Hearts and Snow

We had a lovely snow fall.

The cats were curious.

 More lovely because of a nice neighbor with a large snow blower.

A red heart turns a Christmas display into a Valentine display.



A little spring in the middle of winter

Got the winter blues?  Well, pick up a copy of Spring 2011 edition of Fons and Porter's Easy Quilts.  Just looking at the bright colors on the cover lifts my spirits.

My little quilt "Hidden Stars" is found on page 46; being published lifts my spirits even more.  The photos were taken at the home of fellow blogger Carolyn of Lee Prairie Designs.  What a charming setting for my little quilt; I LOVE that green doll bed.

I have also turned to working with some spring colors in anticipation of my next show in March.  I brought out some vintage 1930-1940 fabrics.  It is fun to work with pastels for a change.

I am making some stuffed bunnies and little basket blocks that will probably become ornaments, or maybe a little quilt, I don't know yet.

Of course, I had to include a couple cat photos to show what my new kitties do 23.5 hours per day--sleep on top of antique textiles or try to squeeze into a basket that is about two times too small in preparation for a  little nap.

16 lbs--my husband has nick-named him Tiny.

Field Trip

My friend Leslie and I took a road trip just before the new year.  There were no new quilt exhibits for us to visit so we decided to go antiquing instead.  We drove out the PA turnpike to the Morgantown exit and explored along Rt. 23.  The first stop was an antique and collectables (yes, that's what the sign said) store called Treasure Hill.  It was deceptively large and full of all kinds of stuff.  This the kind of place where you have to hunt to find some treasures amid all the clutter.  Sort of fun though.  I picked up some vintage linen dish towels with a pretty green stripe and a small wash board. 

I find it amusing that this is considered a travel size wash board to pack in your suitcase when you go on a trip.  Our next antique stop was a higher-end multi-dealer store called Village Barn Antiques.  It is located in a restored tobacco barn.  The building itself is quite beautiful inside and out, with a great view from the rear parking lot overlooking the rolling farmlands.  There were many beautiful large quilts on display; I settled on the tiniest of doll quilts that was locked away in a display case.  It is only about 5"x8".  So sweet.

We had a delicious lunch at Squire Side restaurant in New Holland.  We decided to celebrate the new weight watchers points plus program by ordering sundaes for dessert.


We made two fabric related stops.  The first was at a store called Obie's Country Store.  If you are claustrophobic, don't go in.  It is jammed from floor to ceiling with fabric and it feels like it will fall down and bury you at any moment.  If you like the fabrics from the 1970's and novelty prints (e.g Eagles football) this is the place for you.  They also have about 10,000 potholders, made from said fabrics, for $1.00 each.

Our last stop was Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, PA.  My family loves the horseradish mustard and salsa that they sell.  I love the pickled beets too.  Zook's fabrics store is there too.  They have current quilting fabrics, arranged by fabrics lines, instead of color.  The prices are about $2 less per yard than around Philadelphia.  They also have a remnant table, where I picked up some repros for $3/yd.

Calendar winners

Thanks to all who commented. The three calendar winners are Sunshine yellow, Katiemaytoo quilts, and Country log cabin quilter. Please email me your addresses at abmommy@comcast.net. Hope you enjoy the calendars all year long!