NEVER TOO EARLY FOR CHRISMAS TREES!

I luv me some wonky trees.

A Crazy Christmas Tree pattern was gifted

to me by a friend. I borrowed the Creative Grids

Spider Web Ruler from another friend

sew I could make this fun project.

During the summer I was busy working

on my trees for an upcoming guild presentation.

My Lets' Get Wonky presentation is sew fun.

I show traditional blocks and then how I

WoNKY them up!

The table runner was quick and easy to make.

I did some simple straight line quilting.

And love how it turned out.

KWILTY GIRLS AT THE WOLF!

A continuation of shennigans 

by the Kwilty Girls

at our June, 2025 retreat

at The Wofangel Retreat House.

JUST BEFORE IT CLOSED!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

These are Lucinda Millers quilts.

Most of the tops she had made and brought to retreat

for our Show n Tell!

She loves teal and wine colors!

This pumpkin was being created by

Michelle Tinker

Kathy Guenthers' creative endeavors

Kathy's quilt back from longarmer

This is the back...

Patty Estadt loves her charity tops!

I know she had more quilt tops...

but I'm lost to where they are!

Tami Pfeil had her flags flying!

And her hearts out!
This was made prior to retreat

and the long armer brought it to her.

this is the back...

And I spent most of the time making these Sweet Mae quilt blocks.

Pretty sure I missed getting photos, but you get the picture!

BYE BYE TO THE WOLF!

The Kwilty Girls were one of the last quilting groups

to enjoy Wolfangel Retreat House in Cincinnatti, OH

It was a lovely mid-century modern design house,

set back from the main road, into the woods.

A welcoming entrance, lower level, at the bottom of the

spiral staricase. 

A fully stocked kitchen for eating in or simply playing games

at the huge table.

Plenty of space in the creative space!

A back porch that had seating for meal

and overlooked the wooded ravines.

A downstairs on-suite for two lucky, elderly folks, Me and Kathy

to enjoy!

The basement had plenty of bedroom and beds

and I'm so happy I didn't have to use the spiral staircase to get there.

We all enjoyed this one.

Sad to see it close.

AN OLD NEW KITCHEN

It took almost 4 months to get my kitchen counters updated.

I didn't do a full remodel, but I wanted a quartz countertop!

My hubby said, you can do what you want 

BUT don't touch those oak cabinets.

I complied.

Our house was built in 1999 and I chose a Formica countertop.

Just so you know, my countertop was STILL in great shape.

The bull-nose oak edge was beginning to wear.  I remember the sales lady, in 1999

tried to discourage this bull nose...oh it'll wear out in 4 or 5 years... NOPE 

it began to show a bit of wear at 20 years.  Why I selected Hunter Green Formica

is beyond my own imagination.

I guess, I loved it then.

TRIVIA...The TV show 'Sopranos' kitchen...was the exact countertop

and had oak cabinets.

 

Well hold on to your hat!

I found out from the quartz countertop designers

 THAT wood/oak is coming back into style.

No more painted white kitchens!

See if you wait long enough (26 years) what goes around

 does indeed come back around.

I only changed the counterops to this beautiful creamy/white quartz

with a tiny oak color veining.

And a 6" subway tile sample I carried for 3 months

trying to find the just right combo!

Love my KRAUSE workstation sink.

This was a custom order cause my sink area was

a bit smaller than the standard 32" sink.

My countertop pros paid for the difference.

No subway tiles here, at the desk area.

Yes, we still have a LAN line.

I wanted a wine cooler, but this countertop was already

pushing our budget.

I will eventually get new appliances, lighting and perhaps

a new kitchen table.  

But for now...I'm ecstatic! 

Cheers!

SWEET MAE PATTERN TEST!

I was thrilled when asked to pattern test for Katie Zahm.

The Sweet Mae Pattern was adorable.

I began with some Zen Chic FQs some 

friends had given me as gifts.

The line was called Frisky.

I chose a spotted GRUNGE for a background fabric.

It was such a fun design that began with a star!

I committed to make one block

To test her pattern instructions, and

If  time allowed I’d make 4 blocks

For the baby Quilt size.

Even though each block contained 81 pieces

It was such a rewarding make. 

I ended up making 6 blocks.

I just couldn’t stop!

If you don’t have designs boards…

You should consider them and

Make your designing a bit easier.    

A blue and white fabric for the binding was perfect 

A mustard color print, for the backing, was also in my stash. 

My friend Kim Hensley of

Happily Ever Quilting

An E2E design called Belly Bop!

it’s PERFECT!

All done and ready for a photo op in my back yard 

Phil with his obligatory quilt photo!

I sent in my pattern test notes and received a wonderful response from Katie.

Kathy, I just have to say—you are truly every pattern writer’s dream tester. Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and all the beautiful photos you’ve shared on IG. I’m so grateful for your care and attention to detail! Katie Zahm, Zahm & Company, June 2025