Shop Hop Adventure--Day Two

Welcome to my sharing of Day 2 of our Shop Hop Adventure. Thanks for looking and leaving comments. It's fun to know who's reading!

But first, I have to tell you about TWO GREAT GIVEAWAYS going on right now! First, my friend Nedra of Cactus-Needle Quilts is having a great blogaversary giveaway--something for each day! Go check it out! She is a very talented lady and great blogger. Also, check out Kim's blog as she is having a giveaway to find a home for her adorable patriotic pillow that she made for the ModaBakeShop! What generous gals! So much fun stuff and so many talented people! I am so glad that I started blogging recently--it has enriched my life!
You might have noticed from Day One's post that we were carrying these cute little folders into the quilt shops. Because each quilt shop gives a kit to make their block, I wanted to have a way to keep them organized. I found these cute little file folders at Michael's in a package for $1.00 and really wanted to use them because they were just fun and cute. FYI--next time, I will probably use a soft vinyl binder as mine became overly full by the last day! Notice the cute little quilt stickers that I used to spell out our names.

Inside was a note pad and pencil/pen, etc. for writing down things that we were looking for or that we wanted to remember.


Since we were hopping to a total of 19 shops, I made a title sheet for each shop and put 2 of them back to back in a plastic sheet protector. This was a great place to put the block kit and to put any notes, etc. that went with that particular shop. It worked out great.

I also got these fun little clips in packages for $1.00 so included them to clip anything that might come up. Very useful!

Now, for the adventures of Day Two. Most larger towns/small cities have areas that are "not the best." Well, the address for this quilt shop was in one of those areas in Tacoma. When we finally found the shop, this is what we saw. Nothing charming around....in fact, it was the opposite. You weren't sure if you should go inside or not! It looks kinda cute from this picture!

But, alas, we were of brave heart because we had each other. Kristina was with us, so we definitely had the power of 4 generations! This is their block.

The most amazing thing about this shop was the LAYERS of fabric. Lots and lots and lots....and the prices were not bad. My daughter bought a piece of Lecien fabric here. They had quite a good selection but not any of the Flower Sugar that I was looking for. Here's just one glimpse...

and another peak! Evidently they rent out time on this long arm. I talked with one lady who had brought her husband in to show him the machine she had quilted on the other day. She was so excited! The owner of this shop is a character. She is so sweet. Apparently she is quite a savvy buyer and when she finds a good deal on fabric, she passes it on to her customers! Other hoppers who had never been there were walking around as amazed as we were! Later I'll show you some of what I bought there.

Fun purse patterns!

This one below is so cute. My mom was taken with it and bought the pattern!

There were not many quilts on display at this shop--here are two of them!

Good-bye Trains, Fabric, etc. and on to Evergreen Quilting--just a few streets over!

Here is this shop's block. Very cute with the State shape and the Evergreen tree!

The next four quilts were designed by a lady using the blocks that she had received at previous years' shop hops. Very creative!

I particularly like the colors of this one!

This Americana raggy quilt was one of my mom's favorites. It was a very timely display and oh, so inspiring!

This was a very cute man-ish quilt! I love the ties!

Asian inspired beauty!

I love this pattern with trees. Actually, I love things with trees on them--I guess because we live in the evergreen state! My mom bought this pattern--I just may have to use it!

It's now good-bye to Evergreen Quilting and off to the Quilt Barn in Puyallup. We had never been to this quilting shop before and it was a real treat. Lots of fabric, lots of patterns and ideas! Come on in and I'll show you some of my favorites!

The Quilt Barn's Shop Hop block!

I loved this beautiful quilt!

and this really fun one for a ladybug or daisy lover!

This pattern is so sweet. It is a jelly-roll friendly quilt pattern called "Jelly Roll Jive." I did buy this pattern. By turning the blocks a different way, you achieve an entirely different look. I'll show you the pattern front/back when I do my share and tell of what I bought!

And this beautiful "Glace" quilt. I love this one, too! I did buy a lot of this fabric, but not this kit. I am not sure yet what I am going to do with it yet. Lots of possibilities!

This is a fun quilt made with the new Sherri Berry Christmas line! Love the colors!

And here's some grandmother's flower garden love--oooohhh!

Another thing that I really liked about this quilt shop was that they had two sofas in the area where most of their patterns and books were and this was great to be able to sit down and browse through books to see if it was what you wanted. Nice touch!

Good-bye Quilt Barn and we will take our tired selves to the last shop for today. "The Creative Quilter" in Graham, WA.

The Creative Quilter's Shop Hop Block--love the flower!

Some pretty applique!

I love this one, too! Can't get the picture larger....sorry!

This is a beautiful table topper for fall!

The next two are samples of what someone has done with these adorable panels that are available!

Some "Prairie Paisley" Love. I love these fabrics!

And now, for the final feature of this day--a beautiful baby/little girl quilt! Although it is one that you would probably never use! These little dresses are hand made and sewn on the quilt!

Up close with one of the dresses! Amazing detail!

These beautiful "Kreations by Karen" are available in many styles and as kits! I don't know that I would put it on a quilt but it would be precious in a frame or as a small wall hanging!

Now that I am thoroughly exhausted for the day, we are heading to get some dinner and then go home to put our feet up or our heads down on our pillows, whichever comes first! More pictures tomorrow!

Dotti

Shop Hop Journey--Day One!!!!

School is out for the summer and it is time for some summer fun with quilting and time with family and frirends. What a great way to begin this special time of the year than with a quilt shop hop. O.K. A few things I have to tell you first.....I live in Western Washington, specifically on the Kitsap Peninsula. The shop hop for our area stretches basically the length of the I-5 corridor from Canada to Oregon. There are nearly 60 shops included and it lasts for 5 days. My mom and I have been wanting to go for a few years but 3 years ago I was very sick right when school was out, 2 years ago my mom broke her hip just before school was out and last year, well, we went to about 5 shops. We decided that this year with my daughter, Becca and my granddaughter, Kristina in the area that we would participate for 4 days as a 4 generational group. It was such an awesome amount of fun in so many ways and I totally exhausted my energy--that's why it has taken me some time to get this blog together. Thank you for being patient while I was missing....but in lots of action!!!

Our shop hop is divided into 4 posts--one for each day. My mom is 82 and I did not want to overdo it for her so we went to between 4-6 shops each day. Our total number of shops was 19. Each person who gets their "passport" stamped at at least 16 shops is entered into a grand prize drawing--we qualified, so let's see who gets lucky!

At each shop that you visit you receive a block created by that shop to go with the theme of the shop hop. Lots of creativity represented here. This year the theme was "Celebrating Washington's Wildflowers." We received 19 of the blocks on the poster below. We will design our own style of quilt.

As we started this first day, Krisitina, my 8 year old granddaughter, stayed home to play outside with friends...imagine that! My mom, Becca and I went first to the quilt shop in Kingston. The quilt shop is located right close to the ferry docks in beautiful downtown Kingston. This ferry was just leaving for the Seattle side of the water as we came into the parking lot. What a lovely sight!
One thing that I enjoy about quilt shops is their unique charm. This near waterfront shop is charming to walk up to. I love the light above the door, the wood sign and the way the tree softens the picture.

As I was standing taking this picture, I looked to the right and there was another ferry coming in to dock. That is how close the shop is to the ferry terminal and dock. So Fun!

The sign above and this beautiful hanging welcome visitors at the entrance to the shop.

And inside to greet us was this smiling face (Cindy) and many others. Don't just the friendliest people work at quilt shops!

This is the Kingston Quilt Shop's Quilt Square. Of course, they don't make up the squares for us, we are given the pattern and a kit to make it.

I love the tones and wandering paths of this quilt!

Another beautiful quilt on display. Depending on how you look at this quilt, something different catches your eye each time!

Good-bye to Kingston and back to Poulsbo, Wa to Heirloom Quilts. This shop is located right across the parking lot also from the water. From this shop you walk across a parking lot to a lovely green park and a beautiful marina. If you are lucky to find one of our very sunny days, you can relax and enjoy the fresh breeze off the bay! Nothin better than that!

What do you think....are they ready for us quilt shop hoppers?! We look very serious about this with our folders to keep our squares organized!

I felt bad for my mom....she had been to the eye dr. before we went and had had her eyes dilated. The bright sun was a killer on them but I think she looks fancy in her "hollywood" glasses!

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this cute sign by the quilt display! Very true!

I love the colors and fabric on this quilt! Very garden like!

I also loved this beautiful pink, creme and brown quilt. My photography is not the greatest when it comes to getting the camera up high enough and still holding it still. I apologize for that!

I can't remember the name of this quilt but the dimensional effect of this quilt is very interesting!

It's now good-bye to Poulsbo and on to Silverdale to Material Girls! They are right in town so not alot of the outside charm but wait until you get inside!

Inside to greet and help us are Teri and Sara....and many others who are not pictured!

This is the material girl's shop hop block. Isn't it sweet!

I loved this lovely fall hanging to inspire me to actually create something for fall...before fall!

More applique fun!

Look at these rainbow dresdens! How different and beautiful!

I also love this beautiful civil war quilt!

Quilting beauty to please just about anyone!

We now have to say good-by to Material Girls. There is so much more I could not show you--I had to spend some money and ran out of time to take more pictures. So far, I have spent money in every single shop. Actually, that is no surprise to me!

This is Rochelle's--a quilt shop in our own town. Rochelle is very creative! These pix are not the best, sorry!

Becca loved the colors of this quilt made from a panel. She had a fit when I told her I have it in my stash.

Rochelle designed this small quilt from the square she designed for shop hop. She always makes something that people can make from the square and the shop hop fabric even if they can't make it to many shops. It is a very sweet design!

Good-bye to Rochelle's....our feet our definitely getting tired but we are on to one more shop for today! Harbor Quilts in picturesque Gig Harbor, another charming waterfront town.

This next photo shows a view down to the water from inside the quilt shop! The ladies inside this quilt shop are once again, some of the nicest in the world!

This is such a fun quilt made from some bright and fun fabric. They were out of the pattern but I am going to have to go back for it.

This is the very lovely shop hop block designed by Harbor Quilts.

I love the style and colors of this fun quilt. Very nice sample to share with customers and continue to inspire us.

Good-bye Harbor Quilts and off we go---home to put our feet up. Actually, by the time we got home it was after 9 and we nearly went straight to bed. Such a fun first day on our shop hop journey! Can't wait to show you more tomorrow!

Dotti

Surprise...It's Here!

Surprise....IT'S HERE!

My granddaughter, Kristina, is excited to be holding the Triple Irish Chain quilt that I won from Sheri Howard's giveaway.

When the package arrived I was so excited to open it. Look how pretty it looks all wrapped up in a soft red bow and ready to be loved. Sheri is such a sweetie!

I feel so blessed to have won this giveaway. It is such a fun project that Sheri made for the Moda Bake Shop. Her choice of fabric is very fitting for the quilt and just makes me smile! Thank you, Sheri!

I am thrilled at the prospect of creating and sharing many beauties this summer. Today was the last day of school with children but tomorrow I am still "working" to finish cleaning up my classroom! After that, I am off to a summer of relaxation and creativity! I'll have lots to share!

Warmly,

Dotti

Pretty Pink and Incredibly Blessed

Sometimes a very stressful day can end up with a special moment to make everything just a bit easier to deal with. Yesterday I was beginning to feel terrible--thought at first that it was allergies but came to realize that it was more like a virus. Not good when you are trying to finish report cards and work with first graders who are done with learning and ready for summer vacation. All of these together were making the day very stressful so I checked my blogs looking for a bit of "sunshine" from my creative friends. That is where I found that I had won a giveaway on Sheri's blog. I simply could not believe it and I was so very excited. I absolutely love, love, love her triple irish chain baby quilt that she made for the moda bake shop. I was so excited that I had won it. In this state, I stopped to check my mailbox--and I found some more "sunshine." A while back Sheri did a post about "pay it forward" and said that everyone who commented on her post that day would receive a small "gift." Look what was in my mailbox today--from Sheri! (yes, the same Sheri with the triple irish chain quilt)...can you believe it?

She also made cards like this for the moda bake shop. What an absolutely creative woman she is! And she brightened my day in more than one way yesterday!

Are these cards just the most adorable!?!

Oh, did I mention that I LOVE PINK?!!

This one is so sweet....my initial graces the front.....what a lovely touch!

Now you are probably thinking what I am thinking--with all of that goodness in one day, I need to make sure I am doing some "pay it forward" in a big way. Hmmmmmmmm....I'm wondering and I have a few ideas simmering.....just in time for summer!

Yes, Sheri, I will PAY IT FORWARD!!!! Thanks for brightening my difficult day!

Dotti