From outside the picturesque courthouse in Dahlonega, Georgia where gold was first discovered in the United States, Jodie introduces her friend Rob Appell as co-host for this episode. Rob teaches and works with his mom at The Cotton Ball in Morro Bay, California. He’s an author, and is designing an ongoing line of striking quilts featuring endangered species. Proceeds from his patterns support organizations working for these animals. Jodie shows two of her gold quilts. The first, is a batik log cabin quilt from one of her out-of-print books, and the second uses her curved piecing technique. Jodie and Rob introduce the theme of the show: gold fever! Dahlonega is where the saying, “There’s gold in them there hills” was born.
Visit Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega in third week in October and enjoy this gateway to the Appalachians.
Then Jodie and Rob are greeted at the Consolidated Gold Mine by Miner Mike, who appears to have just stepped out of the past. Miner Mike proceeds to lead our co-hosts into the past, down into the Georgia mountain where gold was mined. The mine is complete with hibernating bats, which sent one of the crew above ground real fast. (We had mercy, that wasn’t caught on tape!) Back above ground, Miner Mike shows Jodie and Rob how gold is panned. Our co-hosts find that there is skill involved in getting rich. Or, earning one’s lunch!
Then head over to watch part 2 of the series where Rob shows us tips on keeping the sewing machine running smoothly.
