Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Quilting Catch Up

OK – I’ve decided it’s a lot of work taking care of yourself….while I haven’t got it quite mastered, I’m improving at it all the time. It’s catch up time. Three weeks ago.. Let’s start.

I went to a quilt show in a neighboring town that Saturday. Fun--- I love admiring others work. There wasn’t an ugly quilt there. While it was a small show, they even had a section for children making kids quilts. I always say that if we don’t teach the next generation the art of quilting it will die out. The one thing I wished that they had done was to include something from the artist as to why each quilt was created. Quilting is kind of this “soulful” experience for me and as much as I love the piece itself I love knowing what inspired the quilter.

Two weekends ago I went with a friend down to the Green Bay-Appleton area with our own version of a shop hop. We hit 3 quilt shops and had a ball. She’s a relatively new quilter—but very talented. She belongs to guilds and does a ton of charity work. I had been to the three quilt shops before. But it was amazing seeing things through her eyes. It’s the first time I ever went fabric shopping with someone other than my Mom or Chelsey. I figured with Quilt Market going on shelves may be bare, but they weren’t and it was so much fun. We went to Primitive Gatherings and I purchased this book. I have all of Lisa Bongean’s books. It even has recipes in it. My friend kind of shys away from books, but I assured her this was an afternoon date. I cup of coffee and I could get lost of hours studying her book. We Went to Piece by Piece in Appleton. With 20-foot ceilings they have quilts covering the walls. I’m going to attempt Lynda Hall’s Gathering Basket Quilt, so I’m collecting navy and tan fat quarters. This was my purchase there. We had lunch, hit a craft store and in Green Bay toured Quilter’s Connection. I always talk about quilts and fabric talking to me. Living in the Northwoods, I have my collection of pumpkin and snowman quilts. I always feel that as short as spring and summer are, I don’t have much to display. I saw this bundle of fabric with a pattern included. It’s muted pastels just said ‘Spring Time’ to me. If I make it and it seems to bright I can always tea dye it to fit a “cabin” spring . I’m working on Eric a scrappy quilt and scooped up red fat quarters whenever I saw them.

I’d been saving my Coke bottle money, rebate checks, any added chunk of change I could find, for a while. I think I’m set for quilting for the winter. I can’t even pick a favorite store. My friend is not really a traditional quilter. Every store had a variety of styles and she found great ideas and purchases for the winter. We are already penciling in our spring-time trip…

19 comments:

Juliann said...

Isn't it nice to have someone to share those quilting day with? I haven't see that book before but will definately look for it. Enjoy your new goodies. I can't wait to see what you make next.

Anonymous said...

Love when quilters share their goodies and adventures...sounds like a wonderful day.

Little Lady Patchwork said...

Looks like you had a productive trip! You milk money was well spent!

Stina Blomgren said...

Hi there!!!
Glad you found lots and lots of fun stuff at your nice shoppingday... even better to spend it with a friend!! :o)) Enjoy everything and have fun!!!

Kimberly said...

Looks like a wonderful day! And Green Bay... I have family up on the 'top of the thumb' in Door County. Small world...

Have fun with those new bundles and book!

Take care, Kimberly

KC Quilter said...

How fun! And you're so lucky to have a friend to share your love of quilting with. Can't wait to see the projects as you whip them up!!!

Karen said...

How do you get money from coke bottles?

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Sounds like a wonderful day spent with your quilting friend. Love the purchases. Can't wait to see the quilt you make with the reds for Eric. Thanks for the links. Blessings, Karen

Carol said...

Sounds like an absolutely wonderful day! Love all your goodies.

Anonymous said...

Oh Mel! Glad you had fun. They are three of my favorite shops in the state. I haven't ventured over to Spring Green to Country Sampler yet, but I hear it is lovely there too. That is next on my list. I haven't been to Piece by Piece for awhile either. I always like to see what they have :o)

Cornbread and Beans Quilting said...

Yummy!!! Love all your purchases! The Autumn Gatherings book is on my "I Want" list! =)

Angela said...

Good for YOU! A girl's day out is so fun! Love the red's. I am in need of some also. You just cannot have too many, ever.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

I love it all; you have great taste. Good thing you live a few states away; we could do serious damage together :D

Libby said...

Shopping at Primitive Gatherings is VERY high on my list of things to do . . . . someday *s*

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Pleased to 'catch up', looks like you have picked up some lovely things there, Tracey

StitchinByTheLake said...

I am totally in love with Primitive Gatherings! I have that book and have made a couple of things from it so I know you're going to enjoy it. I'm so jealous that you live close enough to visit the store in person. blessings, marlene

G'G'ma said...

I talk to strangers at quilt shops about fabric etc. but it is so much more fun being with a fellow quilter!

sewprimitive karen said...

Ohhhh I wish I could have been along on your trip to Green Bay quilt shops!

Karen said...

Don't you just love Lisa's books! I met her and Nick at Paducaha two years ago and had a ball with them- I was there with some friends and it was just the best experience, so I am glad you had such a nice "shop hop" day with yours. Can't wait to see how you come along with your gathering basket when you start. I've had that pattern for a long time, and it is on my list of things I'd like to make. I may have to pull it out again!
I left a return comment on my blog in answer to your questionabout my Lynda Hall project...hope it helps lol