RSC and OPAM for October

October was a very busy month.  DH and I took road trips looking for Fall foliage on three different days.  We spent a day in Western Maryland, a day in West Virginia, and a day in Virginia.  We took hundreds of pictures as usual, but the colors weren't as pretty this year because it's been so dry.

We tried new restaurants, packed picnic lunches, discovered new roads and a new park.  One of the perks of being retired is the ability to enjoy Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park on a weekday.  Weekends in October are way too crowded.

 When not on the road, I was busy in my sewing room.  I bought the new Gail Pan Christmas book, and then had to justify the purchase by making something.  I just love her designs!

I've been working on this project since January, stitching a block every month for Gifted Gorgeousness.  I won this kit a couple of years ago from Kaaren at Painted Quilt.  It was a lot of fun to finally put all the pieces together.  Kaaren has recently decided to stop blogging, so stop over to bid her Adieu if you haven't already.

A speaker at one of our guild meetings recently used the expression "trickle down" projects, for putting your scraps to good use after finishing a quilt.  I've now made three projects with this fabric line, and I don't really want any hanging out in my scrap bins.  So I made a doll quilt and a place mat. 

Then it was on to finish my block for RSC16.  I believe this is the last color for 2016, but I need three more blocks, so I'll have to choose my own colors.  Or maybe I won't.  Hmmm....these are 16 inch blocks, so with a little more sashing and a border, I think this will be the perfect sized quilt for its purpose.  I've already chosen my "block" for RSC17, assuming Angela continues the tradition.  

RSC blocks, doll quilts, and place mats are all a fun way to use up my scraps, and the final results always go to a good cause.

Tomorrow, vewy vewy early, I'm off to RETREAT!!!!  I've been organizing, packing, and cutting for the past few days.  I try to do the cutting for at least a couple of projects before I get there, especially if it's something detailed.  I still have to do some laundry, pick up a few groceries, and make some cookies, so I better get off here and get busy!

Be kind......Always.........Sunny