Coziness Tabletopper

 Hello Everyone,

I know many of you are juggling the same whirlwind I am—preparing for Thanksgiving while sneaking in a few Christmas projects, too. Amidst it all, I managed to finish a table topper I’m calling Coziness, designed to pair perfectly with my Cozy Country Christmas pattern.

I’ve been squeezing in time here and there to work on the directions—spare time, what’s that? HA! My goal is to get this on the long arm next week so I can quilt, bind, and finally show it off on my dining room table. Coziness will finish at 24" x 24".

Also, in my spare time, I put quite a few patterns in my Etsy shop which are available for DIGITAL DOWNLOAD.  Click HERE to access my Etsy shop.

On the home front, we’ve made countless trips to the Bay Area for Mr. Joe. Since mid-June, he’s been battling severe shoulder pain that eventually spread to his wrists, hands, hips, and knees. He had to give up driving and spent most days bundled in his recliner, cocooned in an electric blanket and heating pad. Despite x-rays, MRIs, blood tests, and a variety of medications, nothing brought relief. At my urging, we finally saw a rheumatologist, who diagnosed him with Polymyalgia Rheumatica, an inflammatory condition. Last week he began treatment, and we’re already seeing encouraging progress—he can now squeeze a tube of toothpaste and dress himself. These may seem like small things, but to us, they’re major victories, and we’re deeply thankful for each one.

Gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective. It reminds us to pause in the midst of busy days and notice the small victories, (like squeezing the tube of toothpaste) the quiet joys, and the people who make our lives richer. Being thankful doesn’t erase challenges, but it gives them context.

Thankfulness can be found in the everyday: the warmth of a quilt pulled across a lap, the laughter of friends gathered around a table, the relief of healing after hardship. Each moment, no matter how ordinary, becomes extraordinary when we choose to recognize it as a gift.

This season, may we celebrate not only the big milestones but also the little ones, the ability to do something we couldn’t yesterday, (insert toothpaste tube again!) the comfort of familiar traditions, and the joy of sharing life with others. 

Soon,

Lynn

Christmas in the Making

 Hello Everyone,

I’ve been easing back into the swing of things after the retreat, unpacking supplies, sorting through the accounting, and carving out a little time to rest and recharge before the Holidays roll in. I had a generous pile of leftover scraps from Cozy Country Christmas, so I put them to good use in a 24" x 24" table topper. Of course, that means writing and testing a new pattern too—but the four log cabin blocks are already stitched and looking festive!

Thanks to EQ8 software, I’ve mapped out how the table topper will look once it’s finished. I have to say, one of my friends nailed it when they said it resembles the view through a kaleidoscope. I couldn’t agree more! 

On the home front, Mr. Joe is still suffering with constant pain in every joint in his body except for his jaw.  His doctor has tried many different medications, physical therapy, MRI's, and X-rays.  The pain started in his shoulders and now extends down his arms to his wrists, hands, hips, and knees. He has a video appointment with a rheumatologist on Tuesday, so we are hopeful to get to the bottom of what is going on.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on his diet and put him on an anti-inflammatory plan. While I was away at the retreat, things seemed to slide—he wasn’t eating well and spent far too much time curled up in his recliner under an electric blanket, rotating the heating pad between his shoulders and hands. When I’m home, I make sure he gets up and moving, and it really does seem to help. I keep telling him 'motion is lotion'.  I had to hide my surprise the other day when he vacuumed the great room and even fired up the leaf blower before the rains came—but sure enough, the next day he was worse than ever. So much for my motion is lotion theory.

Winter has rolled into and over the mountains.  We had 3.74" of rain in 24 hours with a lot more on the horizon.  The rain makes Mazey's trips to the powder room a little more challenging. 

I'll keep on quilting and caring for Mr. Joe.  He sleeps so much that I've gotten a lot of quilting done!

Soon,

Lynn

 

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Four

 Hello Everyone,

The Sew’n Wild Oaks retreat wraps up today, and we’re sending it off with a final flourish—a mini quilt show filled with quilted treasures. Today’s gallery includes snapshots from our last show-and-tell, along with candid moments captured around the room as creativity bloomed. Leading the lineup is my Prairie Flower quilt, beautifully brought to life by Sharon’s expert hands.

This is Sarah's quilt on the front.....

.....and then she has this wonderful back which she created making a great 'turn down' on her bed.

Cozy Country Christmas blocks.

This is a block from my Country Sampler pattern expertly made by Mary Sue.

An array of Calico Cottages.

Here's Alice's Country Diary made by Melinda.  The blocks were drop dead gorgeous!

A Lucy Boston block in the making.

A block from my Simple Elegance pattern which I will be putting in my Etsy shop next week.

This is Gwyneth's beautifully made center block for Laurel Ridge.

Yesterday we had a delicious bagel bar for breakfast.  Every morning, we have a large serving of fresh fruit.  Every evening, we have a large salad with our main dish. 

Yesterday morning the sky painted a pink glow over the forest.  Red sky at morning sailor's take warning.....and then the storm rolled in.  We spent a very comfortable day inside, and quilted the day away.

We have a half day together today before we have to clean up and leave Snowflake Lodge until a retreat next year.

Soon,

Lynn

Sew'n Wild Oaks Retreat Day Three

 Hello Everyone,

Where do I even begin to describe the talent that filled our retreat? Melinda left us speechless with her completed Lucy Boston quilt, an absolute masterpiece that stopped us in our tracks.

Enjoy your mini quilt show this morning. 

Our new friend Gwyneth, all the way from Australia, made a quilt for my sister Gail. It was a gift made with kindness and care. It was more than fabric and thread; it was a moment of heartfelt connection we’ll never forget.  

We had the honor of Barbara Black and Pati Violick at the retreat.

Last night, Pati, the director of marketing for Marcus Fabrics gave a fascinating talk on the timeless truth that 'what’s old is new again.' We came away with a deeper understanding of the textile industry, from how fabrics are made to the creative spark that launches a fabric line and carries it all the way to finished quilts.

Friends sharing a moment at the end of the day.

I presented two classes yesterday, my Stardance pattern and Lucy Boston.

Here are some random group pictures.

Gathered here are my talented, joy-filled quilters—my sisterhood, stitched together by our shared love of quilting. We are so lucky to have each other.

Soon,

Lynn