September Retreat Day One

Hello Everyone,

The restaurant at Snowflake Lodge has become a quilting paradise for 36 quilters.

The sewing machines were rolled in, set up and immediately put to work.

My first little mini workshop on foundation paper piecing will begin at 9am this morning.  I will be teaching wool applique this afternoon.  In between the workshop, the girls will be working away on their own projects.  One of the girls made a schedule of what she plans on doing during the retreat.....and she is sticking to it!

The quilters worked until 5pm, then headed over to my cabin for an appetizer dinner.  As always, the food was delicious!

It was a very pleasant evening to eat out on the deck and get to know each other.

 The day before the retreat, we went to our grandson's 16th birthday party.   We've watched this little cowpoke grow up to become a wonderful human being.

This young man is going to make a difference in the world.  He is so caring, loving and kind.  We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

He's been saving his money and bought a truck.  This is going to help him get back and forth to the school farm to care for his FFA animals. His parents, our son and daughter-in-law, are delighted they no longer have to drive him to the farm for the early morning feedings.  

Life is good.

Soon,

Lynn

October Teaser

 Hello Everyone,

In between getting ready for my upcoming Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat at Snowflake Lodge, I'm working on my Mondays with Marcus project.  This pattern will be available for free download on Monday, October 16th.  YIKES, I'd better get busy and finish writing the pattern.

I LOVE working with wool.  The Lanacot wool from Marcus Fabrics is so soft and luxurious. I also love combining wool with a cotton project.  It gives the project so much depth.  Of course, I had to include a flange in my project and the little stripe is just perfect for it. 

The designers at Marcus Fabrics were asked to design a free project which center around our trip to New York.  You will be finding out how this project ties into my trip when I roll it out on the 16th.

Life is buzzing here under the pines at Sew'n Wild Oaks.  Thirty-five quilters will arrive this coming Sunday for the start of the retreat.  The tutorials are done, almost all of the handouts are printed. The kits and fabric bundles are all tied up with a ribbon and priced. Today is housecleaning day.  I wish I had time to decorate for Fall, but I don't think that is going to happen.  I'll be lucky to get the kitchen floor washed!

I've pretty much been sidelined for the last month with the venomous bites on my ankles.  They are getting better, but I'm not out of the woods just yet.  Healing has been an extremely slow process. I've finally come to terms with the fact that I will never be a swimsuit model.  That ship sailed when I was in 4th grade!  My right leg is looking pretty good, but the left leg is another story.  I still have the burning/searing nerve pain almost 24/7.  The medications dull the pain, but I'm always conscious of it. The medications also make me a little loopy and sleepy.  There are times during the day when I just need to sit and put my leg up.  When I have a long to-do list, sitting down for an hour is a big chunk out of my day.....so today I will fill that downtime with stitching on the wool applique, and stitch the pain away.

Soon,

Lynn

Mondays with Marcus

 Hello Everyone,

It's Monday so it must be Mondays with Marcus! Mary Ellen Robison and Paula Barnes are the creative duo at Red Crinoline Quilts.

They've chosen to honor the Survivor Tree at the 911 Memorial and Museum. On their recent visit to NYC, they had the opportunity to visit the 911 Memorial and when asked to design a quilt that was inspired by their trip, Paula chose the Survivor Tree. Witness trees are a large part of our history. They survive wars and terrorism and remain standing to honor the ones we lost. The link to this free pattern is located HERE on their website. This reminds me of the large Banyon tree in Lahaina which was a witness to the devastating fire.

When I'm not working on preparations for my September retreat, I'm working on my Mondays with Marcus project.  Here are two little teasers for you to see. My free pattern will be available on October 16th.

I'm using my Hearthstone fabric line.  If I get really busy, I'll put a limited number of kits together which will be available for purchase.

I'm teaching Bridle Path at the Purple Orchid Inn tomorrow sponsored by In Between Stitches.  If you are signed up for the class, please print out the tutorial located HERE.  The class includes lunch, and I will be covering the directions for most of the quilt, as time permits.

Just when I think the bites on my legs are getting better, I have a setback.  The dermatologist was not happy with the results of the culture on Tuesday.  Now I have to apply a stronger antibiotic cream.  Just touching my legs drive me up the wall.  The doctor's report said my wounds are 'exquisitely' tender.  I never equated the word exquisite with pain....until now.

Exquisitely yours,

Lynn