Oh, gracious, did I ever have a fantastic week! I travelled to Spokane, Washington to meet up with my dear friend Thelma of Cupcakes 'n' Daisies, and to take classes at the incomparable Buggy Barn Quilt Shop! Later in the week, our pal Lisa from Stashmaster joined us, and I cannot even begin to describe the laughter and fun we shared.
I am pooped today, having just gotten home, but will share a few pictures of the eastern Washington landscape in the Spokane area. We were pretty much out in the middle of a million miles of wheat fields, amber waves of grain and all that, but man, was it ever beautiful. Made me proud to be an Amurican. Lovely people, and some of the most gorgeous quilts I have ever seen. And we are going to be making some of them, oh yes we are.
The shop itself is no bigger than a minute, but crammed to the gills with quilts of every description.
Seriously, this shop is out in the middle of nothing but wheat as far as the eye could see.
I will devote this week to telling you about our trip, our classes, the shopping we did and more. For now, here is a little teaser--a picture of one of our class projects:
Victory Star, designed by Paula Barnes of Red Crinoline Quilts (formerly Bonnie Blue Quilts).
Oh what fun Nicole!! What could be better than Quilting and Friends! and a break from regular routine too. (not that Grand babies aren't right up there too)
I'm glad to see you had a great time!
Posted by: Wendy | August 27, 2012 at 05:12 AM
Sounds like you had a good time - just what you needed to recharge your batteries for the busy months ahead.
What a lovely quilt! Looking forward to seeing and reading more about your adventures.
Posted by: CarlaHR | August 27, 2012 at 05:34 AM
I'm delighted to hear you're back home safely after such a wildly wonderful week with dear friends!!
Your surroundings were lovely, but I have to ask where there mountains are?? I thought, apparently mistakenly, that all of Washington state was covered with glorious tree-covered mountains. Live and learn!
The class quilt in the photo is just beautiful! My favorite block even after all of these years is still Evening Star.
I cannot wait to hear all about your week, The Buggy Barn, your classes, Thelma and Lisa, and all you three got up to.
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | August 27, 2012 at 05:58 AM
Welcome back. Looking forward to all the new quilt projects you plan to undertake. Did you see the sewing machine "cozy" (remember tea pot cozies?) or cover on Thelma's website? Thus far I have made seven cozies for friends and myself using the basic instructions with some modifications in the August 2012 issue of Better Homes and Gardens American Patchwork and Quilting. I appliqued flip flops on a cover for a grand daughter. The cozies will keep dust off your machine and brighten up your sewing room.
Posted by: Mother Goose | August 27, 2012 at 07:39 AM
I missed you. Welcome home.
Posted by: Nancy, Near Philadelphia | August 27, 2012 at 07:40 AM
FUN! The sashing is amazing on that beautiful quilt! I look forward to hearing all about your time away!
Posted by: LoriD | August 27, 2012 at 07:45 AM
Wow! That sure looks like a great getaway!! And, surrounded by good friends, makes it even better! Welcome home!
Posted by: Jan | August 27, 2012 at 08:09 AM
Welcome home from your wonderful trip ! I just love Washington state. Looking forward to seeing more pictures & hearing more about your trip !
Posted by: Sue Babich | August 27, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Oh, I am so glad you had a great time. So envious!!!!! I sorta had a feeling you and Thelma were somewhere together. I was reading the blogs again this weekend. Hmmmmm, Thelma is gone. Hmmmmm, Nicole is gone.......... Doesn't take Nancy Drew to figure that one out!!!!! Can't wait to see the pictures. Good for you for treating yourself to some fun.
Posted by: Jean | August 27, 2012 at 10:12 AM
I have been to the Buggy Barn once, but I remember in detail what a wonderful shop it is. It's tiny but packed with wonderful fabric, patterns, and quilts - all the way up to the ceiling! And it's in the middle of almost nowhere. Glad you were able to enjoy it. I hope to return to visit it again some day.
Posted by: Linda K Smith | August 27, 2012 at 10:56 AM
What a great vacation! I have always wanted to go over to Buggy Barn. I can't wait to see more photos of your class AND CLASSMATES!
Posted by: Sinta | August 27, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Hi Nicole,
It sounds like you had a great week off. Buggy Barn is on my bucket list. Someday ! I can't wait to see all your new projects. The first one is fabulous. Have a good week.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | August 27, 2012 at 12:05 PM
I'm so happy to hear you gals had a great time! Isn't it just amazing how it's in the middle of nowhere?! I missed meeting you and Thelma, and seeing Lisa once more - hopefully you'll come back again!
Cheers!
Posted by: Candace | August 27, 2012 at 03:56 PM
Oh my goodness - this sounds wonderful! What a fun vacation! Can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Bari Jo | August 27, 2012 at 05:14 PM