Good Times & Pop-Up Shops!

The May Quiltvillians are in the house - and they brought with them not one, but TWO pop-up fabric shops!

I love when this happens...the quilters can keep on quilting, and only have to walk a few feet to fit in some retail therapy.  What a wonderful combination!

One gal brought fabric bundles made from a quilter's stash donated by her husband after she passed away.  The fabric is coordinated in bags, some with patterns included and sold by the pound. The proceeds are going to support good causes.

There were some big yardage pieces in there perfect for borders, sashings, setting triangles, bindings - things I always need even when I am working with small scraps to tie everything together.

Yes. I did some damage. I'm so excited when the fabric comes to me.  LOL!

And how fun is this??

We set up tables in the foyer with a wide variety of pre-cuts and fat quarters with some fabric on the bolt also available. 

Now we can end the argument over "Which is better, quilt shop or retreat?" and just have them both!

The quilters have been busy!

I love popping in and seeing projects in progress everywhere...you know they were up and sewing and burning that midnight oil -

That's Open Window being made right here - and including some of her father's shirts in the blocks.  I love this.  Fabric does have memory and it's wonderful to include it in with all of the other favorite pieces.

And if you aren't making a mess with string piecing, just what are you doing?

Medallion quilt #1

Medallion quilt #2 

And they are both getting more rounds of piecing!

Paper piecing, that is!

Lots more geese to go!

This pretty panel is getting some pieced borders.

And there is some really fun holiday applique happening here.

I don't know the pattern source - do you?

If so, please leave it in the comments below for other folks wondering.

This is coming together quickly -

And a cool and pretty 25 patch in the making here.

It's been a busy couple of days, but I'm still plugging away o these.

And yes, you can use a holiday print on a quilt that is not specifically a holiday quilt! I've got Halloween (one of the neutrals) and Christmas together in this one. Do I care? Nope! Color outside of the lines a bit - it's so entertaining!

Seven more in the done pile.

I've got about 25 more to do.  I'm giving this 1 to 2 weeks to have the blocks done for the quilt center. That's my goal.  No rush, no hurry - just plugging along.

And no. It's not making a dent in anything.  At least I can't see a noticeable one.

Neither can Hazel!

Am I the only one who thinks cats are adorable when they are sleeping with their fangs visible? No?

And then she poses like she owns the place while enjoying her favorite lounging spot in the morning sun. I don't know where she came from or what her circumstances are, but the fact that she graces us all with her presence by deciding to stay - priceless!

It was 35 degrees yesterday when I woke up. Hopefully that is the last of that as we move into a much warmer weekend. 

Not wanting to sit in the cold of the shade with Flash and his breakfast, I moved us both toward the steps where the sun was shining. He still hisses if I make a move. Jumps back if something startles him. But I'm focusing on progress - and the fact that he now raises his tail all the way - that's huge.

That means he is feeling comfortable and a bit more relaxed. Any amount of progress is still progress with a feral.

On windshield repair and new summer tumblers!

Yesterday afternoon I met up with Hubster Dave at the glass place in Galax for windshield repair on both the Subaru and the van.

No - we are outside of their driving distance for them to come here, and only certain vehicles can make it up our drive. We went to them.

The Subie had 2 chips, the van had 1 - and the bonus was that across the street and a little bit down from the glass place was Creek Bottom Brewery. A late lunch/early dinner was enjoyed while we waited.  That's much better than them coming to us!

Hubster Dave headed home with the intent to go fishing late afternoon, and since I was in town anyway (and used the gas to get there) I would run all of the errands that needed running including groceries.

I stopped at Ollies.  Do you have one? It's got discount-y stuff and though I don't always find anything needful, I did find this Eddy Bauer tumbler for $10 and decided to treat myself.  It's quilty! It looks like something I'd piece.

It was nearly 6pm by the time I got home...unloaded the groceries, brough the dogs in, fed them and the cats their dinner.  And headed back out again to walk my drive.

Things I noticed - Ferns are growing!

I love it when the ferns cover the floor in the woods.  So green. So verdant.

Mountain Laurel are fully opening now.

I love their 5 petaled shape - dark pink spots.

Beautiful little stars.

Today? Into the weekend we go. The ladies are quilting, and I look forward to visiting with them.

More block making for me in between everything.

Maybe a dirt road hike if I can get folks to want to come?

Will it be warm enough today to eat out on the porch? We will see.

I am so excited that YOU are so excited about the release of  Crackers & Jam, Did you get your entry in on the Gift-Away on my 5/15/26 post?

If not, head on over and get that entry in!

I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Crackers & Jam PDF pattern from me and a Notable Neutrals fabric roll from  Cotton to Quilts!

The fabric rolls are such a great way to enhance your stash with each roll containing 20 pieces each 8'' X 22".  These especially are how I keep my neutrals fresh and fun with lots of variety.

Check out their other color rolls too!

Paper Piecing Fun!

This two-block quilt is a paper piecer’s dream with simple shapes, printable templates, full color photos and step-by-step instructions to make the most of your scrap stash with fabulous results.

Quilt Size: 78’’ X 78’'

Introductory Pricing:  I've placed Crackers & Jam in the Quiltville Store at 25% off with no coupon code needed. Discount applied at checkout and good through 5/31/26.

And while I have your attention:

I want to share a promotion I received by email so I can pass it on to you!
When you reserve any new Craftours tour by Sunday 5/17/26 you may enjoy $250 off your booking. Please be sure to mention the “Mother’s Day” discount when making your reservation.

 
Click to my travel page HERE.

Only a few days left to reserve your spot for India!

Our Christmas Market tour sign ups will be finalizing soon - so don't miss out on this one either!

This is the week you can save $250.00 when mentioning "Mother's Day" at registration, but it is only good this week.

Visit my travel page for more info and come along with me!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Along with all of the pushing, striving, reaching, and hoping for something better, there are days when you just have to appreciate who you are, where you are, right now.

 
Today is that day!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!