Back in 2004, I made lap quits for all of my nieces and nephew on my husband's side. Alex's was called The 5th Dimension.Alex is our daughter's age and he loves anything having to do with science fiction. I chose funky fabrics for this quilt and Stephen drew the machine quilting designs. I used glow in the dark thread. It really was a fun quilt to work on.
Now, Alex loved his quilt! The glow in the dark thread was a huge hit! A couple of years ago, he asked if I would make him another quilt. I was touched! We talked a bit about what he would like and I came up with Alex's pond.
This is Alex's Pond. The pattern is from Atkinson Designs called Cheese & crackers. Of course, my version is modified.I wanted the quilt to reflect what one could find in a pond, which includes penguins! lol I had a great time shopping for theme fabrics to complete the quilts. It actually took me quite some time to accumulate an assortment of fabrics. Back when I was shopping, I had a difficult time finding theme fabrics, now, as Murphy's law would have it, it's everywhere! lol
I have the machine quilting designs all planned out and yes, I will be using glow in the dark threads. I really cannot wait to get to the machine quilting. It will be so much fun! I do have the perfect backing for it and will show you once I've done the machine quilting. It's SO Alex! lol
Speaking of machine quilting, I'm still waiting for my new toy to arrive. I did lose my studio space for quilt photography! Yea, we've moved back into our bedroom! lol
Yesterday, as a birthday present, I took my friend Jennifer on a fabric shop hop in Vermont. I had my camera with me and was ready to give you a tour of the shops but we ran into some problems.
The first shop we headed for was called Maplewood Quilts in Northfield, a 2 (two) hour drive away. We arrived at the shop all excited only to find it was closed for vacation. Hum... So we had lunch in a cute cafe and headed out to our second destination Northland Quilts in South Barre.
I was really looking forward to seeing this shop. As we headed closer and closer, turning into dirt roads, I was getting all excited at the possibilities. No sooner had we pulled into the drive way and out of the car, the owner comes out on the porch (the shop is attached to the house) and yells "I'm closed, I only open on Thursday!". I'm sure she must have seen my New York license plate. So I reply "Oh, I didn't see that on the website. I don't think I'll have a chance to be back again in the area" to which she replied "it's okay, I'm closing anyway". So that was that. Off we went to our third destination Cabin Fever Quilts in Waistfield.
We're driving along on these beautiful winding country roads admiring the view and finally we pulled up to our third shop and what do think? Yep, you guessed it CLOSED! By now it's 3 o'clock in the afternoon and we are in stitches!
Our last 2 (two) shops, which I was pretty certain would be open, was Sew Many Treasures and Yankee Pride. Jennifer did some major damage! Myself, I was good! lol
After much fabric fondling, we headed towards downtown Burlington for some dinner! All and all it was a good day! Vermont is certainly scenic! ;o)
Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy your company! Have a great day everyone!
11 comments:
Great colors on both quilts!
Oh, you lucky girl! To be in Vermont this time of year and into the fall -- it must be just spectacular. I'm green with envy. Sorry to laugh, but hitting all those closed shops is a bit funny! Love your two quilts. Has the glow in the dark thread held up and does it still glow? I used the stuff that turns color in the sun years ago on some towels -- I have no idea if that thread kept it's changing ability. I'd read somewhere that it was kind of limited.
Oh my goodness - you would think the lady going out of business would have offered you some special buys. At least you had good company and enjoyed the scenery. I like your quilts, I have never tried the glow in the dark threads, but not sure I want my quilt glowing at me when I am trying to sleep, LOL.
Bummer about the trip. You would think if the lady was closing that she would have welcomed you in to help her reduce inventory. At least the last two were open!
What a trip! I like your pond, great to have all sorts of animals in it.
Isn't it wonderful to know that your quilts are loved? Glow in the dark thread . . . don't tell the Princess - she'll want something made with it *s*
It sure feels good when you get a quilt request, Alex will love the new quilt.
Too bad about so many shops being closed, that must have been disappointing to drive so far. Being a quilter we will always keep going until we find one that IS open.
What an adventure! If I had been the lady who was closing her shop, I would have welcomed you inside and offered a discount and let you shop to your heart's content. No wonder she's goin out of business.
Here you are waiting for your longarm to arrive and I'm almost ready to see mine be carried out the door.
gosh she was closing shop and didn't want you to come in and help her get rid of inventory? glad you had a good day anyway!!
I am so surprised that the lady going out of business didn't open here door for after you had driven all of that way. Glad that at least 2 of the shops were open.
Can you share some pics of the finished bedroom! How wonderful that it is finished!
The quilt is adorable. What a tough way to spend the day. At least you were with a friend and were able to have fun and finally spend some money.
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