Retreat Preparations and Updates

 Hello Everyone,

In my last post I showed you my friend's Calico Cottages quilt she entered into the Independence Hall Quilt Show......Diane won a well-deserved Viewer's Choice ribbon!

We went out for lunch to celebrate after the guild meeting. Mr. Joe met up with us down at The Bistro and Diane took our picture to show off the fall colors in the area. 

Speaking of fall colors, our dogwood tree is spectacular this year.  The tree is located right outside the windows in our great room, and we get to enjoy it all day every day.

I’ve been busy prepping for my final retreat of the year, which kicks off this Sunday. Three quilters are arriving early—this Friday, just two days away… YIKES! On Saturday, a few of us are heading to Yosemite for a little adventure before the stitching, laughter, and creative magic officially begins.

As part of my retreat prep, I’ve done just a touch of autumn decorating with nothing too elaborate. These days, I find myself thinking, “Whatever goes up now has to come down soon… because Christmas is just around the corner!” Still, it’s nice to enjoy the cozy colors and little touches of fall, even if only for a few fleeting weeks 

I also cut six more kits for Country Charmer yesterday.  Whatever is left over after the retreat, will go into my Etsy shop after the retreat. 

Speaking of Etsy shop, I'm slowly adding new listings for DIGITAL DOWNLOAD in my shop.  As I track the orders, I'm noticing many sales outside of the United States to Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the UK.  I feel this has been a very positive decision and quilters seem to be happy to have easier access to my patterns without the huge shipping costs both inside and outside the US.

This week I've added digital downloads for Bridle Path and Heritage to my shop.

Digital download for Heritage is located HERE.

Bridle Path DIGITAL DOWNLOAD is located HERE.

Yesterday I tackled the cobwebs in the cabin. though honestly, they could’ve passed for Halloween decor! I also began swapping out quilts and gave the master bedroom a deep clean. One of my favorite things is creating cozy little areas to showcase different quilts, moving them around until each one finds its perfect spot.  I'm having a tour of the cabin during the retreat, so it has to be spotless.....tell that to Mazey so she won't leave trails of golden hair around the cabin. She sheds so much, I'm surprised she's not bald!

I'm off to begin my workday of making those pesky cobwebs disappear.

Soon,

Lynn

  

Bridle Path Under the Stars

 Hello Everyone,

One of the true delights of designing patterns is seeing how quilters around the world make them their own. I recently received a photo from a talented quilter in France who made my Bridle Path pattern with a beautiful twist—she swapped out the house blocks for stars, adding her own sparkle to the design. What a joy to see creativity cross borders! She's calling this Bridle Path Under the Stars.

The stars dance across the quilt in their beautiful colorway.

Here's the creator peeking around the side of this gorgeous quilt.

I received these beautiful images from Emma, the owner of Le Patchwork d'Emma in France. You can explore her beautiful shop HERE. Emma and I stay in touch from time to time—she’s carried several of my Block of the Month programs and occasionally places pattern orders. Most recently, I sent Cozy Country Christmas patterns to the Marcus Fabrics warehouse so they could ship out with her fabric order. Bundling the shipment this way helps Emma avoid the steep international shipping costs, and I’m always glad when we can make things a little easier across the miles and across the pond.

Oh, how I would love to shop in Emma's shop!  Emma's style is so my style.

On another note, I've been very quiet lately as I've been busy preparing for the retreat that I'm hosting at Zephyr Cove on the shores of Lake Tahoe. This is our magical retreat area.  We walk out the doors and we are at the shores of the lake.

I leave on Sunday with a car full of fabric bolts, kits and bundles.  I'm also planning on getting some quilting accomplished while I'm there.  I'm working on my new version of Country Charmer using Cozy Christmas fabrics. 

I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of the plaid fabrics so I can wrap up cutting kits for my booth at the Independence Hall Quilt Faire coming up in mid-October. The quilt is coming together—I have a nice little stack of finished blocks, and the rest of the pieces are cut and ready to go under the needle. Today’s task: cutting sashings and nine-patch sections from the fabric I starched yesterday. It’s one of those satisfying, quiet prep days where I can cut while listening to a book on Audible. 

Last weekend our grandson, Jess competed in his last high school rodeo at the Northern California Junior Rodeo Association. We were there to watch the event on Saturday.  He came in 1st on the final day, Sunday.

He was awarded the Senior Cowboy Academic Scholarship.

Right after the awards ceremony, he had to hop in his truck and make the 4-hour drive back to Quincy to be in class at Feather River College the next morning.

His event is Chute Dogging.  He begins in the chute, the gate swings open and he brings down the steer.  He brought this bad boy down in 1.87 seconds which was his personal best and the best time for the entire year for all of the boys. He finished 3rd for the year out of 28 competitors. Two boys tied for 1st with 15 points.  Jess was one point behind with 16 points.

He’s riding with the college rodeo team and just stepped into the world of steer wrestling. That means galloping alongside a steer, sliding off his horse mid-run, and wrestling the steer to the ground. I’ll admit, those horns make me a little nervous! But rodeo isn’t his long-term plan. He’s majoring in Ranch Management with a focus on welding—something solid and skillful that’ll help him build a future and earn a living. I admire his grit and heart every time he climbs into that arena. 

This is one busy kid!  He's in the gym two mornings a week with the rodeo team at 5am.  He goes to class throughout the week and also works as a diesel mechanic a few hours a week to help pay the bills.

We are anticipating a nice rainstorm tonight complete with thunder and lightning.  I hope the lightning doesn't cause any fires like it did two weeks ago.  There is supposed to be more rain with this storm which is the remnant of a tropical storm.

Gotta scoot!  I have a lot on my to-do to accomplish today.

Soon,

Lynn

 

Bridle Path Pattern of the Week

 Hello Everyone,

My pattern of the week is Bridle Path and is on sale in my Etsy shop HERE.

This quilt hangs proudly in our cabin bedroom; a space I lovingly call the Hearthstone Room. Every quilt you see here was made with fabric from my Hearthstone line from Marcus Fabrics—a collection that holds a special place in my heart as it was my first fabric line.  Laurel Ridge, the 2025 BOM for The Quilt Show is hanging on the wall on the left.  Double Dutch Treat is next to it. Emilie Elizabeth gifted to me by my dear friend Deborah is over the headboard. Spring Frolic is on the bench at the end of the bed. 

I change the quilts out with the seasons, and this grouping will be in the bedroom throughout the summer months.

The following are snapshots of the blocks in the quilt. Each of the blocks finish at 10" x 10".  The entire quilt measure 98" x 98".  If you want to make the quilt larger, all you need to do is cut the borders wider.

This block is the most complex, but the pattern includes a block layout sheet which is the map to your success.

Heading out to the Bear Valley Music Festival this afternoon—Broadway tunes and showstoppers await! Mr. Joe’s not much for musicals, so he’ll be holding down the fort with Mazey while I’m away. All the girls are coming back to the cabin for dinner tonight, which means my morning’s packed with prep work before I head out. Mr. Joe’s got his own timetable: top priority is firing up the barbecue and getting the roast on the rotisserie. Fingers crossed I’ll have everything else squared away before I leave!

Is it wrong to say I invite company just so I’m forced to clean the cabin? Let’s call it strategic hospitality.

Soon,

Lynn

My Hearthstone Room

 Hello Everyone,

Today was the day I decided it was time to remove the flannel sheets.  Before I knew it, one thing led to another, and the entire bedroom was cleaned and the quilts changed around.  I'm calling it my Hearthstone room as everything you see has been made using my Hearthstone fabric line.   

SPRING FROLIC is at the foot of the bed.  LAUREL RIDGE, the 2025 BOM for The Quilt Show is on the wall along with the little DOUBLE DUTCH TREAT table topper.  EMILIE ELIZABETH is over the bed, made and gifted to me by my dear, dear friend Deborah from Michigan. BRIDLE PATH is on the bed.  

This is the first time I've had them all in the same room together and they are getting along nicely!

When I first started quilting which seems as though it was back in the Stone Age, I wanted to learn how to make quilts so I could decorate my home in beautiful quilts. After all of these years, I making my dream come alive.

Every room in the cabin is filled with quilts which I rotate on a regular basis. I wanted our bedroom to be more 'Spring-like' so that started this entire cleaning process today.  I wish I could say it feels like Spring, but it's a bit chilly and dripping outside and we have a fire going in the great room to take the chill off.  

Speaking of fabric lines, I just sent off a presentation for a new line to Marcus Fabrics this morning.  Will it work in my Heathstone room......inquiring minds want to know?  Stay tuned and find out.

Soon,

Lynn

Updates and a Special Offer

 Hello Everyone,

I've felt well enough in the last week to venture into my sewing room.  I go between my computer writing a pattern, and my sewing machine where I try to follow my own directions, and then I go to the recliner to elevate my leg.

I'm making good progress on my new Gentry's Mill BOM.  I cut out the pieces for a block, make the block, then make corrections to the pattern if needed, and it's always needed! Then I proceed to cutting out the pieces for the rest of the block.  I have everything labeled and marked so I can work on it at my retreat at Zephyr Cove at Lake Tahoe later on this month.

It is extremely satisfying to work with my very own fabric line and watch the blocks come to life.

Now to the special offer. This really is a good deal, and it is the last time this offer will be available this year.

Today and tomorrow, (Sept 1st & 2nd) you can sign up for The Quilt Show for $10.00 off your membership. The cost is $39.95 for the year. TQS is my resource for when I need to learn a new technique or have a technical question.

You will have access to hundreds of videos covering every topic imaginable at your fingertips. Your membership more than pays for itself.

Here are just a few of the benefits you will receive:

-Instant Access to all episodes of The Quilt Show

-Get the 2024 and 2025 Block of the Month Pattern (value $79)

-Get 25% off a Store Purchase*

-Free Book Download: Piecing Makeover - A Guide to Diagnosing and Solving Common Problems ($20.99)

-Download "Critique" by Lyric Kinard. A semester of art in 19 pages.

-Get First Shot at Project kits (frequently sell out!)

-Get special offers and store discounts for Star Members only

https://thequiltshow.com/

This would make a great year-round Christmas present for your quilting buddies.

I'm now able to sell my Bridle Path pattern in my Etsy shop.  So, if you missed the BOM, you could now make your very own Bridle Path in any fabric of your choice.

Click HERE to take you to my Etsy Shop. 

I feel that my leg is making great progress.  I'm trying to add an extra 500 to 1000 steps per day on my Fitbit.  I still can't stand for long periods of time, or walk for long periods of time, but I'm soooooo much better than I was last week at this time.  I still have waves of fatigue that wash over me, and I have to sit and rest. But when I do that, I immediately fall asleep.  I figure this is want my body needs right now, and I'm not fighting it.    

Soon,

Lynn

Bridle Path Photoshoot

 Hello Everyone,

We had a little mini photoshoot of Bridle Path yesterday.  This quilt is a new block of the month for Marcus Fabrics using my Hearthstone fabrics.

I'm mailing it off to Marcus Fabrics today and I won't see her for a while.

We have to wait for the sun to almost set before we can hang the quilt outside to get a picture without sunshine and shadows.

I was ecstatic with Dianne Schweickert's incredible machine quilting. Every aspect is so beautiful.

I like to get an image of the entire quilt head on, but yesterday it was hard to do.

A Stellar Jay has set up housekeeping in the outdoor umbrella.

This is the same umbrella that took a long nap under a blanket of snow this Winter.

We didn't want to disturb her and leave the nest.  She never moved while we were out and about.  She's going to be a great mom.

The bears are out and about and coming at us four at a time!  Our next-door neighbor's Ring camera captured a movie yesterday morning of this bear family.  Mazey was barking a lot and now we know why....she could bearly stand it!  Since the weather has been so pleasant and mild, we keep the front and back doors open with just the screen separating us from the wildlife.  We will be super vigilant on our neighborhood walks now that Spring has sprung, and the bears are out and about.  We wouldn't want us or Mazey to get between this mom and her tribe of triplets.  Between the birds and the bears, we have critters all around us.

Soon,

Lynn

Bridle Path

 Hello Everyone,

We've had a very busy week since the retreat ended, and I haven't been good about posting.  The most exciting news is that except for the binding, Bridle Path is finished.

Dianne Schweickert, from Livermore, CA quilted magic into the quilt.  As I'm binding, I keep seeing Dianne's special little touches dancing around the quilt.

She turned the houses into log cabins consistent with the theme of the quilt. I love the three hearts over the door.

The entire quilt is quilted to perfection.  Everything Dianne did enhanced the quilt and made it spectacular!

My goal is to finish up the binding, hanging sleeve, and label then I'll ship this beauty off to New York to be photographed.  Then Bridle Path will start her travels to quilt shops around the United States.  To see my fabric line, Hearthstone come alive in my design, is a dream come true.  When I started on my pattern designing journey in 2008, I could only dream about having a fabric collection. With a lot of hard work, I'm a testament that dreams do come true.....at any age.

We had the best time on Saturday in Clements, CA at the Clements Junior Rodeo.  You know the phrase, 'It's not my first rodeo', well it was our grandson's first rodeo with his group of buddies from FFA, Future Farmers of America.  His event is called Chute Doggin.  When he originally started practicing for this, I thought he said Snoop Doggin, and that phrase stuck with me.

When we were visiting him in Livermore several months ago, one of his Snoop Doggin friends was over at the house and the boys were discussing a name for their group.  I suggested 'Horny Hookers' which brought a lot of laughs and snickers from the boys.  They ended up calling themselves 'Hookin' Horns'.

Day one.

Day two.

Over a 2-day period, Jess ranked #3 out of 28 contestants, and ended up in the money by the end of the weekend.  

Unfortunately, we missed his 3.5 second time on Sunday since we were at a winery in Livermore, CA to celebrate our DIL's 50th birthday.  The picture below is Jess' mom and dad.

Winter has returned to the mountains.  We had another dusting of snow earlier in the week and now rain showers are watering the May flowers that never made it up through the snow.  The woodburning stove has been going 24/7 to take the chill off of the cabin.  We were so lucky the weather was so pleasant last week during the retreat.  

I'll be binding today while listening to an audiobook.  It makes the time go faster and gives me a good excuse to sit and stitch and read at the same time.

Soon,

Lynn