The forecast was for rain all week.
But we know better than that.
It may come in the afternoon - just a bit.
It may rain in the wee small hours of the morning -
But no amount of rain is going to stop the Stitch Mob from quilting up their own kind of quilty storm, no matter the hour!
Or stop us from enjoying the porch - this yummy lunch filled us with build your own subs, choice of fresh broccoli cheese or potato soup, chips and a cookie.
How about we walk it all off with a road hike?
I knew these group had some walkers in it - and it was time to put my healed up ankle to the test. Could we make it all the way up Roundhouse Road to the Cemetery up top?
We passed the state line sign between Grayson County VA and Allegheny County, NC and kept climbing.
The view up here is incredible - even with the low hanging clouds threatening rain.
It's been months since I've done this road hike...but yay! The ankle is healed and roadhiking can recommense!
This little "fixer upper" is still standing and evidently being swallowed by brush and trees.
Back to the Quilting Quarters -
There is some Easy Street from MORE Adventures With Leaders & Enders is coming together!
The goal?
To have enough of it together to hang over the porch rail by the end of retreat. Let's GO!
Jessica is celebrating her 70th birthday while on retreat -
This mini was gifted by friends - isn't it wonderful?
The pattern is called Jazz District by Everyday Stitches.
Some more incredible paper piecing happening here -
I can't wait to see what this becomes!
Karen is working on Grand Illusion - a gift for her mom.
And there is some Patchwork & Pinwheels from Free Patterns tab growing over here!
I love all o the things that can be done with scrappy sixteen-patches!
All the better when sewn on a lovely vintave 2-tone 301!
And look! There are some Rockabilly Swing blocks in the making here!
Is this the year that Unity gets its borders?
We shall see!
But the best AHA moment of all:
Look what you can do with a comb binding for books!
You can cut these to length - and they wrap arround your bobbins, keeping them in line and also keeps them from unwinding!
MIND BLOWN!
And talk about being prepared for days and days of sewing on retreat - bobbins filled and held together in a comb binding. Fabulous. I am inspired!
And my legs were tired. And I was admittedly a bit overwhelmed (but not completely discouraged) coming face to face with the piles of fabric still needing to be resettled into the new studio set up.
So I left it all in time out and went and sat and stitched hexies while enjoying the afternoon with the ladies.
Hubster Dave and I had chiropractor appointments at 4pm - so I left a bit after 3pm to go get him.
We call this "Date Night" because by the time we are done, it's 5pm. We run any needed errands and then grab a bite out. No cooking. Works for me.
It's not raining yet this morning so I am assuming there will be another road hike in store - Let's go!
I'll try to make another small dent in the studio, but by afternoon I'll be on the porch with my box of hexies.
Summer is quickly passing and I want as much porch time as I can get.
How are things shaping up for your Friday?
I am so thrilled with the response to the Abundance pattern release!
I can't wait to see these blocks popping up as you share what you are making.
Log Cabin Love!
If you love log cabin quilts you will also love the simple scrappy paper piecing of the gently curved appearance of these blocks! 100% foundation paper pieced for scrappy perfection! Printable paper templates included.
This pattern assumes that the maker has some experience with foundation paper piecing and following a foundation paper piecing template.
Quilt Size: 90’’ X 90’’
The PDF pattern for Abundance is currently marked 25% off in the digital pattern section of the Quiltville Store - No Coupon Needed. On sale through 8/31/25, Hurry!
And yes - there is a Gift-Away!
I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive an Abundance PDF pattern from me and a Notable Neutrals roll from Cotton to Quilts.
Get your entry in on the Gift-Away post HERE.
We'll draw for our winners on Wednesday 8/27/25.
If I am the author of my own life, who the heck keeps throwing in these plot twists??
Happy Friday, everyone!

10 comments:
WOW the talent of these ladies is so awesome. Also mind blown on the bobbin holder! We are still to hot here in Texas to sit on the porch but soon it will cool off where we can. I love the picture of the mountain top. Hope you have a good weekend. Brenda Jackson
Wow! I absolutely love it when you show us the quilting notion ideas of the inventive minds of your guests! I love the book binding spine/bobbin holder idea! I'm going to use that one for sure! I've already incorporated the 3 level bin drawer/shelf idea from a few months ago! When you see wonderful ideas like these, please keep them coming our way! Also, I love using the links you provide for products you love!
Indeed, Summer is quickly going by.
Soon my hummingbirds will migrate South. I will miss them.
Crockpot is on so I'm going to go sew!
Love your blog Bonnie. Inspires me and everyone else too I imagine.
Have a wonderful day 🌹
Blessings 🙏💞
That plastic binder tip for corralling bobbins is GENIUS! FranSak
Good morning Bonnie, coffee with the blog is a great start to my day- todays page will include cutting up scraps to make a potato chip block kids donation top!
Yep, when something unexpected happens, just yell "Plot Twist" and keep on truckin'. Honestly Bonnie, I do not know how you get it all done - and done seemingly simultaneously! Pattern writing, daily blog with photos, studio re-org, hexi piecing, animal (and people) feeding. You are an inspiration to all of us.
OH MY what great paper pieced blocks :0), so fun to see those ladies having a great time together....looking forward to their over the rail quilt show!! Happy Sewing!
Bonnie, What size bookbinder comb to hold the bobbins?
Well, first of all Happy Birthday to the young lady! :-) What a great gift! Have a great time with your friends. I am loving the stuff coming out of the group this week, very inspiring. I had to do a double take on the Patches & Pinwheels, that one has been on my list for quite some time. It's great! Enjoy that porch time & so glad to hear that you are back to hiking!! YAY! We are suffering in the heat & humidity here in SOuth Central Texas. UGH... I'm ready for all things Fall!! Happy stitching!! :-)
I just fished out the bookbinder spiral from the garbage! It’s 5/8” spiral. Fantastic quilts being made. Dianne
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