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.

There are just a few remaining ditch lilies -

The county mowers had come through and obliterated those that grew along the side of the road.  Dang it!  I love to see the ditch lilies blooming in vibrant orange. So glad we did catch these.

They must have been fantastic while I was in Romania...

New babies!

Look at this mama and her mini-me in brown. So cute!

That little black one with the white face must be new best friend...they were sure curious about us! They were up on the hillside while we were on the road below.

Back in the quilting quarters - it was a day of productivity!

This is the center to one of Edyta Sitar's Block of the Month.  Check out those points!

And here is where we have a happy story to mention.  We had a machine quit working and go on the fritz.

I keep a couple of different machines on hand as loaners - one basic Janome that is mechanical, and a Singer 301 for those who are comfortable with vintage machines.

I am always told the same story of "If you start on one machine, you need to finish on that same machine." and I'm here to tell you that is an old wive's tale and utter and complete hog wash.

There.  I said what I said.

All you need to do is make sure the second machine is giving you the same seam allowance as the other one.  Match your seam allowance.

How do we do that?  By sewing a test seam and measuring unit size, not seam allowance by itself.

So - we took two 2 12'' squares, sewed them, pressed the seam to the side and measured the unit.  Luckily, it was giving us perfect results.

Not all 1/4'' feet are the same so you can't go by that alone.

Take the time to cut a couple of test squares, sew them, press them, measure them - and adjust as necessary until your results are right.

It's not how fancy your machine is - it's what you do with your seam allowance.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Much kitting up was happening for these cute little bird blocks.

This is a shop sample top being made for the Kentucky Quilt Shop Hop -it's getting mitered borders!

It's got a Kentucky Derby theme!

Yes, there will be a pattern available during the Kentucky Quilt Shop Hop - this one from  Cotton to Quilts.

Some fine finishes - one right after the other!

I believe this one is from Gudrun Erla.

Just in time for 4th of July -

Do you know this pattern? If so, leave it in the comments below.

This one is Winnie the Pooh themed!

Popsicles!

Again, if you know this pattern, please leave info in the comments below.

I'll do what I can to catch up on all of the pattern sources over the weekend.

This is what's going on in my world -

Not that strip, mama - the other one!

I have high hopes that I'll get this final border on the Goose Feathers quilt this weekend - so much fun to see all of these scraps playing so well together.

Last night's entertainment - we got word from some friends who are summer RVing on the North Carolina side that there was going to be a BBQ food truck available at their campground - were we up for it?  YES!

And it did not disappoint.  Portions were ample, service was great, food was the best BBQ I've had in a long while.

Pulled pork platter with corn salad, baked beans, coleslaw...yum!

And it was right at 6-ish which meant the sun was in the wrong location for this photo, but what's a girl to do?

And to add a bit more Romanian flavor to this post:

Here's a video of our visit to historic Brașov!

Brașov is a historic city in central Romania, located in the Transylvanian Alps, known for its medieval Saxon architecture, Gothic churches like the Black Church, and its role as a gateway to the Carpathian Mountains.

 
Founded by Teutonic Knights in 1211, it was a major trade hub and is now a popular tourist destination and we enjoyed every minute of being here!

There are still some openings in our Christmas Market Tour through  Switzerland, France and Germany in November, right after Thanksgiving. I'd love to have you join me.

I'm also looking forward into 2027 with a tour to Thailand in JANUARY for my birthday!

I always try to go somewhere fairly warm for January - it makes a great winter break. Have you ever wanted to visit Thailand? Let's go!

I'm returning to Bali in July of 2027 on a fantastic batiking expedition.  Are you interested?

And yes, we are going back to Scotland in September of 2027.  Where are my Outlander fans?  It's going to be an exciting travel year.

Did you see this happen?  Did you get your entry in?

I'll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a String Rings PDF pattern from me and...

A Rainbow Remix Color Roll from our friends at  Cotton to Quilts!  

Color rolls consist of 20 different pieces each 8''X 22" and are great stash enhancers - be sure to also check out their Notable Neutral rolls - you can never have enough fun neutrals on hand.

I think we've got all of the details out there - are you ready to enter?

Enter to win on my 6/27/26 Blog Post.  Winners will be drawn 6/29/26.

If your stash is overflowing with strips and scraps, String Rings is the answer! Full color photos and graphics and multiple construction options for piecing the way you want to piece. A scrap lover’s dream!

Includes string piecing on foundations, traditional rotary cutting with options, and foundation paper-piecing options for the connector "B" block.

Quilt Size: 101” X 101”

Optional but helpful: Essential Triangle Tool.

Traditional rotary cutting methods are given for those who don't have access to the ruler.

Intro pricing:  The PDF pattern for String Rings is on automatic 25% discount in the Quiltville Store through 6/30/26 - No coupon code needed!  Discount applied at checkout.

Do not use the BUY NOW button on the pattern page to check out with autofill which fills in your entire shipping address and all details.  You only need an EMAIL ADDRESS to purchase PDF patterns.

Do not use auto-fill to make your purchase!

Place the item in your shopping cart and then go to the cart page to check out choosing either your credit card option or Paypal. Shipping addresses should not apply as this is a digital pattern purchase. 

I don't know why it works this way, but it does.

Today?  More sewing, visiting, enjoying the weekend.  Have you any plans for yours?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

All of these are on my agenda for the weekend ahead!

I'll see you back here on Monday -