Friendship and Fabric

Yesterday, I had the most lovely visit with my dear friend Kimber....it was a much welcome break to my hectic schedule. I made the trip out to Adel (my childhood stomping ground) to spend some time with her at Ashton House (her 1885 Iowa farmhouse). We had a lovely morning chatting and catching up...and celebrating her recent birthday. We then ventured out to have lunch at a local restaurant...and of course we had to stop at Adel Quilting & Dry Goods Co. - a marvelous quilt shop located just off the town square. This quaint and cozy quilt shop NEVER disappoints...there is always something fresh and new....and of course I didn't have any difficulty finding a plethora of fun items to take home. This time there were several new fabulous fabric collections from Riley Blake Designs (Good Life Cottons and Polka Dot Stitches)....one had just arrived earlier that day! I was also able to find some wool felts I needed, a fun potholder kit, and several fat quarters. Jacque (who owns the shop) was so friendly and accommodating....and made sure to show us all the new items and shop models - she made us feel right at home....and she was kind enough to let me take a few photos for you (of course I had left my camera at home - I know, I usually never leave home without it - so these were taken with my smart phone). If you would like some fun reading, be sure to stop by Jacque's shop blog - she updates it often and it is always interesting!

Now, truth be told, I had no business going into a quilt shop...we all know I have a decent stash...and on Monday a box from heaven arrived on my doorstep from someone VERY special...this box had yards and yards and YARDS of fabric in it - I was awestruck...beautiful fabrics (from a beautiful friend) and I have ideas galore on how to put it to good use...now I just have to make the time. Plus, if that wasn't enough, Kimber gifted me a bag full of vintage bias tape that she had no use for....various colors and widths...yes, an entire bag FULL...along with a yard of adorable fabric. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world - I am so blessed to have friends that support and encourage my creativity!

Not to be left out, Simba decided he wanted to make a blog appearance...so as I was taking photos of my new stash, he did everything in his power to be in each shot....yes, Simba photo bombed me! Here he is letting me know he deserves more attention than my new fabrics....

                           

I leave Friday morning for New York...I will be spending a few days with members of the Buffalo Chapter EGA. I am very excited for this trip...and Stephanie (the hard working event coordinator) has made some wonderful plans to show me some of the area (how totally AWESOME is that?!), including my first trip to Niagara Falls...so you know I will have a bunch to share with you next week. I am also hoping to take in a local EGA exhibit which should be quite spectacular. I will do my best to take lots of photos....