Bikers & Quilters!

Quiltville Inn sits at the crossroads of highway 16 coming up from North Carolina and highway 58,. Route 58 runs for approximately 508 miles stretching horizontally across the entire southern border of the state. It begins near the Cumberland Gap at the western tip and ends at Route 60 in Virginia Beach on the Atlantic coast.

It might look like a lazy 2-lane highway in front of the inn, but this route is a favorite of motorcyclists and other travelers alike in the summer months.

This means that I am often a destination rest stop for quilters as well!

I was working in the studio when I heard the rumble of many motorcycles pulling up into the drive.

This is not unusual - oftentimes it's a regrouping, making decisions on where to go next, trying to find GPS signal, missed a turn at highway 16 to head toward North Carolina, or just taking a break for a leg stretch after riding for a long ways.

I went out and asked if everything was okay, if there was anyone needing help and I came face to face with Bette in her gear saying "I'm a quilter! I came for a photo!"

Well, bust my buttons, this was the most fun thing ever.

There was no room in her saddle bags to haul a quilt all the way from Ontario, Canada but she would have if she could have!

At this point I said - I've got one better, let's get the whole gang on the porch!

Yahooo!

I asked if they had ridden "Back of the Dragon" yet? And they had just finished that scenic ride and its more than 400 curves.

This 32-mile stretch of Virginia Route 16 runs between Tazewell and Marion, Virginia, crossing the peaks and elevation changes of Clinch Mountain through the heart of Southwest Virginia. 

Riders travel here for the sweeping mountain curves, scenic overlooks, technical riding sections, and Appalachian atmosphere that have made this scenic drive in Virginia one of the best motorcycle roads in the country.

And the fact that they added QUILTVILLE INN as a stop on their itinerary just made my day.

Safe travels, all the way back to Canada, folks!

This was just the most fun break in my day -

About 20 minutes after they left, the Pieceful Hearts gals from N. Augusta, SC and Augusta, GA and beyond started arriving -

And then it was time for me to head home.

Am am up to here!

All spool blocks are done -

I've got units laid out - 

Nine-patch cornerstones are made.

I need to add the inner border that will make the outer border fit.  I haven't decided on a color yet, but really I'm learning toward black.  At first it was going to be neutral, but that just disappears.

Sometimes disappearing is good if that is what you are looking for, but I think I want a pop here. It will emphasize and pull in the black outline of the sewing machine in the center.

So that's what I'll play with today.

My view this morning as I've been asked about them - they are doing great.  Such little characters.

It's Thursday.  Thursday is also including another visit to the physical therapist for more dry needling.  I think it's helping.

I'll also be spending time with the Pieceful Hearts gals - 

By the time we hit mid July I feel the summer already slipping away and I want to make as much of it as I can. (I still feel triggered over last year's winter! I'm not ready to face that again!)

How about your day? Any plans or projects underway?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

I've had both of these things - right in a row!

 
Can't wait to see what fun we get up to over the next week.

Let's get this Thursday, started -