Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores, May 2026

Soft lapping waves on a white sand beach, cool morning breeze, coffee in hand, total relaxation...oh, sorry, I was daydreaming.

I'm sadly not at my favorite beach retreat, but one fabric in this quilt was bought a few years ago in Summerdale, Alabama. I knew it would be perfect for the River die that I recently ordered from Blue Wren.

These curves are so easy to sew that I didn't have to use pins. I pieced them on Janome MC9450 using the HP ¼” foot. Light blue swirls, polka dots, and floral print combine for a simple wavy design.

I quilted with blue thread in a straight stitch, following along the curved seams. Gulf Shores finished at 48” square. I'll crave a beach trip every time I see this one.

Bonus: I always cut and stitch a sample for each new die, so here's a cute table mat to show an alternate layout for this block. I'll definitely use that in a quilt when I get a chance, along with the curvy river design. Too many ideas, not enough time!

River Circle

LOVE my Blue Wren dies!

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6622 River 8” finished
Accuquilt 55017 Strips 2” (binding) 

October Camping

October is a wonderful time of year for camping!    And, evidently a lot of people agree with me.  Over the weekend, Dale Hollow Dam Campground was full of people.  We saw everything from tiny tents to luxury motor homes.  People watching is an interesting activity...kids, dogs, bikes, elderly couples, bubbas, and fishermen.  

Dinner fare has been delicious.  Saturday night we dined on charcoal and mesquite grilled lemon pepper steak, peaches and cream corn on the cob, and baked steak fries.  Sunday night was a mixed green chef's salad: ham, cheese, pecans, and avocado with homemade honey mustard dressing.  We toasted marshmallows over the fire for dessert. 

What a beautiful place on the Obey River.  A few leaves have fallen, but some still haven't turned.  The temperatures are perfect, the sun is shining for now. We're going outside to play!

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. -- Norman Maclean