Some Highlights of Our Heatwole Sewing Retreat

I love being with my family.
We sure missed Sheila ...

... and our sister-in-law Cheryl joined us later for a couple days.

Mother and Polly worked with color and value on this project. For most of mothers life she has been an artist painting with oils. Polly heard her say several times that she sure was enjoying this layout of color.

Then Polly worked all day making blocks for this quilt.

Our sewing space was simply amazing. Lots of room to spread out.

Mother is telling a great granddaughter Dori the story of the time she worked in a sewing factory on a fast machine and after going home she sewed over her finger with her momma's slow sewing machine.

Here's a finish. Emily's Moo Cow.

I made this quilt for a grandson Josiah and have blocks for another grandson Bryce.

This one has a modern feel to it.

June did a lot of hand sewing on this heirloom quilt that was started years ago by her husbands relative.

Coleen's project was to put the finishing touches on her velvet pillows. Mother did the piecing years ago and Coleen did the fancy stitching and is making them into pillows.

Afton was a trouper making this from start to finish. She even wanted to quilt it but didn't have a backing.

Her momma Jolene's final creation.

Cheryl made this stunning quilt from a layer cake packet. Love it.

This quilt is for a competition coming up soon. I call it "Summer's Heat."

2016 Heatwole Sewing Retreat & Planting Corn

Our 2016 Heatwole Sewing Retreat is now history. If you missed out, here are some links that tell of our time together. 

Barbara's blog  "QuiltinGal."

Polly's posts "PollyHeatwoleYoder."

My posts "JuliaHeatwoleGraber."

I love being with Mother and my sisters. 

It was a fun and fantastic week.

Paul came to Chattanooga to pick me up and enjoyed being with us the last day.

This past week the men started planting corn in some of the drier fields.

Kirby and Stacy enjoy riding with their Dad after school.

Maple Street Quilting and Heatwole Campout II

I’m glad to have corn in the freezer even though it was hard work getting it there.

It was good to see Jo Anne again (center), a Possum Town Quilter now living in Texas. She is hand quilting this blue “tumbler” quilt  in 'Baptist Fan' fashion.

 Bessie and Zella tie this ‘star’ quilt.

Carol is piecing this top for Red Cross. She used all striped fabric for the blocks.

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And now, more on our Heatwole Family Campout  in North Carolina.

The rhododendron were out and in full bloom.

Pathway to the cabins.

Paul showed the little ones how Jake, John, and Joe go rabbit hunting. They just couldn't figure out how those 'rabbits' got up through the table. You can watch him here.

These little girls are trying to decide which design they want painted onto their cheeks.

Hannah and Tina can pump by themselves on this swing.

The children loved painting rocks in charge of Claire Bleu.

My brother Oren Jr., Gabriel, and Quinten enjoy a good laugh. Actually they were in deep discussion and I encouraged them to have a nice expression on their faces as I snapped the picture.

Yes, you can burn the twigs, but not the mulch bark!

Heatwole Campout

 What's all the excitement about? ...

... crawfish!

These guys are serious. They catch 'um, cook 'um, and eat 'um. 

Brock delighted in catching bull frogs.

Cousins Jillian and Amy working in the modern outdoor kitchen. Just raise the garage door and all the appliances are at your fingertips.

 The stream was a favorite spot for the children ... 

... and adults alike.

I'm waiting for my turn at the 'monkey swing."

A make shift seesaw in the stream was great fun.

Ralph / Vera Heatwole Reunion and Mother’s Oil Painting Exhibit

My brother, Oren Jr. and Paul help hang the oil paintings.

David and Rachel brought their painting to share in the exhibit. Rachel said they took their painting along with them to Pureto Rico when they lived down there.

Paul and I stayed with my brother Oren Jr. Cheryl made this beautiful quilt for the guest bed.

This painting was gifted back to our family from Linda H. What a treasure!

This is one of Mother’s earlier paintings.

Aunt Vera Rose and Bonnie

This is only a small part of all the china Mother has painted.

Katina, Coleen, and Michael examine broken bits and pieces of Potter John Heatwole pottery.

June, Marlene, and Aunt Vera Rose help prepare lunch.

Mother and Aunt Doris found a good story to share.

Sheldon acted as master of ceremonies.

Dennis & Naomi

Twins – and a few sets are missing.

As we boarded the bus for our “Vera’s Journey” tour, I snapped a few photos of my cousins and families.

And now I can’t even remember some of my 1st cousin’s names. I’m not sure if this is Helen or Grace; but I do know she is U. James and A. Doris’ daughter.

Loren & Renee and boys

 

Danny & Benita. Does she look like me?

 

Paul and Yours Truely

Lonnie & Krista

 

Heidi or Cheryl? U. Robert & A. Twila’s daughter and husband

Royal & Jenn

 

Sheldon & Anita

 

Barton & Amiee

 

My baby sister, Barbara

Kathy was our guide and told us about the different places that are mentioned in the book.