Quilt Shop Hop - Day 4

Got back on the road today with the intent of visiting 11 communities. Unfortunately got a late start (8:15 a.m.) with first stop 1.5 hours away, opening at 9:00 a.m. I obviously am a poor planner? I did, however, get to visit seven fabric shops in seven communities, even taking the time to stroll through each shop admiring all of the fabrics, patterns and finished quilts. It's amazing that no shop duplicates another -- each one is unique matching the personality of the owner.


So 12 hours and 554 miles later these are the fat quarters I scored for Noah's quilt. Fabric shops getting my money today were: Sew Bee It in Hebron, Quilters Delight in Holdrege, Wagner's Quilts in Arapahoe, Cottage Inspirations in Cambridge, Sew Little Time in McCook, The Quilt Rack in North Platte, and Prairie Point Junction in Cozad (where I was reminded that closing time was 5 p.m.!)

Five shops remain in south central Nebraska -- so, tomorrow I will get up earlier, leave at "x" hour, arriving at first stop of day at 9:00 a.m.!!!

A lazy sunny Sunday ...

Just "chillin" and catchin' a little sun ...

Quilt Shop Hop - Day 3

Today was spent visiting fabric shops in northeastern Nebraska. Another beautiful sunny spring day -- I love these types of road trips.

Found more fabric for Noah's quilt and even purchased a pattern. Stopped at ten shops in nine Nebraska communities. I Love Sewing in Fremont, Creative Notions in West Point, The Quilt Shop in Wakefield, Just Sew in Wayne, Pieceful Pastime in Norfolk, Betz's Little Shop in Newman Grove, Calico Annie's Quilt Shop in Fullerton, Sew-What and Claus 'en Paus Quilt Shop in Columbus, and Quilt Basket in York.

21 down - 18 to go (give or take -- I've lost count)

Quilt Shop Hop - Day 2

Awoke today with sunny skies -- which always puts you in a better frame of mind -- a real mood lifter!!! Had time today to get oil changed and make two fabric shop stops in Lincoln -- imagine that!!!

By the end of the day there were a total of seven stops in five communities. Cosmic Cow and Quilted Kitty in Lincoln, Seams To Be in Plattsmouth, Log Cabin Quilt Shop in LaVista, The Quilt Studio and Sunshine Stitches in Omaha, and Country Traditions in Fremont. We would have visited the second shop in Fremont -- but it will still be there tomorrow. After dinner at "Whiskey Creek" we returned to motel room to catch some zzzzz's.

Slowly building up a pleasing combination of fabrics for Noah's quilt. Larry is providing excellent input.

Eleven shops down, 28 to go!!! Better get some "shut eye" then ... good night ya'll.

Quilt Shop Hop - Day 1

I've got the travelling bug ... what better way to satisfy than visiting fabric shops!!! The 2011 NIFS annual shop hop started March 31st and will run through April 10th. I would have loved to pack up my overnight bag and head out for a week of fabric touching...but alas being retired does not always give you that much freedom. Besides -- needed to come home to get grounded. I did visit four shops in three southeastern Nebraska communities. Each one was unique and had so much fabric to ponder and "touch". Yes, I made purchases -- and even have a project in mind.

Mr. Noah will be moving into new digs the end of this month. His favorite color is orange -- I'm envisioning a quilt with his favorite characters, hobbies, in blues with a touch of orange. This is a start -- with 30+ shops yet to visit. I'm only purchasing fat quarters which allows for a better variety of fabrics. As Tyler would say "I'm stoked" about this project!!!

I saw this table runner at my first stop -- I don't know if it was the vintage step stool or the pattern itself. Oops I made a kit purchase. Told myself that no more kits until I finished those I already had...but alas...as usual...I didn't listen to myself. This is a gift and there is a timeline I need to adhere to --

Shops I visited on Day 1 were: Quilt Stitches in Beatrice (main street), Heavenly Treasures in Pawnee City (old church - way cool), Fabric Fairie (batik fabrics only) and Needles I in Auburn (both on Hwy. 136 - opposite ends of town).

The Schmidt Girls

I am so doggone lucky. My two beautiful nieces -- Angie and Pati -- Harley chicks!!!

Chili

Went to neighborhood bar for dinner on Saturday night. Noah was spending the night and they have a great "hot wings" appetizer -- one of his favorites. Unfortunately we were told they were out of hot wings (now, how can that be?). Noah looks over the menu again and asks for the chili.

After server had brought his order he comments "wow". He ate nearly half though and left bar with a full tummy.