Getting There!

It’s been a while since I gave an update on my Abbeygate quilt –

The hand quilting has continued each time I sit to watch some TV in the evenings – hoop in my lap, feed up in my recliner/couch – usually Lola trying to hide beneath in my lap.

As I moved the hoop to the next section yesterday I noticed that….TADA!!!

There is really only maybe two nights of quilting left before I can call this one done!

There is just not that much left before all of the stitching connects!

And you know what? I have never fully cross-hatched a quilt before. But I’m loving it. No marking was required, and the texture is so great. I’ll do this one again. It’s a nice break from Baptist fans or outlining things.

And the other best part?

The binding, label and hanging sleeve are already done.

Be watching for Abbeygate to release as a PDF pattern (with Gift-Away!) in JULY.

So the question arises – what’s next for my hopp?

I don’t have anything in the works yet, but I’ve been thinking about these colors:

Deep chocolates and rusts – maybe a bit of blue thrown un.

There is another tile floor inspired design I’ve been playing with – but it will take some time to piece it up.

So once Abbeygate is done I think it will be hexies in the evening until I have something to bind or another top is pieced and ready for hand quilting.

And then we have our new Leader & Ender challenge coming up in July and I need to start going on that.

I caught Hubster Dave pulling weeds with his one good hand yesterday –

Even though the “other” hand is in a cast now, he can’t get it wet, so he can’t get it dirty either because he really can’t wash beyond just his fingers…but still…look what I see!

A pink blossom on this one!

A white blossom on this one!

Two of the plants I brought home from my mom’s garden in Idaho last May survived the winter. I’m thrilled! And they are blooming!

I’m heading out there at the end of April to spend another week and I’m excited – what will she send me home with next?

And yes, I’ll be bringing her hexie quilt home to her –

I also have a nephew graduating high school in May, so I’m thinking of bringing his quilt with me as we won’t cross paths, but he will be visiting with grandma in July. I’d rather take it on the plane with me than risk shipping it.

Yesterday’s fun visit!

Friends Sandy and Jenny came up fro Asheville, NC to meet me for lunch in Jefferson and then followed me home to the inn for a visit.

The last time I saw them was on our Kenya tour last September. If you remember, we returned home just a few days before the Hurricane Helene disaster that hit our area hard, but hit their area of Asheville even worse.

There was a lot to talk about. And a lot more to be grateful for.

It was a beautiful afternoon to spend with friends.

Today? I’m gearing up for the arrival of the April Quiltvillians!

We will be heading into quite a weekend with temps forecasted to hit 80 f??? CRAZY!

I’ve never had to put on the A/C this early….and it will be short lived as temps will drop quickly a day or so later.

But maybe, just maybe….there will be meals on the porch and a hike or two?

What’s going on in your neck of the woods?