October 2021 Monthly Quilt Update

 

Another month has come to an end.  Do you know what that means?  It means October begins tomorrow and October is the bestest month of the year.  The world is changing around us -- yes, I mean nature and not the craziness of people -- and we need to stop and embrace it.  It's a wonderful time to be part of this beautiful world ---- I AM going to enjoy each and every moment outside and bring the joy into my heart.  Coming along?

If you are new to the blog, you may be asking, "just what is a monthly update?"  I decided long ago that I just can't keep up with blogging daily.  I just can't.  Sooooo, what happens is I document a day in my life within one post and if something special happens, a separate post takes place.  See, you can stay caught up with a once a month check and then, if you're interested, see the other posts too.  It's a great system for me.

In years past, I have set goals for each month and I will continue to do that simply to keep myself on track.  I AM still in an ongoing UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an continuing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balances change each month (hopefully) and will always show up at the bottom of the update if you read that far - and they are joined by links to the previous monthly updates for the year.

Now, grab a cuppa and sit back for a fun read and perhaps a new idea or two.   (P.S. I format on a computer, so if you are reading on a phone, well sometimes the pictures will be before or after the story.  It is what it is.)

Not Your Mama's Quilt Shop Spotlight - Plano, TX

 An opportunity to meet up with a treasured friend put me at Not Your Mama's Quilt Store and since I haven't been to the new store before, I thought I'd bring all y'all along with me.

We are greeted instantly upon our entry (which I LOVE) and after asking about taking pictures, Christina gives the go ahead and I'm soon clicking away.  There are the greatest displays all over the shop and my eyes are darting instantly.

Lone Star Quiltworks Spotlight - Bryan, TX

 I honestly think I saved the BEST for last on this trip.  I won't make it to the other ones further north before 5 so this is it.  And THIS is so it!!!  Lone Star Quiltworks in College Station has got it going on.  It is pure heaven in this shop and my eyes are on sugar overload with all the wonderful candy available.  Looking left as I enter is the least filled area of the store.  Seriously, just hold on for a minute while I share.  Next, I looked right ---- do you see that display of neutrals.  They are divine and so many that I haven't seen before.  If I hadn't just filled up my neutrals again, well . . .  I did get information on their online store so I'm sure some will still find their way to me.

Creative Threads Spotlight - Sealy, TX

 We are in Sealy, TX and just finished lunch so I decide to walk around the downtown area and see if I can find Creative Threads Quilt Shop.  I'm successful and the shop has just opened.

Teo's Treasures Spotlight - Dickinson, TX

 It's an adventure day and that means if a quilt shop comes across on the GPS, we'll stop if possible.  Our destination is Dickinson, TX, and there just happens to be store ready to be explored.  Teo's Treasures is in a strip mall and the outside gives absolutely no inkling of the sheer delight inside.  WOW!  Come along and enjoy with me.  This shop is owned by Sheryl Hayslip-Bahena and she has done wonders with it.  Not only is it bustling with customers, but they are also having a fantastic sale.  I wish I wasn't traveling or I'd load up for sure.

The burst of color that greats you as you walk in is amazing all by itself.  I even spot some Bonnie Hunter Coupon Books on a shelf near the check-out booth.  I'm just going to go through the shop and let you see how crazy beautiful it is in here and the amount you can choose from.

Quilter's Quarters Spotlight - Conroe, TX

Stop number 2 for today is at Quilter's Quarters in Conroe, TX.  It's my first time in Conroe and, therefore, a quilt shop is a must visit.  As I walk into the shop, I love it instantly.  There is so much going on here and so many new ideas for me.  I have left Mister in the car searching for a nearby spot on his list so I am all alone and have a chance to visit.

Fabric Carousel Spotlight - Huntsville, TX

 The last time I visited Huntsville was for a shop hop hosted by this quilt shop and it was closed for the occasion so I've never actually explored their home.  Welcome to Fabric Carousel and if you're interested in the previous trip (with side trips and all) here is the LINK from 2019.  Now, onto to today's adventure.  From the moment I walk in the door, it's bustling activity with shoppers in all aisles and me trying to take photos as an area empties.  As I pass the cutting table, THIS beautiful fat quarter display grabs me.  I need a few fat quarters for next month's retreat and this will give me a chance to get started.

Plano Quilt Show 2021

 As luck would have it, I was out running a long list of errands when I realized that a quilt show was less than 10 minutes away.  Putting the last 3 errands on hold for an hour, off I went.  The Plano Quilt Show is the first one I've been to since Festival in 2019.  Wow!  I am all on my own and without being tempted by vendors, I have a whole hour to wander the show and drool.  Come along and see the things that interested me AND also those who were submitted by friends whose names I spotted.

Upon entering, there was an exhibition that contained three items from Janet Plotkin.  I always love her take on things.  It is ALWAYS worth it to enlarge these photos and get the full effect.  For this last one, each quilter was given an abstract outline of a face and asked to make the project in the style of Pablo Picasso.  Phenomenal job, Janet.

Turning Over a New Leaf Brazos Retreat

 Our October retreat is always the first weekend and I look forward to it each time.  Fall is in the air, things have cooled down a bit and even though we have rain expected this weekend, it's okay.  Bring on the fun.  I am up and moving bright and early today with an arrival at the center by 7 and hit the ground running to get everything set up and ready by 10.  It all goes amazingly and with so much help from Frieda, I even have the nametags finished and ready on time.  Whew.  This is setting me up for a successful weekend -- I hope.  The list is long and time is short these next months.

As everyone starts to arrive, our first item of business is to feed the savage beasts.  Everyone (except one) who has arrived before lunch sets out to Babe's for a yummy lunch.  Since I am on the crew for dinner and I know we are having chicken, for the first time ever a chicken fried steak is ordered and it hits the spot and then some.  Goodness but they are large.  Naturally, some traditions are upheld and a pic with the chicken is one.