Hint of Stitching

Just a hint of stitching around here lately. The little sampler will be framed for me and the kitty will become an ornament. The latter was in JCS Ornaments issue this year. I'm behind on Bonnie's mystery quilt, but enjoying each step when I can. Anyone else 'migrate' their feeds on Bloglines to the new Bloglines site at Merchant Circle? It took less than 25% of my feeds and now I have to add the rest one at a time. (unless somebody knows a shortcut) Busy week ahead and then things will slow down some. Merry Christmas.

A Little Piecing or Piecing Little

Today I played with little 'waste triangles' or those chunks you cut off when making a half-square triangle from a square. The first top measures about 12" x 14" and was started this past summer. It just needed to be a bit longer and have a border. The second one is made from HSTs that my sister, Connie, gave me years ago from a charity quilt she had made. It measures about 7 1/2" x 9 1/2". I have an idea how I will use it, but that will be another post.

Step Two

So far, so good! I'm up to date and happy with my results for the Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Mystery.

Cotton Boll Mystery Part One

The first step in Bonnie Hunter's Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll Mystery is finished and the strips are cut for the next step. I wonder what's coming in the next clue?

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Take time to count your blessings and then eat pie.

Cinnamon rolls & quilting

Last Friday, we were able to spend a couple of hours at the home of an Amish family in Shipshewana. Elaine greeted us at the door with a warm cinnamon roll. Two rows of tables were set for us to enjoy a coffee or tea while we watched the cinnamon roll- making process. After the rolls went into the oven, we entered the next room which had three quilting frames set up for us. We were told to sign our names on the quilt as previous quilters had done. There was a large box in the corner for us to put slips with our names, in hopes of winning one of the three quilts. In the last photo, you'll see Pat from Pat's Patter. It was wonderful to meet her. Check out more photos from Shipshewana on her blog. As we left Elaine's, we were given a fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll to take back to The Farmstead Inn. Mmmmmmmmm.

Home again!

Connie and I returned home yesterday afternoon after spending a wonderful time in Shipshewana with about 100 other retreaters. Upon arrival into town on Tuesday, we went straight to Lolly's. It's always great to see Chris and her family. (and the fabrics) Then we went to The Farmstead Inn to check into our room. Priorities.



Can you believe this is the end result of a round robin? It could be a block of the month! It was simply gorgeous and belongs to Claire. I'll show the others in my next post.



Yoder's had a run all week on these colorful and comfy shoes! The stock was almost depleted by the time the retreat ended.



A couple of Hitty gals came to the retreat with their 'moms'. I think these belong to Susan and Carolyn.



After Show & Tell on Friday evening, LuAnn from Loose Threads enjoys the chocolate fountain. Be sure to check for more pictures on her blog.


Darlene buys the Dear Jane book and has Brenda Papadakis sign it for her.



Connie, me, Helen and Darlene pose under the Dear Jane letters at Lolly's.



More soon......

Heading to Shipshewana!

Jasper begged and pleaded. He used his cutest poses, but eventually I was able to get my clothes inside the suitcase instead of a cat. I have enough projects packed to last me the rest of the year. Wonder if it will all fit in the car?

I participated in Paula's 3-2-1 Tote Bag swap. Laura made me a really cute tote where the lining pulls out to give extra height. She included lots of goodies, too. Thank you to Paula and Laura! When I get home, I'll be able to show what I made for my swap partner.

Retreat to Retreat

What a fun time at The Quilted Cottage "Sleep At Home Retreat" this past Wednesday through Saturday! As I unpack the tote bags, I am re-packing for my trip tomorrow for another retreat in Shipshewana, Indiana with the Dear Jane group. My sister and I call this our 'fall tour'. We'll be home the rest of the year. (so far) I hope you enjoy seeing some of the wonderful projects that were finished or worked on at the retreat.

I was, also, the lucky winner of 30s scraps from Jane's Fabrics and Quilts. Isn't it a nice selection!