Sunday, March 4, 2012

But It's a Good Tired

Boy, but shopping and traveling and looking at quilts really makes a person tired! Or maybe it's just not being able to sleep in on a Saturday. Whatever it is, a day spent with friends doing fun things is worth every bit of tiredness and getting up "early." Let me tell you a little bit about our day at the Manteca quilt show.

Four of us met up at our friend Sandy's house and piled into her car. After a quick stop at a location equidistant from Peet's and Starbuck's, we each grabbed our drink of choice and got back in the car to drive south for about an hour. We arrived at the site of the show about a half hour after the doors opened, and there was still a line of quilters waiting to get in!

One of the things I like about the Manteca show is that there's a section devoted to dolls, and this year's featured doll artist, Susie Crawford, had a marvelous display. Here are some of her creations--


I could have looked at these dolls for hours--each one had a personality of its own, and Ms. Crawford is amazingly creative! Here's a close up of a pair I thought were particularly well done--


If I had more play time in my life, I think I'd turn to doll making. Have you ever tried it?

As for the quilts, I didn't take too many photos but mostly the applique quilts grabbed my attention . . . because, of course, this is the year of applique in my world. I think there were three, or maybe more, versions of quilts made from Anne Sutton/Bunny Hill's free A Tisket, a Tasket pattern. I took photos of two--I'm not sure why I didn't get a photo of the third except that it's pretty typical of my photography abilities. I just get carried away looking and forget about snapping!



Finally for tonight, I'll show you the applique quilt that was my favorite--this one from a pattern by Blackbird Designs.


I just love their stuff! A little research has helped me identify the quilt as being from their book Summer Weekend, but I can't find the book available anywhere--or anywhere reasonable, anyway (there are two used ones listed on Amazon for nearly $80). If you have a copy of the book you're interested in selling (or know where I can get one), I might be interested in buying--let me know, thanks!

I have more to tell you about our day, but it's going to have to wait until tomorrow. I think it's time for bed now, and you'd better bet I'm sleeping in on Sunday!

15 comments:

  1. If you buy it off of someone, I will buy it from you. Love it. My kids say I am so patriotic.

    Shelia
    sb12041@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a fun day! Those dolls are just amazing, I would like to see them in person. And I'm with you, I love the Blackbird Designs quilt. If you find an extra copy of that book, let me know!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have had some success buying out of print books directly from the author but wasn't able to find an email address for either of the BBD girls. Did discover a BBD facebook page, but it's a different company.

    I'm with the others - if you find, I'll take one too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi gals...Imagine my surprise and delight when a friend sent me a link to your blog with a picture of my quilt in it! Hopefully I can answer some questions for you. The patriotic quilt is called "Old Glory" from the book "Summer Weekend" by Blackbird Designs. It is out of print and very pricey, not to mention tough to find! I do loan out this book as long as you promise to return it! (I have shipped it to people across the US and they return it to me when they're finished with it.) I also have the freezer paper templates, if you're a starch turner, you can borrow to save you some time. I also teach applique classes, so you're welcome to join me anytime. Glad you enjoyed the quilt and the show! Blessings to you all...Lisa Van Groningen

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like a good time was had by all. I am glad you arrived home safely! Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  6. Please add me to the list for Lisa's generous offer - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Kim,

    I have the book and doubt if I'll ever get around to making anything in it. You can have it if you want it. Send me your address and I'll drop it in the mail tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  8. email me at abryson@bendbroadband.com.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh those dolls are so creative! I love the patriotic quilt too. Wish I could applique like that!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Kim,
    You must be close to where I live! I missed the Manteca show due to the March Madness Shop Hop. Looks like it was a great show!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I took a class with elinore peace bailey a decade ago and made several dolls. VERY satisfying! They really do take on their own personalities while you're making them--it's sort of eerie but cool! I too would be making dolls if I wasn't a Rabid QuilteR!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I enjoyed seeing these! What a day for ya! Fun stuff!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I just love quilt shows! And I love seeing others' posts about shows they have been to as well. Glad you had a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  14. hey kim
    on your cottages -- just a thought--maybe put some snow on top that would make the first roof look higher--- Luv Nancy S your friend from QH and TB club

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Lisa, do you still loan out this book? I cannot find a copy anywhere. Thank you, Danetta Mendenhall

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what you're thinking--I'd love to hear from you!