Retreat Treasures

My life has been a whirlwind the past week or so.  My quilting retreat was beyond fabulous.  I don't think I've laughed so much in a few days in my whole life.  I'd turn around and do it again tomorrow if I could.   We sewed, we laughed, we gossiped, we ate (boy! did we eat), we sewed and we laughed some more. 


We had a fashion show that would put the catwalks in Paris to shame.  And, yes, they said we could post their pictures.    The dialogue was priceless.

Our competitive juices got to flowing during the jelly roll race.  Now, I'm not talking about eating jelly rolls, but we probably could have done that too with all the wonderful food served to us.     The race entailed taking strips of fabric called a jelly roll, sewing them end to end and then sewing them edge to edge.  Fold and sew edge to edge again for several more times.  You wind up with a lap sized quilt top.  I think our illustrious winner took a whole 43 minutes or so to make hers.  I came in third because my stinking little scissors wouldn't cut fast enough!!!   Its time for a shopping trip to find some new fabric shears.    And, would you believe I didn't take a picture of my own top?  I guess my reasoning was that since I was taking it home with me, I could get one later.  That's the only thing I can figure out.  Anyway, here's one of the lovely products of our race. 

Lois's Jelly Roll Race quilt top 

We were also treated to a trunk show by some wonderful ladies.  They design quilts and also design and hook wool rugs.  I've been interested in that craft for a while but never had any idea how to access the learning of it.  Now I do!  I really need another expensive hobby don't you think?   


I was totally awed by a true treasure, Ms. Bettye Kimbrell, who demonstrated the art of Cherokee Leaf Pounding.  The artistry she exhibits with her work is outstanding.  I can see some of that in my life also. 

I know some of my fellow thread catchers stop in here and I want every one of you to know just how much I loved spending time with all of you.  And I can't wait until the next time. 


Y'all take care. 

Running Away a Few Days

I'm off in the morning for a quilting retreat and I can't wait!!!   A bunch of us from all over the eastern U.S. are gathering  for a few days of girlfriend time.  Now just how much sewing gets done is a whole other question.   :)    I'm not taking the computer with me, so I'll be unplugged for a bit. 

Y'all take care and I'll be back soon. 

Days of Autumn

I'm sorry I've been missing in action, but here's a little update of life on the home front these days.  


We've had some very cool weather already.  Last night it was 35 degrees here at our house, which surprised me.  Today when I went to the mailbox, there were several butterflies flitting around the pentas that are still blooming.   These are gulf fritillaries.

We also have a bumper crop of acorns this year.  Never have I seen so many of them.  The squirrels can't even begin to make a dent and there are far too many to just leave on the ground.  We'd be overrun with seedlings if only a small fraction of them decided to germinate. 

This  photo was taken nearly two weeks ago, and you should see that area now.  We've begun the process of raking them up but it will be a slow process.  Where are the deer when you need them?  They'd never want to leave. 


I went to a family gathering last weekend and spent the night with my brother and sister-in-law.  He had gotten a new toy and he was so pleased to show it off to me. 

He has several tractors but this is the first he's ever had with an enclosed and climate controlled cab.  Just that morning he had worked in his pasture while it was a chilly and very windy 45 degrees and he just smiled the whole time.  He does love his toy!  


The ponies were looking fat and sassy, as usual.  They ought to, considering the pampering and  care they are given. 

It was very late in the afternoon and I wasn't able to get a good shot of them.  


I'm continuing to work on several quilts and am nearly finished with all the quilting.  I still have many hours of hand work to do the bindings, but if I persevere, I will get them done in time for Christmas as planned. 


Y'all take care.