Lupine & Laughter Mystery - Part Three!

It's Friday again!
And here we are at part three of our Lupine & Laughter Mystery.
Part one focused on one unit.
Part two had us creating two different color ways of geese!
Guess what part three means?
Three different sizes of half-square triangles!
Don't worry - this trend isn't likely to continue, but I thought since the tutorial for all of these was basically the same we'd make some major headway by getting these done at the same time.

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Lupine & Laughter Mystery - Part Two!

It's Friday!!  It's Lupine Mystery, Part Two Day!

I hope you are ready to really dig in today.

I've spent some time writing some parts ahead with all that is going on with my family - and as this posts my life is full of travelers and airports and amazing destinations!

Of course, this also means I'm flying by the seat of my pants and hoping that there are no hiccups, no misdirected or broken links and that all is going along swimmingly until I once again can connect to hotel Wi-Fi from Bavaria. 

Remember - it's not a race, we are taking things as they come with this mystery season, and if all else fails I'll fix it when I get home. Is there some holiday baking that you can do in the meantime? I'm sure there is.

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Thanksgiving 2025!

Good morning, friends!

The house is still quiet as I write this - though there is a load of laundry running so I can finish my packing for tomorrow's flights to New York in preparation of our Germany/Austria adventure ahead.

Baking will happen as soon as this posts.  I'm responsible for the creamed corn corn bread and Dave's gluten free pumpkin custard.

Dinner is at 3pm at Jeff's so we'll be there by 2pm. That gives me time to get this out to you!

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Sorting The Abundance!

I remember a time when the internet was new and acronyms were confusingly abundant and I was trying to catch up on what all the latest little "letter-speak" things meant.

And then trying to explain them to elder folk went something like "LOL means Laughing Out Loud." and the response went something like "Oh, I thought that was Lots of Love, that explains why I got the weird reaction to the sympathy email I sent Joan about the loss of her dog and I signed it LOL."

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Slow Stitching Update -

Sometimes more is more.  More is better.  More is needed.

And in the case of my EPP hexie border...because of where I'm going to trim it, I needed to add a 3rd row to the border length.

Once I laid it out against the mothership, it was just insignificant and would likely disappear with trimming and adding a binding of some sort.

And it's not like there are not more hexagon papers on hand - and an abundance of neutral fabrics to just keep sewing, so let's go!

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I Hear Banjos!

I love community events - especially as the holiday season draws nearer!

There is a whole lot going on all of the time - even where I live in the literal "middle of nowhere."  

It takes at least a half hour to drive from home to anywhere else also in the middle of nowhere.

Remember that old Ocean Spray commercial stating 'You can't get there from here!"?

That's pretty much it.  You can't go through, you can't go over, the only way is AROUND (on the most windy roads you've ever been on) but no matter how long the journey takes, it's worth it!

Saturday night we were out to the Flat Ridge community center for a community Thanksgiving dinner and a concert put on by the Flat Ridge boys.

And there were Flat Ridge girls too...singing playing - a whole lot of foot stompin' hand clappin' blue grass.

And as one of the musicians announced "Y'all join in, it's one we all know!" and the music started...I realized it wasn't one that I know.  I wasn't born here.  Blue grass music is a new love of mine, but I'm doing what I can to catch up.

The best part?  Being swallowed up, not only from the music coming off the stage, but the singing of the audience behind me as we were sitting in the front row.

What a great way to spend a Saturday night.

Oh, the food? I was too starved and indulging to take photos, but there were BBQ ribs, roasted turkey, deep fried turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and something I've never seen before - PURPLE sweet potatoes.

Everyone laughed while i was eating it - they said it would turn my teeth and my tongue purple, but man that was delicious.

Add to that home baked rolls, corn, green beans, cole slaw, macaroni & cheese, and so many desserts to choose from.  I was full before I was halfway through my meal.

Someone had made a cranberry salad with julienned apples and pecans.  So good.

You just can't get this in a city. Or at least in my lifetime I've not found it.

I spent yesterday blissfully at my machine.  I finished up Ken Burns' American Revolution on PBS.  Part 6 where it all comes together and we finally have an outcome?  I'm going to watch this again because I know I missed several things.

More than our sugar-sweetened pilgrim story, watching this series on the American Revolution has added a deeper meaning to my own gratitude for Thanksgiving week.  It's that good.

Oh, and this piece?  Joy from Alaska sent a box of scraps that included Washington State fabric in it.  I'm sewing these up with memories of my time with Jason.  Yes, that's a Sasquatch on the fabric.  Too funny!

And the desire to keep sewing these is strong - I went through some bins and baggies yesterday and found more saved half-square triangles in a size that will work for the corners of the blocks.

Any amount of downsizing in any scrap department is worth it.

My sewn and trimmed up haul from yesterday's sewing.

For those wondering (and wanting) I drew these templates up myself and printed them out. There may be other sources out there, or you can use graph paper and draw them in whatever size you would like.

I will not be providing a pattern for these yet - please stay tuned until you see the whole quilt and the pattern is released! Thank you.

I brought them home to do the de-papering job while watching some evening TV with Hubster Dave, and of course Lola had to be right there in the middle of everything, making her way above the trashcan between my knees and complaining that she'd rather have my hands on her, than dealing with this paper stuff.
The X-Plus blocks?  In time out for now.  I could slog through them, but I really want to be sewing on something that is keeping me happy to be sewing.
And I don't really need to worry about accuracy with these as long as the pieces are bigger than where they are landing, and my seam allowance is sufficient.
It's sew first, trim second -
Just sew on the line and they'll turn out fine.
And that's all I need for now.

And yes, these DID get done!

The kits for my Warm Hands, Warm Heart workshop for my upcoming Craftours trip to Germany & Austria for the fabulous Christmas Markets are done, packed and ready to fly on Friday!
My updated lineup of where we will be going through 2027 is up!  Take a look and come with me!
You never know which trip is going to inspire a future Quiltville Winter Mystery!
So here we are at Monday - how was your weekend? Any plans for today?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -
This is all you need to get started!

 
Just start where you are with what you have and do what you can!

Happy Monday, everyone -
 

 

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What A Day!

This is my staring into the abyss of fog on the mountain.

It's beautiful in a way.  Comforting like a hug.

And yes, the sun is there to burn it all off and I know it won't last long.

This is a metaphor for how yesterday went for me.

So much second guessing.  So much stress and anxiety.

But today is a new day and we pick it up from here.

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Lupine & Laughter - Part One!

Happy First Mystery Friday, Quiltvillians!
I hope you are as excited and ready to get going on this year's Quiltville Winter Mystery as I am.
Hopefully before you dig in here you've had a chance to re-read our Introduction post.  I've linked it under our Lupine & Laughter Mystery tab at the top of the blog.
You'll find all future parts by clicking to that tab.

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Change of the Seasons!

Day one back at home -

Halloween/Fall has got to go.  It's time to switch up the seasons!

I always feel a bit unsettled this time of year. I'm not sure why.

There is a lot to do, of course, and many things happening.

But the inn is empty and we have only one retreat left - The December Quiltvillians will be coming December 3rd for our last retreat of the year drawing our 6th season to a close.

How did that happen? This year went by so fast!

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Quilty Stuff First

It's completely honest to say that I have never had so much hexie stitching time in one trip as this one!

I have hexies coming out of my ears...not to mention all over the couch and coffee table.

And this is why a handwork project is so valuable when we are doing things like helping someone with recuperation time -( or in my own klutzy nature my own recuperation time!) or when visiting parents over an extended period of time.

When doers can't be busy doing "other" things - our hands need to be busy at least doing "SOMETHING!"

Are you that way, too?

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Rest, Relax, Reconnect, Restore!

Good morning from Sun Lakes, Arizona!

Every year I look forward to visiting my dad before Thanksgiving and it has become a moment of resting up for the holiday season ahead.

Thanksgiving is just a couple of weeks away, with Christmas just a month beyond that and of course our Quiltville Winter Mystery will be kicking off with Part One going live just a few days after I return home.

I'll be home on the 18th.  We go live on the 21st!

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Vancouver - Out & About!

Hey Peeps!  It's been a few days since I checked in -

And here are some scenes from my weekend in Vancouver!

Friday, Saturday, Sunday weather was WONDERFUL and we did our best to choose one outing per day to get some fresh air and some walking steps in.

Walking is the best thing for Jason's healing right now.

Did you know?  Your brain's mental health depends on key systems:

• Neurotransmitter balance • Stress hormone regulation • Neural growth factors • Blood flow to brain regionsWalking affects all of them.

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More From Vancouver!

Happy Weekend!

It didn't seem possible, but time is flying here.  It's already Saturday - I've been here nearly a week.

I came prepared to do lots of sitting, but I've also gotten out and about - some with Jason as he feels able, and some with just myself as he rests and naps.

I do know one thing for certain - I was not made to sit still. Even Jason knows this.

I have busied myself with meal planning and prep, and getting in a walk here and there.

And still - there has been loads of sitting on my butt hand sewing hexies. I came prepared!

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From Vancouver With Love!

We got out for a bit of a stroll along the waterfront in Vancouver - even on a chilly, rainy day there were moments we could grab.

Of course there are the driving instructions coming from my son as I maneuver his precious car through the city.  Never mind that I've been driving for 45 years - you'd think that I was taking a driver's ed course at this point.

But we are having some fun!

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Those November Quiltvillians!

It's super early Tuesday morning as I write this - Here in the PNW it's 6:30am which means it's 9:30am back home and all of the November Quiltvillians are headed home in all of their directions.
Hubster Dave should just about be touching down at Tri Cities airport for his drive home after his long red eye flight.
Jason is sleeping - though I know from the sounds I heard through the night that he was having a rough go of it.
But today he gets his stitches out!

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Summit Street Gift-Away!!

Happy Weekend, folks!

And happy NOVEMBER- can you believe it? Where did the time go?

I know that quilters everywhere are feeling the crunch of November as the holidays (and our Quiltville Winter Mystery Lupine & Laughter ) draw closer!

And to celebrate our quilty holiday crunch that is upon us - have I got a fun gift-away for you!

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One Thing At A Time!

I did cut out yesterday.

Not enough to finish the blocks for the quilt, but I cut enough to get going.  To sew for a while.

And that's enough.

It was just the amount I needed to feel like I accomplished something - anything.

Two days left before I fly to be with Jason - have I packed yet?  Nope!

But I have begun to make a pile next to the suitcase on the guestroom bed of things that need to go with me.

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The Kitting Up Day That Wasn't -

I've had a lot of discombobulated days lately. A lot of them.

It seems days of best laid plans (Which is how I generally roll) have become thrown to the wind and what gets done gets done, and what doesn't gets shoved off into the next day's to-do list mayhem.

And I find the big question of the day when things remain undone is "What does it matter?" "Does it matter?"

Honestly, I wonder what would happen if I just stopped everything. Everything.

If all the plates on all the poles stopped spinning and crashed to the ground, what would happen then?

What if I let it all go?

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Back To This -

The October Quiltvillians departed yesterday morning making their way home from whence they came - some planning to shop hop all the way.  Good for them!
I may see these folks once a year, but I love knowing they stay in contact with each other and make plans to do fun things together even when not on retreat at Quiltville Inn.
Connections and Friendships is what it's all about - and I love to see it in action!

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Beating The Rain!

The forecast showed rain for days and days...on end.

So the decision was made early on in retreat that Sunday afternoon would be our greatest over-the-porch-rail opportunity - whether quilt tops were done or not.

It was that or get wet - and/or be blown away by the possible wind.

Wouldn't you know it - Sunday was grey and cloudy, but no wind!

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Things that come in Threes, Fours or Fives?

This picture is here to remind me that no matter the problem, there are always ALWAYS helpers.

This was my view on Saturday morning as I descended the drive showing just what my neighbors had cleared away from the downed tree that smashed the gate on Friday afternoon.

I couldn't fully see it in the dark as I returned from dinner - it certainly wasn't light enough to stop and get a photo then, but on Saturday morning I could.

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October Quiltvillians In The House!

The October Quiltvillians are in the house!

And I think I can officially say that the 2025 porch season has come to a windy and chilly close.

So windy that branches have come down into the yard - and all of the porch decor has been packed away until next year.

Let's just say that it is no fun to chase a bunch of paper napkins around the yard, nor to catch the salt and pepper shakers that have rolled off of the tables.

And while I am sad that summer is over - toasty mornings of coffee in the hen den with the fire on also brings happiness.

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Quiltville Winter Mystery: Lupine & Laughter! (Intro)

It's Mystery Season, Quiltvillians!

With everything going on with our son Jason's recovery from brain surgery, I'm getting this out a week early with the best news ever - Jason was released from the hospital yesterday and is now resting at home with his Dad. I leave November 2nd to go spend 2 weeks with him.

My reason for releasing the introduction to Lupine & Laughter a week early is so I can get all ruler orders out to you before I fly to Portland. I will do my best to get your ruler/notions orders out to you as quickly as possible. 

I return on November 25th. The 2 weeks I am gone will also allow me to order more in if need be and I will resume sending things out upon my return home.

Needless to say, thank you so much for your patience with me during this time.

This year's mystery gets its inspiration from somewhere I've been in the past year or so- ICELAND!

This post contains the back story, colors, yardage requirements, and recommended tools.

Our yearly Quiltville Winter Mystery begins in earnest with Part One going live on - PLEASE READ - NOVEMBER 21, 2025!

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One Hour. One Day At A Time.

Guess who got some machine time yesterday??

And I admit it - these last nine blocks were sewn as Leaders & Enders for each other -

I hadn't sat at a sewing machine since putting the binding on Brookgreen.

I wasn't even very speedy about getting the hand stitching of that binding down...the mind-space that sewing takes has just been beyond my grasp for the most part over the past few weeks.

And now that we are coming out the other side - all I feel is emotionally exhausted.  Like all of that pent up adrenaline over worry for my son has just all gone out in a big whoooosh leaving me just numb.

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Holding It Together -

All is well!
Yesterday was such an emotional roller coaster knowing my grown man-child was in the operating room to remove a large tumor from his brain as I was here holding down the fort - driving on a beautiful autumn morning over to the retreat where the Brown Bird Bee ladies were departing.
My wonderful second grown man child Jeff stayed with me all day.
It is at this stage of life where we appreciate who our grown children have become.

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Brown Bird Bee Beauties!

Good morning, Quiltvillians!

Just take a look at these completed Charm Pack Challenge quilt top finishes!

All started on retreat - and all hanging over the porch rail in yesterday's abundant October sunshine - 

What a fun way to sew together!

If you and your group want to do this challenge, or if you simply have a charm pack you are wanting to put to good (and fun!) use - Download free PDF pattern sheet HERE.

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Over The Weekend -

I tried to come up with a snappy title for this post, but everything is so scrambled and disjointed right now I just kept it simple.

Hubster Dave and I made our way to Blountville, TN on Saturday to drop him at the airport for his flight to Portland where he will be staying with Jason through his brain surgery.

Needless to say, he took my heart and soul with him when he went through those double doors between the unloading zone and the check in counter.

Saturday was a beautiful day - it couldn't have been prettier.

This is the view from the top of Grassy Creek road as you crest and go down the other side.

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The Great Birthday Getaway!

If you want a really fun night out, take your husband, your friend, her husband, her sister, and her other two friends, one with the same name, and pile all into the van for an hour's drive to Boone for an evening at the Japanese Steakhouse!
And no, Dave and I didn't plan on matching outfits, but on a night like this, why not go raspberry?
We left our place at 4:30 pm KNOWING that on a Friday night this place may be slammed...and we were glad we arrived before 6pm because it already was.
But it was worth the wait!

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Brown Bird Charm Pack Challenge!

Yesterday morning I walked into the Quilting Quarters to find The Brown Bird Bee gals already hard at work with a planned Charm Pack Challenge!

Design walls were filling up with pieces and parts and the machines were humming on both sides of the room.

Ooooooh!  Pretty things to look at on a bright and shiny morning?  Show me what's up!

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Brookgreen Off The Rails!

Well, that sure happened quickly enough!

Though this whole construction phase of Brookgreen I was contemplating maybe hand quilting this thing through the winter months -

But with the urgency of Jason's situation and not knowing where I would be, and the need to just take control of one situation that I COULD take control of...I powered through and finished the machine quilting.

And I'm really happy with how it turned out.  It was the right choice for this quilt.

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Lahinch PDF Pattern Gift-Away!

Good Morning, Quiltvillians!

Here we are half-way through October, with an October-late-autumn themed quilt begging to be made from your yummiest scraps in the colors of Dark Chocolate, Caramel, Pumpkin Spice and Sky Blue! There is a smattering of sandy colored neutrals that tie everything together -

I had a wonderful time making Lahinch, and I know you will too!

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Memories and Quilts!

Phone cameras have certainly improved over the 15 years since this photo was taken.

We were living in Wallburg, NC.  Jason was living in Columbia SC and working at Olive Garden.

I was on my way down to Charleston and had stopped at his work for a rest break, a beverage, a quick visit.

These are the kinds of things I'm finding as I scroll all the way down my Facebook memories.  What a blessing it is to have those there, changing daily, always something to rediscover and remember.

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It's A Top!

Look what came together! 

And I am so tickled.

Done before all of the leaves are on the ground and the grass goes brown.

The Muddy Creek Misfits dwindled from 9 to 7 as one by one folks left to attend Saturday weddings and other anticipated events....sometimes life gets in the way of quilt retreats, but we squeeze in all of the quilting we can, gather for as long as we can and fit in as much fun as we are able.

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