Just recently took a trip to Kentucky to visit friends and explore that beautiful state.  But, wait,  there are many, many quilt shops between Colorado and Kentucky.  How many husbands will say, "I will stop at as many as you want".  He did.  Wow!  Does it get any more fun than that???

Our first stop was  Hays, KS.  A favorite shop of mine just off Interstate 70, The Quilt Cottage Co., was as terrific as I remembered!  I purchased several Halloween fabrics and a couple of really cute kits and some darling buttons.  Hey, I know, summer isn't here yet, but Halloween will arrive before we know it!  The store is arranged so you can find fabrics for all the holidays.  Makes buying easy!!!

Next stop, Salina, KS at the Quilting Bee.  Another shop I had previously visited and full of goodies.  There I purchased some patriotic fabrics for a table runner on order for a friend.    This little shop has awesome Civil War fabrics as well as many reproduction fabrics, and lovely embroidery patterns.

I had planned on calling on my friend, Dizzy Donna before arriving in Kansas City, MO but too many stops along the way and the hour was late.  No deadlines for us--we were on vacation after all.  We'll give a call on the way back home.

The next day we tried for a stop at Quilters Harvest in Higginsville, MO but alas, the exit was closed for repair so we zipped on by.  Next stop,  AppleTree Quilting Center in Columbia.  This was a new shop for me and a delightful one.  I found some cool summer flip flops fabrics, some very interesting cityscape fabrics and more cool patriotic fabrics. Could have bought lots more but had to pace myself. The staff was delightful.

On to St Charles, MO and Patches, Etc.  This is a really neat shop housed in an 1870's stone mason's building.  It still has the original doors, windows and counter.  Along with a nice selection of fabrics they have an awesome inventory of buttons. The shop's "guard" dog lazed in the center aisle keeping watch on the comings and goings. This is a "do not miss shop" if you are in the area. I purchased some patterns, a bit of fabric and some cute little chicken pin cushions.  Historic St. Charles is beautiful.  It sits next to the Missouri River and is very quaint with bricked streets, old buildings and neat shops and restaurants. After shopping we had a delightful lunch sitting in a garden patio enjoying the sunshine and watching the antics of birds competing for leftover crumbs.

Next stop was St. Louis, MO.  What I thought would be a short drive off the Interstate turned into quite a few miles and when we arrived at our destination, The Quilted Fox, it was no longer there. Not to be skunked, we headed to Jackman's Fabrics which I again (mistakenly) thought was on our way back to the Interstate.   We arrived at this really huge fabric store. A trunk show given by Janie Donnelson was in progress, there were classes being held, refreshments being served and it was very hectic. I admired the models hanging, perused the  fabrics quickly and made a hasty exit.  Was I wearing out?  Well, maybe!

Now, I am supposed to be the navigator on our trips, along with Gertie Garmin, but I cannot read a map while riding in the car (erp!) and when hubby decides Gertie is giving us wrong directions ----well, you never know where we will end up.  I won't say we were lost but we actually had to stop and ASK DIRECTIONS!   We were trying to find I-70 but the navigator, after getting out the map, (me, not Gertie) finally came to the realization we needed to find I-64.  After apologizing to Gertie and deciding she DID know what she was talking about,  we found the Interstate and were again on our way.  I might add, that little detour took an hour and a half and the quilt shop stops were over for that day!

Being the great navigator that I am (not) we sped right through the tips of Illinois and Indiana without realizing where we were.  Well, we did have a book on tape mystery we were listening to and had really gotten into the story and besides, it was past closing for quilt shops.

The next morning we arrived at our destination in beautiful Kentucky horse country and met our friends.  Our adventure had begun.

Now, check in  for my next blog. I got to attend the AQS's International Quilt Show in Paducah. Yee Haw!  Guess who I got to see!!! Fun, Fun, Fun!

Til next time......keep on quiltin!
Annie B.  

MALE CALL: Quilts made by Men. This is the latest exhibit at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum in Golden, CO. I made the trip recently to see the exhibit and it is magnificent. These quilts are truly works of art. The main attraction for me was friend, Fellow Quilter's, Lone Star. Hung in the perfect spot with perfect lighting, it sparkles as a true crowd pleaser! There are 40 extraordinary quilts hanging, many original patterns created by these guys! The show runs through April 28 and I encourage any of you who can make the trip to be sure to do so. You won't be disappointed.

The project/program for February's QA meeting involved each member.  We all brought 1 or 2 or 3 (whatever we had) 12 inch quilt blocks in red, white and blue.  Block patterns were selected by the individuals.  One of the members generously donated the blocks she had made from the current BOM and her fabrics which were all patriotic.  Some used donated fabric and others used fabric from their stash.
 
After Show and Tell and the BOM pattern (Snail's Trail) the big table was cleared and the blocks were laid out.  Then the process began, balancing light and dark, moving clashing fabric.  Sometimes it was a turn of the block.  Sometimes switching two blocks.  Everyone took part, each voice was heard until finally we had a finished product. This works well because we all can stand or sit around the table and get a different view.  It's what must happen when you are working with a sampler quilt.


We had enough contrast in the fabrics used and the different patterns of the blocks to put the top together without sashing.
There was a large piece of fabric that would work for backing if we added to it.  Some sewed, some pressed and yes, the seam ripper was used only once.  But at the end of the evening we had a 'flimsey' (unquilted quilt top).






Another generous member took the quilt home to quilt before the next meeting. Yet another member volunteered to put on the binding.  So in March we should see the finished product. 
 One of the group had suggested making a quilt for a veteran so this will fill the bill. 



Speaking of March, QA has almost outgrown our meeting place.  So we will be meeting at the Presbyterian Church on March 8 at 6:30 pm.
We will be sewing for the kids so plan to come and bring your machine and tools( we have irons and ironing boards).  If you have a pattern you would like to make and donate to the cause, please come join in.  If you don't have anything special to do, there will be some fabric and fleece to work with.  We collect these quilts and give them to those in need.  Children's Hospital in Omaha, a single mother shelter on the West Slope, an unwed mother's home in Brush and others here locally have been the recipients.  One of the attendees of QA asked about using one for a friend of her daughter's son who has been diagnosed with leukemia. 

I gotta confess that I might not have the correct names of the facilities that have received the quilts but all are given to those in need and greatly appreciated.  

After a fairly mild winter through mid January, (husband was still getting in some golf), winter finally arrived with a very cold snap down to near zero degrees and inches and inches of new snow falling! Out here on the plains our snow usually arrives with big winds which blows it off the fields and into drifts. These drifts manage to accumulate in strategic places in our yard making it impossible to drive in and out so hubby gets the pleasure of getting out the tractor and plowing the yard. A bad blizzard was forecast for this last storm so we were ready! Tractor had new battery and was moved near the door of the shed for easy access, gas containers were filled with gas for the generator to use when the electricity went out, flashlights checked, firewood was brought up to the house for the wood burning stove, bathtub was filled with water (for flushing), the pump runs on electricity, and a pitcher for drinking. We were set! Well, the blizzard didn't happen! We have since used the firewood, got the tractor out for plowing but thankfully did not lose electrical power. Nothing ruins a good sewing day like being stranded indoors having no electricity. I have decided we should be fully prepared more often to avert the worst!!! Ya think?

 
December in NE Colorado is unpredictible to say the least.  I washed the Triple Irish Chain quilt I made for my DD2 for her wedding gift.  I hung it on the clothes line and it dried so nicely with the slight breeze.  She got to see the finished quilt when she was home for Christmas.  (All my children and their spouses and children were here for the Christmas weekend.)  But she left it here, saying that she had no safe place to keep it and they have a 3 month old baby girl so their two bags each were filled.  We even mailed some of their things to them later.
     It's January now and the sun shines, the wind blows, the clouds roll and we need moisture.  I guess this is the mantra for the area.  It's a great time to hole up in the sewing room and forget the wind and cold.
     I put a queen-sized quilt (my DD1's wedding quilt) in my quilting frame the first weekend in January and I spend a good part of my time at the frame, 'poking my fingers'.  I use the Flynn Quilting System which uses only 2 feet x 8 feet of the room.  The quilting area is about six inches so I quilt and unroll and roll.  I hand quilt most of my work so I manage to quilt one large quilt a year.
     My DH and I changed two of my quilt stands so they are adjustable.  The rear set are 10 inches taller that the front set which makes the quilting area slanted.  It's much easier on my back now when I quilt.
     I went through my sewing area and prioritized my WIP's, UFO's and listed the projects I have purchased fabric for.  I hope I can use this to get more projects finished and out of the room.  There's something about a list.
     This week I made the alternating blocks for the BOM I am making along with others in QA.  Each person chooses their colors and their block layout.  So it's always interesting to see the blocks during Show and Tell.  I wanted a larger quilt so the alternating blocks will provide the other blocks.  This BOM started in Sep 10 with each member bringing patterns they would like to try.  We have at least 18 patterns and we are on block 15.


QA met on the second Thursday of January, Jan 12, and learned to make 'snap bags.'  I hope that members will bring their finished bags so I can share them with you.  We shared a new BOM pattern and Show and Tell.  One of the items shown was a table runner using the pattern shared in Oct.  This pattern is easy, fast, and versatile.
   

At our last quilters meeting several members were interested in having a Stack and Whack class.  The owner of our fabric shop graciously agreed to teach a class and one of our members generously offered a meeting place.   Last Saturday eleven of us gathered together, fabric and machines in hand.   

I actually was taught Stack and Whack by Fellow Quilter about a year ago.  At my usual pace, I have all my blocks made but have not yet put them together.  In the meantime I purchased more fabric to make another. What is wrong with this picture???   I decided this was my chance to get with it and get my new fabric cut, new blocks made and hopefully sewn into a quilt. Besides I needed a refresher!  And... I am on Fellow Quilter's July calendar to get them quilted so the pressure is on!!!!

For those of you who have not tried Stack and Whack, it is great fun.  Cutting and pinning is  a bit of a pain--isn't it always, but putting the blocks together is so much fun.   Everyone brought their flowers and butterflies .  My fabric choice is Oxugen by Studio e---- wacky ovals, circles and hard to describe but looked like a fun fabric to work with,.  It definitely is going to be interesting and will have a contemporary look. 

I have completed several blocks and am anxious to continue.  In the meantime I am sewing Valentine orders and having fun with the hearts and flowers.  Nothing like having several projects going at the same time.   Hey, Dizzy Donna, a paper pieced Valentine  pattern.....interested?   L0L!

Hoping to hear from you quilters out there what you are working on.  What happened to all you blog hoppers?   Would love to hear from you.

Til next time.....keep on quiltin'

Annie B.

 

 

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's---all came and went in a flash.   Can it really be 2012?   Remember when the calendar was moving to 2000 and how concerned everyone was that there would be a huge implosion with computers and electronic information. WOW, That was 12 years ago and here we are, still computing away.  I was working at our local hospital in 1999 and on New Year's Eve, all department heads were required to stay at work until after midnight.   I don't know what they though we could do if  everything went kaput, but there we were, bringing in the new millennium in the most boring way possible--at work.   We decided later that the administration did not have any parties to attend so created their own.  Do you suppose??

That was the year Fellow Quilter created the fantastic patten 2000 for 2000.  Yes, it did have 2000 pieces in it and made its way into Keepsake Quilting's catalog .   In a discussion recently, Fellow Quilter mentioned that someone was going through a  family members stash and found that same quilt, only partly finished.   She contacted him to see if there was still a pattern available so she could complete the quilt.  While recently moving  into a new home, FQ found some of these patterns and almost sent them to the trash, but, on second thought, decided to keep a few.   I though that was pretty neat.  You just never know!

After a slow finish to 2011, I have made it back into my sewing room and am working on Valentine quilts.   I have a lot on my list but must remember to take one thing at a time so it doesn't feel overwhelming.

I attended the Quilter's Anonymous meeting last week.   We had a wonderful demonstration of  little snap top bags made using pieces of metal tape measure.  They are quite cute and easy to put together and will make great little gifts.  Isn't it amazing what people think of???  The group is making blocks for a patriotic quilt to give to a military veteran.  It looks like we will have enough blocks for two quilts.  I am patting myself on the back for actually  getting two blocks made a whole month before they were due!  Two potential new members joined us and we are hoping they will want to continue.  The little group is slowly but surely growing.  It is very casual, no hard, fast rules, and everyone seems pleased with just getting together once a month, learning new techniques, seeing what others are doing and just having a good time. 

As for new year's resolutions-----no new ones this year!   In 2011 I did keep my first one, cleaning out a drawer or cupboard every month.  I would have been behind the last couple of months, BUT, I did more than one during a few months so I think that made me even!  That was a resolution I must keep working on again this year.    Making one Christmas project a month---well, that one is still on the back burner.

Spring is around the corner. We have had typical Colorado weather the first of this year--near zero one day and near 60 the next. I think Mother Nature is just  teasing us again.   I was cleaning out a flower bed on one of the warm days and noticed some tulip bulbs sprouting. I sifted more soil on top of their little heads and told them to wait a while!  It's not time yet.

Will finish up Valentines and then get started on some Easter orders.   It always seems there is plenty of time, but, boy, do those holidays roll around quickly.

Hope all of  you are off to a good start this new year and am anxious to have you share some of your projets with us.

Til next time......keep on quiltin'

Annie B. 

WOW!!!   We had 117 of you check out the High Plans Quilting Blog as part of the Quilting Gallery Blog Hop Party.  This was our first experience participating in the Blog Hop so I would consider this to be a great success.  We got a lot of good quilting tips too!

Here are our winners of the drawing for prizes...DizzyDonna wins the Bobbin Rack, Desiree wins the Rotary Cutter and QuitlyJen wins the Omnigrid Foldaway.  Congratulations to our winners and thanks to everyone else who participated.

Hopefully all of you picked up the free pattern while you were on our site.

thanks again and...Keep on Quilting

AnnieB

WOW!   What great blog hop comments and tips.  Thank you, everyone,  so much for participating.  We hope you will continue to check out and enjoy our blog.   We are all bound by our love of quilting, always eager to help out a fellow quilter and excited to hear about the newest project or challenge--whatever the case may be.

I have used the free pattern offered on the blog hop more times than I can count. It is such a quick, easy and very versatile pattern.  The sky is the limit!   It was written by a dear friend of mine especially for highplainsquilting, and is a happy reminder of her whenever I use it. 

I attended the QA meeting last evening.  What a good time we had and I received instructions for the clever nine patch runner shown in Driven Quilters latest blog.  I am anxious to give it a try.

Just a quick blog today to encourage you to "stay tuned" for upcoming blogs.  Love hearing from each and every one of you.

Til next time.............keep on quiltin'
Annie B.