Heatwole Sewing Retreat and Father's Shirts

Our annual family sewing retreat took place on the Outer Banks of NC.

My first project was to make another small quilt from Father’s Shirts. You can see my first one HERE and HERE.

Mother marked the backside of some of the squares for me to sew diagonally to get 2 half square triangles from 2 squares.

I chain stitched the squares and then Mother snipped the thread between the chain and then cut on the diagonal line making 2 half square triangles.

Inspiration for this quilt came from the book “Mad About Plaid” by Debbie Bacon.

I thought I was finished with this top; but now I want to change those light triangles in the border for a medium value.

Now Coleen is taking the scraps and making herself a “Father’s Shirts” quilt too.

Jolene machine quilted her huge queen size quilt on her domestic Bernina. I think it has been in the making for 10 years.

Four generations of quilters – Great grandmother Margaret, Grandmother June, Mother Jolene, and Daughter Afton.

Polly machine quilts feathers on her Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt, Grand Illusion.

Mother helped Barbara with a quilt, piecing and ironing.

I loved finding inspiration out by the beach for another piece of fiber art.

Heatwole Sewing Retreat … continued

This is the cabin we have been occupying all this past week. Can you see Polly waving from the balcony? And there is a huge hornets nest on the left side of the picture.

Coleen and I decided to get out and take a walk for exercise and to see the country. I’m hoping we can attend the little church for services.

There were a couple nice cabins, a small pool, and this little waterfalls at the end of the cul de sac.

Paul’s sister Dorcas wanted help with a “Dick, Jane, and Sally” quilt. Now that I got it all pieced, she plans to hand quilt it and put it up for auction.

I started a new project, “Fiesta Fireworks.” This was the beginning stages and I already discarded the red border for a plain black background.

My niece Jolene and her daughter Afton joined us for a couple days.

Heatwole Sewing / Quilt Retreat

We are in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee near Pigeon Forge for this annual event.

Snow and ice were on the steep drive to our cabin.

A nostalgic moment.

Barbara made this quilt from Father’s pants. Mother said he never wore jeans.

Not everyone brought sewing projects to work on.

Amy finished piecing her Star Spin quilt from a pattern designed by our sister Barbara.

A story???

Ashton took me on a steep walk all the way around the cabin.

So, where is everyone?

… Oh, there they are!

Some of the cousins from the next generation are sewing right along with us.

Polly finished piecing her Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt, Celtic Solstice.

Emily and her “Disappearing 9-Patch.”

Cheryl is having fun making a “string” quilt.

Home Again

After being gone for a month the grandchildren welcomed me home for my 60th birthday.

Also awaiting me was a pile of bills and paperwork that needed my attention.

We droved to SC for Paul’s nephew Darryl’s wedding to my cousin Ruthie & Dale’s daughter, Laura.

The bridal party from left: Joel, Amy, Jason, Karla, and Audrey

Nate, Kevin, Carmen, Scott, and Melissa

I love to visit with Aunt Glennys and really enjoy her wit.

We stayed with cousin Wendell and Naomi. Wendell is the closest cousin to me in age, only 3 days apart. Part of Aunt Glennys’ wit has rubbed off on him. Naomi and I are great friends from our youth.

They built this cute playhouse for their grandchildren.

And Naomi has a beautiful garden and lots of flowers. I especially liked the pinkish-orangish-yellow roses.

Heatwole Campout at Lake Norris Dam

Our Heatwole family ...





... met in Lake City, TN at the Norris Dam State Park for our campout.

You can see more pictures on Polly's blog here.

Joel is learning more facts about Norris Dam.

The Lenoir Museum is close by and has artifacts that depict the Appalachian way of life.

Coleen and June admire pretty glass in the museum.

Polly liked this old Willcox and Gibbs sewing machine.

I liked the General Store area.

The Rice Gristmill was close by and fun to explore.

The Caleb Crosby Threshing Barn was relocated here in 1978.

Figuring out details at the threshing barn.

Our tour is almost over.

 Back at camp ...

Let's move our tents to a different location!

Yes, that's better now.

Corn Hole was one of many games with lots of visiting and cheering on the side lines.

Polly showed us a quilt she is working on for a booth at their up coming church conference get-together.

Mother was in awe with all the people present and all because of one choice she made when Father ask her to marry him.

Twenty-five of the 43 cousins were present.

Claire taught us a few pointers on taking pictures. (Now, if I can only remember all she said.)

Autumn and Justus

Timmy & Diana

Siblings, Gabe & Claire. Doesn't Polly remind you of Father?

Jim & June

Cousins -- Rebecca, Justus, & Amy

Dustin and his girlfriend Gina

Aaron, Aimee, Emorie, & Madolyn

Benjamin & Melissa

Jillian fixing scrambled eggs for brunch.

Claire & Katina. They really are twins!

Sheri

Jim & June with 2 of their grands, Kianna and Afton

Sanford & Sheila. Some people think I look like her.

And here is Dustin & Gina again.

Katina and Brock

Yours Truely

Perry & Emily

Josh & Jillian

Julian & Jodie

Sheila and Caleb

Mike and Hannah

There was some good singing around the campfire and then Aaron fixed a big kettle of popcorn.

Oh, look how this app shows the night sky!

A grandaughter for each of these Grammas.

Sheila shows us how she can "talk" her text messages.

Craig & Angie

Barbara tried to teach Georgi the "do-re-mi"s.

Josh & Hope

Poor Kiana, with an insect bite and untammed hair.

There! I'm sure she feels much better.

Katina "woking" meat for brunch.

Claire arranged a beautiful plate of fruit for brunch.

A wonderful game of 4-square brought back childhood memories for me.

Barbara, is that roaster as heavy as you think?

The trash was a never ending job.

Camping has been just too much fun for Joshua.

--Parting Shot--

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