Long Beach Quilt Show

Well, Jane and I are home after a half day of walking around the Long Beach Quilt Show. 

Unfortunately, the computer guy did something yesterday to my connections here and I can't download pictures.  I'll try to tell all about our day without those, and will add them when (or if) I can get this problem sorted out.  My poor computer guy.  This will be his third trip out.

First stop, Primitive Gatherings.  I did buy a kit -- gasp! -- for a beautiful neutrals full size quilt.  The pattern is Prairie Bride and it was absolutely gorgeous!  The pattern has three sizes on it, so something for everyone.  Trust me, the picture does not do this quilt justice!

Then I went into Sandy Klop's booth and she signed her book Quilts for All Seasons for me.  She's such a sweet lady and her booth is so bright and cheery!

Then I had to rest.  Walking on concrete floors covered with a thin carpet was hard on my back so soon after surgery.  We rested often!  Jane was a trooper about that!

We found a cute pattern by Freckleberry Farms, "Anything Goes."  I don't see it on their website.  The sample they had made up was with Vintage Modern by one of our favorite designers, Camille Roskelley.  To answer questions in advance, no, I didn't get the kit -- but I did get a fat eighth bundle as that is what the pattern called for.  I'll have to hop over to the Fat Quarter Shop tonight and get the inside and outside borders before the line is all sold out!

I always seem to pick up a Crabapple Hill pattern while I'm at Long Beach, and this year was no exception.  I fell in love with the sample hanging of Snowmen A to Zzzzz.  It was really stunning.  Thought it might be a long-term project for my soon-to-be-born great nephew, something to put out at Christmastime.  One of these years.  When I get it done.  Someday.

And FINALLY ........ I had the great pleasure of hugging on Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts!   She had in the booth her book, Skip the Borders, all of her patterns and her new Hex N More ruler.  Her booth helpers were her mom, dad and boyfriend.  I hadn't met her mom and dad before and they are just as delightful as Julie!  I had met her boyfriend at Road to California, and he's even cuter than I remembered!!  Julie introduced me to them by explaining that I was the person who talked her into doing Stash Reports a couple of years ago!  Sheesh.  :)  Anyway, she was a fantastic end to our day and we headed out.  I was getting really stiff so time to call it good.

Oh, I also picked up a pair of applique scissors by Famore Cutlery.  I tested the cut and they're really sharp.  I don't see the particular pair on their website, but they're 5" two tone fine point detail scissors.  They were much more inexpensive than the applique scissors I use, and they'll sharpen them for you for a very nominal charge.  It was interesting that they had both right- and left-hand scissors.  I picked up the left-hands first and was cutting away on sample fabric until I realized I really should be using my right hand.  Did I ever tell you that I'm ambidextrous?  I forget all the time and will find myself using the wrong hand to do something!  I know, you can say it -- I'm weird!  I try to do all quiltings things with my right for consistency.

I really think tonight would be a good one to turn in early.  I felt really good walking and standing, so I think I can call the surgery a success once I build up my stamina.  For sure, there will be sweet dreams of quilts and booths floating in my head!

It was a lot of fun today.  Thank you, Jane, for going with me and walking slowly!!