Still So Much Snow!

Things have not been thawing out -

Virginia has been frozen and snow-covered for what feels like forever at this point, and here we go into February!

Retreats are scheduled to start on February 11th - so please, Mr. Sun - shine down some warmth over here so we can thaw out the parking areas and clear the walkways and get everything ready!

Yes...I am still plugging away on the binding on my big yellow Sunnyside quilt.

I've reached half-way!

I'm usually not this slow on a hand-stitched binding, but this thing is 90'' or so square, and I've been trying to get Tula to accept lap snuggles and pets.

Besides, it's not a race - why am I feeling like I need to hurry on this one?

My Snow Day Sew Day stitching continued yesterday as Hubster Dave had a physical therapy appointment and said he would check in on Flash on the way.

I didn't need to go anywhere.

So I settled into turning my string pieced strips into rail fence blocks.

I have a plan!

(The string bin doesn't look any lighter, but I was able to put the lid back on and put them away for now.)

And the rest of my free sewing time turned into:

Block kit cutting for the next part of this scrappy game I'm playing.

Totes and tubs and bins and boxes of scraps - the challenge is on!  How can I best use what I've already got sitting around in the Scrap User's System?

I sorted out my pre-cut squares boxes earlier this winter, reacquainting myself with what was in there.

I used many of these squares as centers in the X-Plus blocks that ended up in my Sunnyside quilt.

I used many of my precut strips to also make those X-Plus blocks, but there are still more - 

AND.  If you look at the string rail fence blocks again you'll see that they all have a COMMON center fabric.

This is something I don't tend to do - use one big piece of yardage for the background of the whole quilt, but this is one I might want to hand quilt.  And I had a bolt of Essex Linen that was just sitting here so why not?

Never say never.  And this fabric has been sitting here for a few years untouched.  It's time. Stay tuned on what these will become as I have more cutting out and kitting up to do.

How about some Morocco fun from our trip?  A cooking class!

@quiltville_bonnie cooking class outside of Marrakech, Morocco! #quiltville #bonniekhunter #quilter #craftours #morocco ♬ Mawlaya (Arabic Version - Bonus Track) - Maher Zain

We traveled to a little village close to the Atlas Mountains which are located just south of Marrakech, with foothills beginning about a 90-minute drive from the city. This majestic range features North Africa's highest peak, Mount Toubkal.

We were surprised to see green in the desert! The snow capped peaks were a magnificent backdrop.

Our cooking class was held in a large tent, and we each pulled up a hassock for a welcome tea.

Remember, true Moroccan tea is hot and sweet and served in little glasses about twice the size of a shot glass.  Not big mugs like we are known to do here!

Cooking classes are such a fun activity and a great ice breaker when we are getting to know our other travelers.

We made 3 kinds of Tajin and some lovely vegetable salads. It was a remarkable memorable day!

Every little town has its own mosque - this one is simple on the edge of the desert.

If you want to see how people live and what life is like - get out of the city and experience the country!

I'm now setting my sights on where else we will be traveling through 2026.  Next up: Romania!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Romania: Medieval Transylvania: Explore the well-preserved citadel of Sighișoara and the charming city of Brașov.
Iconic Castles: Visit Bran Castle and the stunning Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German neo-Renaissance architecture.
Untouched Nature: The Carpathian Mountains, which are home to large populations of brown bears, wolves, and lynx.
Vibrant Bucharest: Experience the "Little Paris" of the East, featuring the massive Palace of Parliament and a lively, historic Old Town.
Cultural Heritage: Discover the unique, UNESCO-listed Painted Monasteries of Bucovina and traditional, rural life in Maramure.

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  Come join me!
Spots are also filling for our trip to India in September, and our wonderful Christmas Markets extravaganza including Switzerland, France and Germany right after Thanksgiving.


More info found on my tour page HERE.


Today: DESK WORK!

Which means I'll be shuttled down the snow and ice covered drive and dropped off at the QPO while Dave goes for a checkup on his wrist post his December surgery. He'll pick me back up when he's done.

There is lots to take care of as we get ready to open for Quiltville Inn Season 7!

I hope to be back at the sewing machine later this afternoon - and yes, that binding needs some more work.

How about you?  What's going on in your world?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Today I'm not only wishing you things that make you smile but a good belly laugh or two as well! 

Laughter is therapy! No matter how tough things are, don't lose your sense of humor. 

PS: Who doesn't love a good old scrappy Log Cabin quilt?

Happy Tuesday, everyone 

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