Home, home on the range.

Today is my day off, yeah!

 Time for rest, relaxation, and a bit of blogging.

Thought I'd share some of the color sequence going on both inside and outside this part of the country.

 "One Patch" was begun 5 years ago, fully assembled 4 years ago, and patiently waited in the closet.

 From the big cupboard, 3 different pink floral prints were pulled for backing, 11 yards total.

I need to raise the pinning table even further to ensure the top stays off the floor.  It's a BIG quilt.

 An early morning appointment took me to a new local where this lovely

 example of nature captured my attention.  Morning mist was rising in the background with the heat of the sun.

 A long-awaited finish.

 Trying to capture the couching done among the border cables was tricky.

 All the while changing my ISO as the sun was going down.

 But you get the idea.

 I hope.

I'm still not sure if I'm going to keep this one or sell it.  Time will tell.

That's all the news from this side of the mountain.  Where ever Fall finds you, be sure to go outside to enjoy some of the sparkle of it.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Definitely blue.

Deciding on the binding color was easy.

 A deep purple blue stops the eye and contains the multi-color 25-patches.

For the first time, I tried an idea suggested by Rahna of Blooming in Chintz.  She recommended finishing the quilt edge with a zigzag stitch, washing it to shrink, then adding the binding to create a cleaner finish.  I'm very pleased with the results.

When it cools off a bit more, there'll be time to sit down and hand sew the binding down.

Other colors await us outside, just a short hike away.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Air conditioning in October?

Tropical storm Nate is bringing us rain and sticky humidity.  So instead of cleaning on my day off, I'm forced to quilt. . . . rough, I know.

The length of time between sewing the top and quilting . . . is it procrastination or indecision?

Perhaps a bit of both.

 Original quilting plans involved swirling, intricate feathers.

Emulating Amish simplicity, an off-center line does the job.

I'm happy with this and will be even happier when it's done!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

About the Dairy Barn . . .

On top of the Folk' School's main hill (up from the blacksmith shop, close to the fiber studio) is a roofed-over area which used to hold cows for milking.  Now it's the main venue of Fall Festival, as that is where music performances take place surrounded by many well-known artisans.  Of course there are vendor booths all over campus, but the dairy barn is the most difficult area to photograph.

 Here are some quilts done by my dear pal Louise.  She gets top billing today, as she's very creative,

 and her quilt characters are always unique.  LOL, just like Louise.

Jane Voorhees creates outstanding watercolors,

 and also teaches at the Folk School.  Her class is on my bucket list.

 Loved this tiny birdhouse ornament with hand-carved bird.

 Incredibly beautiful, as well as functional, hand-forged chisels by my friend Elmer Roush.  He also sells hammers and other cool stuff.  (Do check out his web site).  If you are a woodworker or want to impress a woodworker this Christmas, place your order soonest.

Timothy Weber is a master potter.  At least 3 of his pieces wanted to jump in my basket, especially the lamps.  Beautiful!

 Simply, undoubtedly gorgeous!

 Joe Waldroup's work deserves a spot on every wood lover's mantle.

 And then there's Rob, who always makes us laugh.

 His blue glaze is my favorite.

 This is for all of the hand-spun-yarn knitters out there. 

 I can hear you sighing over the hand-dyed colors.

Yummm.  Of course, now I cannot find her contact info.  Bummer.  Contact the folk school.  They should know, as I only saw one vendor in the dairy barn with hand-dyed, hand-spun wool and roving.

Addendum:  Marcia Kummerle from Barnardsville, NC spins this stunning yarn.   You can click on the link to purchase.  This gal is a phenomenal dye artist.

 Leaf pottery is unique and these glazes were warm and earthy.  There were several lovely examples by Travis Berning.

 Ooooo La La, the texture.  You cannot believe how soft and fluid these hand-woven scarves are.  And let's not forget the colors.  Scrumptious, simply scrumptious.

 Ann is my down-the-road-a-piece neighbor.  Not only do you need to buy one for yourself, but one for your very best friend.  She does not have a web site, but I've got her phone number.  Contact me so you can place your Christmas order.

 Whimsy,

What's not to love about whimsy.  Tim and Donna Frady must enjoy going to work every day.

That's it folks, just a quick recap of the awesome talent Fall Festival brings to this part of the country.  Mark your 2018 calendars, and we'll see you next year!

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Finally, some pictures came out well in the Dairy Barn

Let's start with the show stoppers shall we  . . . and there were many.

 Proud warrior by Billy Reynolds, one piece of hand carved wood.

The photos do not do this sculpture justice.  And this was just one piece of many Billy had on display. 

 Hand woven bead necklaces and bracelets.

 By Ronald Midkiff of Morganton, Georgia.

 Hand-tooled cow-hide leather bags.  So soft and well assembled.

 Hard to choose a favorite.

 Very, very hard.
Hand tooled by Tom Slavicek

Addendum:  Tom is teaching a weekend class on bag making January 26-28, 2018 (www.folkschool.org).  You'll want to sign up now, as weekend classes fill fast.

 Loved the trees.

 Such exquisite detail.

 By Amy Brandenburg.

 Ohhh I wanted this sooo badly to brighten my garden.  But alas, my garden isn't formerly designed yet.

Fun metal pieces by Jimmy and Marlene Hopkins.  Sadly, they are unable to ship.

Another wonderful carver, Larry Green's figures always convey whimsey.

 This pitcher wanted to come home with me, but it's not blue.

Lovely shape and balance though by Marian Heintz.

 Nonna was back with her incredibly detailed santas.

 You really must see these in person to appreciate the workmanship.

Talk about teamwork, Elaine and Dennis Ryan have so many high-quality pieces it's hard to choose.

Those were just a few of the amazing items on display at the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival this morning.

Many of these artisans come back yearly, some are here for the first time.  All are worth buying from, especially if you're looking for the perfect gift.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .