I'm home! I spent a glorious night in my own comfy bed, and even slept in a bit, awaking gently to the sound of birdsong outside of my window--Spring birds singing, what a wonderful way to wake up rested, and most of all HOME!
This morning, this is the view off my back deck at the house….Where did all this green come from? What a difference 11 days makes!
Last evening, after a great dinner out at the Japanese Steak House for Mother’s Day dinner, I hit the machine ---
Yes – “My name is Bonnie Hunter and I haven’t sat at my own sewing machine in 11 days – MOVE OUTTA MY WAY!” was my mantra as I made headway on a couple of special blocks to send to a friend as her wedding approaches.
Julie Herman of Jaybird Quilts is a sweet friend, and I’ve loved watching her romance with Lawrence blossom, and I was so thrilled when they got engaged. They’ve recently bought a house – and – I was invited to participate in making some blocks for their huppah, or wedding canopy!
((Yes, and click the link to her website above, because she has a great give-away going on over at her blog today! Don't miss it!))
((Yes, and click the link to her website above, because she has a great give-away going on over at her blog today! Don't miss it!))
Equilateral Triangles!
The block can be any design we want, only it has to be a 6” finished equilateral triangle. FUN!
Julie sent the fabrics, and we can use them in any way we want. I chose to do a bargello effect thing…remember, this is a 6” finished triangle…so this is still lots of pieces. The question is…what do I do with my trim offs??
Sew them together and make another!
I’ll be getting these off in the mail to Julie today. It only took a couple of hours, and I’m glad I had some machine time to myself. I’ve missed it.
Did you know it is only THREE MONTHS until I’ll be in ENGLAND?! I am so excited. And I’d love for you to come with me. so I’m reposting the info:
Details are coming together for our trip to England in August!
We will be enjoying several days in London, then on to beautiful Bath ---and then taking in the sights at Stratford Upon Avon, followed by BIRMINGHAM where we will be spending time at the International Quilt Festival of Birmingham!
I’ve always wanted to go to England – this will be my first trip, wanna join me??
Our itinerary is as follows:
Friday, August 1st
Our adventure begins with an evening flight departing from NEW YORK to LONDON. Dinner will be served on board the plane.
Saturday, August 2nd
This morning before the plane arrives at the London Heathrow Airport; a light breakfast snack will be served. We will pass through customs, collect our luggage and meet our driver and Sew Many Places tour escort, Jim West who will take us on a PANORAMIC TOUR OF LONDON. We will drive past many recognizable sights like the Tower of London, Harrods Department Store, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace,Piccadilly Circus, Temple Station, Notting Hill, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey,Downing Street, the West End, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and more.
There will be time to stop and enjoy lunch on our own before driving to our first class hotel. We will check into our hotel in the middle of the afternoon where we will unpack and relax. Tonight, we will all enjoy a special “welcome dinner,” and have an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Sunday, August 3rd
This morning, following breakfast, we will visit the famous VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM, where we will have an opportunity to view their outstanding collection of patchwork quilts and tapestries. A private curator from the museum will provide an extraordinary tour for our group. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy at your leisure to enjoy London on your own.
Monday, August 4th Today you have the entire day to enjoy London on your own. You may opt to visit museums, shop in the famous Harrods Department Store or in some of the fabulous shops and markets around the city, or you may even opt to see a show in the West End! Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your day and evening in this fabulous city!
Tuesday, August 5th
Today, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the bustling city of BATH. Along the way we will see STONEHENGE, the most famous standing-circle stones in the world. There will be a brief stop for photographs and then continue on our way. We will arrive in the town of Bath where we will check into our first class hotel and unpack. Tonight we will enjoy dinner at our hotel and retire for the evening.
Wednesday, August 6th
This morning following a delicious breakfast, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city. Following the tour, we will drive to the American Museum, which houses American woven coverlets, Navajo weaving and an extensive array of quilts. There will be time to enjoy a tour of the museum and lunch on our own. The museum also has a lovely little gift shop where you can purchase some unique gifts. We will return to our hotel later in the afternoon and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Thursday, August 7th
Following breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and drive northeast through the COTSWOLDS, stopping in the village of STOW ON THE WOLD. It is a charming and picturesque little place with great restaurants, shops and a lovely setting. We will continue on our way until we reach the quaint town of STRATFORD UPON AVON, the home to William Shakespeare. We will check-in to our hotel and settle in for the afternoon and evening. Tonight we will all enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Friday, August 8th
Today you will have time to explore this historic town on your own. For those who might be interested, we are offering an “optional” tour to see the extraordinary Warwick Castle. Once at the castle you will enjoy a tour and time for lunch and shopping before returning to our hotel. (Cost of this “Optional” tour is €48.00. Enjoy your day whatever you decide to do.
Saturday, August 9th
This morning, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the beautiful city of BIRMINGHAM. Upon our arrival we will check into our first class hotel and settle in for the remainder of the day. This afternoon you may opt to visit the FESTIVAL OF QUILTS exhibition that will be taking place near our hotel.
Sunday, August 10th
This morning, following breakfast, we will visit the N.E.C. Exhibition Center and attend the FESTIVAL OF QUILTS. You will have the entire day to explore the largest quilt gala ever staged in the United Kingdom! There’s so much to enjoy, from the competition displays as well as galleries featuring the work of individual artists, along with priceless historic pieces brought together from throughout the world. It is a full day of quilting fun at your leisure. Enjoy your day! Tonight we will all gather for a very special “farewell dinner” as we bring our exciting tour of England to an end.
Monday, August 11th
This morning we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the Birmingham Airport where we will board our plane, taking us back to NEW YORK. Lunch will be served on board the plane.
Email info@sewmanyplaces.com for more info! You can also call toll free: (877)887-1188 and talk to someone live and in person to answer your questions.
Click HERE to visit my tour page on the Sew Many Places website. I’ve also placed an England 2014 tab at the top of the blog for easy quick reference!
You've enjoyed my photo tours as I have traveled – wouldn't you like to come with me? It’s going to be a grand time!
15 comments:
Tell your fellow travellers they should check out Liberty's in Regent street while in London. Personnaly I think it is far better than Harrods
Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie. One night in your own bed and ready to think about London. You must have been born with wonderlust. What a wonderful trip to look forward to.
I just watched your segment on The Quilt Show and it was WONDERFUL!!!
deb
Hi Bonnie, I love your Blog and I'm very excited that you are coming to England. Is there any wiggle-room in your schedule to visit Hampton Court Palace? It is just on the outskirts of SouthWest London and is awesome - plus it is possible to tour the Royal Needlework School who did all the hand embroidery for Kate, Countess of Wessex's Royal Wedding dress - just a thought. Also I was hoping there might be an opportunity for your English fans to meet you - are you doing book signing at the quilt show? Sorry for the questions, but I know you would absolutely love Hampton Court! Best wishes, Gill (yes I use my husbands Google Account!)
turner(underscore)post(at)hotmail(dot)com
Wow. I so wish I could go on this tour. Glad you got in some home sewing time
There will be plenty of Bonnie Hunter fans at the NEC on the Sunday - you may be inundated by admirers.
While in London, Shaukat and Company have lots of Liberty fabrics at very good prices.
http://www.shaukat.co.uk/pg/welcome-to-shaukat
I also agree that the Liberty shop itself is better than Harrods for fabriholics.
There is a major Kaffe Fassett exhibition at the American Quilt museum this year. Here is a short video overview.
http://americanmuseum.org/videos/kaffe-2014-the-colourful-world-of-kaffe-fassett-video/
You will have a wonderful time in England!
I love the blocks you made. They are so "you". I wish I could go to England on this trip. I think you'll be needing a personal assistant. :)
So looking forward to meeting you in Bath - those three months will fly by
Your trip to England looks terrific. I visited the American Museum in Bath last year and it was amazing to see all those old quilts. And this year you will get to see Kaffe Fassett's exhibition as well, so lucky. I hope to get a glimpse of you at Birmingham as I have already booked that one :0)
Want to watch your episode... but refuse to join the site, except for what being able to visit free of charge. WHY? If I join everything I would like to join - there would no funds left for FABRICS LOL... is true.
Smiles, JulieinTN
Bonnie, to prepare for your trip to England, you really should read the delightful travelogue "A Fine Romance" by Susan Branch. I just know you would LOVE it!
London is my favorite place in the world. See St. Pauls, The Tower of London, Westminister Abbey.
Liberty of London, you can order the fabrics. See the historical sites. Sit in Parlament Square, Trafalgar Square. If you write ahead you should be able to go to the "Ceremony of the Keys" at the tower that evening. I wish I could go but it's too expensive for my fixed income. Have a great time.
The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is amazing. Went many years ago when our children were young. Never to be forgotten.
Hi Bonnie, I am so hoping to catch you while you are in the UK! So sorry you are not teaching a class. Will see you in November though!
Ohh so happy! I was given a new black machine!!! It is a Singer Spartan. Like brand new. I now it was made in Scotland and is minus any luxuries but a light would sure have been nice. I cleaned it first and so glad I did. The bobbin could not have moved - is was full of compacted lint that just came out in hunks. It is all polished and has a great little motor in it. England, oh my sounds delightful!
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