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.

The one thing about medieval citadels (City on a hill) though, is that to get there....you've got to go UP!

This was a great way to work off the wonderful breakfast we'd had at the hotel that morning.

Here's a little video/slide show I put together after our day was over:

Because the citadel is on a hill -

There was even another covered staircase to get up to where the "higher education" schools and church and cemetery was.

We got our workout in!

From the cemetery looking back up at the church.

Romanian flag in the breeze -
The good thing about starting at the top first - it is all downhill from here!

Cemetery view.

And down we go -

Colorful buildings, open windows and cobblestone alleys.

A simple potted geranium for more color.

What's this we are coming upon?

Casa Vlad Dracul Terasa.

It's all of this lore that had Bram Stoker dreaming up his whole Count Dracula fantasy, not knowing how it would lead to much more vampire lore through the centuries.
I find the REAL history much more interesting. Except for Vlad the Impaler.

Blue skies, sunshine, bright bunting and a clock tower.

Bad zoom-in on what was on the clock tower.

From a viewing point at the edge of the citadel overlooking the town below.

I think this was a city hall??

Alex, our Romania guide explaining everything that I can't remember now.  LOL!

There is something about old bikes being used as flower stands. Love it.

And a treadle machine at the entrance to a restaurant.

Beautiful traditional attire outside a dress shop.

Lunch under an umbrella in the piazza. Yummy!

No - I didn't eat the pepper. It adds just the right color to the photo. though!

Love the rooflines....

It was a fun full day - and we were graced with beautiful weather when the weather apps had told us there would be rain most of the time we were there.

I'm so inspired by the things we saw and did in Romania, a country I had always wanted to visit and knew little about.

Back in the studio - this little sprite has been glued to me since I got home!

I mean, how am I supposed to get my life back together when this is happening?

I've been trying to sew, but....LOL!

"I demand you snuggle me right now!"

So this is where we are.

It feels great to be back in the studio!

Did you see this happen yesterday? 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 international address and all details.  You only need an EMAIL ADDRESS to purchase PDF patterns.

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.

As for today: Irene's Sewciologists and the Cotton To Quilts crew is all checked into retreat - they were sewing before I headed home for dinner.  These gals are serious!

I'm excited to spend time with them and see just what they are making.

Irene also has her Color Rolls on hand at retreat which means, Bonnie stocks up on neutrals! LOL!

Just around the corner - our Leader & Ender Challenge will come out early July. (Exact day not decided yet, but I'm working on it.)

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.

Okay. I think that catches me up to now. 

I'm off to go play with the quilters!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

And hopefully I'll never have to find out! 

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone -