50 Acre Woods

09/19/2026

🧵 MEET JUDY BALLANCE & QUICK E-P!

Okay, friends—this video is 17 minutes long, which I realize is practically a feature-length film in Facebook time. 😂 But watch it.

Judy Ballance from Huntsville, Alabama, is one of our 50 Acre Woods retreat guests, an accomplished quilter and instructor—and she has developed a patent-pending technique called Quick English Piecing (Quick E-P).

In this interview, Judy shares a little about herself, explains how Quick E-P came about, and—most importantly—shows us how it works and shares some beautiful examples.

I showed this video to the ladies at our current retreat. They were completely engaged through the entire 17 minutes... and then they watched it AGAIN! That told me I definitely needed to share it with all of you.

If you've ever tried English Paper Piecing—or looked at it and thought, “Nope, way too much hand sewing for me!”—you are going to want to see what Judy has created.

Grab a cup of coffee, give Judy 17 minutes, and watch to the end. I think you'll find this one very interesting!

And Judy Ballance ... I have a feeling some people are going to have questions for you. ❤️

Enjoy!

09/16/2026

🌲❤️ 50 ACRE WOODS DAY ❤️🌲

I’m feeling especially grateful today.

September 12th was 50 Acre Woods Day. It marks the day the very first group walked through these doors and trusted this brand-new retreat center with their time, their creativity, and their friendships.

And today, that very first group is coming back—this time as a LEGACY Group.

My OGs are coming home. ❤️

It has me thinking about just how much has happened here.

In the last 12 months alone, I’ve hosted 37 retreats.

That’s more than 400 incredibly talented women—and one wonderful man—who have come through these doors and created here.

Quilters. Scrapbookers. Sewers. Crafters. Artists.

More than 400 creative people in just one year, making quilts, clothing, scrapbooks, gifts, keepsakes, and all kinds of beautiful things.

When I stop and really think about that number, it takes my breath away a little.

So many of you have watched 50 Acre Woods grow and change. You’ve seen the improvements, the additions, the rearranging, the new ideas…and if you know me, you know the improvements are never going to end. 😂

But the most meaningful things that have grown here aren't things I can renovate or buy.

They’re the friendships.

I’ve developed true friendships with people who first walked through these doors as guests. And maybe even more special, I’ve watched people arrive here as complete strangers and leave as friends.

I’ve watched people teach each other, encourage each other, laugh until they cry, share their talents, admire each other’s work, and form relationships that continue long after the sewing machines, scrapbook supplies, and crafting tools are packed away.

Yes, some absolutely beautiful things have been created at 50 Acre Woods.

But I think some of the most beautiful things created here have been the friendships. ❤️

That is what I hoped this place could become.

A beautiful retreat center. A wonderful place to create. But most of all, a place where people feel at home, where friendships grow, and where they want to come back.

To every person who has walked through these doors during this incredible year—thank you.

Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for supporting this dream in the woods. Thank you for your encouragement, your suggestions, your laughter, your hugs, and for telling your friends about this place.

And to the group that started it all…

Welcome home, OGs. 🌲❤️

You were here at the beginning.

You will always be part of the story of 50 Acre Woods.

Kim

08/28/2026

How many different types of fruit are there is this amazing fruit salad served exclusively at 50 Acre Woods?

08/06/2026

If you feel so inclined . . . I would love to have some reviews on Rona the Ribbiter's new site. Thank you!

Claim your listing and get access to your dashboard to learn about all the activities such as views, leads, reviews and more.

07/14/2026

📚 Exciting News from Sandra Mollon!

If you've ever admired Sandra's incredible ability to transform photographs into breathtaking art quilts, you're going to love this!

Sandra's brand-new book, Quilted Realism, is now available for pre-order and is scheduled for release on February 23, 2027. Inside, she shares the techniques she's become known for—creating amazingly realistic quilts using raw-edge fused collage, fabric selection, inks, pencils, and quilting to bring photographs to life.

Whether you're already joining us at 50 Acre Woods for one of Sandra's June 2027 workshops or simply want to learn from one of today's premier quilt artists, this is a book you'll want on your shelf.

🛒 Reserve your copy today!
https://amzn.to/44qgx78

Congratulations, Sandra! We can't wait to welcome you to 50 Acre Woods and learn from you in person! ❤️🧵

Have you already pre-ordered your copy? Let us know in the comments!

Render your photograph as a richly detailed art quilt using revolutionary techniques. This step-by-step approach blends raw-edge fused collage, surface media, and machine quilting to move you from image to fabric art. Interpret your photos with intention, then build them in layers of fabric, p...

05/22/2026

Im told boring bees did this damage. They don't look like they were very bored to me.

04/30/2026

Well, I made a few purchases last week.

1. Two Osilo irons for the retreats
2. The instructor, Ranae Merrill, who had a booth next to me was showcasing her books and as I stood in while she visited the ladies room, I sold myself her book, foundation paper piecing pack and mirror to design my own mandala.
3. The modern day Singer featherweight (not really a featherweight, but it's a machine I can set up and take down quickly) and the matching serger. Why? Because Im so excited to learn little girl dress making from Corrie Burger !

The irons may be my best purchase for my guests. But the others really spark my creativity. I love finding new things at QuiltWeek.

04/23/2026

First day of QuiltWEEK Paducah was AWESOME!! It's such an exciting moment when a past guests walks up! Let the hugs and laughter begin!

04/11/2026

50 Acre Woods, Palmyra TN

✨ We are beyond excited to welcome Julie Connell, CI of Quiltworx for an unforgettable 5-day, ALL-INCLUSIVE quilting experience! ✨

Join us for an immersive workshop where you’ll dive into the latest Technique of the Month designed by Judy Niemeyer—known for her stunning designs and precision piecing methods.

🧵 What to Expect:
• Expert instruction from a certified Quiltworx instructor
• A step-by-step journey through the newest Technique of the Month
• Time to focus, learn, and create in a peaceful, fully equipped space
• Connection, laughter, and inspiration with fellow quilters

🏡 All-Inclusive Means:
• 5 days / 5 nights lodging
• 3 delicious meals per day
• Spacious, fully equipped sewing stations
• A retreat experience designed for comfort, creativity, and connection

This is more than a class… it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

✨ Whether you’re a seasoned Quiltworx quilter or ready to take your skills to the next level—this is your moment.

📍 Spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.

👉 Reserve your seat now: www.50acrewoods.net/allclass

04/10/2026

50 Acre Woods – Palmyra, TN

✨ From One Pattern: A Wardrobe Story for Girls ✨
📅 September 9–13, 2026
💲 $625

Quilters… this is your moment 👀

If you’ve ever been curious about garment sewing—but felt just a little intimidated—this class was made for you.

Join expert tailor Corrie Burger for a one-of-a-kind workshop where you’ll create 3 beautiful dresses using the Children’s Corner Victoria pattern—each one completely different with added details like ruffles, sleeves, collars, and trims.

🧵 Same pattern
👗 Three unique dresses
💡 Skills you’ll use for a lifetime

Corrie’s step-by-step guidance makes this approachable, encouraging, and honestly… a whole lot of fun. You’ll leave with finished garments AND the confidence to do it again on your own.

And of course—this all happens at 50 Acre Woods… where the meals are homemade, the space is inspiring, and the experience is unforgettable 💛

🎯 Spots are limited—don’t wait on this one.

👉 Learn more & reserve your seat:
www.50acrewoods.net/wardrobestory