November 2021 Monthly Quilt Update

The I AM's for this year have really helped me to look inside.  We are constantly facing situations that we are unprepared for and have to find the strength to move forward.  Somedays, it is simply putting one foot in front of the other and another time it can be monumental or feel that way at least.  Bravery is something we all have inside us - tapping it is the ability that lags behind on occasion.  I'm attempting to meet everything bravely and cope the best I can.  This month when we are centered on family and being thankful, let's add this to the list.  I AM Brave! 

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

Rhododendron Trail - Introduction Post - Mystery Quilt - Bonnie Hunter

 Woohoo!  It's that time of year again and I'm super excited.  I was pretty close in my guess on this year's colors but the burgundy instead of purple threw me a bit.  However, onward we go and I'm always game for a new adventure.  I'm in Montana as the colors and yardage release so will have to be patient for pulling fabrics, but it will happen.  Right now -- family time.

If yo wish to follow along with this adventure, here is the Bonnie LINK to the mystery.  Please join in with us for the fun.  I'll post my own progress with each clue to share as well.

11/5 It's taken a few days, but we are in a town with the required store to pick up my paint samples.  It makes me feel as though I'm part of the excitement.

Building Friendships - Brazos House Retreat

 It's the retreat I look the most forward to all year.  Our anniversary - and this year we are celebrating our 8th November together.  Crazy right?  The theme is Building Friendships and what could be better than that?  I've taken a construction approach, but we'll see what others come up with.  For now -- the committee came in last night to prepare the place for today.  Take a peek at our decor.

Stephannie has been a huge help to me and created door signs for all the rooms as well as many of the decorations around the house.  I tackled the outside a wee bit.

All In Stitches Spotlight - Polson, MT

 We are out and about today, giving me the chance to stop at a new-to-me quilt shop.  All in Stitches located in Polson, Montana is the lucky recipient of our attention.

Theme for 2022 --- Color Your World

 COLOR YOUR WORLD

We all spend a large part of our day with color.  We are either using color in a project or happily enjoying it with our eyes.  It can determine our mood.  Did you know that?  Do you understand colors?  In preparing for this theme, my eyes have been opened wider.  I LOVE color and the ways to implement it in my life will even have me out of bed before light just to enjoy the sky's magnificent display.  That's devotion.

With that in mind, for 2022, I think Our Quilt World Facebook group will focus on color and I will most certainly do all I can to bring it into my own life as well.

We'll take a good look at how nature provides both beauty and inspiration for us along with how colors work with our emotions and why we respond to certain ones the way we do.  

I'm also going to do a table runner each month that will allow me to work with the color of the month and also try out new techniques and have a finished project each month.  Some will be free patterns on the internet, others I've come up with on my own and will be happy to share if you wish to sew along with me.  We'll tackle traditional piecing, foundation piecing, paper piecing, modern, low volume, QAYG, and applique.  There will even be BINGO cards occasionally - focusing on the color of the month.  Please play along --- and let's brighten our world together.