The latest

Writing this from Pittsburgh, where I have been working this week. My past visits here have been good but this visit has been great. Such a neat city, thriving, proud of its heritage and diversity. Given that the city is built along 3 rivers, it seams more like a cool small town than a metropolitan area with major professional sports franchises. My view this week:

The smokestacks in Homestead along the waterfront.

Since I am not home, the sewing/quilting has slowed, but as I had felt a lack of mojo, not surprising. I have squeezed in some visits to local shops. The lovely Loom:

 They have a lovely array of textiles, tons of Alexander Henry novelties, home dec fabrics and trims. I purchased some of the new Charley Harper collection. If you like modern designer prints, stop here! (And visit the Parisville powder room!)

The next evening I visited the Quilters Depot. Such sweet ladies! This is a shop that caters to quilters and knitters.

 They carry a nice variety of fabrics, yarns and notions. This shop is a Handi Quilter dealer si I picked up needles, many sizes! After a 20 minute visit, I felt like I had made life-long friends. (More of a traditional aesthetic and lots of thread choices.)

My last quilt-shop visit was The Gloria Horn Sewing Studio.

This shop is in a charming old house and is jam packed with fabric, pre-cuts, embridery notions and inspiration. Mostly Moda, with a traditional slant, I purchased some Bella Solids pre-cuts. Also notable here are the many antique sewing machines on display. (Traditional Moda fans, this is the place for you. Florals and patriotic prints).

I am glad to be home and starting to feel that creative tingle. Hoping to spend some quality time in my tiny sewing studio this weekend.

some catching up

This post is going to all over the place, and of course quilting (or lack of) will be mentioned!

I spent this past week in Guilford, Maine. The company I work for has a facility there, and I was up to participate in customer visits. Some highlights:

Local brews, (top, L to R) Sea Dog Wild Blueberry Ale, just a hint of blueberry taste, and quite refreshing! Geary's Pale Ale, love the lobster on the label, hearty taste. (bottom, L to R) Shipyard, quite nice with fried haddock and scallops, Goose Island Honker's Ale, another nice brew.

My first, and second, visits to Moosehead Lake. This place is magical, truly beautiful. The photos do not do it justice. Suffice it to say, I am planning a visit with my hubs for some quality time here!

Of course there is quilting in Maine! I finally got a chance to visit the Cotton Cupboard Quilt Shop in Bangor. It is close to the airport, but I have never been able to get by there when they were open, until this trip! What a beautiful shop! Lots of fabrics from Modern prints to batiks to Civil War to Maine inspired. Tons of patterns and an amazing selection of books. Oh, and the sweetest little Boston Terrier: Gracie!  The other shop pictured is Crazy Moose Fabrics in Greenville by Moosehead Lake. I couldn't get there while they were open, but am planning a visit when I can! And the Sunbonnet Sue? One of my quilting buddies that works for us, Carol, made her. We quilters are everywhere and seek each other out! Carol is a member of the Pine Tree Guild, Maine's statewide quilt guild, as well as another regional guild. There are many amazing quilters in the wilds of Maine.

So, home this week, should be able to sew, again, finally!

Obligatory lobster shot, we had our customer dinners (and all meals) catered by the fantastic Pat's Pizza in Dover-Foxcroft. They did our lobster boil dinners for both sessions of visits and did an amazing job in a gorgeous space!