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

WONKY SWEATSHIRT

When you find a unique color in a sweatshirt 

At a thrift store…

That looks good with red hair…

You know it can be turned into

Something FUN!

Sew I cut of the ribbing around the bottom of sweatshirt amd around the neck, leaving that ribbing hard edge.

That keeps the sweatshirt from rolling up and a

Nice clean loom at the neckline.

 I ribbing at bitten give a loose fit!

I made a wonky churn dash block,

fused it on and stitched it down with machine zigzag.

Cut the sleeves a bit shorter and sewed on 

New cuffs with fabric to match the block!

And it’s fun to wear when I give my

Let’s Get Wonky! 

Presentation to guilds. 

YARN BABE!

I like to knit...but I like to sew more.

Therefore, I Might NOT be a Yarn Babe.

I did finish this cowl late 2024.

And I bought some pretty yarns for my stash.

I really liked this teal color.

And I want to make this scarf!

But first I gotbthis designated color pooling yarn 

Onto the Swift to roll it into a cake or ball of yarn.

So yummy!

And look at this designated pooling yarn

In my shawl! 

I wish I knitted more but as time goes on I

find sewing/quilting more fun!