December 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  We've reached December and the end of a wonderful year.  Yes, it had some challenges, as all do, but overall, so many wonderful memories were made.  Hold those close to you and draw on the strength of them as needed in the coming year.  My memories are so very treasured and they truly to bind me to the ones they involve.  Expand your circle and make memories as often as you can.  Spend some additional time doing some actual quilt binding so that you can focus on those memories while you work.  Hugs to all. 

Finished Quilts 2023

 Well, can you say overextended?  That is exactly what I did this year.  I got involved in so many block of the weeks/months that I barely could get anything else done.  As a result, I wound up sending 11 quilts in to be quilted so that I could actually get something done and off the plate.  So . . . with that in mind - here is the 2023 finish parade:

January - Quilt More Worry Less Wall Hanging by MSQC.  This came in the Jenny box in December and I focused on these projects this month while in Montana visiting Mom.  

Finished Non-Quilt Items 2023

2023 - What can I say?  I feel like I was pretty busy, but not a ton of finishes.  However, I did start things out rather well due to the Advent Box from Missouri Star that I received in December.  At any rate -- here's the Miscellaneous finishes for the year:

 January - This little coin purse came in the Advent Box.  I am up at Mom's and enjoying these small projects.

Theme for 2024 - Joy!!!

Every year I try to come up with a theme to help fill the months and add some cohesiveness to my life.  So many people do the "one word" thing --- so, that's where I am going this year.  I am choosing JOY.  What a great word!  There are no possible ways to take it incorrectly for each person finds joy in their own unique way.  What works for one, doesn't always work for another.  However, we can all work towards the emotion itself.  Find your own joy!  What is it?  Is it in everything around us if we look. Each month we will focus on a place or way in which to bring joy to the surface in our own lives and see if the world's multiple problems take a back stage to our own happiness.  We can't fix anything else until we fix ourselves.  

November 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  November means the annual gathering is taking place and that brings such a warmth to my heart.  It is amazing to get together with the same women (and new ones as well) for the past 10 November's.  Crazy wonderful.  For this month, I would heartily recommend attending a retreat and starting those incredible connections of your own.  Retreats are such a special place, where we truly love one another and lift each other up.  Go for it this month.

The Roman Empire - Brazos Retreat

 The second weekend retreat of our November back-to-backs has begun.  The Roman Empire fun has begun.  To see all the decoration, please click on this Tweener Link as be did them during our "between" time.  The official opening event begins at Babe's with a traditional lunch.  Not a lot attend this time, but that doesn't stop us from having a great time.

Brazos November 2023 Tweener Time

 Welcome to Tweener Time!  Normally, this is a quiet time and we have only a handful of people staying as it is too far for them to travel home.  However, this time is different as we are being treated to a One Block Wonder class from Cindy.  It starts on Tuesday, so we DO have Sunday afternoon and Monday to be relatively quiet.  We'll see how it goes.

Once the house empties out as much as it is going to, I decide to take up some real estate and try to lay out one of my Civil War quilts.  Thankfully, I get help or it never would have happened.

It's a Medieval World/The Renaissance

 Our 10th November has arrived and this year we are doing a back to back.  It's the first time for that and I hope all goes well.  Debi, Stephannie, Stephanie, and I arrive early to get the room set up and decorations in place.  This weekend is a Medieval World/Renaissance theme and we're out to have some fun.  Take a peek at how the place gets a uplift for the event. (So I'm going to share a secret here - these window treatments are table cloths.  Maybe that's old hat to y'all, but brand new to my little brain.)

October 2023 Quilt Update

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  October is my most favorite month of the year.  Honest - never mind the fact that the weather is nice and the world is beautiful, but it's also my anniversary month and the fact that this sweet man has made another trip around the sun with me is always humbling.  For this month, those ties that bind seem especially important to me.  Let's gather together as often as possible.  Join a Bee, have a sleepover, plan a weekend adventure, whatever helps to strengthen those ties for you.  Our FRIENDS are the real treats in life.  Never forget that --- they are not around because they were born to be near you, but because they choose to be.  THAT is a treat and something to be treasured and fed.  Have fun this month - you can do it.  

September 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  That brings us to September and my personal beginning of fall.  I know the calendar days something different, but that's how I feel.  One of the things that binds us together is TIME - spend some with each other doing some shop-hopping.  Perhaps just to purchase the items in this little bag - and then make one or two or a dozen to share.  Truly - these are the ties that bind. 

August 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm enjoying the direction this is taking us all, but especially myself, as I've given it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  That brings us to August - oh my.  This year if flying by.  Sharing a common interest helps to bind us together.  Each time we are able to make a memory - something special happens.  Take the time this month to create those memories.  One way, perhaps, is to attend a quilt show with friends.  Let the binding begin. 

July 2023 Quilt Update

 Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  That brings us to July and all of the patriotic fun that happens along the way.  Take every chance you get to strengthen those friendships and the ties that bind us.  This month -- let's focus on GIGGLES.  Seriously, laughter brings us all so close and makes memories that will stay with us forever.  Let's hear the laughter, y'all.  

Missouri Star Girls Trip 2 - Days 7 & 8

 It's morning and we have PLANS!  We have a 9:00 appointment to see the Clydesdales!!!  So excited.  Now to get all my little chicks in a row and get out of here. 

Appletree Quilting Center Spotlight - Columbia, MO

 We are in Columbia, MO and Jen has found another quilt shop stop before we have to really focus on driving.  Appletree Quilting Center is MUCH more than the outside would say.  My goodness, come in and peek for yourself.  Once inside the door, this place just opens up.  Ooooh, so many things to see.  I only have a few items left on my list, but, after asking, I won't get them here.  Now I can just enjoy the scenery.

Quilt Sisters Exploring - Warm Springs Ranch (The Clydesdales!)

 Good Morning!  We are up EARLY, had breakfast and have arrived at our 9:00 appointment with 15 minutes to spare.  That is enough for some picture taking.  Warm Springs Ranch is our plan for this morning and I'm super excited.  A little about the sign - the "W," "S," and "R" measure 15 feet tall, weigh more than 2,000 pounds each, and sat on top of the Bevo plant for more than 30 years.  The entire "Budweiser" sign on top of the Bevo building was replaced in January of 2013.  The "W," "S," and "R" were chosen for installation at Warm Springs Ranch, the breeding facility for the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales.  This little piece of St. Louis serves as an important landmark for those visiting this facility.

Missouri Star Girls Trip 2 - Days 5 & 6

We've hit Day 5 in our Missouri Girls Trip.  Hard to believe, right?  We are still at the Retreat Center in downtown Hamilton, MO and it's our final day of the MSQC Doan Girls Retreat.  Time to drag ourselves out of bed and get moving.  For the last couple of day, I noticed a rug at the foot of the stairs and today I manage to get a picture of it.  I think every sewing room should have one. 

Quilt Sisters Exploring - Boonville, MO (Bridge, Park, and Sunset)

 Due to a bit of a a faux pas on my part, we are staying in Boonville, MO tonight.  If you go on a map and look up the distance from Hamilton, MO to Boonville, MO, you will find that we have made VERY little progress today.  We are TWO hours away from Hamilton and not in the right direction to go home.  Yep, I'm on a roll right now.  At any rate, we are in Boonville for the night so that we can do something fun tomorrow morning -- bright and early.  After an early dinner, we still have some time to kill so a few of us decide to go exploring around the hotel area.  Evening light is great for pictures and . . . . we spotted a bridge.  Now to just get to it.

Sew Sweet Quilt Shop Spotlight - Brunswick, MO

 We are in Brunswick, MO and have found a quilt shop stop.  This one turned out to be sooooo fun and, in fact, several of us would up at the checkouts TWICE.  Come along and see all the treasures we saw and see if you would have shopped a bit too.

Quilt Sisters Exploring - Chillicothe, MO Murals

 One of the places that Jenny Doan told us we should check out is Chillicothe.  The person who did the train mural (and others) in Hamilton was Kelly Poling and his work is all over the town of Chillicothe as well.  That makes an appealing spot for us to check out on the way home from our retreat.  When we park, the first thing we notice is that one doesn't necessarily have to buy a new sign if the business changes.  Just pain over it.  Pretty funny and cool at the same time.

From the minute we enter the downtown area, the walls come alive.  Take a peek with us at just a small section of town and his work.

This one is called "Going Somewhere."  It depicts a pre-WWI Chillicothe setting.  The Milwaukee Depot (demolished 1977) serves as the backdrop for period vehicles and a drawn streetcar used to transport patrons to the station.

Missouri Star Girls Trip 2 - Days 3 and 4

 Day 3 of our Missouri trip starts with the group preparing for a Scavenger Hunt through the Missouri Star Quilt Company shops.  We left the Hotel Hamilton a bit early, so the streets are empty enough for some pictures.

Missouri Quilt Museum - Hamilton, MO

 I was blessed to visit Hamilton, MO last year and so this trip is number 2 for me and a few others in our group.  However, we did not get the chance to visit the museum at that time and we have finished our scavenger hunt with some time leftover before the retreat officially begins.  The museum is only a few blocks away so we opt to walk.  We've heard great things about this museum and I'm looking forward to our stop.

Missouri Star Girls Trip 2 - Day 1 and 2

 The whirlwind is continuing!!!  We left retreat yesterday and are on our way to another one this morning.  Can you believe it?  We are off to Missouri Star for a Doan Girls Retreat and all the fun that comes with that as well as our journey there and back.  Jen is driving again this year and the three of us are super excited to see what the week will bring.  The packing is done, the car is ready and it's time to hit the road.  Come along with us on our journey and see all the wonders we see, BUT know that some things just don't make it to the blog.  We gotta have some secrets, ya know?

Blue Top Quilt Shop Spotlight - Lamar, MO

 Our second shop stop for today is at Blue Top Quilt Shop.  THIS one has had huge billboards all along the highway leading us here.  That meant we needed to stop, right?  Add in the fact that it is open on Monday and we're game for some treasure hunting.  

I like this sign better, but there was a gentleman sitting in a car out front and I did stop to ask him if his wife had, indeed, screamed.  He just smiled and said no before going back to his phone.

Quilter's Corner Station Spotlight - Carthage, MO

 On a Quilt Sisters trip there are always quilt shop stops.  This is our  first one for this years trip to Missouri and I thought you might like to peek in with us.  We are in Carthage, MO and the shop is Quilter's Corner Station.  It is a cute little building along the road and has some surprises inside.  One of the first surprises is that when I enter and look left, I spot a beauty salon.  Yep, this place does dual duty - how fun to shop while waiting on a hair appointment.  

However, this is not the main shop - just some extra fun with panels, patterns, kits, and making one pretty stuff.  Into the main shop - there's quite a bit in this small space.

Bluff Dwellers Cave - Quilt Sisters Exploring

Girls Tip to Missouri #2 is underway and our first fun stop was OKARMO Corner, which is the three corners where Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri come together.  As we were leaving there and continuing onto Joplin, MO, Lori spotted a sign for Bluff Dwellers Cave.  Let's go!

Under the Big Top Retreat

 It's full steam ahead here in Rainbow, TX.  The second weekend of our summer back-to-back retreats is underway and the first order of business is LUNCH.  Babe's, of course.  So, so good.  Janet and Korin went into Burleson for some shopping and we all sent her on a mission while up there.  Hobby Lobby had these "wonder boxes" on clearance.  Yep, yep, yep - we need them.  Thank you, Janet, for being our sherpa.  We have found that these totes can handle soooo many small items in a nice and organized way.  It helps out for the "I forgots" that always seem to take place at retreat and helps the room provide.

July 2023 Tweeners

 We are in Tweener mode and that means: quiet and not much going on.  Normally, that is true but today has been a bit different.  Several of us took a road trip after the first group left and managed to have some great conversations leading to many decision-making moments.  Then, since I was gone on our road trip or teaching purse-making (yes, that went on today too) most of the day, I enlisted help with my Loyal Union blocks and believe it or not --- some refused.  However, I did get quite a bit of help and am soooooo thankful.  Time to feed the natives and for tonight, it's Mexican.  We didn't manage to get pictures, but Frieda and I have proof we were there.

Welcome to the Carnival Retreat

 Life on the road continues.  I'm off in the wee hours towards retreat.  I have back to back retreats with an additional back of a roadtrip ahead.  Time to rock and roll.

June 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  That brings us to June.  The beginning of summer and all the business that comes along with that can sometimes put friendships on the back burner.  Make an effort this month to at least send a text and let someone know you are thinking about them.  A letter would truly be fabulous, especially hand written.  Give it whirl and see how it helps to bind each of us to one another.

Bigfork Piecemakers Quilt Guild Quilt Show

I am lucky enough to be in Montana the weekend of the local quilt show.  Thought I'd share some eye candy and information from it.

Birdseye Mercantile Spotlight - Avon, Montana

In Montana, the Avon cut-off up to the Swan Valley has been used for many years and this time is no different.  What is different is that Mister spots a quilt shop sign.  I'm in shock.  There can't possibly be much of a quilt shop here.  Well, I was wrong and here is the post to share all about it.  

May 2023 Quilt Update

 

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  That brings us to May.  This is MY month and I hope to make it a good one.  Let's focus on such a simple method to increase the "Binding Us Together" theme.  PHONE CALLS.  Take the time to make those connections.  They truly do lift the soul and keep us bound together.

The Road Less Traveled - Brazos House Retreat

 This weekend is the Road Less Traveled for a theme and Stephannie has been at the decorations once again.  Come along and enjoy our time near the river in Rainbow, TX.

18th - Good morning.

May 2023 Tweener Time - Brazos House

 Tween Time has begun.  You know - the time "between" weekends.  There are five of us sharing the house for a few days and we all love the quiet "down time" and ability to get a few things done and still spend time together.

14th - The first weekend of retreat has ended and since it's Mother's Day, phone calls are coming to all, which is sooooo nice.  We have some music playing quietly and are just all going about our various projects.

Camping Magic - Brazos House Retreat

 11th - The last of the spring retreat back to backs begin today.  I am loaded to the gills with projects and stuff for the swap table.  I already had accumulated several bags full of items and then Mister added to it while I was in Ohio last month.  My very full car and I are hitting the road bright and early - time for some fun.

April 2023 Quilt Update

Our theme this year, Binding Us Together, is just so needed.  If you didn't get a chance to check out the post explaining it all --- here is the LINK to the initial post.  I'm looking forward to the direction this can take us all, but especially myself, if I give it a whirl.  Sometimes stepping out of comfort zones is challenging, but it almost always allows for growth.  Here we go:  April is here!  April is supposed to be full of showers and that makes me think of the color blue.  However, no mental blues on the scene.  Take some time this month to build friendships through time together.  Take a road trip - share commonalities and allow yourself to be bound to others.  It will be worth it.