A Day to Think About Quilting

Did you know that today is Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day? I read about it in Nancy Zieman’s blog. I realize that an organization came up with this promotion and I don’t know that every local quilt shop is in on it. However, the news reminded me that there is a local quilt shop near me (I know because I’m Facebook friends with it but I’ve never actually visited there. Duh!) So I took off for the long journey of 8 minutes, according to the GPS, to check it out.

Chickadee Shops is in a shopping center next door to the Oaks Mall, upstairs.

Recognize it?

It is full of beautiful bolts and packages of fabric, Bernina sewing machines, patterns, quilts, and even scrapbooking supplies. The back of the store has roomy tables for workshops. Sign up for their newsletter to find out about class schedules. There’s a comfy sofa with a coffee table and magazines to read –perhaps for your designated driver who doesn’t share your adoration for fabric? Please check out this local haven for quilters. Gotta love the independent dealer, lest she get assimilated by the Big Box. And note this: the on-staff Bernina technician may be able to service other brands of sewing machines.

I worked on a little quilting in the meantime.

blocks for a rag quilt

I will have to show you the finished project later. Not too much later, because with the Go! Cutter gadget, it goes pretty fast! You think quilting is too advanced for you? Not so! You can blanket someone you love with a beautiful quilt, no matter how easy or complicated your skill level may be.

Mom visited and worked on her art quilts.

needle working session

A few years ago, she was making the most exquisite Baltimore Album applique quilts. Now, it’s harder to get those fingers working, but she finishes several small, hand-sewn art quilts per month, to give to friends and family members. What great occupational therapy that is!

One of my DH’s students gave him a gift of a hand-sewn, hand-embroidered blanket from India.

hand-stitched blanket

I showed it to my Knitting Group last night. The pic is in Hi-def mode to hopefully show details of all the hand stitching. How beautiful and consistent is the stitching! How lovely the thread contrasts with the blue woven fabric folded over double. Truly a functional work of art!