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Saturday, April 11, 2026

Last Year's Workshop Finishes!


We took a moment on the porch with Debbie's Bitter Bees to share the results and finishes from last year's Spanish Rose applique workshop!

I know applique is not for everyone.  I, myself, don't do a lot of it though it's not much different than hand stitching down a binding, hanging sleeve or label.

This quilt was designed as a hand stitching workshop for our Mediterranean cruise several years back because we wouldn't have sewing machines available. Handwork it was!
And I love that this workshop also includes some other elements - many had not done any string piecing before.  There were also patchwork accuracy tests as we made little four patches and half square triangles so everything would fit together.

From there - they got to take their quilts in whichever direction they wanted - increasing the size, or changing the width of the borders.  

I love how they all turned out just a bit different!


The year before we had a Split Nine-Patch workshop -

Here are three finishes from that class!

Pattern from the Free Patterns tab, It was our Leader & Ender challenge one year.  Remember? Did you finish yours?


Our Scrappy Mountain Majesties workshop is continuing! Also from the Free Patterns tab.

More variety is entering the chat!  Things are shaping up and we are starting to play with possible layouts.


So many possibilities - 

My suggestion as always: "Don't commit too soon!"


Springy Florals!


Purples and greens in a barn raising layout!


It's so fun to see each block come to life!


Adding the next section -


Necessity is the mother of invention!

I thought this was a great use of a foil tray, keeping all block parts contained - they aren't going to slide off anywhere!


Taking ideas in a whole different direction for something with Southwestern appeal -


More pretties upon the design wall -


Our morning time together flew so fast - before we knew it, it was time for lunch enjoyed out on the porch.

After lunch? Two car loads of ladies headed out to go hit the quilt shops for an afternoon of more quilty fun.  That's what retreat is about!


Meanwhile, next door at the QPO Studio -Son Jeff dd his mom a huge favor by putting together the cat tree that had been delivered.

Hazel needed a spot all her own - hopefully to keep her OFF of things I don't want her to climb on!

But will she like it?


She took to it right away!


And she plays with the hanging toys!


Peek-a-boo! I see you!


It's the cat version of whack a mole without the whacking!


Hazel also loves her outside yard time - and here she is getting ready to receive a nose kiss from Starky.


Stark is growing up into the sweetest dog.  He's not a terror to the cats (They have 3 cats at home) and he behaves so well.

Here he sits and watches over the cows by the creek. He is such a miracle puppy.  I still don't understand how anyone could hit him with their car and drive off.  So glad Ashlyn stopped to pick him up after witnessing that.

I love that my kids have kind hearts for animals - it shows just what kind of people they are.


And guess what the icing on the cake is?

My dogwood is starting to bloom! YAY!


Last evening was spent with feet up flipping binding - I didn't get very far.  It's going to take days and days - 

But what's the rush?


Quiltville Quote of the Day -

I admit it. This is something I have to tell myself nearly every single day. ⁣

Working hard and pushing yourself to the limits doesn't mean you can't also be kind and gentle with yourself. ⁣

Keep the focus away from your failures, and put it on your progress!!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

 

13 comments:

Debra said...

Love those Split Nine Patches!! Yes, mine is Fini.
Your Dogwood looks great..such pretty trees when in bloom.
You have such a good son in Jeff.
He does everything for his Mom.
Have a wonderful weekend
Blessings 🙏💞

sue s said...

Hazel is so entertaining! I think the quilt behind your quote looks like a Southwestern influence too? Starky is one lucky pup!

cityquilter grace said...

so inspired by all the scrappy mountain blocks....a fave pattern of mine

Anonymous said...

Hazel just cracks me up!

Ginny A said...

Having a son nearby is such a wonderful thing, isn't it? Really enjoyed seeing the current in progress and finished past workshop finishes the gals shared. Hazel's tower is wonderful. She is so photogenic. Pretty Girl!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet, picture perfect story today, Bonnie, Happy Spring and thanks for the cute cat shots, I do miss mine so very much.

Carol M said...

Loved the article today on the news feed about the Bonne Maman jam jars, I reuse all of them!! Love your Blog and read it every day. Thank You

Anonymous said...

The Split 9 Patch is one of my loved patterns. I made mine kingsize for our bed. It was the first top I had to send out to have quilted…it wouldn’t fit on my 10’ frame. It was so worth it!!! It is still one of my favorite quilts!

Annie B said...

Hey Bonnie, I'm wondering where you got that awesome cat tree? I love watching Hazel in your studio!

Fern Driscoll said...

I love your blog and look forward to reading it every day, even though I'm only a desultory quilter. I learn tons by looking at your photos. Hazel is such a lovely kitty - it's been wonderful to watch her establish herself in your heart - remember the early days of her arrival, the "we can't have another cat" days. SO glad you reconsidered!

Alice Cooksey said...

My Split Nine Patch was one of the first of your patterns that I attempted. I loved making it and it still remains one of my favorites.

Tracey Honig said...

I love that y'all got Hazel's tree to match her!! HAHA!
I have the Split 9 patch on my list... one day I'll "get around to it!" :-)
Starky really is a lucky pup. He'll be just fine. Y'all enjoy your weekend.
2 more quilts in the FInish pile. Well, almost. they need to be washed and photographed! Then I can claim them done. It's nice to have quilts finished before the deadline! Looking forward to seeing what you dream up for the next leader/ender challenge! :-)

Ginny A said...

The Split Nine Patch quilts remind me of one I made. It's time to make another, I think. The workshop Scrappy Mtn. Majesty projects are so inspiring.

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