A trip to the Appalachian Area Blacksmith conference

Last Thursday we took off with the little Casita and went to Tennessee. We stayed at the I-24 Kampground in Smyrna TN. Nice park!  My only complaint would be with 100+ campers it really slowed their free wifi down. 

The Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths was holding their conference about 15 miles away in Murfreesboro. 

Every day we drove through the area where two battles were fought. The first, Battle of Murfreesboro was fought July 13, 1862, with 899 casualties. The second one, Battle of Stones River was fought December 31, 1862 to February 2, 1863, 1677 lives were lost.

The conference auction items were on display, and there were so many beautiful things. 

This hand forged tool box was outstanding. Full of tools (not pictured) it sold for a whopping $1250.00.

 A side view of the beautiful forging.

 This box was also full of tools and sold at the auction for $550.00.

The conference was held at the historical Cannonsburgh Village. In this picture are just a few of the many tailgaters. 

 Anvils and hammers, just a few of the many there.

The weather was cool and damp. Unlike the 100+ temps they said they've had in previous years.  

 This quilt, featuring the anvil pattern was sold at the auction for $800.

A guitar signed by Marty Stuart, Tom T. Hall, and Connie Smith sold for $500.00 The signed t-shirt was almost given to the same person for free.

I didn't write down what this awesome wrought iron spoon went for. It was really neat.

This coal slate was painted by instructor Cindy Hestle. I didn't take her class, but had a nice visit with her both days. 

I did take Suzanne Lebeau's pine needle weaving class. This is the beginning of my coaster.

This was another lady's version. She used a much smaller straw, which creates a finer weave.

Another house at the village. Unfortunately for the conference the houses were not open.

This is the world's largest cedar bucket. It was secured well behind the fence. Click on the picture below to read all about it.

Our time went quickly in Tennessee. One place we visited twice in our three nights out was The Slick Pig Restaurant. It was some of the finest southern smoked meat I've had. Both nights I made sure I got their turnip greens and white beans. 

Life is good.

Her mother's quilt

Several months ago I was asked by Darlene, a friend, if I could make some quilt charms to match her mother's quilt.

Her mother Betty had passed away in April 2013. In her room at the nursing home hung a small ceramic quilt block. They weren't sure who had given it to her; perhaps one of the 8 children she had, or one 15 grand kids, or one of the 13 great grand kids, or maybe even one of her quilting friends. I forgot to mention she was a good friend to my mother in law, who is also a quilter.

After Betty died, it was decided to create that ceramic quilt block into a full size quilt. Betty's friend, 93 year old Leona, (their husbands were cousins), matched the fabrics and pieced the quilt. 

Betty had always attended church at St Margaret's. The ladies Sodality there hand quilted the piece.

Her daughter in law, Judy put the binding on it.

It will be sold in the benefit auction at the St. Margaret's church picnic this summer. 

Usually when I make the quilt charms, I leave the paper pattern on the back. This time I asked if I could do something a little different. 

This is what I came up with. The charms were given to each of Betty's daughters yesterday on Mother's Day. How appropriate, Mom's Quilt on Mother's day! 

My latest blog post

 My donated quilt brought . . . 

 . . . and the cutest story ever.


For the rest of the story click here  Osage Bluff Blacksmith!