Family Trip to Ohio

A cool and wet May was the perfect backdrop for my family trip to Ohio. My sister flew down from PA and we did a little visiting around Asheville as usual and of course I had to take her to the Folk Art Center to see the exhibit in the Focus Gallery. Soon we were on the road heading towards Ohio—traffic jams and detours between here and Cincinnati were stressful well before Memorial Day traffic, but we made the best of it.

With our spouses gone, we visited some of our old hangouts, restaurants and shopping spots. Our sister used to manage Town and Country Mall in Kettering, outside of Dayton, and of course we had to shop there. We still love Trader Joe’s and the popcorn shop next door. After Pam passed away, the town honored her by naming the road behind the mall after her. That entire area has grown to include a First Watch Restaurant and another bank.

The cemetery where she is buried is close by and we believe she still keeps an eye on things! Her home is not far away in a beautiful residential area. Our brother-in-law is currently in a rehab center after breaking his hip and femur. It was nice to see his big smile despite the continued pain from surgery. We timed our visits around his therapy schedule and hope that in time PT will get him back on his feet.

Road Adventures & Detours

His rehab complex was in a lovely little town called Tip City, north of Dayton. We enjoyed outstanding meals at Harrison’s and Cold-Water Café and popped into antique shops. We also rested as much as possible to be in good shape for the return drive.

Despite our best efforts, we were detoured through the I-40 gorge with two-way traffic—but it was not as unpleasant as my previous trip from Arrowmont in Gatlinburg. Maybe driving on a Sunday really helps! My sister was surprised to still see so much damage from Hurricane Helene, which will take years to restore, and we even spotted new tornado damage in Kentucky on the way home.

A Crochet Break & New Projects

It was nice to be back in the NC mountains, and we recuperated for a couple of days before she flew home. During that entire time, I did something I’ve never done before—I did not pick up a crochet hook for two weeks! I usually take a project with me, but not this time. Now I’m back to working on a broomstick mesh scarf that I need to finish before my next demo.

I timed my restoration work around the vacation as well, and new pieces will be coming in next week. Perfect timing!

Dutch Windmill Tablecloth Restoration

The week before my sister arrived, I finished restoring a beautiful Dutch Windmill tablecloth. It’s made from six-paddle squares interconnected to form a field of windmills. Variations abound in the pattern—the companion four-paddle design was never completed, but all the needed squares have now been located. These pieces, crafted by the customer’s grandmother over 100 years ago in PA, will soon be passed down to future generations.

6-Paddle Dutch Windmill Tablecloth

4-Paddle Windmill Pattern to Complete

4-Paddle Dutch Windmill Squares

Summer Studio Reflections

I really enjoyed my vacation, but I’m also looking forward to getting back to work—I did miss it! I hope you have patterns floating in your summer brain. It’s a great time to sit on the porch in the shade with some iced tea and lightweight lace yarn in your lap. Enjoy a pool, some watermelon, and all the fireflies—everything summer has to offer.

The New Broomstick Net Scarf