Thursday, September 13, 2007

I’m home… I’ve got a week’s worth of posts in my head. I want to spill them out in one long post, but I decided to write you a little each day for the next few days.
What did I do on my trip? I completed a 400 page novel; I completed another block on my Primitive Garden quilt. I went to 2—yes -2 quilt shops… oh yeah… and I worked too.
The day I left it was an incredibly dreary, rainy day. I was about 50 miles out of town and saw a billboard for a quilt shop I’d always wanted to see. I glanced at my watch and decided there’s no time like the present and whipped the jeep around. A charming couple of ladies greeted me at the door and from the dreary outside all they needed was a fireplace and I would have called it home.
They made me feel like I’d been shopping there all my life. It was great therapy. After my visit and small purchases I felt like I could make the trip.
OK- dorky moment. I sat by two different women on each of my flights and made them ‘ooh and ahh’ over the feel, the color and the whole idea that one day (even if it was 10 years from now) these would be a quilt.
I made friends with several people once I got to Wichita. We were sitting and chatting about what workshops we were going to and I knew Stephanie had a rental car. I got my nerve up and said, “ Hey—if you aren’t going to the workshop…Wanna make a road trip???” She looked at me out of the corner of one eye, “Soooo, where are we going??” I laughed, “Exhale; there’s a quilt shop ten minutes away---- let’s go.” The shop was like going to my Grandmother’s literally. It specialized in old kitchen utensils and 1930’s fabrics. I chose the bobbin for a memory and a couple of yards of fabric. They bragged on my choices and I felt like my Grandmother who passed away 19 years ago was right there in the room. She would have loved that place.
We’ll chat more later--- I have quilt photos to share. My Mom and Dad are expected here any minute. For the next 4 days I will have family close.
Gratitudes:
1. Safe Travel
2. Home – there’s nothing like it
3. Friends that appreciate quilts even if they don’t sew

20 comments:

Unknown said...

So glad you're home safe and sound. What beautiful fabrics you purchased, and that bobbin thingie is interesting. I'll show my ignorance here and let you know I have absoloutely no idea what it's used for. Are the trees changing colour already in your neck of the woods, such beautiful colours. Enjoy your time with your family, and look forward to the upcoming posts.
Hugs.

Finn said...

Sounds like you definitely found your recipe for making Lemonade, not letting anything get in your way! Love the serindipty of the stops...great buys! Just when you think there is no place like home, you find a new comforable place to smile about..*VBS* I look forward to more pictures. Hugs, Finn

Gail said...

I'm looking forward to more installments of your saga- if the fabrics in your photos are any indication, it was a fantastic journey!

Diane said...

We recently spent a week in Calumet and the surrounding area. What a beautiful place. Lots of pretty old homes for sale and
Lake Superior is so beautiful! I came home with rocks for souvenirs!
I like the fabrics you chose and the old bobbin looks like some I bought when we lived in New England. Now if I can just get inspired to start a new quilt project!

Fiona said...

Oh I love the way you used the leaves in your fabric pictures - I'm sure you should have been one of those people who stage pictures for magazines in another life.

Libby said...

I'm so glad to hear that you had a successful trip - maybe even with a little work tucked in for good measure *s* It always makes a happy time when you meet up with a quilter or someone willing to hear all about quilting. It's good to know you found both! Can't wait for the next installment.

Juliann in WA said...

Happy to have you back amongst us. The trip sounds like it wasn't too bad. Great purchases.

Tazzie said...

Thank you for sharing such lovely pictures. It sounds like you had the very best time, wish I could have been there with you.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Sweet P said...

Those are beautiful fabrics. But, I'm wondering, are the leaves already changing where you are? I see those gorgeous leaves hanging out in your photos.

Toni said...

Sounds like a good trip and you didnt get to home sick..your fabric choices are so nice...the leaves are starting to change so fast, can you believe before long we will have snow. Glad to see your back...Toni

Gypsy Quilter said...

What lovely treasures. Glad you found time for road trips.

Anne Ida said...

Welcome back! Sounds like you had a lovely time :o) And I love the goodies you brought home with you! Look forward to reading the continuation... Take care!

Clare said...

There you are. I knew you'd find one of the best quilt shops in the world. Not only did you find one, but 2!!!! Beautiful fabrics which reflect this time of year.

The leaves are turning and falling here too, but not the beautiful colours that you've got.

Looking forward to your next post.

dutchcomfort said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip, and two quiltshops, well done!!! I’m curious what you are going to make of the fabrics!

Kairle Oaks said...

Welcome home, Melanie. I'm still trying to recover my from 8 day trip. I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be back in my own bed. Your purchases are beautiful. It's always nice to come home with special treasures!

kcdi said...

Sounds like a wonderful time, wonderful shops, wonderful people and even wonderful purchases!

Texan said...

Sounds like a good trip! Love the fabrics,,,good to have you back and blogging :O)...

Carole said...

Glad to read that you are home safe. You have autumn leaves already? Nice touch! Any trip that includes visiting quilt shops sounds good to me! Love that bobbin. There's a pattern company that makes quilts to fit the bobbin. The name escapes me! Enjoy your purchases. The Sampler has a couple of quilts I could jump right in and make!

Unknown said...

Lovely fabrics :o)

Carol said...

Sounds like you had a good trip...it's always so good to get home though. Great shopping!