Time Out With Family!

It feels like at least 4 days since I sat down to write a post.  I only missed yesterday!

But boy, did we cram in a lot of togetherness time in that 24 hour period.

It was priceless, and much needed and I'm so glad my sister Joy, her husband Mark and my niece Emory came to see us.

We live about the farthest away from family as any of us do and folks just do not make it "out east" that often.

I was trimming pieces at the cutting table in the QPO studio watching for their rental car after receiving a text that they were about an hour away.

I'm always a bit nervous for first timers, knowing that their cell service will stop once they leave the interstate, and hopefully their GPS will not send them on some crazy cow path.

And then, there they were, pulling up in a little red SUV.  Another problem averted - they'd be able to make it up our drive to the cabin.

Getting brave with the views!

Dave, Mark, Joy & Emory.

We bad both agreed that NO ONE needed to cook that night. We headed out to our favorite local Mexican place in Jefferson, NC and Emory was so excited to cross another state off of her travel list.

As we drove sunset was getting closer and I suggested that we put dinner off for a bit and drive up to the Mount Jefferson overlook so they could enjoy some long range Blue Ridge Mountain views.

The weather was perfect - not a cloud in the sky and no wind, either.

Joy & Emory.

I am so glad we took this little side trip.  Dinner was delicious and we returned after much table talk to settle in, watch a funny movie, talk talk talk some more and then it was bedtime.

Wednesday morning was perfection and we lingered around the breakfast table after pancakes, bacon and eggs all around making our plans for the day.

They needed to start heading back toward Alexandria by 1pm so we loaded up the van, took the dogs and headed up to Grayson Highlands in search of ponies.

Sisters at the first overlook!

And the three Harkers!

We were able to spot 3 ponies just grazing around.

The last time I was up here it was green.

Everything is pretty much leafless now.

This cute little one just munching away!

It got warm enough to ditch the jackets and just be in shirt sleeves.

Now they can show everyone that they have hiked part of the Appalachian trail!

This cute girl wanted a photo to text to her friends -

It was wonderful to have this time together. I'm so grateful they took the time to come all the way out here to SW VA.

Back to the cabin for a quick lunch and then they were on their way to Alexandria. They have plans over the next couple of days to do some more sight seeing, hit up some Smithsonian museums and see what the East Coast of Virginia has to offer.  They've been from one side to the other. 

And then I headed over to the retreat to do some finishing touches and be there to welcome the October Quiltvillians! We have a full house of quilters for the next week - let's hope this lovely weather holds out!

This also happened....I have added the 3rd big motif to the hexie column.

If you think there won't be needle and thread while family is visiting, think again!  I was stitching while watching the movie. 

They say fidget spinners and other tactile things are good for anxiety.  For me, it's a piece of fabric, a paper shape, a wonder clip and needle and thread.  And a thimble on my finger.

Why am I feeling anxious?  Family? Yes. But also - mystery season kicks off in 9 days!

And as usual, I worry that things won't be perfect for everyone.  Will there by typos? Likely. Can I fix them? yes.

But anxiety? Yes. 

But also so exciting? Absolutely yes!

Today - deep tissue massage. I still have that pain between my shoulder blades. That will help. Tomorrow - chiropractor. That will also help.

And I'm heading out to enjoy this beautiful day.

We are off like a firecracker with our Festival PDF pattern release and Gift-Away!

I am so anxious to see what you do with this one. Whatever colors and fabrics you choose.

Did you get your entry in on the Gift-Away post?

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Festival PDF pattern from me AND a Facets of Yellow color roll from our friends at  Cotton to Quilts!

And do check out their other color rolls! The Notable Neutrals rolls can't be beat for building up your own collection of fun neutrals for scrappy quilt backgrounds.

Sparkling Stars!

A trip to Romania inspired this sparkling 2-block design in red, yellow & blue – the colors of the Romanian flag! Designed for foundation paper piecing by machine, this pattern includes Full color photos, printable paper-piecing templates, diagrams and piecing options.

Quilt size: 63’’ X 63’’

Optional but helpful: Bonnie K. Hunter's Essential Triangle Tool for the border units.

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

Intro pricing:  I have placed Festival at 25% off in the Quiltville Store through 11/1/26. No coupon needed. Discount given at check-out.

We will draw for our winners on Friday, October 30th!

Good luck, everyone!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

I don't know what your day looks like, but this is where you'll find me!

Most likely cutting kite shapes, not triangles, but it's all the same thing...

Have a terrific Thursday, everyone -