Thursday, May 27, 2010

Back from Market and feeling caught up. No way! Market was a blast with lots of new fabrics, books and patterns to look at. We found some new pattern lines that I really liked. We brought most of our patterns home so come on in and take a look. There are some books and patterns that are being shipped so we will have new items arriving daily. The new fabric lines are beautiful. Lots of new batiks, florals, solids, more batiks, baby and kids, stripes, dots........
Lots of Books and Goodies! Hoffman Challenge! Vicki Bellino and Me!
Barbara Jones of Quilt Soup!

Mark, Jen and I really enjoyed doing the market experience together. One night we went to The Mall of America. What a kick! First the three peeps from the sticks had to ride the rail to get there, we passed the Metro Dome where the Vikings play (very important stuff for the grandkids). The mall had a roller coaster, water slides, log run, swings and more. Dinner at Chipotle - love those burrito bowls. Great Old Navy. Jen packed clothes for cold weather and it was warm and muggy there so Old Navy was fun. After a day of schoolhouse and a trip to the mall we were pooped and off to bed. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were Market shopping days and I think we did well. Mark was on a mission to find free stuff and give aways and I must say I have a lot of the new books with autographs!
Metrodome! Entrance to the Mall! Some of the coasters!

We liked Minneapolis. The downtown has been redone since we were there five years ago. We had some great dinners. The best or the most fun was "Hell's Kitchen." A jazz band was playing while we ate which was a real treat. We would definitely recommend this restaurant.
Here a few pictures to enjoy. The best part of Market - the energy level was high with lots of excitement and great people to enjoy.
Some of the City! Hells Kitchen and some of the art work there.
Placed all over the city are these baseball players. They are covered with facts on the Minnesota Twins!

It's always good to be back home but our time home is a bit brief. We are leaving tomorrow for Tahoe - a little golf and Lady Antebellum and Tim McGraw. Yahoo!!!! Monday morning we leave early from there and head to San Luis Obispo to install two Handi Quilters and teach a beginning class. Then back home for a week and off to Graeagle for our first Mystery Quilt away from the shop. We will be home for a week after that and off to Reno to vendor a show at the Grand Sierra. I am so glad our friend Marie stays at our house and takes care of our Ziggy. He absolutely hates seeing the suitcases come out. So do I.

God Bless
Marsha

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Sunshine and Smiles

To Market To Market To Market I go. I have been reading all the blogs and I am so ready to see everyones new fabric and patterns. This year will be especially fun going with my husband and my daughter. What a hoot! I was just whining about getting everything caught up so I could go and then I was thinking about what all the vendors must be doing right now. Finishing quilts, printing patterns, stuffing patterns, shipping, packing, stressing.....My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Pictures of our newest fabric lines!

I have been busy finishing up some big projects. The quilt I made for our June Retreat is done and really awesome. I wish I could show you a picture, but it is a surprise. I did custom quilting using my long-arm and it was such fun. I will show you a picture of two applique projects that I have been working on. I'm going to start quilting the green and gold one tonight. The Basket is only the center of a quilt, much more to go on that one.


Our block of the month which will start in the fall is now under way. We are using batiks and they are beautiful. We are taking signups now. We will be starting in October. I hope to have my sample done by the end of June. The fabric will be arriving in August and we will make the kits. There is no charge for our block of the month but you must purchase your fabric and pattern. We will be offering a discount to those who pick up their fabric first! I will post pictures as the quilt progresses.


I found another happy place to visit. Mark and I have a date most Friday mornings. We go to a bakery in Chico for a most yummy cinnamon roll ( no calories of course), then off to The Plant Barn for a plant buying frenzy. I absolutely love this nursery! They are located on Entler Avenue. Most of my allowance ends up there. You really must visit this happy place. This is the first time I have worked in my garden since we opened the store. I didn't realize how much I miss getting my fingers dirty. It is so fun to create a place full of flowers and plants. I even bought a cute rooster to nestle in the plants.


All the best to you,
Marsha

Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.
Mother Teresa