Quilters! Start Your Engines!

Another retreat week was in full swing when I arrived at the inn yesterday morning.

Machines were whirring - fabric was being cut and pressed into submission - another group, another round of wonderful projects just beginning.  Or continuing - 

Projects were already on design walls and all around sewing stations - here's a glimpse at the beginnings of some Scrappy Mountain Majesties blocks (pattern from the Free Patterns tab.)

And I admit - I framed this photo to catch the saying on the mug.  LOL!

This lovely block is the center of a round robin to come. Wonderful!

Other circular things were happening in this corner as some Jack's Chain blocks were being set.

It's a lot of starting, stopping, pinning to match points and inserting.

Have you taken on this one yet?

Curves and more curves! Am I sensing a theme?

Something fun from Sew Kind of Wonderful is happening here.

Pinked edges give this one away as a Jelly Roll project!

What a fun quick finish this will be!

And I think this Brightly quilt has become a retreat favorite as we've seen several being made this year.

Brightly Pattern by Cluck Cuck Sew.

Oh how I love a fun churn dash!

Hens & Chicks by Missouri Star.

Mabel's Choice blocks in lovely colors!

And I got some sewing time in the studio, too! My border blocks are coming along and I've reached close to half way with the number I need.

Have you ever loved a border block so much that you've decided that it needs to be more than borders?
Making plans to continue with this block to make a whole quilt...

 
These blocks will still end up as a border, but I don't think I'll be done with them after this quilt!

And I'm extra proud of this girl because - watch:

Hey Mikey, I think she likes it!

And if you aren't old enough to remember the Life cereal ad, just never mind. 

I'm just glad she is using it! Cats are notoriously dehydrated so this will help greatly!

My friend Chrissie sent me Pirate Kitty fabric she found in Paris and sent it from her home in the Netherlands! Love it!

And that's not the end of our day.  Every couple of weeks at the Grayson Highlands General Store, some pickers and players get together for an open Jam session where anyone can join in and they set up chairs for those who just want to come and enjoy some old time Bluegrass music.

It's only a couple of miles from the cabin, so last night we took ourselves over there to just sit and enjoy.

We were early, but these guys were already fired up.

Musicians kept arriving, pulling up a seat, and joining in!


It was a fantastic night!
I'll keep future Thursday evenings open if they do this again.
I wasn't born into mountain music, and I don't know the songs. I wish I had.  I wish I did. It speaks to my soul in a way so unique I can't describe it.
Today: Saper windy and not that great - rain expected.  In fact, I came down this morning to see that the hot tub cover had blown open at some point.  Yikes!
That means that likely ALL the porch decor at the inn is in the yard unless someone saved it from blowing to Oz
More hanging with the quilters - and that can't be bad, even if it is inside!
Drawing happens TOMORROW!

And if you haven't yet, please pop over to the Gift-Away post and get your entry in!

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Brookgreen PDF pattern from me and:

A Caramel roll from  Cotton to Quilts!

We'll draw for our winners on Saturday, 3/28/26.

Introductory Pricing:  The PDF pattern for Brookgreen is currently 25% off in the Quiltville Store, no coupon needed!  Price good through 3/31/26.

Simple shapes and easy piecing create a stunning repeat of pattern and secondary designs, inspired by photo taken of vintage tile floors white traveling. 

Full color photos, Optional piecing methods, and directions to press for success!

I can't wait to see what you do with your own version, be it in these colors, or perhaps a color theme of your own choosing!

Brookgreen finishes at 80'' X 80'' but is easily customized by making fewer blocks for a smaller quilt, or more blocks for a bigger one.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

When the going gets stressful, creativity goes into hyperdrive for so many of us.

 
It's not just something to occupy extra time, it's an essential part of who we are.
⁣
Makers gotta make!

Have a fabulous Friday, everyone!