Shop Hopping

While I was visiting my mom, I just had to check out all the quilt shops in Mountain Home AR. "Remember Me" has moved from a little house to the mall. Good sign that quilting is still doing well in this economy. I did my part by buying yardage of a glorious gold fabric for my next project. It was designed by Fabric Freedom in London England. What a surprise!

Joyce has a cute shop on the edge of town called "Thus and Sew". I missed her half-price sale but had a wonderful time checking her great collection. She also directed me to another quilt shop. The folks are the friendliest here. Next stop is "Sew Unique".

Saw a lovely quilt ready to be bound. This quilter was happy to share her work on my blog. I just love quilters......everywhere!!!!!

Back Home Again

Gee, it's good to be back home again! I spent some time visiting my mom in Arkansas last week. She is 92 and has some health problems now, but we still enjoyed our time together Several games of Scrabble, too......just like old times.

I missed all the Irene excitement.

And I got behind in my quilting, too!

"In the Garden"

My tile quilt is going on tour! It will join the NYC Metro Mod Guild traveling exhibit as an example of "what modern quilting means to me," More on this exhibit here at Original Sewing and Quilt Expo. I think of myself as a modern quilter because I am always open to new methods and materials. However, I do not discard traditional ideas which I love. I simply add on as I go. Tile quilts have been around since the 19th century, but my version showcases new fabrics, threads, and design. It's been a lot of fun playing with Kaffe Fassett colors and the new grays.

Next???

Fabric Challenge

Having a wonderful time with these new fabrics. Our group Modern 8 Create is being challenged to create with these modern prints plus solid fabrics. I decided to make a bag with mine. To see what the rest of the group is making click here.

Here is the front and back that I quilted using fusible bias tape. Machine zig-zagged over the tape and through the top, batting, and lining. So easy!

Sewed up the side seams, pleated the box bottom, added some handles, and am ready to go shopping with my new tote. It reminds me of the string bags I saw many Europeans use for shopping, so I'll use it to carry my French bread and an occasional bottle of wine. Cheers, everyone!

Quilters' Weekend in Manhattan

What a weekend for lovers of quilts, fabric, and fun! Check out Victoria's blog for some great photos here.

Magaret was the lucky winner of Jay McCarroll's fabulous tote bag. I just love those circles....my new favorite shape.

And speaking of fabulous, Nicole worked on her own wonderful creation with Jay's new fabrics at our sewing day at City Quilter. Isn't it gorgeous so far? I am so inspired by all the fresh new colors....luscious pomegranate, for one. I need a week to recover from all the excitement, but I simply cannot wait to get at my new fabrics!