Eat, Sleep, Quilt!

It is so awesome to have the retreat so full of happy quilters once again.

I felt like this winter was never going to end....and yet, just a few weeks later we have reached the point where Hubster Dave had to come remove the storm window from behind the kitchen window so we could open up the little wing windows and let some fresh air in because the kitchen was getting too hot with all of the wondrous food making going on!

The team of terrificness!

I mean, really?!

And this was just brunch!  What a great way to start the day.  And yes, it was enjoyed out on the porch.

The weather was so nice that I was able to grab a group of gals eager to experience a dirt road hike Appalachian style with me:

Sunshine and short sleeves - in MARCH!

I'm getting the biggest kick out of my Minnesota girls who are "All here for this!"

And though this winter -

It looks like this old tumble down cabin has survived yet again.

No cattle were seen - I guess they haven't been brought in, or turned loose or whatever happens to get them to where we get to say hello to them.  Soon.  Hopefully soon.

While half the group went to hit up the quilt shop, the other half were busy sewing and sharing finishes they brought - Scrappy Mountain Majesties from the Free Patterns tab  in gorgeous fall colors!

And the flip side!

Yes, that border is a cheater print that she didn't know what else to do with - it works perfectly here for a two sided quilt!

It's really easy to make "too many" of this block because they are so fun to make. I'm teaching this one at a retreat workshop next month and if you haven't made one yet, maybe what I post will encourage you to dig in.  It works so great with large squares of fabric - fun way to dig into fat quarters that have been sitting just waiting for the right project.

Boxy Stars is also a fun one from the Free Patterns tab shown here in cute 1930s reproduction prints.

This quilt is a great Jelly Roll Friendly one - unwrap that Jelly Roll and dig in!

Progress is being made on the beginnings I shared in yesterday's post. You'll find pattern info there.

One minute we had a block layout happening -

And the next time I turned around it was up on the design wall.  On to the next block!

Smith Mountain Morning from Scraps & Shirttails II is plugging along.  I love these browns and blues together - such a favorite combo.

Now onto those star point units!

A cute "I spy A Four Patch!" for a grand baby!

Also from the from the Free Patterns tab. 

SO MANY LITTLE TRIANGLES!

Turned into this!

Morning Glories is coming along!  Now up to the red blocks as the blue blocks are done!

Something Sew Kind of Wonderful is coming together here!

And yes - I did get in to a BIT of sewing.

Ready for a trim up???

I only wish it was really this fast!

Ready to de-paper!

I brought my pieces and a small trash can out here to the porch where others had gathered to stitch bindings and do a bit of applique!

And I just may have lingered longer than it took me to remove the papers because the afternoon was so lovely.

And we were even serenaded by the Bovine Brigade!

And watched closely by Flash.

And since it is Caturday, after all - Here's a Tula update!

She is more herself now than she has been for weeks.  I think this week's vet visit will put her firmly on the mend.  She has been affectionate, demanding food and treats, arching her back and holding her tail high for pets, and feeling comfortable enough to start lounging in various areas of the main floor instead of keeping herself up against the loft rail upstairs.

She even came close while I was sitting on the couch and sprawled. She is definitely feeling better.

So to any naysayers who said I should have just put her down and put her out of her misery....Bite me. You don't love this girl the way I do.  You don't believe in her worth the way I do. She is maybe 3 years old at this point, with a long and happy life ahead of her and she has gone through so much, but she is a fighter. I firmly believe that.

We will not give up on Tula.

Even if Lola wishes we would! HA!
Today - another dirt road hike maybe?  
There may be a bout o incoming rain so we will see.
More porch time?  Definitely!
What's up for your weekend ahead?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Well, isn't this just the eye opener?

 
We are all in this together, and we all feel unsure of ourselves sometimes.

 
Lead with your head, but listen to your heart!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!