>>>>

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Full On Quilting Weekend Ahead!


With each year that passes (I can't believe we are in Quiltville Inn Season Seven already!) there are things that need to be replaced, refreshed and redone.

And let's face it, after a couple of big quilts (Man, I love big quilts but it's been a lot!) and after Mystery Season is over I like to have something that I can see done in a flash.

Or a bit more than a flash, but still less than a big quilt kind of job.


When we were getting ready to open the retreat house, I made some cushion covers from a cutter quilt that had seen better days.  I think I got seven cushions out of that quilt.

But as you can see, they are even now more worse for wear and I can't wash them or they will completely shred.


This is what is going on!


Some of the blocks were fairly large, so I could just add some fun borders to bring them up to size.


This will do!


I also did one with brown and rust:


Cute!

I'm having fun revisiting these sample blocks, and remembering why I liked them in the first place.  Maybe I need to revisit them more and see which ones could become real quilts?


When working on my Addicted to Scraps columns there were usually blocks made in 3 or 4 different colorways to show how fun the block could be.

Do I care that two of these are holiday prints? Nope!


The cushion covers were different sizes based on what I could get out of the cutter quilt, so there are some variations on sizes here.  I've got eight.  And it didn't take long.

Today I will be loading up a backing (some random fabric I don't care about as it will be inside the cushion cover) and I'll get these quilted.

Then I will make the split-back overlapping backing pieces for each, which will be fabrics I like better! I'll get some binding on these and they will also become evening binding projects.

Within the next few weeks the ratty tulip pillows will be replaced with something new and colorful.


Meanwhile at retreat!

Check out this cutie patootie Singer 99 just a sewing away! I love seeing the vintage babies come out to play.


More progress is being made on Carolina Christmas from Scraps & Shirttails II.

Isn't it great to see pretty units all lined up and ready for the next step?


Fabulous sun flowers are hoping to be ready for today's over-the-porch-rail photo shoot - we've got to do it today because SNOW is expected tomorrow. Ack!


A whole galaxy of stars!  This is going to be fun!


These biggie-sized Garlic Knots were a guild swap!


Destined to become a top by this afternoon!


Penguins - so cute!


Pattern by Elizabeth Hartman.

Accessories added by the maker whose name is also Bonnie!


Four Patch Fun blocks are being made as Leaders & Enders in this corner.


Shooflies and Kimonos and a white Featherweight happening in this corner!

All photos were taken before I headed out to take Tula back to the vet to see what is going on with her - can't say eye so can I say eye socket?! Poor thing.

She does have an infection so they have given her an extended release 2 week antibiotic shot.  They sent us back home with pain meds, and instructions for me to do warm compresses two times a day.

Have you ever tried to put warm compresses on a cat's missing eye area and hold it for five minutes? Twice a day? It's interesting.  But so far so good.

She has another appointment on Monday morning to check it, and then perhaps get a couple more stitching to close the hole that opened in her scar.

It's just a lot and I don't know how many more of her nine lives are left.  This is why I am keeping her here at home and the other two cats are just going to have to learn to deal with it.

This morning Lola wandered over, saw Tula in my lap, sniffed my fingers when I reached down to pet her, hissed and ran away back down to the basement.  It is what it is.  They'll get along or they won't.


And since Tula has been rehomed to the cabin, it's quite the coincidence that this people-friendly girl has shown up to take over porch watch as the ladies load and unload.  Almost like there is supposed to be two cats on a porch as some kind of rule.


At least Hazel knows the way to the studio and wants to come in for some treats and loves and some hang out time.

So into the weekend we go.  There are cushion covers to quilt, there are quilters to enjoy.  There are photos to take and memories to make - 

Big Quilting Weekend - Full Steam Ahead!

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 are into the last days of signups and registration will be closing soon.

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!


This happened last Saturday. More info on the Gift-Away page.  Get your entry in!

Drawing happens Monday, 2/23/26

Iceland Inspired!

A Craftours trip to Iceland in 2025 inspired the colors and design of this quilt. Originally presented as a Quiltville Winter Mystery, this pattern booklet includes all of the tips, helps and techniques covered in the mystery. Full color photos and graphics. Optional paper piecing templates for some units included.

Quilt Size: 80’’ X 80’’

Introductory Pricing:

I have placed the PDF pattern booklet for Lupine & Laughter at 25% off automatic discount in the Quiltville Store. No coupon needed!  Pricing good through 2/28/26.


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Follow your own muse. ⁣

Create to the beat of your own drummer.⁣
⁣⁣
Creativity is not a race.
 
Stop comparing your work to the work of others. ⁣

Enjoy the process!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

 

9 comments:

  1. Is so funny to recognize some of the old fabrics you have in your stash that I have as well, guess we have been sewing along time!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good luck with Tula. Sounds like she knows and understands that you're trying to help her. I was so excited to see the Penguin Party quilt being worked on. I have that pattern too and have been collecting fabrics of black and white to make one for my grown son who loves penguins. Thanks, maker Bonnie, for showing the accessories and the light blue background--great ideas! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Loving the pillow covers. Oooh, the box of Addicted to Scrap blocks had me itching to rummage through it with you. I hope Tula comes through this latest issue. Poor baby.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good luck with your kitty drama! We've never had to introduce a new cat the way you're doing, but when one of ours got outside and his sister decided he was a stranger and hissed when he came near petting them back and forth with the same hand to get their smells on each other did help.

    Thank you for not just feeding the cats but also for getting them fixed and medical care as well. I wish my feral cat feeding neighbors would've done the same (the closer ones have moved away but another house a block away has started feeding them instead). I guess that they are how I did get my two lazy sibling kitties that we pulled out of the storm drain, but still.

    Happy Caturday! Mario and Princess Peach tell Tula to get well soon and Lola to calm down, there's enough food (and warm laps) to share!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5:18 PM EST

    In 1973, our car Tigger lost his eye in an awful cat fight. My mother nursed him for months and he made it. Tula will pull through because of her will to survive because you have given her a safe home. The other cats just spur her vim and vigor! She is a lover and a fighter. I thank you for all you do for cats and quilters.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous6:14 AM EST

    Hello, I would love the buy the kimono block pattern. Can you advise the name of the pattern please. Thank you for your wonderful blog. Margaret

    ReplyDelete
  7. Debby Lee9:05 AM EST

    We appreciate all that you do for us!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lots of great stuff coming out of the retreat! Tula will be fine; she trusts you and knows that you are helping her as much as possible. No sewing at all for me this weekend. Busy family time.That's ok too. I'll make up for it next weekend. Happy quilting, and stay warm with that snow! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous7:42 AM EST

    I see you, Singer 99! My Singer 99 case base is falling apart, but other than that problem, the machine is a workhorse and makes a nice straight stitch.

    ReplyDelete

If you are commenting as "anonymous" please leave your name at the end of your comment.

Did you know that ad space on this blog provides for all of the free patterns and free mysteries and challenges at no cost to you? Without ads, this blog would not be possible.

Thank you for understanding the many hours that go into this blog 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year. :)