I made a quick getaway with a couple of friends over to Marion, Virginia for the annual Art & Crafts festival held at Hungry Mother State Park.
It's a beautiful park with loads of walking trails, even some that circle around the lake.
I love these kids of little festivals and was eager to see what we would find there. I wasn't searching for anything in particular, and even if I ended up not buying anything it was a gorgeous day to wander in the shade beneath the trees.
The park’s name comes from local Appalachian folklore. Legend says a pioneer named Molly Marley and her child escaped Native American capture, wandering the woods eating only berries. Molly eventually collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek to find help, only able to utter the words "Hungry Mother"
When a search party found Molly, she was dead at the foot of a mountain. The creek was subsequently named Hungry Mother Creek, and the mountain became known as Molly's Knob.
When the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the area in the 1930s, the creek was dammed to form the 108-acre lake, and the newly created park took the name.
It is truly a beautiful peaceful setting.
There were a lot of different vendors. Bunches of yard art both in wood and metal, ceramics, jewelry artisans, spices and sauces and homegrown honey. Soaps, lotions and potions. Something for everyone.
As for me, I came home with a couple of ceramic bead bracelets a few pairs of fun and unique earrings, - some made from reclaimed vintage jewelry and a hand painted ceramic coaster - a great place to put my coffee mug here at my desk.
Nothing big, but a few little things that made me happy. Hopefully my small purchases made the vendors happy as well.
It was fun, and I would definitely go back.
Meanwhile at the retreat:
Nola's flag is growing!
Gail has been working like a house on fire to finish her mittens:
I took this photo before leaving for the festival.
By afternoon when I returned:
Borders are on!
I believe the pattern is called Lost Mittens.
I love the off-center layout of Melody's quilt!
Next up on Melody's design wall.
Pattern is called Costa Maya.
Betty also got the borders on her granny square quilt top.
We all had to stop and marvel at the finished Christmas quilt that Deanna was working on last year. She brought it for her bed, and to put over the porch rail this retreat. It's a California King!
More progress made on the current Christmas quilt.
More Show & Tell blocks happening here!
I spy a Kaleidoscope coming together!
It's a pre-cut kit by Laundry Basket -
What a great project to bring to retreat - no cutting out involved!
These itty bitty tinies make my heart sing!!
Oh Hazel!
By the time I was back from the festival and settled back in, I had about 45 minutes to sew before heading home. Could I do one quick block on my Romania project?
I'm being closely supervised as you can see. I love that she loves to stay close to me.
She did go outside a bit in the morning, but it was quickly getting too hot, and she is not stupid. It's cooler inside. She came right back in before I left for the festival and stayed in the cool all day.
Evidently Hazel is not that impressed with my block finish.
But I'm one block closer to done!
Did you see this happen this week?
Are your saved scraps overflowing and out of control?
If so - Hello, Gretchen! just might be the pattern you've been waiting for, the quilt you've been eager to dive in and make.
Head over to the Gift-Away Post to read all about it and get your entry in for the Gift-Away. 2 winners will each receive a Hello, Gretchen! PDF pattern from me and:
A Notable Neutrals fabric roll from Cotton to Quilts!
Intro Pricing: I've placed the Hello, Gretchen! PDF pattern at 25% off - no coupon needed - through 7/31/26. Discount applied at checkout.
If this is your first time downloading digital patterns from my store to a computer click HERE.
If you intend to download to an iPhone/iPad click HERE.
Especially designed for paper piecing, Hello, Gretchen! is the perfect quilt to turn your saved bits into sparkling beauty! Full color photos, diagrams, step by step instruction and printable foundations included. Strings and scraps at their best!
Quilt Size: 84'' X 84''
*This pattern assumes the maker has at least a basic knowledge and some experience with foundation paper piecing by machine.
A reminder to EVERYONE to not use auto-fill (The prompt that puts in your name, mailing address, phone number, everything with a click.)
As this is a PDF pattern, no mailing address is necessary. Place the item in your cart, then go to the cart page to check out by entering your name and email address manually. I don't know why it works this way, but it does.
If there is an issue with your computer - it could be YOUR OWN browser/security settings. Browser extensions preventing pop-ups can also be an issue. Try using *Incognito mode* to see if the problem persists. Try a different browser, Or order on your phone or tablet, then go to your computer for the download email.
Your VPN or Adblocker can also cause problems when placing an order.
What's up for today? More sewing I hope. And some time to relax with the ladies on the porch.
Rain is expected this weekend, and we sure do still need it. I hope it brings the temps down a bit.
Either way, there is much quilting in the forecast!
How about you?
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Always remember:
Growing up and knowing better is optional.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone -
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