October 14, 2025

They Came Back Thriving!

They Came Back Thriving!
They Came Back Thriving!
The Shippenstitchers brought with them amazing projects, fantastic food, boundless creativity and abiding friendship.
And they also came with remembering all of what happened with Hurricane Helene one year later.
I think these are the things that bond and bind us – 
And I’m extremely happy that there was very little rain this past week to remind everyone of just what we all survived just one year ago.
They Came Back Thriving!
Mary Koval made two beautiful tops from fabric panels she designed for Windham. They are stunning!


They Came Back Thriving!

These two floor rugs were from kits and a class.  I don’t have ay info, but if you know please leave it in the comments below.
Yes, they will have batting and a backing, and receive some simple quilting to hold all layers together.  From what I understand the backing will be turned to the front and machine stitched down as binding.


They Came Back Thriving!
I need info on the quilt on the left!  We’ve shared the progress of the sweatshirt jacket over the past retreat week. She just has binding to finish now.
They Came Back Thriving!
And here is one completed Sister’s Choice top center from our retreat workshop!


They Came Back Thriving!
They Came Back Thriving!
More fun with panels!
There will be some machine applique happening on the top of this – and it’s going to be fabulous!


They Came Back Thriving!
Three lovely ladies!
Aren’t these quilts fabulous?  I don’t have pattern info – so if you do, please post it in the comments below. Thank you!
They Came Back Thriving!
Check out these shirts!  They survived Hurricane Helene and have the shirts to prove it!


They Came Back Thriving!
And the back! LOL~
They Came Back Thriving!
Whole house generator for the win!
The Generac did just what it was supposed to do.  The quilters kept quilting, they were safe through the night, they were able to cook and do all of the things –
If it weren’t for the propane dwindling in the tank and not knowing when we could get a refill they could have stayed – but with power out for more than a week after the storm, I’m glad they decided to bail out of SW VA and make it safely back home.
This year – NO PROBLEMS!


They Came Back Thriving!
Thanks, ladies!  It was an awesome reunion week and so much fun.
They Came Back Thriving!


My lilac bushes are turning colors.
Inspired by nature around me at any time of the year, these are the colors that are inspiring me right now.


They Came Back Thriving!
Somewhat organized here –


They Came Back Thriving!


Big mess here.

But creativity is messy and we just go with it.

They Came Back Thriving!
I am so excited about this one!

Stars and colorful scraps were meant for each other! 

Create this stunning star quilt in scrappy pinks and oranges or pick two favorite colors and go with it! Fat-Quarter friendly and Inspired by the beautiful flame azaleas native to my corner of Appalachia. Piecing options, full color photos and graphics and many tips for easy piecing pleasure included.

Quilt size: 80” X 80”

Introductory Pricing:  The PDF pattern for Flame Azalea is already marked 25% off in the Quiltville Store, No coupon code needed.  Sale good through 10/5/25.

And yes – there is a Gift-Away!

They Came Back Thriving!
I’ll be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Flame Azalea PDF pattern from me, and Facets of Orange color roll from  Cotton to Quilts. (Also great to enhance your Hallween quilting stash!)

They Came Back Thriving!


They also have Facets of Pink in stock, as well as fabulous Notable Neutrals rolls. Check them out!

We’ll draw for our winners on 10/5/25.
They Came Back Thriving!


So – the new phone happened.
We picked it up on our way home from the airport last Tuesday.
These days most of everything transfers over just fine – but with some apps there is that whole login and password thing.
Somethings are saved in password apps…that password app also requires a login and password on a new phone.  LOL!
I’m getting back into the swing of things slowly but surely.
I’m ready to tackle Tuesday.


They Came Back Thriving!