Bits 'n' Pieces Quilt Show

I had the opportunity to visit the Bits 'n' Pieces Fanfare of Quilts this past weekend.  It was a very nice show.  They said the show featured more than 500 quilts, although it didn't really look any bigger than ours. They did have a large number of very small quilts and hung them in large groupings - far more efficient than pinning them on curtains.  I think we need to consider doing something like this for our show (although I'm sure no one will be too happy about needing to make sleeves for their wall hangings!).

I fell in love with this version of Dinah Jeffries' pattern - it made me want to dig out my blocks and get back to work on them.

I love the oval setting!  The pattern has cutwork blocks in between all of the flower blocks (which are cut square).  It is a bit daunting.  I think the ovals highlight the applique beautifully.

I also really liked this setting for The Raspberry Patch  BOM from a few years ago:

It's really amazing what a slight change in setting fabric can do!  The kits included a yellow fabric with black polka dots where the orange-red is used in this one. This is another project on my list for "one of these days".  I have all the BOM kits stashed away somewhere in the sewing room.

There were two versions of Sue Garmin's "Ladies of the Sea" in the show, both made by the same quilter.  Can you believe it?  I can't imagine completing one, much less two!

Amazing!  I was also excited to see a couple of quilts done from Kim McClean's patterns as well as a gorgeous William Morris-inspired applique quilt. 

I will have to follow the guild's website to see who won the Viewer's Choice - there were a lot of great quilts to choose from!

Belated Look at Lenexa

I didn't get a chance to post about my trip to Lenexa when I returned home, so this update is a bit dated.  The hook-in was very nice and drew a large crowd.

It was nearly impossible to shop in Kris Miller's booth.

Nola's booth was busy, too, but much easier to access.

I totally fell in love with one of Sally Kallin's patterns - the floral one in the back corner below.

In a weak moment (luckily the only one of the day), I ended up buying the pattern.  Here's a closer look - it is gorgeous!

There were lots of great rugs in the show, too.

After the hook-in, I headed over to one of my favorite quilt shops, Prairie Point Quilts.  The shop was hosting a special red and white exhibit.  Red and white fabrics and quilts were everywhere! 

From there I headed to Columbia, MO and visited Appletree Quilting.  The store has expanded and had a great selection of fabrics.  I exercised incredible self-control and managed to leave both quilt shops without buying a single thing.

Fast forwarding to this past weekend (after a very busy week attending a conference in Atlanta and getting almost no sewing or hooking done), I had a chance to spend quite a bit of time in the sewing room.  I didn't do a lot of sewing, really.  I spent most of the time preparing for an upcoming retreat.  I did manage to sew a little bag from a pattern and kit I picked up at Cross Patches a few weeks ago.

 I spent all day Saturday cutting fabric for the pieced blocks in my Stars & Sprigs quilt. It doesn't look like much in this picture, but since all of the prints are only used once, it took a LOT of time.

I also prepared some of the pieces for my Grandmother's Garden quilt.  I don't think I posted the first block when I finished it a few weeks back.  I plan to piece all of the other baskets while at retreat, so that will be left is the applique.

 I am SO ready for the retreat!  I am considering bringing along a third project - my strips from our guild exchange.  I always have such high expectations!  I will definitely have to stay away from the snack table and focus on sewing like a maniac.  Or perhaps I should stay on a constant sugar high?  Hmmm....