Makers, Walkers, Quilters!

We were small but mighty for our get-out-of-the-house dirt road hike yesterday afternoon.

The rain from the day before had subsided, leaving a beautiful breezy afternoon.

Okay, sometimes it was downright gusty, but down in the holler we were a bit more protected from gale force winds.

It feels so good to just take a bit of time, stretch the legs, talk about anything and everything away from the machines, and then get back to the quiltmaking with renewed energy after having done something so good for not only our bodies, but our mental health as well.

Read More»

Resuming Studio Time!

I'm kind of a no-more-than-three-projects-at-a-time girl.

I'm not sure when that began.

There was a time when I could dilly dally at several different things I wanted to try with many projects in different stages...but eventually I realized that I was not making any real progress on anything.

And due to things all of a sudden having deadlines with goals in mind - I stopped.

Read More»

Up to Sighisoara!

Sighișoara, located in central Transylvania, is one of Europe's best-preserved, continually inhabited medieval citadels.

Medieval stuff? Citadels? I'm all in for this!

Founded in the 12th century by Transylvanian Saxon craftsmen, the UNESCO-listed city is renowned for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and as the birthplace of Vlad III the Impaler.

Not a fan of Vlad the Impaler, but hey - a medieval guy has got to do what a medieval guy has got to do to protect his territory.

Read More»

String Rings Gift-Away!

Mid June!  It's Mid June!

The rhododendrons are blooming in the woods around the cabin. Gardens are bursting with color and the promise of delicious produce through the summer months.  I love mid June!

I also love mid-month PDF pattern releases - especially when it's one you've been watching me make from the beginning and waiting for release day so you, too can dig into your burgeoning scrap stash and start in on something new and wonderful.

Stitch your own rainbow with strings and stars!

It's String Rings pattern release day!

Read More»

Just Start....Anywhere.

How about we begin with pictures from the bus window?  Reflections and all?
Because these were my first glimpses of where we were headed when we first landed in Romania - Transylvania!
And were there mountains? YES!  There were beautiful mountains, some still snow-capped and looming above us.

Read More»

More Geese. So Many More Geese.

I'm getting there.

But I'm not done yet.

I guess that statement could apply to a lot of things in my life, but in this case scenario it is referencing the ongoing construction of paper pieced geese units that will become the border for my Goose Feathers. quilt.

I've explained why I love paper piecing so much - but another reason is just how things like flying geese seams lay when you paper piece versus regular piece. 

It's just less bulky when pressing.

Read More»

June Quiltvillians - It's A Wrap!

Now, this is what I call a porch full!

Lovely sunshine, some tricky breezes, but all in all a big display and a wave to passers by on a Monday afternoon.

It was a joy to have the June Quiltvillians on hand as we turned the calendar page into June, 

And oh, the projects worked on and some completed, Some waiting for more borders once home with the stash, some only just beginning and still in block making stage, but will definitely be making a return trip next year.

Read More»

And There They Were!

Yesterday morning we loaded up the van with four quilters, (me included) two dogs and headed up to Grayson Highlands to hike along the Appalachian Trail in search of ponies.

I'd heard from others that new foals had made their arrival and it was a grand time to go.

Remember - the retreat before this one it rained the entire time over Memorial Day week?

It had been a hot minute since I'd made this trek with a retreat group!

Read More»

Lasts Days of May -

It's Monday. It's the beginning of a new week. And a new month.  June is here.

How does that happen?

I almost feel sad about June....later in the month that summer solstice happens and we start decreasing our daylight time and in my mind I'm hearing "And here we go again...the slow descent into the depths of winter."

But for now....I'm going to enjoy every bit of every summer day we have ahead of us and make them count.

Read More»