Hannah learns to quilt

My Grand-daughter Hannah [13] is visiting from Texas and has just made her first Quilt. Stella and Deb have been giving her lot's of tips. She seems to be getting addicted! Oh no!!!!!

Busy month home

I thought August would be a month of rest! I decided that since I had a month at home aka the store I would get some jobs done. No they were not quilts that got finished or started! We had the carpets cleaned in the store, Changed 52 light bulbs, unclogged the bathroom sink and cleaned the backroom. Now we're planning the Christmas Open House and getting ready for the Madison Show.Beth and Leanne have both been designing new quilts and the kit girls have been busy getting them ready. We stopped in San Antonio, Texas, on the way back from California and picked up our grand-daughter Hannah [she's 13] to stay with us awhile.She loves being at the store and reading. Eliza thinks she is the bee's knees!!! It' great to have cousins to play with.

Columbus

Well we made it and there's no pole in the room!! I started hand piecing a Texas Star on the way, I got two done in the car and one in the room. The car is hard to piece in because of the trailer makes the car move funny. We set up in the morning, hope to see some of you there. Finally a hotel with diet coke!!!!!!

Duluth hotel room

Ok, so you all remember the kitchen in our hotel room at market[the one I didn't cook in!] Well here we are in Duluth and guess what small little tiny kitchen[still not going to use it] and we also have a great big big Whirlpool tub next to the bed, I know what that's all about!!! I'm not using that either!!!!!! If I walk into my hotel in Columbus and there's a pole it better have a good looking fireman on it! I'm off to set up our booth.

Packing again !!!!!!!

Jim and I are off to Duluth in a couple of days, so Stella and I spent the day packing up kits, books and lots of other stuff. As soon as we got it packed and the quilts folded a group of women came in for the first time so we unfolded all the quilts for a show and tell. It was fun as they were being exposed to reproductions for the first time! They'll be back. I went antiquing last week and picked up this rocker for Eliza to read in when she is at the store. Of course it is black, hope you can see it. I'm never sure if I can get the pictures on. Talk to you from Duluth!

Back from Market

Yes we did get back and with wonderful new things! Jim and I had a very busy Market time with classes, seminars and walking the floor. I was glad Beth was there even if it was for a short time. I was able to show her The Woolen Needle, my new favorite place to buy wool!!!! Look for it soon at The Quilt Merchant, and a wool class and club taught by Kathy Wall. She knows so much and wants to share it with us all.
Beth's mom was at market for the first time showing her pattern line, The Cotton Cottage. Her booth was darling and to top off the experience Fat Quarter Shop called with a great order. The talent in Beth's family is amazing, makes you wonder what Eliza will do.
We brought home great patterns from Carol Hopkins, Bonnie Blue, Jo Morton, Sew Unique, Pam Buda and Open Gate.
There was lots to do when we got home, Stitcher's Circle, Jo Morton Club and Applique' Club. Next on the The Quilt Merchant's trail is Duluth, MN, so I'm packing our bags again.

Schoolhouse

Most memorable thing from today was attending Terry Clothier Thompson's Schoolhouse session! Wow, I want to book her right now, she has taken her Fabricamp on the road. Now this is someone who would fit right in at The Quilt Merchant, she brings 10 or so bags of quilts, fabrics and vintage clothing to teach you how to date quilts and fabric with the time line of 1790-1945. Each participant can bring 1-2 quilts for study and appreciation. Can it get any better? This is a three day class so you will really learn a lot.

To Market to Market

We made it to Pittsburgh, it rained all the way! Wanted to take pictures along the way but it was to cloudy. I do love being in the rolling countryside again, it reminds me of New England. I wasn't in our room 5 minutes before Deb Roberts [The Quilted Moose] called to see if we where here yet.I have a seminar in the morning and then we'll meet up for Schoolhouse. We have a suite with a kitchen, Whats that all about????? Great room but cook, I don't think so. The only thing it's good for is keeping my diet coke supply cold. The floor doesn't open up until Friday, then I'll make a bee line for Jo's booth and then on over to see Paula and Mary Ellen at Bonnie Blue Quilts.

baby girl

Thought you would all like to see a picture of Eliza.

New stuff

We got word today that Jo's new book Vintage Journey will be here any day!!!!!! When we thought we had her for Rosemont we kitted up three of the quilts from the book. Keep an eye on the web-site for pictures. Beth just finished 2 new quilts that are great! She also sent off a picture of a quilt to Windham, for their Lincoln fabric, due out soon. Soon we can say we knew her when! Lot's of kitting going on in the store lately,it's not easy keeping up with the sample makers.The girls had a birthday lunch for me today, lots of fun, food and laughs, then back to work. One week to go until I leave for market!

Back from Paducah

Doing two shows back to back may be for the young! Rosemont was great, loved seeing all our old friends. Bob and Phyllis [The Silver Thimble] stayed with us. Why do we think we can stay up late talking and laughing and still get up in the morning? We all left for Paducah on Monday, they beat us there, we had to stop for a nap!!!! Tuesday was preview night, NO electricity it was dark, very dark. Nothing stops quilters from shopping,thank heavens for cell phone lights. The ceiling above us was glass and above that was 82 degree weather. We now know how tomatoes feel in a hothouse!!! Bonnie Blue Quilts were right across the isle from us, don't ask what Paula and I were doing all day,I'll never tell!!!! The gals from Old Green Cupboard were one isle over, another partner in crime! Didn't get to see much of the show or Paducah; too hot, too tired. Now we're back in the store [it's back together] and planning for Market. Beth has two new quilt designs almost ready, as well as Leanne with one. Stop by and see what's new!

On the road again

Here we go! Well we've been to Dallas and Bloomington and lived to tell about it. Now we are off to Rosemont, after the Rosmont Bus with 50 wonderful quilters on board visit the store. Beth, Jim and I are going to be setting up our booth (1344-1346).