Fabric Obsession: Show n Tell

Showing posts with label Show n Tell. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

BUGGY BARN OUTDOOR QUILT SHOW 2013

One of my favorite quilt shops is just a short drive from my front door. The Buggy Barn in Reardan, Washington. It's a must see for any quilter. They have a large variety of fabrics, samples and patterns. The Buggy Barn also designs fabric for Henry Glass Fabrics.

Once a year, the Buggy Barn hosts an outdoor quilt show. This year it took place on August 24th & 25th, and I thought I would share a few of my photos from this year's extravaganza. Unfortunately, a big rain storm was in the forecast for Saturday evening, so they limited the amount of quilts on display. I wasn't disappointed, as there was still much to see!

One corner from inside their main shop.

In order to handle the volume of customers, they set up a "temporary" shop to sell patterns, various bolts of fabric, quilt kits, and wool.

I was there on Sunday morning right after they opened and before the charter buses started arriving. They also had several vendors set up in their large barn with various hand crafted goods for sale.

Even if you are unable to experience this unique quilt show,

you can always take part in the action

by checking out their website (www.buggybarnquilts.com)

Monday, August 19, 2013

EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS: Monte Carlo, Monaco

MONTE CARLO, MONACO

I was totally amazed by the beauty and cleanliness of this city.

View from the palace grounds

Our ship: Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam

Changing of the Guards @ the Prince's palace

Outside St. Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and is buried.

Shopping the streets of Monte Carlo

It was a common sight in Monte Carlo: Luxury cars

And this would be my car if I lived in Monaco!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

PERSONAL QUILT SHOP HOP

This past weekend, my little cousin Colleen got married to her best friend, Ian. It was a beautiful outdoor vintage wedding. I loved witnessing this joyous event, and I got to spend time with family who I haven't seen in years. The wedding was held in northwestern Washington, and it is normally a six hour drive across the state (without hitting any of that retched Seattle traffic).

So, while on the west side, I decided to take advantage of stopping at a few quilt shops.

FIRST STOP: Aunt Mary's Quilt Shop in Smokey Point, WA.

I arrived here shortly after they opened. This is a really cute shop with lots of fabric choices, great displays, lots of quilt samples, and a large open class room. The owner was extremely friendly, and helpful. When I told her I was on my own mini-shop hop, she drug out a map and directed me to other neighboring shops that were open on a Sunday.

NEXT STOP: The Quiltmaker's Shoppe in Arlington, WA.

A quaint shop divided by several themed related rooms. At the entrance (besides the cash register and cutting table) you will find all their notions, embroidery kits, and the newest arrival of fabric. Through a doorway to the right, you will find the holiday themed fabric, racks of quilt books, an array of solid fabrics, and pre-cuts. In a small middle section of the shop, you would find a large selection of batiks (which I believe is their specialty). There were two back rooms. One room was devoted to novelty and children fabrics, and the very last room was devoted to their classroom. The shop was alive with anxious customers purchasing their newest block-of-the-month. It was a fun place to visit.

LAST STOP: Keepsake Cottage Fabrics in Bothell, WA. I drove into the little village shopping area, and was pleased I choose this shop as my last stop. This place was absolutely adorable and inviting. Outside was all their sale fabric, and a sitting area to rest your tired feet (or patient men waiting on their female companions). Inside the shop were rows and rows of fabric --- almost overwhelming. The bolts of fabric were divided by designers and color themes. My brain was in overdrive that I forgot to take a picture of the inside of the store.

I spent at least a hour browsing the shelves and stacks of fabric bolts trying to find that "perfect" fabric. I took some time to look at most of their quilting books in hopes of finding a new project. In the end, I only purchased a few yards of Moda's Glamping fabric (as I loved the line when I first saw it at Market).

As I left, I bid a farewell to the "Welcome Committee" outside their shop, and started driving back over the mountains towards home. It was a very GREAT (world-wind) weekend full of Family, Fabric and Fun!!

Here is a picture of my finished pillow case that I made out of fabric I purchased during my own personal quilt shop hop.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

A LITTLE T.L.C.

I'm skipping around a little bit on our European vacation, but I wanted to share with you a little sewing project that I tackled (and was not planned) while in Germany with our daughter.

Our first night in Germany was very cold. I kept requesting additional blankets when making up our bed. I was happy to see Kristina brought out the T-Shirt quilt I had made for her a few years back.

I gave the quilt a quick once-over and was pleased to note it was being used and still in very good condition. I'm sure Kristina was rolling her eyes when she watched me inspect some corners, and edges, but I wanted to make sure stitches were not loose.

Since it was very COLD that evening, I requested another blanket to throw onto the bed. Kristina immediately retrieved a blanket from the bedroom, and she had it folded up under her arms. I noticed it was a old, faded quilt. As she unfolded it and placed it on top of the bed, she mentioned that the quilt was Cody's, and he's had it since he was very little. Cody then proceeded to tell me that his grandmother made him and each of his brother's a quilt and his was the only one that (he believed) still existed. I noticed the quilt was machine pieced and quilted, and it was in need of some tender loving care. The binding had come undone around a majority of the quilt. There were numerous holes in the quilt top where the stitches had broken away from the quilt pieces, and the machine quilting was almost non-existent.

I immediately grabbed my sewing bag (which I take on all my trips), and began mending.

The day before we left to head back home, I had fixed the entire quilt binding, and sewn all the loose quilt pieces. It should last several more years for Cody to enjoy and to continue to remind him of his grandmother.

As I write this post, I realize that I did not ask Cody about the history of this quilt. I am sure it has a wonderful story to go along with this wonderful heirloom.

Monday, July 29, 2013

EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS: Marseille, France

I didn't take very many photos in Marseille, France. I just was not in the mood to explore. The weather was cold and damp and my husband stay in board as he wasn't feeling his best. I was able to see some of the sights.

The best thing about my time in France was my breakfast: quiche and crepes! I have to say the food was impressive.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS

I find myself short on time during these summer months. I can't believe we are approaching the middle of July, and I have not kept up with my blogging duties. I also have not been sewing, as I have been outside enjoying this wonderful weather. I also broke my camera while in Europe, and I have not yet found a likable replacement and therefore, I have only been able to take pictures using my Smart Phone.

I realized that I have not even shared any stories from my trip. Since I have not been utilizing my sewing machine, I thought I would take this brief opportunity to share of my favorite photos from my European Vacation....