Sunday, September 4, 2011

Better Than Expected

I expected to spend a relaxing Saturday working on the Halloween 1904 quilt, but then the telephone rang as I was cooking breakfast. It was Gran, calling to ask if I wanted to join her in a little shopping trip. Well, of COURSE I did! In fact, I'd been thinking about shopping for a few more pieces of fabric to use in the piano key border for the quilt I'm working on, so Gran's timing was perfect. After breakfast, I got ready to go and we met at her house.

On our outing, we visited three quilt shops, but I only took photos at one, because although the shop has been in business for a few years now, they've moved to a new location and this was our first visit.

Here are two photos of Shared Stitches, which is located in Shingle Springs.


I meant to take a photo of the outside of the shop, but I guess I forgot by the time we left--we spent quite a bit of time there, looking through their selection of 1800s fabrics.


Here are the fabrics I brought home for the quilt:


Some are the same prints I've used in the center and some are new, but all seem to work well together.

Both of us were taken by the print in this Advent calendar panel. It's from a line of fabric called Julen by Julie Paschkis for In the Beginning. We found these at the High Sierra quilt shop in Cameron Park. It felt non-traditional but at the same time, it didn't seem too modern.


We got back to town in time for me to stop by the grocery store and cook dinner for Hubby before he went out to visit with friends, while I stayed home and finally had that relaxing Saturday I expected. By the end of the evening, I'd finished the last block.


Tomorrow I'll put the blocks together and then "test" the size on my bed so I can decide how wide to make the borders--I think I want mine a little larger than the pattern, but I'm not sure how much larger it needs to be.

With what little time is left of this evening, I think I'll go to bed and enjoy one of my other purchases.


Thanks for stopping in for a visit!

8 comments:

Patty said...

This quilt will be so beautiful. Are those star paper pieced somehow or appliqué?

Me and My Stitches said...

Love your blocks - looks like a great day!

Anonymous said...

How I would have loved a day out with the both of you! Luckily while at Target yesterday I stumbled in the magazine and I too have been enjoying it. Gorgeous shops!!!

Kigwit said...

I love that Advent calendar. I made one for my little guys that is a cookie bowl and each day you take a cookie out and tuck it in the little pocket for the day.

I can't wait to see your 1904 quilt. I'm impressed that you made them so quickly!

Marge said...

Always love to visit with you Kim. Thanks for your blog.
It is enjoyed with my morning coffee every day.
Marge

Miss Jean said...

What was the third shop you went to? I'm in the mood for a road trip. Thanks for the heads up on the magazine! It wasn't at Barnes and Noble on Friday so maybe I can find it today.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

I think that's a day well spent.

Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts said...

What a fun day! Love the shopping finds... and relaxing with a new magazine is a great way to end the day! Have a happy week!