What do two quilters do when they only have a bit over an hour to go, and all day to get there?
We find quilt shops!
We find antique shops!
We run to Michael’s with a 50% off coupon to buy beads for making beaded sewing stilettos!
We hit Target to pick up “just a few things we need” only to buy MORE than we need….
And then about halfway to our destination we stop at Walmart because we remembered some things we’d forgotten.
It was a ramble down the road kind of day including lunch out at Chilis and then root beer floats at a small hometown drive in once we reached our destination because we could.
It was just this kind of perfect day!
But first, we need to get all of THIS in Irene’s car!
I left this behind at Target!
Though if you wanted a bra with flying geese and half square triangles to keep your girls from flying south, they have them in stock! Oh we laughed and laughed!
All of this Target hilarity was happening while we were waiting for the clock to reach 10am so we could go here:
Inspired to Sew at Pine Needles Sewing Center in Marion, Iowa!
We can’t wait to go in!
Oh My GOODNESS!
Lovely bundles and kits!
Racks of inspiration!
Walls of samples!
And Debbie and Barb from Minnesota!
rainbows of happiness!
Can you stand it?
Vintage Bernies!!
Kids quilting classes upstairs!
Super friendly staff! So nice to meet you ladies!
Yes, Debbie and Barb are still shopping! LOL!
Definitely worth a visit, don’t let this shop pass you by!!
We made it to our destination – where we have two consecutive retreats happening in Oelwein and in West Union ---I’ll be spending two days at each, and these retreat centers are each so unique and so fun I can’t wait to share you photos of what’s going on here.
There were also a few other shops we hit along the way, photos are being saved for future posts!
Today is a busy one – a full day Midnight Flight class with the group in Oelwein, and then a lecture tonight for everyone from both locations.
We’ve got quilters from as far as California, Texas, Nebraska, Canada, and I’m sure other places – I just haven’t met everyone yet.
It’s going to be a screaming fun quilty weekend down in Iowa! Waaahoooo!
Have a great Thursday, everyone!
You are only about an hour south of me! Wish I could get you up north to Hayward, MN...great quilt shop...Calico Hutch Quilt Shop...
ReplyDeleteBuy a car plate fabric from each of your stops, since you travel a lot, and when you get enough of them, you can make yourself a quilt. When you wrap it around you, it will bring back memories. Oh, I remember that store in such and such a place and the people who owned it were so and so. They were really nice.
ReplyDeletei truly enjoy your post to get my sewing day started. i seem to only comment on give away days, so today i thought what the heck Bonnie needs to know how much i love her journey.
ReplyDeleteOh, the bra story was too funny...sounds like you two had so much fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip! Thanks for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeletePam M.
So glad to read about Bonnie's wonderful time in Iowa. We Iowans need some relief from all the political stuff going on. Can't wait for Bonnie to come to NW Iowa next year. Whopee!
ReplyDeleteYou found a fun shop! Love all the walls covered in samples. You are the one who inspires all of US to SEW!
ReplyDeleteI don't normally shop at Target - Maybe it's time to start ! lol
ReplyDeleteThat bra is a hoot!!! Love it!!! And the quilt shop is awesome!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you didn't buy that bra! I love unusual bras and they don't make them in my size ever. I envy women who can buy a bra in Target. Quilt shop looks great. You look like you are having a great time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chuckle over the bra.
ReplyDeleteWorking on tumblelina#2 out of 2.5 scrappies. May make rectangles and cut.
then sash for a different look.
Thanks for your wonderful blog.....
Oh what fun! I so enjoyed traveling along today through your pictures!!Looking forward to pictures from the retreat(s), also!!
ReplyDeleteI was just in Pine Needles today!
ReplyDeleteI've just started quilting and found your blogg. I'm from Portsmouth in the UK we don't have anything like the amazing stores you have in the US I'm so envious are there any online stores you'd recommend that I could look at please. PS I adore your blogg and am addicted 😘
ReplyDeleteGreat shops and the Rainbow of happyness would be my heaven.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful choices of fabrics.
Love the colors and how lucky all of you are shop hoping and doing the classes.