Monday, August 11, 2014

How I spent my Summer vacation.

Hi!  I finished a new quilt, and drove with my brother and parents to Colorado.  Over 3500 miles.  We went to see my niece, her husband and their kids, who happen to be my great-nephew and great-niece, as well as the great grandkids for my parents.  My sister-in-law, her twin, and brother-in-law flew out.  We drove John's Sprinter van, a 10 passenger, out, so we could go on day trips without renting a car, and bring my parents, who didn't want to fly.  We were gone 2 weeks.  It was my first time crossing the Mississippi, as well as going into 6 states I've never been in, for a total of 26 states I've visited.

My first view of the Mississippi River, off Route 80.  

We went to Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs (found a quilt shop there, and bought a book), Dinosaur Ridge, Buffalo Bill Cody's grave and the view into Golden, and did some shopping around Littleton, and painted ceramics at Arts on Fire, while visiting.  We also went to the Colorado Renaissance Faire.  Noah had asked me to make him an Archer costume.  He worked with me to draw and color the design that I sewed, and he loved how it looked. 

 We stayed in the Hampton Inn and Suites in Ken Caryl, and the room I shared with my parents had a wonderful desk.  I had brought my 1957 Singer Featherweight, and had a very comfortable area to work while we were there.  That was a great place to stay!  The staff was wonderful, and we enjoyed the breakfasts, the fruit infused water in the lobby, my first taste of Blue Bonnet ice cream (sold in their Suite Shop), and the great service.  
I was able to finish piecing the pink and orange floral Hole In The Wall quilt blocks.  I need to press them, add sashing, and the borders, and then I'll get that quilt finished and listed.  I pieced the July Aurifil DOM block, and started on the Island Batiks All Star quilt, the new design by Eleanor Burns.  I was very happy with my progress, and the location.  

We enjoyed the views, seeing all the wind turbines, and lots of horses and cows, as well.  I had hoped to see some Quilt Blocks on Barns, but didn't see any.  John did most of the driving, and I gave him a few breaks.  On the way back, we stopped at my dad's brother's house, outside of Cleveland.  My cousin, Ann, surprised us with a quick visit, and we met her daughter, Emily.  I got to sleep under a 1930's vintage Triple Irish Chain quilt top, that was all hand pieced and quilted.




Aunt Joan wanted to take me to visit 2 of her favorite quilt shops, but both happened to be closed.  This area of Old Olmsted, outside of Cleveland, was adorable.  I guess I'll have to visit Aunt Joan and Uncle Bob again, on a day when Abigayle's Quiltery is open.  I did get to see Aunt Joan's quilts, and her fabric stash, too.  It was a fun afternoon, and we had wonderful meals there.  

When I got home, I started quilting this large tossed 9 patch (Quilt In A Day).  I had made the top with Moda fabric, the Spa collection by Deb Strain.  It's such a pretty collection of blue and white, with text, tile and floral prints.  It measures about 76 by 88", and I used 8 bobbins of Auriful Mako 50 weight, in white, just for the quilting.  I used Aurifil 4755, the blue and white variegated, for the top, for quilting.  I did lots of feathers in the borders, and love how it looks.  Warm & White batting, and white premium muslin for the back.  




It's been an exciting few weeks!  Thanks for checking in.  I'm off to finish some table runners.  I'll share when I finish!  See you soon!

PS, Hazel stayed with my son.  They enjoyed the time together, but she missed me, too.  It's good to be home, and back to lots of sewing.