hiking in roanoke

Yesterday I went on my first hike with an outdoors club that I joined in Roanoke. I was a little nervous about not knowing anyone but everyone was very nice. We hiked about 6.5 miles total. It took about an hour and a half to hike up the trail to McAfee's Knob. It was very nice the first 2 miles but the last 1.5 was pretty much straight up. I was quite winded when we made it to the top but it was a wonderful view so it was worth it. On the one side we could see the sunset and the full moon on the other and a million miles in between. Here are some of the pictures I took and some of me!

This was on the way up:

Here is me at the top:

A view of the mountains:

The sunset:

Me and the moon:

I'm very glad that I joined the club and can't wait to do some more activities outdoors here! Maybe I'll even hike the whole Appalachia Trail someday!

Needle Turning!!!!

I did it! Can you tell I've missed quilting? The needle turn technique wasn't to bad. I think now I'm going to add a small sashing with posts maybe flags then a wider piano key border. A throw not a bed quilt is what I'm going for. Hopefully I can get it done before my guild meeting next Monday night.

Quilting with Kathy

This morning Kathy and I got together to sew. Look what we created! We used civil war reproduction fabric that she bought both of us for christmas. This pattern went together really easy, the hard part will be hand needle turning the diamonds in the center of the squares into cathedral windows. I'm going to start turning tonight. I'll take another picture when I get done. Then of course I have to figure out some exciting border, but I thought you both would like to see some creativity on my part not a crown smoking jacket!

Happy Retirement!

Over Memorial Day weekend my Dad retired from the air force! I found some pictures on my camera, so I thought I would share!

Happy couple all cute and matching before we went to the ceremony.

Close up!

Can you be too happy to retire?

Part of the ceremony

Mom getting an award.

Dad giving Mom an award.

Congratulations Dad!

New purse and Easter dress

I made this dress for Easter and have forgotten to post it. It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. It was my first Vogue pattern I've tried and the sleeves were super complicated. I ended up sewing the entire dress and then gathering the sleeves late Saturday night before Easter at Kellen's parent's house, crazy. It's a really cute dress though! I wore this to a wedding last night. I did wear shoes, but forgot to take pictures until I already had them off!

Kellen and I had a wedding to go to yesterday and I realized I don't have any summer clutches! I found a free pattern online and decided to make one! I had a bunch of left over fabric from my Princess Peach halloween costume so made it pink satin lined in bright pink. I added the flower to the front. It has credit card holders as well as a pocket to fit other stuff in. It turned out pretty cute. I think the next one I will make the top a little longer so it completely covers the bottom portion when it's folded together.