What I did on my summer vacation

Yes, it has been a while since our temperatures were anywhere near summer-like. Let’s just say that due to unforeseen circumstances, my summer was extended a little past late September and right on through October. And here it is November. It’s never too late to write that back-to-school essay.

I had an exciting summer and it included being chosen, along with two other quilters, as a winner of Arrow Sewing Cabinets Banish the Blah contest. Arrow, which makes both Arrow and Kangaroo cabinets, was in need of three quilts to decorate their offices, and offered prize money toward the cabinet of your choice as a prize. Banish the BlahNaturally, having the expensive taste that I do, I selected their Dingo Cutting and Storage Cabinet as my prize. It goes so well with my Aussie cabinet and my Joey storage drawers. I think my quilt studio is now complete! I can highly recommend all of Arrow’s sewing furniture; it’s sturdy, beautiful and well-designed. I especially like that my pieces fold into fairly compact pieces that look like fine furniture.

The design I submitted to Arrow was the same as my Diamonds & Rust prize winner, but made in Arrow’s size and color requirements. It was a lot of fun making the quilt, even with my unforeseen circumstances causing delays in getting the quilt done. I just made the deadline, and I am honored that the quilt is now hanging in Arrow’s offices.

In addition to the prize winner, it was my summer to finish up projects. It feels so great to finally finish projects that have been sitting around waiting for that last little detail to be completed, and get them to their rightful owners. Several of these quilts will be patterned in the near future, so you’ll have to wait for pictures until the patterns are released.

I undertook a major reorganization of my quilt studio, and as I write this I’m sitting at my garage sale and meeting many area quilters who have come for a bargain. I’ll soon be putting the remainder of the items (mostly yardage) online for you all to peruse. I’ll add a few new goodies in as well! Look for a post here soon!

I’m looking forward to the January retreat at Sauder Village, sponsored by their fabulous quilt shop, Threads of Tradition. If you’re ever in northwest Ohio, the shop and the Village are a must see. I enjoy the retreat so much I’ll be going back in March for another one.

Watch for my online yard sale post for some excellent bargains!