Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Me bad, so sad, no camera...

Yesterday my Sweety and I decided to take a drive down the valley to the Fresno area. It's about a two hour drive from here. I love Fresno. There are lots of things to see and do. I'm especially impressed with how the area looks. The professional and commercial areas are landscaped just beautifully and you get a small town feel even though it's a large city. With that in mind we are fair weather friends to the area. It gets really HOT in the summer and has lots of fog in the winter, so we go in the spring and fall. With that in mind, we jumped in the car and off we went - without my camera (the "me bad" part).

Our first stop was at the winery that makes Sweety's favorite port, Ficklin. There are no leaves on the vines at this time. The vines themselves, however, were just beautiful against the cloudy sky - a perfect picture opportunity - again, me bad-no camera. I don't drink (don't like the taste) but Sweety was able to taste a few varieties and bring some home.

Our next leg of the trip took us to a quilt store in Fresno, Cottage Quilts. This was my first visit and was I ever in seventh heaven! They used to be just mail order. Then they opened a retail store and have just expended their square footage. Not all quilt stores are the same as each one has a distinct personality. A lot depends on who is buying the fabric (there are literally tons to choose from all the fabric companies) and how it is all presented. Let me just tell you that it's right up there now as one of my favorite stores. It was bright and cheery and had the fabric I love. Most importantly, I was greeted by friendly and helpful ladies who obviously love what they do. Thanks, Caroline! My son's best friend (do guys have BFF's?) and his wife are expecting twin girls in June. I picked up the pattern and fabric to make two of these darling cherry quilts designed by Holly Holderman of Lakehouse Designs. I so hope they like them!

Our last stop was the city of Clovis. What a darling little town. Antique stores galore, a tea shop and another of my favorite quilt stores, Quilters Paradise. We got home late but had such a great time.

Drop on over to my friend Anna at Timbleanna and read her post from February 16th. There's something going around blog-land called "Where I'm From" where you tell about yourself. That's the simplisitc description of what it's about. Anna's was so moving and dynamic it gave me chills!

I'm going to leave you with a picture of one of my favorite dogs, Ozzie. Now if you know me, you know that I'm a Scottish Terrier snob. Sorry, can't help it. However, I have fallen in love with Ozzie. Maybe it's because he's a tad eccentric. Stop on over to Nicole's blog, Sister's Choice Quilts and read her post of February 15th. You'll fall in love, too. Leaving you with a smile.....


Hi, my name is Ozzie! What's yours?

5 comments:

Anne Sutton said...

Hi Miss Jean! Loved your post and wish I could get the time to go see Cottage Quilts. Carolyn is a wonderful customer of mine with SUCH great taste. Her store must really be wonderful!

To answer your question on machine applique, you could use the same silk thread as long as you put it in the bobbin and the top. It works, I've tried it.

If you go with DMC, start with assorted grey and taupes. The grey works with blues and greens and the taupe works with lighter colors. The idea is to choose one that blends with your background AND your applique.

Thimbleanna said...

Awww, Miss Jean -- you're a sweetheart! I can't wait to see the baby quilts you make with Holly's pattern -- I've adored it since she introduced it. I've always wanted a Scottie -- we had a Westie when I was a girl and my dad is a sealyham fanatic! And Nicole's so lucky -- Ozzie is ADORABLE!

BugnLVoe said...

OMG! I love that cherry quilt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

XOXO

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Hi sweetie! I just love this dog, Ozzie! He cracks me up and makes me kinda think I may want one of him! ha. LOL about being a Scotty snob...I do believe only Scotty owners will relate to that....once you have one, you want more.

Your trip sounded wonderful and I cannot wait to see your quilt all done. Now go on and get busy in that wonderful sewing room of yours!!! Oh, btw, you will HAVE to take pics of that when you get your camera up and going. hint hint. I know our friends will love it.

xo

Amongst The Oaks said...

Hi Miss Jean,
Glad to meet you. Thanks for the visit and nice comments. Yes, I live close to you (Stockton) and travel a bit for work. When I travel I conveniently take my lunch breaks at interesting shops. Now I want to visit Clovis too.
I'll be back. LOVE your title block roses.
Hugs, Laura