Glacier Quilts - Kalispell, Montana

As we were driving back from Whitefish, Mister and I were commenting on the various stores along the way.  One of the ones I spot is Glacier Quilts and he turns right in.  Woohoo, one more shop to explore today.

This shop is nestled in a huge shopping area of Kalispell, MT.  It's a great size and the first thing Mister spots is someone quilting on a longarm in the back.  He calls me back there and we visit with the gentleman for quite some time.  He rents time here and I gotta tell ya, my camera should have come out.  Not only was his quilt fantastic, but the view out the window as he worked was dang sweet too. 
Now, to explore the shop.  Right inside the door are patterns for potholders and I love the way they are displayed.  I might even like to make some of the Christmas ones.  Hmmmm.

Whitefish Quilts and Gifts - Whitefish, Montana

Mister and I have run away for the day to explore the area and stretch our legs a bit.  About an hour from my mom's is Whitefish and I have located the cutest shop right downtown.  They are small, but really pack in the merchandise.  Owner, Teresa Wood, is available for a visit and some great insight on the building history of the shop.  With such a limited space, classes are not available, but I could easily spend all day in here, just discovering the nooks and crannies filled to the brim.

Whitefish Quilts and Gifts is just that.  Upon entering, it's a gift shop with a definite quilt theme going on.  There are LOTS of Montana Made products in here and it's the perfect one-stop shop for souvenirs and fabric to take home.

Quilt Gallery - Kalispell, Montana

It's always fun to hit the road and visit other amazing quilt shops while we are out and about.  This week we have gone "back home" for me.  I'm up in Bigfork, MT on the beautiful Flathead Lake and nearby is Kalispell, MT.  It is home to a recently relocated shop, Quilt Gallery, owned by Marianne Buller.  If you are driving into Kalispell along Highway 93, well there is just not a good reason on earth to pass it by.  Well, maybe if you are in an ambulance.

I have my sweetheart and mother with me today so won't be able to play quite as long as I would like, but peeks and a few treats are easy.

Brazos House - Off To The Races Retreat

Round Two has begun and I think we are ready.  I absolutely adore Val each year when she takes over the May retreats in theme, decorating, projects, and much, much more.  She is a true living saint and I will always treasure her friendship.  I'm still a crazy person with teaching, picture taking, and general "stuff", but the role is definitely reduced and I love it.

First thing, we are off to Babe's for the "Let's get this party started" lunch.  As I go to my car, it becomes obvious that I haven't driven much lately.  A spider has taken up residency and her web is quite intricate.  Can you see it?

For the second time in a row, we are fortunate to be seated in the lighted gazebo.  It's great for conversation and passing food.  Good times and a chance to get caught up on each other's lives.

Brazos House Spring Tweener Time

Tweener Time!!!  What can I say about this?  I LOVE the time between retreats.  I can work at my own pace, walk the grounds whenever I wish, and just sleep or eat whenever the urge hits me.  What on earth could be better than this and not be at home where laundry and other chores call?

Sunday afternoon --- people are gone and Val and I finally spot a moment where we can get a picture we area after.  For some crazy reason, the backhoe has been moved and we have a clear view --- well almost.  A few items need to be dropped but we are on top of it.

Brazos House - Flights of Fancy Retreat

May is HERE!!!  Not only is it the Birthday Season for me, but it's also the last retreats until fall and signify that summer is right around the corner.  The car is packed, I'm dressed and ready to go, BUT . . . Mister has to clean windows and mirrors before I can depart the garage.  Yes, it's bright and early in the a.m. --- but I'm spoiled and love it each day of my life.  He has made a comment about being gone on my birthday again this year, so perhaps that needs to be looked at.  I'm pretty sure I'll get the calendar to book retreats for 2020 this weekend.  Hmmmmm.

An uneventful drive brings me to Brazos House and calm has set in.  Well, until I see the river.  Oh goodness.  I have seen it higher, but not for a few years.

2019 April Quilt Update

Hello and welcome to the fourth Monthly Quilt Update of 2019.  Have you joined us in our theme for this year?  Do you know what it is?  Here is your hint and if you want to know all about it -- here is your LINK.  Always remember that in this group all links open in a separate window so you don't lose your place here AND there are no ads or popups EVER.

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 UFO mode around here and trying oh so hard to use or clean out the stash.  It will be an ongoing project this year.  If I want something to come in -- something has to go out.  That is one goal.  The balance 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, if not long, 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.)

1st -  April Fools Day has arrived and I'm not pulling a single stunt.  I think that means I am either lacking creativity or getting old.  Whichever it is, the day has decided to fool me instead.  I have searched and searched for a jewelry set all morning.  EVERYWHERE.  I'm heartbroken and cannot understand how I lost it.  I also cannot function when I can't locate something.  Thus, I am going to look through everything one more time.

Success!!!  Way back in the corner of my jewelry box and under items I haven't used in years, I find my little gems.  How they got there remains a mystery, but I am able to move forward once again.  Now to start packing for retreat, grocery shopping and phone calls to my mom and sis.

Now, to tackle my list.  I am adding the last borders to my Good Fortune quilts today.  Eight more strips and these will be completed tops --- with 32 border strips between them.  Oh my goodness.  TA-DA