Monday, August 10, 2009

A Trip to California

My sisters recently returned from a trip to California. Upon arrival, they rented a car and headed off on an excellent adventure. Their travels took them to Malibu, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Santa Maria, San Simeon, Big Sur, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco (Golden Gate Park (Japanese Garden) and Fisherman's Wharf), Yosemite Park, Clovis, Mojave (Red Rock Canyon State Park) and other places I can't remember. So, why am I telling you this? Well, California has lots of quilt shops. That's right. Lots!

First they stopped in Santa Barbara to see Rosalind Perry. You may recognize the name, as she is the author of three books about and the granddaughter of Marie D. Webster. I am now the proud owner of A Joy Forever and Marie Webster's Garden of Quilts.

They managed to squeeze in a few quilt shops everyday. Apparently 'cleaning up' at Betty's Fabric in Santa Maria and loved Quilter's Paradise in Clovis. Top of the list was Quilter's Coop in Temecula and they also liked, Temecula Quilt Company. I'm very excited about my two new stitchery patterns. Over the River and Through the Woods by Crab-Apple Hill and Ring in the New! by Kathy Schmitz.

Look what else I got.....

Lots of reproduction fabric

and 1930's fabric

Wool swatches and other Fall coloured fabric

A lovely mix of Asian

and some Allsorts!

And I must not forget the other goodies: a Kwik Klip for basting, John James Straw Needles for applique, a Jelly Thimble, YLI Fusible Thread for applique, Cosmo embroidery thread, Fons & Porter Pyramid Ruler, Quilters Dream black batting and a Yosemite National Park T-shirt and some nice Dellagio Caramel Praline hot cocoa. The black batting will be used for a project I hope to start this winter. I've had all the fixings for it for a couple of years now and am itching to get started.

My one sister quilts, so she knows what I like and my other sister loves to paint, so she has a good eye for colour combinations. Boy was she proud of her fabric finds. They both had fun being my personal shoppers and would e-mail me pictures from their Blackberries, but not of everything! They had to save a surprise or two!

Until next week.....happy quilting!

Karen

31 comments:

susis quilts said...

oh,how lucky you are,so beautiful fabrics,have a nice day, susi

Tina said...

Wow! That's a lot of good stuff! They really got to see a lot of California, and a lot of quilt stores! How nice to have personal shoppers!

Stina Blomgren said...

Oh my!!!
That is what I call shopping!!! Just gorgeous!!! Will be fun see what you will make with some of them... ahhh.. lovely shopping!! :o)))

Greg said...

Will your sisters adopt me as a long lost brother from another mother? You are very lucky to have sisters like that and very lucky to receive all those fruits of their shopping.

loulee said...

You have two very special sisters there. What a haul.

Quiltbirdie said...

My goodness, what a bounty! How lucky can one quilter get?

Crispy said...

Wow what wonderful sisters you have!!! I love the applique books, a girl can't have too many books and all that wonderful fabric!!!:0)

Crispy

Unknown said...

Wow, I wish I could be a sister too!! Some really terrific inspiration!

Yvette said...

WOW! You are one lucky girl! I love all of your goodies.

Julie said...

What a fabulous haul of goodies and my two sisters wouldn't have done that for me! How lucky you are!

Karen said...

Lucky you to have two wonderful sisters who seem to know you so well. They brought you back some really great gifts!

Zlaty said...

Lucky you!

Your sisters are so thoughtful and it's like you were there! Can't wait to see what you make with the goodies!

Zlaty

funoldhag said...

Karen, what absolutely wonderful "stuff" your sisters brought back for you. They could shop for me anytime. There is not a single piece of fabric I don't covet! The books, patterns and all the other little items also leave nothing to be desired. Christmas in August! Enjoy the fruits of their shopping, my dear. :-) Carol

The Rabbit Factory said...

Oh my gosh....what a stash of goodies! You got such a wonderful variety!

Karen said...

Temecula Quilt Co. is one place I would like to visit. I love what they show on the blog.

Cathi said...

Wow -- what fabulous fabric groupings and goodies!! Lucky you to have private shopper sisters!

*karendianne. said...

Oh my goodness isn't this just the best?! I'm so happy and excited to see these gifts brought back to you with love! How fun for you (and for them). ...and for us. Thanks for sharing!!!

Ruth said...

Wow! What a lot of loot!! Too bad you couldn't go with your sisters on the trip, but I guess you don't feel too bad now. They were very good shoppers. I love all the fabrics.

Carrie P. said...

Wow!! aren't you a lucky sister!! What great stuff they got for you. Love the wool.

Mrs Quilty said...

Wow, how lucky are you to have such kind and generous sisters!!! Beautiful fabric! Such fun! Do they want a fourth sister??

Candace said...

Wow - this will keep you busy well into winter and beyond! I've been to the two shops in Temecula - they were fantastic!
Cheers!

Lori Holt said...

Oh WOW...how fun to be there when you're really not! I truly love the civil war picks and of course the 1930's. FUN FUN
x lori

Miriam said...

Wow!!! You have wonderful sisters!!!

Beautiful fabric!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

What special sisters you have and with such great taste!! How fun xo

Paula said...

Wow! How fun!! I don't have sisters. Will you be my sisters? :)

Tammy in Ontario, Canada said...

Wow! Awesome sisters and awesome purchases. It looks like you are going to have some fun. I have that one embroidery pattern by crabapple hill. I can't wait to start it.

Janet said...

Wow - you have great sisters. What lovely gifts.

Anonymous said...

wow, thats lots if good stuff...
what a lovely gift...


Thanks for sharing...
___________________
Melvin
Apply now Nation wide cash

Sherri said...

Wow...so many wonderful things from your sisters! Enjoy them all!

Robin said...

It must be nice to have personal shoppers! Such treats you received! :)

Nina Lise@Mrs Moen said...

WOW, such wonderful sisters; looking forward to see what you'll make from all your gifts!