Peony Block, Iowa Quilt Museum, Unpacking

I'm sharing my SVBAQ block for the mid month link up.

Please visit the blog HERE and Facebook page HERE to see many amazing blocks in all kinds of sizes and fabrics.

You can still join us - we have several months to go - lots of sharing on inspiration.


Peonies are one of my favorite flowers. I am planning a large bed of them in the new garden beds this spring. They take a while to establish - but are worth the wait.

We took a break from the unpacking and made a road trip to Iowa. It was short notice and I didn't coordinate any meet ups this time. Next time - for sure.
Along the way we stopped at Reproductions Fabrics.

This is the image that graces the door.

Once inside the shop it is just as you might imagine - walls of reproductions fabrics arranged by era.

I made it just before closing and they were very generous accommodating my timing and stayed a little late to cut fabric. THANK YOU!
I had a specific project in mind and of course found just what I needed - and more!

We stayed a couple nights in Des Moines - and made some short road trips from there.
A fresh snow made revisiting old favorites special, as we hadn't seen them dusted in snow.

Do you know about the bridges of Madison County? HERE.

Worth the drive!




Of course we had to visit the Iowa Quilt Museum.

The current exhibit offered a wonderful assortment of star themed quilts.  We enjoyed each and were unable to vote for a favorite - they were all too wonderful to select just one.

This display case featured additional quilts.

Wonderful hand work on this multi generation quilt

On the home front - I am still getting organized from unpacking. I feel so fortunate!
Doniene and I shared some fabric a while back and look what she surprised me with - Just like it was made for the space. I have since added a Christmas pillow, rolled quilt and Santa to this space right inside the front door. She quilted it, and does beautiful work!  Thank you friend!!

I also have the guest rooms settled in, enough so that the kids have stayed over a few nights.

Window coverings are still TBD so I won't show you my temporary paper window covers.

This little arrangement in one of the three guest rooms.

This is an extra night stand with a little glass door cabinet on top.

I filled the little cabinet with folded doll quilts. I am finding it hard to hammer 

the first nails in the walls. 

For now, I think they are cute folded under glass.

Happy December - I hope you are finding some time to relax and stitch.

Dawn 

Happy Thanksgiving

Still some shelving to assemble

The move went well - Thank you Allied Van Lines for a great crew!

Unpacking and assembling is well underway. The important things are done - we can comfortably eat and sleep in our new home.

The kitchen was priority one, as we are hosting a feast!  I even tested the new ovens and everything seems to be in order.

All of the unpacking has stopped for now.

It's time to give thanks and enjoy the holiday.

One wall of the sewing room is showing progress

We have so much to be thankful for.

It is important to focus on the things that really matter.

There is plenty of time to get to the boxes...

Take care and enjoy your week!

Giving Thanks....

Dawn

Good Bye Colorado

Backyard Sunset - Colorado

For the past four years we have called Colorado home.  We  enjoyed the beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and the fairly mild weather at 6,000 feet.

But all good things do come to an end.
Mr. Collector accepted a job transfer in September and I've been the trailing spouse working on the move.

Since September life has felt like camping.  We had stagers, appraisers, inspectors, Realtors and the prospective buyers traipsing through our home on a daily basis.

We bought a wonderful new home in Minneapolis in October and sold the Colorado house.

Fast forward to today - the packers have started.
We are usually a three day pack and two day load.  It's a 51 foot semi trailer in front of the house that will drive the household to Minnesota.


This is somewhere around move number 8 for us.  We have had good and very bad experiences with movers. Our worst was the theft of the majority of our household goods from the trailer while it was in transit.  Fortunately we have always been good 'documenters'. We had a full household inventory including photos. The claim was still a lot of work and we don't want to ever go through that again. We are hoping for a better experience this time!

Wish us luck, my next post should be from the new house later in November!
I hope to share photos of my new studio and quilt storage space.
Happy Stitching,
Dawn
PS
I may have spotty internet access for a few days, so I may not be able to respond to comments right away....

Pine Tree Quilters

Radical Rose - Pattern in our Etsy Shop

I recently had the pleasure of presenting one of my trunk shows, lecture and back basting appliqué class to the Pine Tree Quilters in Wausau, Wisconsin.

What a wonderful group of quilters!

I was so "in the moment", I didn't take many photos.  Next time...

Tuesday night was the lecture and trunk show, Wednesday morning was the workshop.

I enjoyed my drive, the fall colors were beautiful, 

possibly at their peak.

I passed roads with names like, "Dutch Corners".  

It was relaxing, as I allowed myself plenty of time to 

stop and enjoy the scenery.

I am so grateful for opportunities like this.

Workshop Project from Noah and Matilda

At the appliqué workshop I had 20 enthusiastic students.

Again, I apologize for the lack photos, they were such a fun group!

The guild provided a lovely brunch for participants, maybe we were too 

busy eating and stitching.

Joan finished her project, adding a border of her choice.

You can also read more about the visit HERE.

Thank you Pine Tree Quilt Guild for your hospitality and enthusiasm!

I would love to visit your guild or quilt group.

Inquiries Welcome.

Happy Stitching,

Dawn

Visit our pattern shop HERE.
Digital Patterns HERE.

Coming and Going

I have not been very active blogging lately. I have been busy on the quilt front!

The "Illuminated Stars" are back from their trip to Maine.
See more about the special exhibit HERE.

They did a great job on the exhibit - I hope we get to see more like it.

The Red and White quilts will be home from the Iowa Quilt Museum in September.
See more about the exhibit HERE.
I hope to visit their next exhibit with a star theme.


email me if you are interested in meeting there in early November.  I'm thinking of adding on Kalona as well.  It has been years since I visited Kalona - long over due.


For more information on the Iowa Quilt Museum click HERE.

In September I will be in Arizona for the American Quilt Study Group annual seminar.  I am looking forward to the study centers, tours, shopping and countless other quilt study opportunities.
I am bringing quilts for the bed turning event opening night.
There are several "turning stations" - I am one of the moderators for the Pennsylvania Quilts station. I will get a break to see the pre-1850 and doll/crib quilt stations. Thank you to all who volunteer at these events! There are other stations, but those are my priorities. If you are going, please stop by and say hello.

This year at seminar is the exhibit for the basket study.  I will have a quilt on exhibit there as well. Part of the guidelines prohibit me from showing it to you yet. There will be 50 quilts hanging in this exhibit.
I hope to see you there.

Also this fall, I have several upcoming trips to Minnesota and Wisconsin.
I am honored to be speaking and teaching at The Pine Tree Quilters Guild October 11/12.

Contact me if you are interested in a trunk show, lecture or class for your guild, small group or individual lessons.

In between all the fun we have new patterns coming up!

I hope to see you soon,
Happy Stitching,
Dawn