we needed to stay within budget.

The time has come to tackle that job, and son Jeff has been on hand in his spare time to work on it.

Because of the windows and trim, he opted to use a brush instead of a roller or spray. He is doing a great job.

A house like this always needs something done.  There are doors and trim to paint inside as well....we'll tackle that like everything else, One project at a time.

Through the back door window -

Even Flash is getting more used to having random people around even though he's still on the skittish side.  You can't get more than 6 feet from him or he will take off, but he seems to know that this is where food happens and he will pop up when he knows that mom is here to bring out the food.

I took this photo for Jason!

We were finally able to gather Jeff, Ashly, Casden, Dave & myself in Elkin last evening for a very belated birthday celebration.  Dave and Ashlyn had birthdays in March, but we were dealing with Dave's hand surgery.  Casden turned 9 in April, but he was busy with the other side of the family and there were practices and games and things kept being pushed forward.

Jason loves the blooming onion at the Cowboys restaurant so we sent this photo....and then dug in! 

We also celebrated Mother's Day!

The spring bouquet behind was from Dave and I've been enjoying it for about a week.  The roses are from Casden.  So sweet!

And more excitement from yesterday:

I don't know why this is blurry! LOL!

Maybe because I was so excited?

Look what arrived in the mail for my upcoming trip to iceland!

Our June trip is full- but I want to let you know of an ongoing 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 a trip to 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 Bavaria and Austria in December for the fantastic Christmas Markets. But did you know we are also heading to Morocco in January? (I like somewhere 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 together in January!

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

Sharon is sharing her newly completed Waterford quilt!

I am sure they will! It's beautiful!

Waterford is one of the many PDF patterns marked down 25% off through TOMORROW!

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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.

My view off the porch this morning - rain falling.

No more long range views until leaves fall in October!  I'm not surrounded by a curtain of green, and it's lovely.  I love waking to birdsong in the morning - 

The May Quiltvillians will be arriving this afternoon - and I'll be ready!

Today I'm putting finishing touches on Summer Picnic so it, too, will be ready for Friday's pattern release and gift-away.

And then there is that new leader & ender project I've been digging into:

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Let's just say that my desire to organize my studio space was "squirreled" away by discovery and the desire to cut out a new quilt project! 

Plot Twist! 

On the upside - fewer strips are now headed back to my scrap drawers. 


On the downside - there is now more mess to clean up than yesterday!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone -