Spring Finish

Here's another winter/spring project that I can mark off the list.  I used some miscellaneous modern prints I had collected recently and created this bright Easter Egg colored quilt for daughter #1.  Though it's size is just that of a generous throw, I think she'll enjoy it.  We traveled up to the Chicago burbs to visit her over the Easter weekend so the Easter bunny could deliver this. Maybe just a little better than a Russell Stover's chocolate marshmallow bunny?  

I think the day I photographed this was the last sunny day we've had.  So much rain and wind and many of our Southern Indiana neighbors are feeling the effects of swollen rivers and streams. We have had no damage here, but our thoughts and prayers are with those who have not been as lucky. 

Twin Quilts

I've finally got a project (or projects) completed that I can post here to show you all.  These are a couple of little baby quilts for a sweet couple who we consider almost family and who are expecting twins, a boy and a girl, early this summer.  There was a baby shower  today, so now I can share some photos!  I think they turned out really cute. I used MoMo's Its a Hoot fabrics and a variation of Thimbleblossoms Baby Wild Things pattern.  Hope the little ones enjoy them!

Quilt Festival Recap

Last Friday I experienced my first large quilt show and festival.  It was wonderful!  Thanks to the ladies at Hollyhock Quilt Shop in Corydon, IN who organized the bus tour, approximately eighty-nine ladies and I were able to attend the first International Quilt Festival  held in Cincinnati.  

Here I am, all by myself, in front of the "photo opportunity" at the entrance to the show.  It's obviously made so a group could have their photo taken, but since I couldn't get any of my non-quilting friends to go along, I'm alone.  I did make a few new "quilting" friends and I had a great time, and I'm already looking forward to next year when they hope to sponsor the same trip!  Anyone want to come?

I'm not sure which was more fun, shopping all of the vendor booths or viewing the awesome quilts that were on display.  Some of them were so unique, you didn't even realize you were looking at a quilt instead of a beautiful piece of art.  And in my opinion, any quilt is a piece of art! Some of these were definitely out of my league but so inspiring!  So here's just a few of the photos that I took.  Enjoy!

My apologies to each of the artists as I can't tell you who made each of these to give credit.  I hope I'm not violating some blog protocol here! 

 I believe this was an entry from a Japanese quilter.  There were several from Japan.  All so beautiful and different!

I loved this one!

Another Japanese artist used photo transfer, applique and traditional piecing on this one.  My photos don't do any of these justice!

Best of Show!  How difficult this decision must have been!  There were so many stunning quilts.  But this one is beautiful, and best viewed up close!

 In photography this is called "bokeh".  In quilting, I think it should be called "amazing"!

Fascinating!  Love the water towers!

 There was a special display of quilts by Susan Shie.  These were so fun to look at - it would have taken hours to fully appreciate the work here.  Check out her website for a better look.

 Do you have a thing for yo-yo quilts?  There were several on display that were amazing!

The shopping.  So much fun, but so much to look at.  Here's what came home with me.   It's much more impressive in person and I think I did a pretty good job of restraining myself.  There's a couple patterns, some fabric I needed for binding on a couple quilts I'm working on, charms, a little strawberry pincushion kit, a Supreme Slider (to help my free motion quilting attempts), adorable Japanese print fabrics and a WoolyLady kit for something new to try.  I debated over an accuquilt Go Baby and tried my hand at a couple of long arm quilting machines, HQ16 and APQS Lenni.

 Overall, a very fun day!  If you want your own virtual tour, check out this video!

What a Difference a Year Makes!

What a difference a year makes!  Happy  Birthday to one of the cutest, luckiest, smartest little grandsons a girl could wish for!  We are truly blessed to have three of those - but today is all about this little guy!  Happy Birthday to you, Mr. B !  Love, Grammie and Papa.

We Went West.....

Once upon a time, many, many years ago, two little girls and their parents made a long road trip from the plains of Kansas to the big cities of California.  Along the way, I'm sure many stops were made, but one that one sister remembers and the other barely remembers was Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.    

Fast forward fifty plus years (!) and once again my sister and I made a memorable visit.  Last week, K and my brother-in-law joined us in Las Vegas for a few days.  D had a "work related event" to attend and since K & J had never been to LV, they  met us there for a little vacation.  

 K and I on the observation deck before the tour of the inside of the dam and power plant.  

Lake Mead from the road across the dam.

Looking back to the new Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.  Awesome!

 It was great that we had a car on this visit. We were able to drive out to Red Rocks Canyon Park on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and lots of other folks had the same idea.  But it is a wonderful place to visit and do a little hiking or rock climbing.  We mostly took photographs and hiked a little.  Quite different from the hiking we did up and down the Las Vegas Strip the next couple of days!  

None of us are big on gambling, but we enjoyed shopping and checking out the tourist attractions.  J did manage to accomplish his goal of placing a bet for his future son-in-law.  Sadly that didn't turn out too good, but hopefully he won't hold that against him! 

What would a vacation blog post be without a food picture!  We were amazed by the "baby" three egg (as opposed to the regular sized SIX egg) omelet at the Omelette House where we stopped for a delicious and filling  breakfast on Sunday morning on the way to Red Rocks. 

 For our family, sometimes travel is all about the food!  On Monday we had lunch at Mesa Grill.  Our son J works for the St. Louis division of the same company as his dad so he was in town for the same "event"  and he was able to join us.

Now when we are watching the Food Network, we can say we ate at one of Bobby Flay's famous restaurants!  It was great and worth every penny (ok, dollar!).

Something else that was worth every dollar, was Le Reve which we saw on Sunday evening at the Wynn Hotel and Casino. If you have the opportunity to see just one Las Vegas show, this, in my opinion, would be the one.  I think K and J would agree as we all were very impressed and entertained.

Now we are home again, tired and ready to recoup for the next few weeks.  K and J have their daughter's wedding to prepare for and we have a few short trips and a couple of longer ones in the future.  I'm excited about the Cincinnati International Quilt Festival bus trip coming up this week!   Come back and see how over- whelmed  I am after attending that show!

Thanks for stopping by!