10/17/2026
Stepping away from the Papaya Cottage markets and classes for a few days to enjoy autumn in the North Carolina mountains! 🍂
The fall colors are beautiful, with rich golden yellows, rusty reds, and burnt oranges. The air is chilly, and apparently everyone else had the same idea about enjoying a weekend in the mountains!
We also managed to dodge a few raindrops and plenty of wind at the annual Valle Country Fair, where I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with many different makers, including two fellow rope sewing artisans.
With so much traffic along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping to capture those gorgeous autumn colors was nearly impossible! We did enjoy a peaceful stop at Bass Lake in Blowing Rock, where the colors are just beginning to change.
And although I’m taking a little break from the studio, my sewing machine made the trip with me! I’ve also placed another rope order with Mountain Thread Company and plan to pick that up at their shop before heading back to Florida, so there are plenty of creative days ahead as I prepare for upcoming markets and classes at Papaya Cottage.
How about you? Do you love the changing colors of autumn, or are you happiest surrounded by Florida sunshine and palm trees?