Longarm Quilting in my Sleep

 So, when I shut down Olivia S. Ascend last night, I said that I was not working on this custom quilt for several days. I needed to complete several edge 2 edge quilts, so I could pay some bills. Well, that woke me up around 4AM this morning. All I could think about was that I'm on the home stretch with this quilt. 

This is where I stopped on Monday night.

So, I was back in my studio at 4:30 AM turning on my machine to work on this custom quilt. I have my alarm on my phone set for 12:00PM and I'm working away on this quilt. 

This is what I have as of 9:00:

So, it's 11:30 and I have to stop and go take a shower and get dressed. I have a PT appointment this afternoon. 

This is where I will leave this for now. Note the 2 new borders and the completion of 2 rows in the quilt. Things are progressing.

Between now and my PT appointment,  I have to unload Penelope Statler, trim and invoice that quilt, and load another quilt. I hope to run that one this afternoon and evening. So, "may" not get back to this quilt until tomorrow. 

That's it for now. Have a great day!!!!

NOVEMBER 2026 RETREAT REGISTRATION!!!!!

 

November 2026 QUILT RETREAT

3 or 4 nights!! Your Choice

Gravatt Conference Center, Aiken, S. C. 

Wednesday, November 11 – Sunday, November 15, 2026

This retreat is open to ALL QUILTERS!!

This is a UFO event. You work on your own projects and just have a relaxing good time. Quilters of all levels from beginner to professional.
All meals are provided by the fantastic Gravatt kitchen!  No dishes to wash!!! 
Walking paths all over the camp so that you can get your daily exercise. Walk by the lake and just lose yourself in your surroundings.
Nothing is structured except meal times.
Your fee includes
Neat and clean lodging in either Cole Lodge or Our quaint cottages.
The newly renovated rooms in Cole Lodge sleep 2 and have their own bathrooms.
The cottage rooms have adjoining rooms, each sleeping 2, with a shared bathroom.
Meals begin with dinner the day of your arrival and end with brunch the day of your departure.

A 6-foot table all to yourself as your work area
Raised ironing and cutting surfaces furnished by One Loose Thread

Snack Area

Massage available

Lots of Laughter
Of course, a few surprises will be thrown into the mix. 
Any Questions should be directed to:

One Loose Thread Quilting

https://oneloosethread.blogspot.com/

oneloosethreadsc@gmail.com

Questions? Call 803-776-5801---the Studio

November 2026- QUILT RETREAT- 3 or 4 nights, your choice

Gravatt Conference Center, Aiken, SC

Wednesday, November 11 – Sunday, November 15, 2026

 Name:_________________________________________________________

 Address:_______________________________City,State,Zip___________________

Phone: Home________________Work_________________Cell_______________________

Email: ______________________________________________

√	Lodging Type	Rate for 4 nights per person		Rate for 3 nights per person
	Lodge-Single	$888.00		$716.00
	Lodge-Double	$760.00		$620.00
	Cottage-Single	$808.00		$656.00
	Cottage-Double	$720.00		$590.00

One Loose Thread is not responsible for finding roommates. If you reserve a double and no roommate can be found, then OLT will bill you for the difference. These fees include lodging and all meals beginning with Supper on the day of arrival through brunch on day of departure. Check-in no earlier than 1:00 PM on day of arrival. Check out of rooms by 10:00 AM . Check out of sewing area by 2:00 on day of departure.

A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 of your fee and signed registration form should be sent to:

One Loose Thread Quilting, 630 Planters Drive, Columbia, S. C. 29209

You do not have a reserved space until I have this paperwork and your deposit.

Total included: $________________ with registration form. If you have special dietary needs, contact me and we can discuss how these can be handled.

Nights requested: All 4 nights________: or 3 nights,  Wednesday until Saturday__________ or Thursday until Sunday__________..................... Will you be bringing a Sew-Ezy Table for your machine?

Request Massage? _______. Requested Roommate___________________.

Dietary needs? _____________________________________________________________

Your balance is due Sunday October 18, 2026.

                I understand that by completing this registration form and making my deposit, I am obligated for the total cost of this event. Also, if, for any reason, I am unable to attend and cannot find someone to assume my reservation, I am financially responsible for the full amount of the balance. Personal liability waiver and indemnification agreement:  Your safety and the security of you and your equipment is taken very seriously, but neither the retreat organizers nor Gravatt Conference Center will be held liable for any personal injury, loss/theft or damage anytime during the retreat. Your attendance constitutes your agreement to indemnify the organizer and Gravatt Conference Center from any claim for injury, loss or damage for any reason. You are responsible for any damage to the retreat center property, facilities, or equipment caused by you through negligence or willful intent.

Signature: _________________________________  Date: __________________   

A thought for everyday.

A friend posted this today on Facebook. After celebrating my birthday yesterday, I think this is very timely and I need to read and study it everyday. Thank you Marion.

A quiet humility settles over the heart when you realize that not everyone was given the years God has allowed you to live.

Each morning is more than the start of another ordinary day. It is mercy opening the door again. Breath returns to your lungs. Light spreads across the sky. One more chance is placed in your hands to love, forgive, pray, listen, notice beauty, hear the voice of someone dear, or sit in stillness with a heart that has survived more than others will ever see.

Age carries both grace and ache. It gathers treasured memories, empty places, and moments you would step back into if time could bend. You remember those who left before you were ready, those who never reached this part of life, and the laughter that still echoes in your soul. Gratitude does not erase grief, but it teaches the heart to hold sorrow with honor, tenderness, and love.

Lord, every day You have given me is a gift I could never create for myself. I did not form my life, earn my years, or control what lies ahead. My own hands could not add a single hour to my days, and my strength could never guarantee another sunrise. Yet Your mercy has carried me through troubles I saw clearly and dangers I never knew were close.

There will still be mornings when my body feels tired, when old memories bring pain back to the surface, and when the road ahead feels uncertain. When those moments come, let gratitude become my prayer. Let every breath whisper, “Thank You.” Let even the simplest day become holy because You are still here with me.

Growing older is not only about counting years. It is learning to see grace tucked inside each moment. The life God has placed in my care is sacred, and a thankful heart can turn an ordinary day into worship.

Lord, thank You for the years I have known, the mornings I have opened my eyes to, the memories I still carry, and the moments I must never take for granted. Give me a grateful heart, a peaceful mind, a gentle spirit, and eyes that notice Your mercy. Help me treasure today, love my family deeply, bless those around me, and trust every tomorrow to Your faithful hands. Amen.

Joyce-One Loose Thread

What a day!! What a Day!!!

 Today is Monday, June 1, 2026

I started this morning with a very positive attitude and plans to get a lot accomplished. First a ton of coffee. That's because I can't start my day with just one cup. However, don't fret, I drink de-caf..... so why bother to drink it at all, right?

I spent 2 hours going over facebook and checking and answering email.

Received a text from a client wanting a commission quilt done. I don't piece those myself, so checked with my sub-contractor and she agreed to take it on. She will piece the quilt top and then pass it to me for quilting. One of us will bind it. Client happy, sub-contractor happy, One Loose Thread happy.

Client picked up her quilt. She was very pleased with the results. She dropped off 2 more.

Phone call from client wanting to drop off a top for quilting. Gave her a time. Looking forward to seeing what she has since she does beautiful piecing. Oops, another call from a client who wants to pick up her quilt that is ready. Set up a time for this morning. 

Started logging in the two new tops. So cute!!! Got the first one on its hanger and the first client arrived. 

Beautiful top and all of the decisions have been made---batting, thread, design. Took a few minutes and recorded it and have it on a hanger and in the queue. 

SQUIRREL!!!

Vector by vecteezy.com on FreeImages

Decided to load both machines. 

First up is Penelope Statler. This is where things start to go downhill. I had taken in the top and didn't realize that this backing was something that I would have to piece. This is one of my not so favorite things to do. I measured the top and then the backing. Called my friend Beth to see if I could get the proper size backing out of this piece of fabric. We both decided no, so I left a message for the client. This is where I really spent some time. Two hours as a matter of fact. Drawing, plotting, adding, subtracting.... all of the things. Guess what, I do have enough fabric IF......... I don't have to match the pattern in the backing. Waiting to get a call back from the client before I cut into this fabric. 

One hour spent on the computer looking for a design that a client had seen on line that she would like on her quilt. Should have been an easy find, it wasn't. Sent an email to the owner of the website for help. Hope to hear from her soon. Luckily, I don't need this design for a few weeks.

SQUIRREL!!!  

Sent out a few emails for guild business. Returned some phone calls that needed attention. 

Now it's after 3 and I have not quilted a stitch today. :-) 

Heard from oldest Granddaughter. We are meeting for dinner at the Diner tonight so that will be fun.

So at this time, I am going back into the Annex to load a different quilt on a set of leaders. Maybe can get it on Penelope Statler before dinner so that I can start stitching on it in the morning. 

RABBIT!!!

YEA!!! just found that design that I was looking for!!!

OK!! It's now 4:00 and I am exhausted. 

No quilts loaded today. Better luck tomorrow. 

It's BULL BAT TIME!!!

Have a great evening!!!

------------Who today really is 'One Loose Thread'

A Day in the Life of a Longarm Quilter

 Started 'unquilting' a client's quilt yesterday. Now, why am I doing this?

Well.............. I loaded a beautifully pieced quilt top Tuesday morning. The plan, quilt Baptist Fans. Baptist Fans are directional and I knew that.  I spent time looking over the top. Looking for indications of directional piecing. Didn't notice anything ( more on that later). I started quilting the piece on Tuesday afternoon. The design I use I need to relocate after each pass to make sure everything lines up. Worked until about 8 on Tuesday night and then all day on Wednesday. This was really looking good and I was happy.

Thursday morning I started working around 10:00 in the morning. Everything was going great. I was happy and I was more than half way down the quilt.

Sometime around 2 or 3:00 I rolled the quilt and I discovered that I should not be happy. There were some trees.....upside down. Then I saw some baskets, up side down. Remember that I said that Baptist Fans are actually directional?  BUMMER!!! This is not going to work for sure. And, I cannot send this out of my studio like this, so, I called the client. I explained what happened. I offered her a couple of options and told her what I would do if this happened to me. That would be to totally take out all of the quilting, turn the top and requilt the entire top. That is what she told me to do. 

So, I immediately pulled the quilt off of the machine and started the 'unquilting' process. 

That brings me to 6:00 on Friday afternoon. I have worked on this project all day. I still have at least a day of 'unquilting' to do, maybe 2. However, it's time to stop for the day.

I love my job, but there are times that I wish I did not need this income. Then I just laugh at myself and keep on going. After all, this is my fault. Not the quilts or the clients..............Mine.

I'll get back to this tomorrow. As soon as it is 'un-quilted' I'll put it back on the frame, in the right direction, and restart the quilting. 

I really do love my job. :-)

Joyce-One Loose Thread

 

QUILT RETREAT WITH ONE LOOSE THREAD!! LET'S GO SEW!!!

 

August 2026 QUILT RETREAT

3 or 4 nights!! Your Choice

Gravatt Conference Center, Aiken, S. C. 

Wednesday, August 12 – Sunday, August 16, 2026

This retreat is open to ALL QUILTERS!!

We will have WiFi and Air conditioning!!!

 This is a UFO event. You work on your own projects and just have a relaxing good time. Quilters of all levels from beginner to professional.
All meals are provided by the fantastic Gravatt kitchen!  No dishes to wash!!! 
Walking paths all over the camp so that you can get your daily exercise. Walk by the lake and just lose yourself in your surroundings.
Nothing is structured except meal times.
Your fee includes
Neat and clean lodging in either Cole Lodge or Our quaint cottages.
The rooms in Cole Lodge sleep 2 and have their own bathrooms.
The cottage rooms have adjoining rooms, each sleeping 2, with a shared bathroom.
Meals begin with dinner the day of your arrival and end with brunch the day of your departure.

A 6-foot table all to yourself as your work area
Raised ironing and cutting surfaces furnished by One Loose Thread

Snack Area

Massage available

Lots of Laughter
Of course, a few surprises will be thrown into the mix. 
Any Questions should be directed to:

One Loose Thread Quilting

https://oneloosethread.blogspot.com/

oneloosethreadsc@gmail.com

Questions? Call 803-776-5801---the Studio

Ice Storm, Quilters, and Myrtle Beach Quilt Party!!!

 

This is a week I look forward to all year. The Myrtle Beach Quilt Party!!! 3 days of sewing with 200 'like minded' people while looking at the beautiful Atlantic Ocean.

I started attending this event maybe 10 years ago. It is always lots of fun with great classes, but, I usually opt to just work on my own projects. I plan our evening meals at our favorite restaurants. Pat usually goes with me. A couple of years ago, we invited Pam (total non-sewer) to go with us and we started a Sister's week. This year, Pat is cruising the Panama Canal, so it will be Pam and I in Myrtle Beach. Several years ago we had a snow and Ice event on our last night there but were able to leave and get home on Sunday. Now to this year.

It looks like we are in for the armageddon of ice storms starting Saturday. This is so disappointing since that means we will probably have to head home early Saturday morning. Or maybe, even Friday afternoon if this thing moves in quicker. So, it looks like I will spend today doing storm prep here at home. 

If you are from the deep south, you may or may not have ever experienced an ice storm. They are brutle. Broken trees, downed power lines, loss of electricity for days or weeks is possible. 

As long as Pam and I can make it back home, we'll be fine. I don't particularly like the idea of no power and being stuck in a hotel room. At least here at my house I have a generator, a gas fireplace, and a gas grill. This Girl Scout has dealt with this before, but, I 'had a husband' at that time to do the heavy work. This will be a challenge, but doable. 

So, Mardelle, we're coming!!!! I have restaurant reservations for Thursday and Friday night at some of our favorite places. I understand that 'Sara J's' is open (usually isn't this time of the year), so we'll stop there Wednesday night. Thursday night is 'Russell's' and Friday night will be 'Hot Fish Club'.  Have a few ideas for lunches, but, they are not set in stone.

I'll be stitching on 'Tumbling Cosmos' by Tula Pink and Pink Door Fabrics, while I'm there. Traveling lighter lately with several EPP projects and a longtime applique project on my 'to do list' over the next year or two.

So for those of you that are heading to the Party, drive carefully and be sure to say hello!!!!!

PS. remember to register for the One Loose Thread Retreat February 25-March1, 2026!!  Deadline for registration is next week!!

A Day and Night in the Life of a Longarm Quilter!!

 Yesterday was sooooooooo frustrating!!! I spent a full 8 hour day trying to do a quilting technique that I have done at least a dozen times!!

All I wanted to do was stitch wavey or even straight lines across a wall hanging. Something that should have taken no more than 2 hours!

Nope!! 8 hours and did not accomplish my goal!

So, as I do many times, I turned off Penelope Statler and went to bed while thinking about this project and how to solve my problems. 

A recap would be:

 1) I'm using a very light weight thread that I have had problems with before. However, I am determined to use this thread. Anything heavier would be to heavy. 

2) I want to use a design that stitches left to right and then right to left. 

3) I am sometimes my worst enemy!!

Now, fast forward to this morning:  Having finished my coffee and my computer time I am standing at my machine and ready to tackle this problem.

Tricks that I am trying:

1) turn the needle a little more toward 5:30

2) loosen the quilt 2-3 clicks more

3) move the net on the thread down farther

As a side note, I have slowed the stitching down, using a new needle, have a thread net on this Glide 60. I did all of this yesterday.

Now, I have the machine and the design reset. Fingers crossed I hit 'Quilt'......... Off she goes on her merry way stitching beautifully!!

Completion of project in 1 1/2 hrs.

Sometime you just need to take a breath and sleep on the problem to find the answer. I have had success with this technique so many times. 

Now please understand, that the quilt top was not to blame for this delay. It was beautifully pieced and appliqued. My wonderful Penelope Statler was not to blame for this. Nor was the thread or batting. IT WAS ME!!!

However, now I can remove the piece from the machine, trim it up, take a picture, invoice it out, and call the client for pick-up.

All is well!!!

Now, back to this custom wool on wool. I will really be glad to see that one finished and I'm sure the client will be also.

Have a great day!!!

RETREAT!! FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 1, 2026 !! Aiken, SC.

 

February 2026 QUILT RETREAT

4 nights or 3 nights!! Your Choice

Gravatt Conference Center, Aiken, S. C. 

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

This retreat is open to ALL QUILTERS!!

 This is a UFO event. You work on your own projects and just have a relaxing good time. Quilters of all levels from beginner to professional.
All meals are provided by the fantastic Gravatt kitchen!  No dishes to wash!!! 
Walking paths all over the camp so that you can get your daily exercise. Walk by the lake and just lose yourself in your surroundings.
Nothing is structured except meal times.
Your fee includes
Neat and clean lodging in either Cole Lodge or Our quaint cottages.
The rooms in Cole Lodge sleep 2 and have their own bathrooms.
The cottage rooms have adjoining rooms, each sleeping 2, with a shared bathroom.
Meals begin with dinner the day of your arrival and end with brunch the day of your departure.

A 6-foot table all to yourself as your work area
Raised ironing and cutting surfaces furnished by One Loose Thread

White Sewing center (Tommy Leitner) on site for one day to service your machines
Optional: Mystery quilt where everyone receives the clues

Snack Area

Massage available

Lots of Laughter
Of course, a few surprises will be thrown into the mix. 
Any Questions should be directed to:

One Loose Thread Quilting

https://oneloosethread.blogspot.com/

oneloosethreadsc@gmail.com

Questions? Call 803-776-5801---the Studio

 

QUILT RETREAT DATES FOR ONE LOOSE THREAD QUILTING--- GRAVATT CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTER, AIKEN, S.C.

 Dates have been posted for One Loose Thread retreats through February 2027. Check the the important dates listed on the right side of this page.

Please mark your calendars so that you won't miss out on these events. 

Thanks,

Joyce- One Loose Thread

Quilt Retreat Day 4

 This was our last full day of retreat and we really made the most of it.

Breakfast was: eggs, bacon, REAL oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, avocado toast points, and juice.

Brandi was here for massage today for those that wanted it. Her schedule was packed from 9:00 until 5:30. She has been doing massage for One Loose Thread for over 10 years. Don't think we could get through retreat without her.

Lots of sewing was done today. Several 'Frayed Knots' have actually completed everything they brought to work on and are now just hanging around and talking.

The last night of retreat we always have a very special dinner provided by the Gravatt kitchen staff. Tonight was Short Ribs, creamed potatoes, asparagus, tossed salad, and for dessert Churros Cheese Cake. I don't know which part was my favorite. 😋

Tomorrow we will all pack up and head for home. First is Brunch, which is always outstanding. The imaginary banner will be signed and packed away. My truck will be loaded with all of the retreat equipment and all of my sewing stuff and we will, again, say good-bye to our friends and Gravatt Camp and Conference Center UNTIL February of 2025. When once again, we will gather for Fun, Fellowship, Fabric, Food, and Frolic!!

For tonight, we make the most of our left over time together.

Joyce One Loose Thread

Quilt Retreat- Day 3

 This day dawned bright and with the promise of more rain this afternoon. Sounds like a great reason to settle in and stitch all day with a chance of a nap. 

Breakfast was delicious! Eggs, Bacon, pan fried potatoes, REAL oatmeal, sliced avocado, and a coffee cake, with juice and coffee.

I'm working on 'Ring Cycle'/ 'Jacks Chain' for today. I started this quilt in a class with Cindy Page at Myrtle Beach Quilt Party in 2022. I have taken a class on this quilt TWICE, so it's time to really concentrate on getting this top together. I only have 7 rings pieced, so I have a long, long way to go. With the exception of making a ton of 9 patch blocks, everything has set in seams. I should get really good at that technique by the end of this quilt. 

As I sit in this room stitching, I am surrounded by seasoned quilters. I don't have any beginners in this group this trip. However, I am constantly amazed at the sharing aspect of my retreats. They share ideas, techniques, fabric suggestions and totally constructive criticism with each other. They are all in 'teacher' mode, even though most have never taught a class. There are no 'newbies' with me this trip, so there is  more  teasing/harassment going on between a few of us. We try to keep that to a minimum when there are new 'Frayed Knots' in the group until they get to know everyone and realize that it's all in fun and not malicious.

Lunch today was Ruben Sandwiches, potato salad, sweet potato fries, Chips and red velvet cookies for dessert. 

Now back to sewing!!!

I did spend my afternoon working on some side rings. Once I finished all of them for the left side of the quilt I had to stop and do more cutting and marking of the background fabric. That's what I'll do all evening too. 

The rain has really arrived!! but now we are off for supper.

On the menu tonight was chicken pot pie with puff pastry, a beautiful salad and Mango sorbet for dessert. FABULOUS!!

Now we are back in the Ireland Room with the music on and the machines humming for the evening. Looks like the rain will hang around for a while. 

I have decided to just cut and mark for the rest of the evening. Then I'll take down my machine and my sew-ezy table and work only on my project with English Paper Piecing (Tumbling Cosmos) tomorrow.

That's it for tonight from Retreat with One Loose Thread. Tomorrow will be our last full day of sewing and I'm sure that we will make the most of it. 

Joyce--One Loose Thread

Quilt Retreat Day 2

It has been a fun filled day here at the One Loose Thread November retreat. We are all sewing in the Ireland Room of Cole Lodge. There has been lots of laughter. Many, many topics have been discussed and none having to do with politics. 

It was Taco Tuesday for lunch. (I ate too much) Dinner tonight was roast beef with gravy, potato wedges, fresh corn on the cob, tossed salad, and dessert. I did much better with portion control. 😉 

Show and tell was wonderful. All of the quilts can be viewed on the One Loose Thread Group facebook page. Stories were told and quilts were shown. That is always a highlight of retreat.

We did have rain today that was a surprise to all of us, but, we just kept sewing. 

That's it for tonight. 

Joyce--- One Loose Thread

Quilt Retreat with One Loose Thread

 It's November 4, 2024 and I am currently hosting a retreat at Gravatt Camp and Conference Center outside of Aiken, S. C. Yes, we are in the woods. The weather is beautiful!! We can actually wear shorts and be comfortable. The trees still have a little of the yellows and oranges of fall. 

Dinner tonight was wonderful. Chicken Parm, spinach ravioli, marinara sauce, broccolini, artisan bread and tossed salad with pumpkin pie for dessert. It was enjoyed by all. Top it off with not having to cook or wash dishes for the win!

I have a small group this trip since this is a 'during the week' retreat. Monday to Friday isn't so great for those that are still working outside of the home. That said, we are all sewing in the Ireland Room of Cole Lodge. Gravatt has been doing some renovations to this room with new flooring and paint. It's not done yet but they have some other things they will be doing in this room that I am excited about. 

I'm going to add pictures of the sewing space we all have. Everyone has a full 6 foot table to themselves. Many of us have Sew-Ezy tables for our machines and and extra ironing surface. I have furnished 2 large ironing tables with nice 'hot' irons along with 2, 6 foot cutting stations for everyone to use. Also in the room is an 8 foot table for sharable snacks and 2, 6 foot tables side by side for measuring/pinning borders or just for laying out blocks. 

It's a great set up for us and everyone is just working away. 

I do love being here at Gravatt and away from the world for 5 days. We have great internet connections and good cell service if we want to contact 'the outside world'. 

I did get the border on my Esher Christmas this morning. I have spent the rest of the day just stitching away on a 2015 project of 'Wild and Goosey' blocks. Tomorrow my project will be to work on an 2019 Bonnie Hunter mystery, Frolic'.

Well, let's see if I can get these photos to load.

That's it for tonight. Hope to have more for you tomorrow when we start 'Show and Tell'. 

Joyce-One Loose Thread