Brazos "Down Under" Retreat

Our Anniversary Retreat date has arrived.  The car is packed and I didn't even put a sewing machine in.  I have several projects, but if I get the first one finished, I'll be in seventh heaven.  It's time to hit to the road.

Since I'm going in a day early, I am able to leave in daylight.  That's new and so appreciated.  The trip goes well and before I know it, I'm on the final road and crossing cattle guards.  But wait . . . what is going on in the field to the right of the road?   Cotton??  I have been coming here for 6 Novembers now and cannot recall a cotton harvest -- not once.  The fields have almost been stripped clean, but there are a few bits here and there and that's what caught my eye.

Pieced Together Studio - Mesquite

On my way back from Terrell, I stop in Mesquite to see Pieced Together Studio - a quilt shop I have not yet visited.  As I enter, I am greeted and then apologized to for having a ladder in the way of an aisle.  She sets to removing the ladder and I'm sorry to say that that is my last interaction with her.  She made a phone call in the workroom and never came back out again.  I'd love to give better feedback, but it is what it is.  I had a couple of requests that I would have liked to ask about, but it was not about to happen.  After fifteen minutes of wandering the store, I left --- without a single additional comment to me.  So sad, but I'll likely not return. 

At any rate, here are some pictures so that you can see if they have something you have been dying to get  your hands on.  Enjoy.  There is a LOT in here.

Off to Terrell with Sherri -- Fabric Sale

The plan for tomorrow was to go to Zavalla with my friend, Sherri, but the Subaru dealer had a different idea this morning.  Losing my vehicle to recall issues made it so that I could not drive to her house and spend the night for a bright and early departure tomorrow.  However, the totally helpful hubby that I have found a fabric sale in Terrell that might work for today instead.  A few messages and phone calls later has us both driving toward Terrell.  The owner, another Sherri, used to have an online fabric store and has since disbanded it and is trying to clear our her inventory.  She's down to about 1200 yards and perhaps we can find some treasure there that need to come home with us.  The fabric is $3.75 a yard and I have my list of "needs" in hand upon arrival.

Storytime Quilts - Lufkin, TX

Continuing our journey today, just down the road is StoryTime Quilts and Mister suggests a stop.  Not wanting to argue (hahahaha), I agree.

Now, finding this place is tricky.  Honest, but once we entered the store, the customers that were inside made us feel welcome --- well, that is if we were spending money.  All in good fun, they left shortly and we had a few minutes to look around the store.  The only fabric I'm looking for is for either the Halloween quilt or Bonnie's mystery.  I wonder what I can find here to add to one or both of those.  During my hunt, pictures are taken so that you could have a look around.

Heritage Antiques - Lufkin, TX

Lufin, TX --- Heritage Antiques --- stop and walk.  That's the plan.  We are on the way home from vacation and sometimes, just sometimes -- treasures can be found along the way.  Come along and let's see.

This is a crazy cool, antique shop.  It is housed in the old First Christian Church Educational Building and occupies both floors.  Look at the beautiful tin ceiling and chandelier in the entry.  Oh my.  I'm ready to begin the treasure hunt.  One of the first booths I come to has a chest of quilts.  My eye lands on one.

Spotlight on Ross Fabric and Crafts

Our vacation is nearing an end so I've decided to visit a quilt shop or two.  We are in Zavalla, TX.  Yeah, I didn't know where we were either.  At any rate, the stop we came here for -- (here's your LINK) wasn't researched enough by me and we've discovered that with the rain, perhaps off-roading isn't the best plan for today.  Another time, when we've made previous arrangements with the owners will do.  At any rate, we're here and so is a quilt shop.  We think.  Following GPS (I know sheeples again) takes us down a country road and towards a home.  There are identifying features that help and Mister parks and leads the way.  Such a great partner.

Fiber of all Types -- Ya Gotta See This to Believe It!!

Okay Y'all - you really need to meet Vicky Polve from Henderson, TX.  She does the most magnificent work with pine needles and I am completely dumbfounded.  Literally jaw dropping.

I spot her work at a festival and wander up for a closer look.  No one is around her booth but I am carrying on rather loudly and soon draw a crowd.  Goodness --- bow down to the woman.  Her works is not only incredibly beautiful, but oh so intricate.