Cross-Country Quilting

I know it's been a long time since my last post but things got a little crazy with new books, patterns, and fabrics being released. I hope you've had a chance to see them all. There's also been a lot of traveling lately that is winding down for a bit now. So, aboard the RV we've been on for two and a half weeks now, I thought I'd let you know how it's been.

I love traveling the country this way. To be able to stay at a scenic campground rather than some hotel chain is wonderful. Iowa has had an unusual summer and, last night, the temp in the Winnebago dropped to 60 making it feel like fall is going to be pretty early this year. Living in the desert, with two seasons at best, I've really enjoyed the weather...even the bouts of torrential rain. I heard that, in some places, 10 inches of rain fell in one night. Of course, we happened to be on a five hour drive back from Columbia, Missouri to Des Moines that night. It made for an adventurous trip, to say the least.

Getting back into quilt shops to teach has also been wonderful. I taught at Common Threads in North Liberty, Iowa and Satin Stitches Sewing and Embroidery in Columbia, Missouri. These are both destination quilt shops and, if you're nearby, you must stop in. We had a trunk show presentation the night before an all-day class in each location. Both groups were great fun and there were lots of laughs and new friendships made. Quilting classes don't have to be the same old thing. That was probably the comment I heard the most; the classes were more like a party than a class. But it made me feel good that they all walked away feeling they had learned so much as well.

We also had a trunk show presentation at The Quilting Connection in Ames, Iowa. This is another great shop that you can't pass by if you're in the area. The Iowa welcome was just as warm there and I hope to have the chance to teach there on another trip. I had a lot of fun with that group, too!

There was also a meeting while here about an exciting new project that I'll let you in on in a couple of weeks. If all goes as planned and if you're at quilt market in Houston, I'm sure you'll hear all about it. Stay tuned.

Today is our last day here and there's a lot to accomplish in a short time. My elderly uncle asked me to come over and help my aunt learn to thread her new sewing machine. How's that for a challenge? :) I also want to go to beautiful St. Patrick's cemetery and plant some fall mums at my parents' gravesite. Those visits are still tough. I wonder if they get any easier? Mom and Dad would have loved having me and the Winnebago camped at their place like we used to.

Time to get packing. Despite a wonderful trip, I miss the grandgirls a LOT! Little chats on the phone here and there don't cut it. I even hear that Lily gave up her pacifier since I've been gone...to the "passy fairy"...in exchange for a little box of presents (my daughter is a genius). So, that's all for now. I'll try to keep up with the blog a little better. In the meantime, be sure to check out the new patterns. There are a couple more coming very soon as well!

Thanks for looking in on me ;-)
Patrick