August 2022 Monthly Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year is just so fun.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post and another August LINK as well.  I'm super excited about where this will take me.  I know we all have colors that may not bring on the warm fuzzies, but this will be a chance to really challenge ourselves and we may find that our tastes can change.  

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.  UFO mode will continue around here with minimal purchases (hopefully), but also a few fun and new items will make an appearance now and then.  The "hopeful attempts" will change each month 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.

Onto August and the royal color of purple.  

September Color Your World - Orange

 

I'm a northern girl.  Yep, I live in Texas, but the northern girl comes out every now and then.  Fall is one of those times and, for me, fall starts in September.  I LOVE the colors, the feel of the air, even the mood of everyone around.  It's harvest time and the abundance is real in so many ways.  So, as you can see, it makes perfect sense for the Color Your World color of the month to be orange.  As a redhead, I've always been drawn to the earthy tones and this one just makes my heart happy.  Further down in this post is the monthly project and you BINGO card for September.  Grab that cuppa and let's get started.

Torsten's Quiet Book

 I have another grandson turning 1 in September and that means I need to get going on his quiet book.  I have done one for each Ashton grand and this is the last one.  As much as I love making these, and I do, they are over 100 hours and so, so much creativity.  At any rate, this one has begun and this post will take me all the way to the end.  Here ya go - 

March 4 - It's time to begin.  I'm trimming up batting scraps so the centers for the QB get cut while doing so.

Mother/Daughter Road Trip to MSQC - Day 7 - Two Quilt Shops and Travel Home

 Hello from Nevada, MO.  We are at a Holiday Inn Express and last night I shared with others that my sweetheart always comments on their cinnamon rolls.  No one else had even heard about this.  How can that be?  At any rate, it's morning, I have my roll, and I've sent a pic to Mister.  At least he will understand what I am talking about.

It takes a bit to get moving today, but 9:15 we are back in the car and on the road.  Or so I think.  Turns out that Jen has us stopping just a few blocks down the road.  Nine Patch Quilt Fabrics is the place.

The Merc on the Hill Spotlight - Liberal, MO

 While in Missouri this month, my darling daughter created a quilt shop stop list for our drive home.  When she started down this dirt road, I had NO idea what was about to happen.  In fact, even though there is a sign in this first picture, I didn't see it - just the dirt road through the soy bean fields.

Mother/Daughter Road Trip to MSQC - Day 6 - Departure and Watkins Woolen Mill

 Well, now.  It's kind of a sad morning as we are packing up and have to load the vehicle.  Yes, I'm whining a bit, but I AM sad that the retreat has ended.  I pack up my stuff in the room and head into the center.  Jen's quilt is up on the wall -- borders on.  I have no idea what time she went to bed but has to be oh so tired.

We all get our areas packed up and there is just SOOO much.  Consolidate, consolidate, consolidate.  Once we are all packed and things are out of the room, there is a brief moment of relaxation for some.  This has been a fabulous time and we are in unison that we wish to return.  A Facebook group just for Doan Girls Retreats has been created and it is for those who have shared this amazing experience.  I cannot express strongly enough how inspiring and genuine they all are.  The love they have for each other shows in all they do and how they work with others in the company.  We really don't have a single complaint to share.  This experience has been OVER THE TOP.

Mother/Daughter Road Trip to MSQC - Day 5 - Drunkards Path and SEW Classes, 1 Mini-Class, and Group Trunk Show

 Good Morning from Hamilton, Missouri - the home of Missouri Star Quilt Company.  We are having a BLAST and loving every minute of being here.  Everyone is up and fed and ready for the next class to start.  We are making the Half Moon Rising Table Runner.  Circles SCARE me so this will be interesting.

Mother/Daughter Road Trip to MSQC - Day 4 - Happy Trails Class, 2 Mini-Classes, and 2nd Trunk Show

 Good morning to all!!!  We are up, showered, fed, and ready to learn.  As I approach my table, there is a gift bag for each person awaiting us.  Inside are lovely little treasures.  How fun is this?  Up front, the teaching area is being set up and I've taken a seat on the front sofa so that my visual needs will be met.  I KNOW people think it's something else, but the fact is that I learn better when I have a clear view of what is being taught.  People and things in front of me are distractions and I miss things.  I even did this in church for YEARS.  It's just how I learn.  As I wait the front is finished up.

Mother/Daughter Road Trip to MSQC - Day 3 - Scavenger Hunt and 1st Trunk Show

 Let the classes begin!!!  We are dressed as quadruplets and ready for whatever the day may bring.  Remember that this is new to ALL of us and we're just going with the flow.

Mother/Daughter Road Trip to MSQC - Day 2 (Top of the Rock Nature Trail and Bat Cave)

 Y'all know that I can't just go on a trip and drive past fun stuff.  I've got to get out and explore just a wee bit.  Didn't you know that?  Did I take it for granted that you did?   At any rate, today, we are leaving from Mountain View, AR and two hours away, just south of Branson, is Top of the Rocks Lost Canyon Cave Trail in Missouri.  Now, in the interest of transparency, I did call my friend, Ramona, to ask about this place first, but she didn't know anything about it.  Well then - someone has to take the first step.  We do get a bit lost finding the exact location we wish to be at, but are soon through the doors and boarding our golf cart to adventure.  We are No. 46 and are told that that is important to remember.  Apparently some folks get disoriented and forget where they parked along the way.  It could happen.  Once we have our cart, let's get this party started.  The view is beautiful but I know it's gonna just get better.  At least that is what the website said.

Sew Simple Quilt Shoppe Spotlight - Ozark, MO

Driving along the road in Missouri, Jen and I notice a billboard for Lambert's Cafe - Home of the Throwed Rolls and we just start laughing.  Too bad we just had lunch.  Then --- just a wee bit further down the road, Samantha spots another billboard and this one says QUILT SHOP (behind Lambert's).  Alrighty then ---- we take the exit and are soon at Sew Simple Quilt Shoppe in Ozark, MO.  From the moment we walk in, I am drawn to a longarmer in the back and ask to watch a bit.  She is quilting sheep into a child's quilt and it is just so darling.  Then I start to wander a bit.