I had the most amazing time in California. Nicole and her charming husband Dennis were such delightful hosts and Nicole showed me fabulous fabric stores. I lost count, but she listed 11 on her blog and that sounds about right. They all had something fun and unique that I had not seen in my area, or it was too good of a score to pass up - like Natural Expressions in Los Gatos that had a wall of fabric for $2 a yard. I pored over those bolts to see how many quilts I could think of that needed backing. I could only think of 3, but to get 3 quilt backs for $36 is unheard of! Some of the other shops were just wonderful too, but I was a good girl and didn't buy from EVERY SINGLE SHOP, I promise!
I didn't remember to get photos at all the shops, but here are a couple of highlights. The photo above was at In Between Stitches in Livermore. I just loved that applique quilt in their classroom.
I fell in love with this adorable quilt made of the Mary Engelbreit fabrics. It's their block of the month that just started in April, so I signed up to do it by mail. I was able to pick up the first block while I was there. I love these ME fabrics, but hadn't thought of anything wonderful to do with them yet. I think this is just the perfect project for them. I can't wait to get started!
We were ever so slightly late (ahem - 2-1/2 hours) getting to San Damiano because of our fabric shop hop the traffic (we just couldn't miss In Between Stitches!!)
We finally arrived at the retreat center and unpacked the car and set up to sew just about the time the dinner bell rang. Nicole cautioned me that the food was pretty bland, but we had delicious fresh tasting salmon with pesto sauce and wild rice and I found it to be very tasty.
After dinner we spent some time sewing, although I think I was the first to crash because my day had started at 3:30 a.m. Tune in again tomorrow and I will tell you about our second day.
I adore that ME BOM! I might have to call and sign up for it! I love hearing about your trip. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to CA!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had a good time with Nicole I knew you would she is a Doll It looks like you got some nice goodies.will be tuned in tomorrow cant wait.
ReplyDeleteHugs Mary.
It was so nice to finally meet you, Lisa!! I hope you can join us at another retreat in the future. Start saving your pennies, if you have any left after all the shop hopping. Nicole can be such a bad influence…
ReplyDeleteLisa, I'm loving following your and Nicole's shopping and quilting fun.
ReplyDeleteYour new BOM is just as cheery as can be . . . what fun it will be as you work on it each month *s*
ReplyDeleteOh goodness Lisa, I love that applique quilt. That might make we want to learn how to do applique. I wonder if I can find someone to give me individual instruction. I can't wait to see tomorrow's pictures. It sounds like you both had a marvelous time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had great fun. That backing fabric find is fantastic. I need a sale like that!
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa, I love that block of the month kit, i want to do it by mail too!! I'm going to call them now!
ReplyDeleteOooh - I love that quilt behind Nicki. I may have to go check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt was so great to get to meet you in person - although I must say I already felt like I knew you from your blog and from Nicki's tales of visiting you last year. I hope we weren't overwhelming on Sunday - there are a lot of us! That is for sure.
I hope you come back to California soon! You and Nicki can hop your way up to my house.
Day Number 1 sounds like a real winner to me! I would love to visit that particular quilt shop. I am loving that ME BOM - I may have to sign up for it, too! The applique quilt you photographed with the lovely and talented Nicole is beautiful, too.
ReplyDelete