Tuesday, October 14, 2008
FABRIC & THREAD DREAMS con't
As you can see, I finally loaded up some photos and I LOST an entire blog about the DAR, Arlington, Longaberger etc. I must go....too frustrated to continue at the moment...thank goodness a picture is worth a thousand words....
Monday, October 13, 2008
THREAD AND FABRIC DREAMS COME TRUE con't
I am thinking some quilting terminology and definitions might be in order for our blog, for example the word STASH. I imagine the definition would be something like 'goods or products held in a secret place'....how many times have I "stashed" the fabric in the trunk of the car until my husband goes to bed? How about "FAT QUARTER"? Now that is a loaded phrase, isn't it? Let's see, if I use it in a sentence with context clues if you get the meaning: "If I buy these 4 fat quarters, I will have a yard of fabric needed for the inner border." See, it's simple...fat quarters is a way to get a squarish chunk of fabric, rather than a long skinny 1/4 yard of fabric. So 4
FAT Quarters equals a yard of fabric. Buying fat quartes allows for more variety....
Or the words PIECER and QUILTER; the 1st assembles the cut pieces into a block, then the blocks into a quilt top, whereas the other, creates a design and stitches, either by hand or machine, the pieced top into a final product. Most of us enjoy piecing, but do not own a longarm quilting machine and prefer someone to quilt the piece. I have so much respect for those who quilt huge bedquilts on their own sewing machines....how do they do that???
Many words in quilting carry an "EEHW Factor". We literally gag at the thought of certain processes in quilting, like paper piecing or English piecing...now that draws a big EEHW from many; same with applique with blanket stitching or needle turned, hand quilting, or using templates rather than strip piecing. Many of the older, more skilled quilters have experienced it all and have modern preferences ...one has to admit that the rotary cutter has revolutionized piecing. Whatever your "EEHW factor", one has to admire someone who can do it all with love.
Did I digress or what? I wanted to talk about the fabulous shops that we visited, some in beautifully landscaped countryside and others in shopping malls with a Starbucks around the corner. They all carried different lines and types of fabric, patterns, tools, kits, ideas, fat quarters and pleasing displays designed to make our shopping easier; gifts, discounts, sales, treats, thank you gifts and smiles were provided by these 8 shops. We swarmed these places.....often choosing fabric shopping over food!!! All of us waited in cutting lines and then check out lines for over an hour to give these owners our $$$. For the most part we left with bags full of civil war fabric, reproduction fabric, patriotic fabric, flannel, jelly rolls, charm packs, layer cakes, Kaffe Fassett, Moda, Jo Morton and Jinny Beyer fabric, pattern books, wool, batting, and gobs of fat quarters! What I must say is that this group had Civil War Fabric FEVER. It was a frenzy and at one point, I shared 1 5/8 yards of civil war fabric with 4 fellow quilters. In the very last shop we went to, one of the gals walked up to a line and fabric and said,"Oh my god, I have been looking for this fabric for 6 months!" She could hardly contain herself...that happens to us frequently, we run out of fabric and so begins an odyssey only Ulysses would understand! One of the things that the QBT organizers did was to provide gift certificates for each shop we went to...so just before exiting the bus, they would draw 2 names and these ladies would get gift certificate to the store we were at. I won a gift certificate, so did Debbie. Watch for the picture of a true WINNER!
FAT Quarters equals a yard of fabric. Buying fat quartes allows for more variety....
Or the words PIECER and QUILTER; the 1st assembles the cut pieces into a block, then the blocks into a quilt top, whereas the other, creates a design and stitches, either by hand or machine, the pieced top into a final product. Most of us enjoy piecing, but do not own a longarm quilting machine and prefer someone to quilt the piece. I have so much respect for those who quilt huge bedquilts on their own sewing machines....how do they do that???
Many words in quilting carry an "EEHW Factor". We literally gag at the thought of certain processes in quilting, like paper piecing or English piecing...now that draws a big EEHW from many; same with applique with blanket stitching or needle turned, hand quilting, or using templates rather than strip piecing. Many of the older, more skilled quilters have experienced it all and have modern preferences ...one has to admit that the rotary cutter has revolutionized piecing. Whatever your "EEHW factor", one has to admire someone who can do it all with love.
Did I digress or what? I wanted to talk about the fabulous shops that we visited, some in beautifully landscaped countryside and others in shopping malls with a Starbucks around the corner. They all carried different lines and types of fabric, patterns, tools, kits, ideas, fat quarters and pleasing displays designed to make our shopping easier; gifts, discounts, sales, treats, thank you gifts and smiles were provided by these 8 shops. We swarmed these places.....often choosing fabric shopping over food!!! All of us waited in cutting lines and then check out lines for over an hour to give these owners our $$$. For the most part we left with bags full of civil war fabric, reproduction fabric, patriotic fabric, flannel, jelly rolls, charm packs, layer cakes, Kaffe Fassett, Moda, Jo Morton and Jinny Beyer fabric, pattern books, wool, batting, and gobs of fat quarters! What I must say is that this group had Civil War Fabric FEVER. It was a frenzy and at one point, I shared 1 5/8 yards of civil war fabric with 4 fellow quilters. In the very last shop we went to, one of the gals walked up to a line and fabric and said,"Oh my god, I have been looking for this fabric for 6 months!" She could hardly contain herself...that happens to us frequently, we run out of fabric and so begins an odyssey only Ulysses would understand! One of the things that the QBT organizers did was to provide gift certificates for each shop we went to...so just before exiting the bus, they would draw 2 names and these ladies would get gift certificate to the store we were at. I won a gift certificate, so did Debbie. Watch for the picture of a true WINNER!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
ALL OUR THREAD AND FABRIC DREAMS COME TRUE
So this morning I had the great idea that it would much more interesting to read a blog based on themes or topics rather than a day by day account. DISCLAIMER: these are my thoughts and words; I can only write about what I saw and heard and I apologize in advance if I miscommunicate or misrepresent any information.
So here goes.....we might as well start with the # one topic everyone is talking about the THE ECONOMY!!! I am here to report that we quilters on this trip did our part to strengthen our economy. We, or our subsidiaries, purchased food, gas, fabric, quilting gifts and gadgets, food, gas, fabric, baskets and pottery, food, gas, gift certificates, prizes and treasures, more fabric and plenty of gifts from several gift shops and street vendors for 2000 miles roundtrip. Whether we used cold hard cash, checks, credit cards, piggy banks, or debit cards, in 5 days we contributed a hefty boost to this struggling economy. The exact amount is for us to know, we are too genteel to brag about money, but trust me when I say....it was monumental. We truly lived Thomas Jeffersons' s words inscribed above one of the treasury entrances: "Cultivate peace and commerce with all."
Speaking of Jefferson, a word or two or several about PATRIOTISM. From the moment we got on the bus until the very end, it was all about the red, white and blue: flags, buttons, stickers,
patriotic clothing, songs, games, ribbons, and packages...everyone of them decorated for us. I swear these trip planners would have served us red, white and blue food if they could have! The cool thing about quilters is lots of their red, white and blue was quilted, embroidered, and embellished. Some were putting the final touches on their outfits on the trip out. Several quilters were working on patriotic projects...one project in particular was the 40 x 40 inch wallhanging made in 72 hours (as the legend goes); the gals finished the binding and the label in time to have their picture and the quilt taken with the capitol building as the backdrop. It was all very exciting!!!! We are all hoping that the wallhanging makes to the president!!!!
While the visit to the White House was much anticipated and surrounded by much drama (no purses, no cameras, no phones) and security checks...I got the wand?, and secret service... who did disclose a great place to eat called the Ebbitt Grill. I think that was the only unrushed meal I ate the entire trip! The CAPITOL was less imposing in its rules and regulations...until it was time to go in. We had been photographed on the steps and I think we looked great in our red, white and blue, though sweaty no doubt, we were lined up and ready to roll, when the word came down that the capitol was shut down because a suspicious package was found. We hung around for an hour; I did get to see a street protestor bull horning about Ron Paul for President. The docents from the capitol were all hanging around outside waiting to go back in. When the call came, we lined up with our purses and bags in tow.
Now think about this: what do you have in your purse? We couldn't bring in liquids, food, aerosoles, and I cannot remember what else. We go through the checkpoint and innocent quilters suddenly become dangerous threats to the capitol. The contraband we tried to sneak in: an apple, an orange, some fiber in the form of white powder, a coffee thermos and I don't know what else!!! Good thing my peace earrings were not a problem. We eventually got through and then rushed to our assigned area. I can only speak for my guide, we seemed to get stragglers in our group and she was very distracted by the throngs, frequently had to adjust/correct headphones, and seemed to be following too close to other guides...she did know her artwork, statuary and history about the capitol building. Like Deb said, "I wouldn't want to miss this." I really wish we could have seen the House of Representatives and Senate areas...off limits, tho we did get to go to the crypt. It was originally built for George and Martha Washington to be buried but they flat out refused....postthumously. So now it is used as a library of displays about the capitol building...NO GIFTSHOP...we were truly bummed about that...tho we quickly recovered when we found out we were going to a quilt shop on the way back to the hotel.
So here goes.....we might as well start with the # one topic everyone is talking about the THE ECONOMY!!! I am here to report that we quilters on this trip did our part to strengthen our economy. We, or our subsidiaries, purchased food, gas, fabric, quilting gifts and gadgets, food, gas, fabric, baskets and pottery, food, gas, gift certificates, prizes and treasures, more fabric and plenty of gifts from several gift shops and street vendors for 2000 miles roundtrip. Whether we used cold hard cash, checks, credit cards, piggy banks, or debit cards, in 5 days we contributed a hefty boost to this struggling economy. The exact amount is for us to know, we are too genteel to brag about money, but trust me when I say....it was monumental. We truly lived Thomas Jeffersons' s words inscribed above one of the treasury entrances: "Cultivate peace and commerce with all."
Speaking of Jefferson, a word or two or several about PATRIOTISM. From the moment we got on the bus until the very end, it was all about the red, white and blue: flags, buttons, stickers,
patriotic clothing, songs, games, ribbons, and packages...everyone of them decorated for us. I swear these trip planners would have served us red, white and blue food if they could have! The cool thing about quilters is lots of their red, white and blue was quilted, embroidered, and embellished. Some were putting the final touches on their outfits on the trip out. Several quilters were working on patriotic projects...one project in particular was the 40 x 40 inch wallhanging made in 72 hours (as the legend goes); the gals finished the binding and the label in time to have their picture and the quilt taken with the capitol building as the backdrop. It was all very exciting!!!! We are all hoping that the wallhanging makes to the president!!!!
While the visit to the White House was much anticipated and surrounded by much drama (no purses, no cameras, no phones) and security checks...I got the wand?, and secret service... who did disclose a great place to eat called the Ebbitt Grill. I think that was the only unrushed meal I ate the entire trip! The CAPITOL was less imposing in its rules and regulations...until it was time to go in. We had been photographed on the steps and I think we looked great in our red, white and blue, though sweaty no doubt, we were lined up and ready to roll, when the word came down that the capitol was shut down because a suspicious package was found. We hung around for an hour; I did get to see a street protestor bull horning about Ron Paul for President. The docents from the capitol were all hanging around outside waiting to go back in. When the call came, we lined up with our purses and bags in tow.
Now think about this: what do you have in your purse? We couldn't bring in liquids, food, aerosoles, and I cannot remember what else. We go through the checkpoint and innocent quilters suddenly become dangerous threats to the capitol. The contraband we tried to sneak in: an apple, an orange, some fiber in the form of white powder, a coffee thermos and I don't know what else!!! Good thing my peace earrings were not a problem. We eventually got through and then rushed to our assigned area. I can only speak for my guide, we seemed to get stragglers in our group and she was very distracted by the throngs, frequently had to adjust/correct headphones, and seemed to be following too close to other guides...she did know her artwork, statuary and history about the capitol building. Like Deb said, "I wouldn't want to miss this." I really wish we could have seen the House of Representatives and Senate areas...off limits, tho we did get to go to the crypt. It was originally built for George and Martha Washington to be buried but they flat out refused....postthumously. So now it is used as a library of displays about the capitol building...NO GIFTSHOP...we were truly bummed about that...tho we quickly recovered when we found out we were going to a quilt shop on the way back to the hotel.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
DC QBT Exceeds ALL Expectations!!!!
We just got home about an hour ago! We were all anxious to get home...true, most of us will see one another in a week at guild but it will be kind of sad tomorrow morning and not to get on a bus with all and ride to quilter's heavenly oblivion.
I know we did not keep up with the blog they way we intended to each evening....well, what can we say???? We were shopping!!! We lost all sense of time by Friday and strived only to be running from the bus to the event to quilt shop, cramming in some food along the way. The schedule allowed for free time and the organizers tried their best to keep us on some sort of schedule. Anyway, to say we had a fabulous time is an understatement!
Sunday, I promise to go back and revisit day by day highlights and share some cool, cool photos. Quilters, put your heads on your own pillows tonight and tomorrow....start QUILTING!!!
I know we did not keep up with the blog they way we intended to each evening....well, what can we say???? We were shopping!!! We lost all sense of time by Friday and strived only to be running from the bus to the event to quilt shop, cramming in some food along the way. The schedule allowed for free time and the organizers tried their best to keep us on some sort of schedule. Anyway, to say we had a fabulous time is an understatement!
Sunday, I promise to go back and revisit day by day highlights and share some cool, cool photos. Quilters, put your heads on your own pillows tonight and tomorrow....start QUILTING!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Well, we have had some whirlwind adventure so far ....the bus ride was FOREVER on Tuesday. In spite of numerous activities planned by the QBT planners, including 3 meals delivered to us on site, games, singing, drawings for door prizes, gift certificates, 2 quilt shops on Tuesday and 2 on Wednesday, touring the White House today ...highly over rated and now we are resting comfortably at a great hotel....our hotel last night was a HORROR movie. Deb, Julie and I had a horrendous experience....we will be happy to share this story with you in person...you must see in person the graphic representation; just suffice to say that Julie and I had a tough time sleeping...Deb can sleep through anything.
Debbie speaks:Even though we got up about 3:30 AM yesterday morning, we managed to have the energy to go to 2 quilt shops, spend some money and contribute to the economy, and have fun on our 10 hour bus ride! We went to 2 more shops today as well as our White House tour and great crab cakes for lunch. We are going back to Arlington National Cemetery tomorrow morning at 8:00. We've decided to get some "street" food-aka hot dogs-for lunch so that we'll have some time to go to the WWII and Korean War monuments before we get back on the bus and go to Jinny Byer. Tomorrow night it's bon appétit at The Cracker Barrel and then on to our hotel. We've got more quilt shops on Friday and then we're shopping all the way home through Ohio and Indiana. What a way to go! It's still too early to tell who will win the prize for the most money spent, but Julie's got to be in the running. Having some trouble uploading our daily pics, but perhaps tomorrow night we'll have better luck. Stay tuned for more news and photos of our patriotic bus complete with Japanese red, white, and blue lanterns.
Debbie speaks:Even though we got up about 3:30 AM yesterday morning, we managed to have the energy to go to 2 quilt shops, spend some money and contribute to the economy, and have fun on our 10 hour bus ride! We went to 2 more shops today as well as our White House tour and great crab cakes for lunch. We are going back to Arlington National Cemetery tomorrow morning at 8:00. We've decided to get some "street" food-aka hot dogs-for lunch so that we'll have some time to go to the WWII and Korean War monuments before we get back on the bus and go to Jinny Byer. Tomorrow night it's bon appétit at The Cracker Barrel and then on to our hotel. We've got more quilt shops on Friday and then we're shopping all the way home through Ohio and Indiana. What a way to go! It's still too early to tell who will win the prize for the most money spent, but Julie's got to be in the running. Having some trouble uploading our daily pics, but perhaps tomorrow night we'll have better luck. Stay tuned for more news and photos of our patriotic bus complete with Japanese red, white, and blue lanterns.
Monday, October 6, 2008
It's become an obsession
I have to resist the temptation to just sit here and write about this trip. I keep re-reading the instructions, making sure I did not miss anything, I am doing the final pack right now...I just through the clothes in the suitcase....I am packing and organizing my quilt trip travel bag and my little sewing bag...I am bringing freezer paper to draw patterns, a small mat and my rotary cutter and ruler....some fabric samples of fabric I would like to find more of, some scrapbooking items that I might want to use on my log book..in case I find some wool and yes, Debbie I remembered the wool thread...it should take us most of the trip to figure out how to use that fancy needle threader that I bought us from Sue Spargo..I just fly from kitchen to sewing room, organizing, touching, thinking, rearranging, looking to see if I thought I forgot something...it's nuts...Don says come to bed...oh but 1st I am loading one quilt of mine and the block that is finished correctly. good night and sweet quilt dreams. Look at the end of the blog for my Dresden Plate Quilt. If I make it any smaller, you won't be able to see it.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I'm a piggybacker
So, here I am writing to a blog! Never thought it would be me. Next thing you know, I'll be texting. I'm writing under Chris' sign on, hence the "piggy" reference. I can't wait to go on the trip. I've had trip envy for the past 5 years that we've been in this guild. Every year, Chris and I had to work. Now that I really shouldn't be working, I am, but I'm going anyway. I haven't spend much time out East, so I'm excited to see what it has to offer in terms of quilt shops. Gee, I hope I get to spend some money!!!! It will be so fun to be on a bus--no driving--with so many people with common interests. I hope that some of us will be working on some interesting projects en route. I'm bringing my knitting and hope to be able to get some things done. Can't wait to learn new card games (thanks, Chris), chit chat without interruptions--unless we're getting off the bus to go to a store--and have some treats and laugh, laugh, laugh. Gotta go finish packing and grading!!!!! I've got to sleep fast so that Tuesday will come!
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