Jo's Retreat in Nebraska City

Last weekend Rachel and I went to Nebraska City to Jo Morton's Handwork Retreat -- What a great time -- Road trip, seeing lots of wonderful quilts, staying at Jo's Studio House (we are so lucky) and being with great friends! We did applique and hand piecing, my two favorites. Just what I needed to inspire me to get back to sewing. I had "fallen off the wagon" with my sewing at night, and was reading instead. Time to get back in the groove!

Here's Jo showing her friendship quilt, featured in her new book, and using blocks she received from the Yahoo Group.

Deb Rowden and her newest book, Making Memories -- she's an author and editor for KC Star Books. These are memory quilts using clothing and fabrics from family members -- can't wait to her the program on this book!
Sorry it's out of focus; obviously I'm not a professional.

My long-time friends Terry Clothier Thompson, Bettina Havig and Deb Rowden enjoying a nice lunch at the Heartland Quilt Network meeting.

Weekend in Kansas City

I "escaped" to Kansas City last weekend, away from the bins for a couple of day! Gretta and I stayed at Candy's and Gretta had a great time playing with Buster and Bonnie (mostly Buster). On Saturday we had our annual meeting for the Heartland Quilt Network and it was good to see "old" friends and talk all about quilting and programs. Then that night Candy, Naida, Helen, Cathy and I went to one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, followed by a movie.

Tomorrow I'm getting ready to leave on Thursday for the "Sewing at the Orchard" retreat in Nebraska City with Jo Morton. Rachel and I are traveling together, and I'll post pictures of people and quilt stuff when we return. What a good time it will be!

Too Much Rain!

What a week! Last Friday, I had water throughout the house, not deep but a "flash" flood. This happened last year and it's a long story; too boring for here. Lots of lost time dealing with it all, and figuring out a "fix" for the future.

The good news -- I got Jo Morton's newest book, "Vintage Journey" and it is gorgeous! I am so happy to be her friend and see such beautiful quilts published and in person. My good friend Candy has 2 quilts in this book, and all of them are inspiring.

The sun is out now, Gretta is sunning, and I'm "dealing" with the bins by continuing my ebay postings. Moving on!

"Harvest Sun"

This beauty is a donation quilt for our local Food Pantry, Share the Harvest. The top was made from a line of fabric that Doreen Speckman had when I had the quilt shop; pieced and appliqued by Jan Keeler of Independence. I recently gave it to Naida McKee to machine quilt, and she did a beautiful custom job. Wish you could see it in person!

Gretta is Happy -- the sun is out finally so she can lay on the deck as much as she wants. Wonder what she's thinking -- What are those pretty yellow flowers? Wonder when the yard guy will come? or -- probably -- If only they hadn't put up this wire I could escape and go on a wonderful adventure!