Kept In Stitches

To Stash or NOT To Stash

keptinstitches

June 4, 2014

I’ve been building my stash now for the past 16 years. This last weekend added another 28 yards to the hoard. Yesterday I was trying to figure out where the latest purchases were going to find a home. I cleaned and reorganized for 8 hours yesterday and worked on it another 4 today. I’m in need of an intervention. The room looks better than it did but OMG….I need to slow down. Although some of this last weekends purchases are for current projects. My promise to myself is that I will not buy any fabric(batting and notions excluded) during the month on June. I will keep everyone posted and let’s see if I can do it.

Central California Quilt Shop Hop

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June 3, 2014

The quilting mermaids!

My partner and I spent the weekend on the Central California Quilt Shop Hop…11 quilt stores (plus a few that weren’t on the run), from Ventura to Paso Robles (around 207 miles from Los Angeles), in two days.

Quilt Ventura, Ventura, CA

Roxanne’s A Wish and a Dream, Carpinteria, CA

The Creation Station, Buellton, CA

Me…getting my hair done at the Creation Station

Old Town Quilt Shop, Orcutt, CA

Betty’s Fabrics, Santa Maria, CA

Sew Stitchin’, Grover Beach, CA

Quiltin’ Cousins, Pismo Beach, CA

Betty’s Fabrics, San Luis Obispo, CA

Picking Daisies, San Luis Obispo, CA

The Cotton Ball, Morro Bay, CA

Sew Fun, Atascadero, CA

Quilter’s Cupboard, Atascadero, CA

The Quiltery, Paso Robles, CA

Birch Fabrics/ FabricWorm, Paso Robles, CA

We had an awesome room in Cambria on Saturday night (thanks, Greg!) to rest up and finish the run on Sunday. We had a great time…we talked, listened to good music, and hoarded more fabric. With two of us buying, it doubles our stash!

Fiesta Hermosa

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May 25, 2014

My partner and I spent the afternoon at Fiesta Hermosa, dubbed the “largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California.” We had a great time, but there wasn’t much in the way of arts and crafts there. Just a lot of people watching. We’re off to Ventura tomorrow for a BBQ with mom and dad…and, maybe a stop by superbuzzy, the most awesome quilt store in Ventura. Hope you all have an incredible Memorial Day!

Purse Pincushion

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May 22, 2014

Not too long ago I ran across a pincushion similar to this in a local quilt shop. Fabric distracted me and I did not buy the pattern. I kind of ‘winged it’ and drafted my own pattern for this cute little pincushion. Next time I will be sure to add some interfacing to the handle. I’m pleased with the outcome.

May is almost gone

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May 20, 2014

After work today I’m driving to Ventura for a board meeting with one of the guilds. The meeting doesn’t start until 6pm and that leaves me with a little free time for some shopping. I’m thinking there are approximately 7 quilt shops along the way and it would be just plain ‘rude’ if I did not stop at one of them….okay, stop pressuring me 3 it is.

Quilt Market

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May 19, 2014

Although I was unable to make it to Pittsburgh, because of prior commitments, part of me was there. My friend Frances Newcombe was able to introduce ‘Cherie’ to the quilting World. Her booth looked amazing and I’m so proud of all her hard work and the beautiful fabrics she has designed. I’m making a commitment to go to Fall Market this October. Everyone looked like they were having an incredible time and I’m dying to be a part of the fun next time.

Trying to get caught up

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May 13, 2014

This past week has been crazy busy. My good friend, Frances Newcombe, designer for Art Gallery Fabrics, asked me to sew a couple of items for her booth in Pittsburgh. I’m honored to be included in her sewing posse. Being totally in love with the ‘Cherie’ collection a yes response was too easy. Here’s some pictures of the projects I sent with her. Now it’s time for me to get back to all my projects. Happy stitching…

May 8, 2014

I was thinking I wanted a ‘hand’ project to do while watching tv. Several years ago I purchased some Mountain Mist patterns off of ebay. I really liked this block and it’s called Pine Burr. The block has 89 pieces in it and it took me several hours to complete. Hmmm…..I’m starting to think ‘pillow’ instead of a bed size quilt. I do like how it turned out.

A thought for the day

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May 5, 2014

This just makes sense to me.

60/40 Batting

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May 5, 2014

This past Saturday I ventured out of the house and went to the local arts and crafts store. I was pleasantly surprised to find batting on sale. I have not tried the 60/40 before so I thought I’d give it a go. The weight of the batting feels nice and I’m anxious to see how it works out. So many quilts are camped out waiting to be finished. Queen size package was on sale for $12.49…all three of these guys were less than what I pay for one regularly. Sorry for the poor image quality.