Duluth Retreat

Nine of my quilting friends headed for Duluth last Sunday and stayed at a rented home called the Hawthorne Manor. It was built in 1914 and had quite the personality!

Sunrise from my bedroom window.

 

My bedroom for the retreat - sleeping single in a double bed!

 

I loved the old bathroom look, it was slightly updated.

 

Linen closets at the top of the stairs - beautiful woodwork.

 

The staircase was solid wood so I enjoyed the climb to bed!

We enjoyed the home and all its wonders. The kitchen was completely remodeled, so it was a great place to cook and serve food. Not much time was spent in the kitchen because each of us only had one meal to prepare with clean up afterwards.

Of course that meant a lot of time for sewing! I did accomplish much, but there were others who completed more, and of course others who didn't complete as much. We all sew, and visit, at our own pace!!

Here are some of my accomplishments ---

Blocks sewn for "Pinwheels Gone Wild"

 

Borders put on Tinkerbelle quilt

 

 

Close-up of Tinkerbelle fabric.

 

Blocks sewn for "Sweet Tea" quilt

 

Not all my sewing was quilts... here are a couple new dish towels that I spiffed up with fun fabric and prairie points!

 

This was just too much fun. We laughed, ate, visited three quilt shops, and worked on projects as long as we wanted. We all agreed this needs to be an annual event, so we are already talking about next year and increasing the number of days. I sure do look forward to it!!

Placemats

Had a little sewing time Friday & Saturday so I finished up these two sets of place mats. Aren't they adorable?! I love the cocoa and candy cane fabric. I'm thinking about giving these as gifts this week, so they won't be in my house for long!

Snow Day

The first snow day of winter 2014 hit last Monday. I was planning to go with my friends and sew in Elk River, but the weather changed our plans. I was still able to sew, but by myself at home. Accomplished a lot and finished two projects.

First was this cute table runner of Santa hats and candy canes.

Then I completed this quilt top using a pattern called "Busy Bee". It went together really fast and was a lot of fun.

I'm glad to be able to cross these two off my to-do list!

And of course I'm still working on this cute daisy quilt. Everything grows and grows! I love watching this grow as each circular row is added. Should be ready to "plant" on someone's bed this spring!!

I'm hoping for another snow day so I have an excuse to stay home, be safe, and sew!!

Sewing with Friends

Today was my monthly sewing day at The Noble Quilter in Elk River. After breakfast at Perkins, and a quick shopping spree at JoAnn's Fabric, we were ready to sew. I added some more hexies to the Daisy quilt. Isn't it growing nicely?!

And sew it grows!!

Then I sewed the rest of the day making this bag. I think it will make a great beach bag for Florida!

All and all, it was a wonderful day full of laughter, friends, food, and sewing!

Shelby Grace Bator

Two posts in one day?! Actually this was sitting in my draft box. I saw it when I posted my other post today about the towels. Oh well, better late than never...

Our newest family member arrived early Wednesday morning, September 24th. She is beautiful and looks like she will be very active! Weighing in at 6 lbs 2 ounces, she will have to bulk up before taking on her older brother & sister.


I love the big pink bow on her hat.



Ethan admires her already!

Grandpa is loving this little bundle.

This is the day she went home... eyes wide open to check out her new home!

Showing off her long fingers. Or is that her Kung Fu move? She may need that someday!!

Ethan and Capri welcomed her home with lots of attention.

Sweet little toes. I wonder where she will go?!

Crafty

I was feeling crafty again and needed some new kitchen towels. Not just wanting plain towels, I saw some cute patterns and decided it wouldn't take too long to whip up a few. Sure enough a few hours later and I was smiling!!

 

 

I understand witches in the kitchen are good luck! Time will tell.

Backpack

A little late night sewing produced this finished project! Sammie has been waiting for this since the first week of August... she will be excited!! I hope she likes it. Black and white were her color choices. This would be cute in just about any color.