First 2026 Over The Rail!

Who would guess a week ago we were still plowing snow hoping to clear the drive and the parking lot before these lovely ladies showed up for retreat?

Some snow still remains in places where the "sun don't shine!" but little by little things are looking up.

(Yeah, don't tell me about this next incoming weekend - winter may have its last hurrah yet.)

We were a smaller group, but mighty and they got a lot done!

Some finished tops from the Pat Sloan's Oh My Stars quilt made with charm packs - this was a challenge within the group and I love the variations!

Here's a photo of a couple more while on the design wall:

These two are waiting for borders!

If you look closely at the above group photo you'll see some little strawberries.

Up close they are not that small - and oh, so cute!

They are mod strawberries from Sew Kind of Wonderful.

Lupine & Laughter and Old Town made by Gail!

Tonga Butterfly quilt on the left and a Hamilton Gardens top finish on the right!

Michelle's quilt top is a stunner!

Here's the pattern.

Betty's basket top waiting for a final border.

Pattern is Indigo Baskets of Plenty by Red Crinoline Quilts.

Betty also finished her Lupine & Laughter top!

By mistake she made too many of the half-rectangle units and compiled this gorgeous back from her scraps! Stunning!

The February Quiltvillians are checking out this morning and headed home.  There may be quilt shop stops along the way.  It's been a wonderful first week of retreats 2026!

That also means that today is not only the first laundry day of 2026, but son Jeff will be on hand to start in on the yard clean up of sticks and debris as we get ready for lawn care season, but house keeper Susan will be working her magic in getting us ready tor tomorrow's arrivals: The B.A.D. Bee!

We'll be ready!

And I know you are dying to hear how things went with Hazel and her spay appointment yesterday.

We went to pick her up at 5pm - and were told that she has already previously been spayed!

Here's the scar to prove it!

So the day was not a total waste.  She got a day trip to Galax, was loved on by many, got a rabies shot and a check up and a little green tattoo marking that YES, she was previously spayed.

She has no microchip.  I'll get that taken care of the next time we do a full check up.

Which brings to the forefront the other realization: 

If those WEREN'T her babies - whose were they??  Accckk!  No wonder she wanted nothing to do with the little freeloaders. So glad we drove them to the shelter last week. May they have happy lives - elsewhere.

I know this is long, but I'm sticking this in here anyway.  This happened Saturday.
And for those interested in the Half-Rectangle Trim Tool I have a confession - I added the new inventory to the store, but forgot to click SAVE. DUH.  So they are there.
More info on the Gift-Away page.  Get your entry in!

Are you dreaming of coming with me to Romania in June? June is stated to be the most beautiful month to visit. I can't wait.

We still have some spots available, and I was told that the cut off date for those who wish to join me is March 6th - so hurry! Get your reservation in NOW!

Find out more on my Craftours travel page.

I'm looking forward to making some travel memories together with you! Who knows? Romania just may be the inspiration for our NEXT Quiltville Winter Mystery!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Don't let your worst define you, and extend the same courtesy to everyone else!

Have a lovely day, friends!