For everyone in North Iowa who’s glad it’s raining, they can thank ME! I turned the sprinklers on because we fertilized the grass this week and now it’s raining. Ha! I should have started it a couple weeks ago, shouldn’t I?

Remember this simple aluminum bowl I bought yesterday? I wanted to put a potted plant in it.

I paid $1 for it and upon closer examination I discovered it’s pewter. Pewter is actually a tin alloy and also contained lead which is why it was discontinued in 1974. Since I’m not using it for food purposes, I’m good.

I’m including a free block pattern for a maple leaf block which I’m making right now. I’m making only 6 blocks for a small runner and I am posting it here as a lead-in to my latest technology issue that I can’t fix.

All the pictures in the Country Threads online store have been lost forever. When you go to the store you won’t see any quilt pictures. I know why myself but hesitate to explain further. There’s nothing I can do except apologize. Of course I contacted Richard and he confirmed my fears. They’re gone.

So here’s the 4” maple leaf block I’m working on tonight. I know some of you will hate it because it’s only 4” x 4” but it’s so cute!

I’ll post my little quilt very soon.

College football tomorrow – all day!

Thank you for clicking on the ads – without them the blog cannot survive.

Becky and I went to Connie’s house at Okoboji today – I had never been there since she moved 18 months ago because of Rick’s health issues. I loved seeing all her treasures that she acquired through the years – many on trips we took together to market, etc. Seeing them in a new environment was so fun!

We ate outside at the Taco House which was DELICIOUS! And then we had to head for home – too many depending on me here.

We stopped at the antique mall and thrift store – quickly.

Look! Debbie Mumm fabric and I’m going to use it in a fall quilt.

Such a fun day! I have several questions and comments to discuss but I guess it will tomorrow – thanks for all the fun with My Black Hen!

“After some research, I learned that My Black Hen is no longer available to purchase. I also learned the FB group called Quilts By Cheri – Friendship Group is now closed to new members. The only way in is to be referred by a friend that already belongs to the group. There are many of Cheri’s patterns in the album of the group, including My Black Hen, however, not all of her patterns are available.“

So I got this information from a reliable source and no, I won’t copy the pattern for anyone. I’m so sorry I created this furor. I had no idea of the circumstances behind the pattern. I will just enjoy my quilt and I’d better just be showing you Country Threads patterns that I have access to and know about. I don’t have the time to constantly research patterns so I’ll be very careful in the future.

Made from a Little Quilts design MANY years ago – I copied it color for color and have loved it for years.

Harvest time in North Iowa! Isn’t it gorgeous?

P.S. even though your requests were for naught, I enjoyed seeing so many of you engaged in the blog content and comments. Sometimes I feel like I’m talking to the wall – thanks for writing.