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....