December 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  Monthly 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 December and the bliss of RED.

2022 Finished Quilts

 When it comes to quilt productivity this year, I just didn't have it.  I think I may have bit off more than I could chew with monthly small projects and with a lot of family time, quilts just didn't happen too much.  I did finish a whole collection of table runners and some gift items though.  Here's the breakdown:

January - Love to Pieces - Table Topper

2022 Finished Non-Quilt Items

 Looking back on 2022, I was busy all year but don't really see much in the way of finished accomplishments.  A few items made the pictorial, but very few.  Here's to hoping 2023 will be better.

February - one of the BINGO challenges was to make a heart sachet and another was to use Tula Pink fabric so I combined them into these cute gifts.

Theme for 2023 --- Binding Us Together

 Binding Us Together

This year I want to focus on the many ways we are bound together through our love of each other and the craft we have in common.  It seems fitting as binding is the final touch on a quilt which has seen hours and hours of love put into it.  So, it seems, our friendships work the same way.

My hope is that we will all look around at those who impact our lives and take time to create memories with one another.  

Find the joy in love and know that it is so much bigger than we give it a chance to be sometimes.  Reach out --- let it grow within all of us this year.  Each month we will focus on ways to make this more a part of who we are.  I know that words are just not enough to seep through sometimes -- so, let's add some actions throughout the next 12 months.  I can't wait.

Have I started you thinking?  Awesome!  Hold on tight - January will bring our first of many ways to create or strengthen those ties that bind us together.  Hugs and Love to all.

November 2022 Monthly 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  November 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 November and the joys of brown.  

December Color Your World - Red

 

December means RED to me.  I know, I know - for many it holds other colors in mind - green for fir trees, white for snow, etc.  However, my house turns RED.  My whole Christmas decor is red and white and I love it so much.  In the book, The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair, I found this statement:  ". . . the human affinity for the color red.  Most anthropologists and archaeologists believe that, as the color of blood, red is associated with lie - celebration, sex, joy - danger, and death."  I don't know about all of that and, as a redhead, it wasn't a color I loved or wore EVER - but I do enjoy it so much around the holidays.  I guess one can never truly understand oneself.  With that, let's move into red and all that it does indeed have to offer.  Further down the post is the monthly project AND your BINGO card for December.  It is the VERY LAST one for the year and some time to come.  Don't forget that cuppa.

Welcome to the Wizarding World Brazos Anniversary Retreat

 

It is the 17th and November and we are about to begin our 9th Annual November Retreat.  Crazy right?  People are starting to arrive, the house is ready to go (check out this Preparation Post LINK if you haven't already had the chance - it's pretty amazing what went on in decorating the house for this event and will not be featured here) and our first activity is lunch at Babe's - tradition, you know.  Off we go and as I go out the front door - this greets me.  Love country life.

Wizarding World Committee at Work

 Each year for our "anniversary" retreat, I am fortunate to have a committee that works so hard to make the retreat absolutely special for those who attend.  We go into the center a day early just to prepare and that day is today.  The drive down happens without incident and I'm soon in the country.  Thankfully, Cindy is ready and waiting to help.  Let's get going - but, first.  A glance out the kitchen window discovers goats in the yard enjoying Kay's bushes.  Perhaps they just need a quick herding back to their pen.

October 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  September 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 October and the joys of black.  

November Color Your World - Brown

November and brown -- they do seem to go hand in hand, right?  As the leaves begin to wear out their fall color and fall from the trees, they leave brown on the land and, with nothing but branches left, the view upwards is also brown.  Brown is our earth and in the fall, it brings forth so many delightful foods for us to enjoy.  It brings hunting season for many and, again, brown plays a role.  The many deer, elk, ducks, etc. that are harvested each year wear this color proudly.  I feel a warmth from brown that many do not.  They see it as ugly, but I find the comfort in the rich hues and shades.  Perhaps it all stems from being a redhead.  With that, let's move into brown and all that it does indeed have to offer.  Further down the post is the monthly project AND your BINGO card for November.  Time to get started and don't forget that cuppa.

So and Sew Fabrics and Quilting Spotlight - Brazoria, TX

It's vacation time and we are down at the gulf enjoying some time at the beach.  Day tripping is part of our holiday and today we are headed to Matagorda via Brazoria.  As we are driving, I spot this quilt shop and am pretty dang sure that it used to be in Lake Jackson.  Must stop and check it out even though I said I was not doing the "quilt shop" thing this trip.  Oh, those intentions - why do we bother with them cos they always go out the window.  Squirrel!

In we go and this is just the cutest dang shop.  The owner, Janet Moser, greets us and is just so enthusiastic that if I wasn't a quilter, I'd want to start.  She is a joy and sooooo helpful.  Take a peek around the shop with me.

Recipe for Success Brazos Retreat

 I am excited for this retreat to begin and yet a little sad at the same time.  It is our last October retreat but we'll make it a fun one.  Why the last October?  It just has become very difficult for me as my sweetie and I usually travel during this time period and with retirement getting closer all the time, that will happen more and more.  Changes had to be made and we'll see how they go.  At any rate, let's get this shindig started.

I am packed and heading out bright and early.  Well, I'm trying to.  Mister is behind the car cleaning windows as I try and depart.  My car is LOADED as I'm hauling stuff for November too.  Hopefully there will be a lot less coming home.  As I get nearer to Rainbow, there is some intense fog ahead.  Crazy.  My visibility goes down to next to nothing for all of about 300 yards.  So weird.

September 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  September 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 September and an explosion of orange.  

October Color Your World - Black

 

October has arrived and it is my most favorite month of the year.  With that, it does seem odd that the Color Your World color for this month is Black.  Well, truth be told, for many years I wore a LOT of black and absolutely still have a great deal of it in my wardrobe.  I like it.  I also like the contrast it offers when placed with other colors.  Think Amish quilts.  At any rate, enjoy black and all that it offers - you'll be amazed at how many places it shows up in your life.  Further down the post is the monthly project AND your BINGO card for October.  Let's get started and don't forget to grab that cuppa.

McKinney Downtown Dry Goods Spotlight

 Yes!  I finally have a chance to stop in here, albeit a quick stop.  They are about to close and McKinney is in the midst of Oktoberfest, BUT I'm still inside.  Oh, I will definitely stop back in the next time I have more minutes to spend here.  A quick look around has me noticing as much as possible -- come along and see the pretties.

Girlfriends at the Beach - Days 5-8

 It's Day 5 and this morning is gorgeous.   

Girlfriends at the Beach - Days 1-4

 It's been three years since we have been able to gather as friends and spend some time at the beach.  All of the stars have aligned this year and I've even managed to recover from a horrible cold in order for this to happen - but happening it is.  We are on the way to Surfside this morning.  Stephannie arrived at my house around 9, we loaded her things into my already burgeoning carload and off we went.  First stop --- Buc-ee's in Madisonville.   That is followed up with a stop in 
Spring for some much needed caloric intake at Lynn's Table.  Yum!  We then discover that a new little fabric shop has opened up right next door and are off for a peek.  It is Needle and Thread.

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.