Inspiration at Cactus Queen Quilt Co!

Can’t you feel yourself breaking in to a smile?

Whenever I see bolts of fabric, loads of color, all of the possibilities – it’s all the good feels!

I’ve known Doris Rice for quite a few years, and had the pleasure of her company at several places that I’ve taught.  When it came down to my event with the UUMC Quilt Guild in San Antonio, she asked if I would like to stay at her Queen’s Rustic Retreat on a fact finding mission to see how her set up is.  I said SURE! Who wouldn’t want to?

You can visit my post about the retreat HERE.

What I didn’t know was that Doris’s brick and mortar quilt shop, Cactus Queen Quilt Company had just opened its doors the month before – and it is less than a mile from her retreat center in McQueeney, Texas!

When things fall into place – they REALLY fall in to place!

This charming old building has been many things in its lifetime.

It once housed the McQueeney Post Office.

It has even been a popular dance hall!

Doris has a great touch when it comes to the right vintage pieces!

New fabrics, patterns, books and notions are coming in every day.

Check out that beautiful wood floor – and imagine the Texas Two-Step!

Bright lighting shows off the colors in each fabric to perfection.

In-shop long arm services for all of your quilting needs!

Evening block of the month program in full swing!

(I wandered in as chairs were just filling!)

I just had to run my fingers down the rainbow wall -

And there are plenty of pre-cuts on hand!

Don’t forget to look up!

The tin ceiling is gorgeous – and so is this chandelier!

(Doris said it was a bonus and was left from the previous owners!)

If you find yourself near McQueeney, Texas -

Stop by and tell Doris and her staff HELLO!

I’m so glad I got to come in and see what Doris has been up to!

Thanks for the wonderful hospitality, my friend!

SO – back to yesterday’s prompt of FAST FINISH.  Want to see what I ended up with?

My first thought -

Make some place mats for Quiltville Inn using these -

Frame them with strips, strings and a combination of orphan blocks?

I was thinking just make ONE as a test -

Cute idea?  There are enough to make several.

Which means I had to pull out the orphan box.

And when I lifted off the lid I found:

4 Rectangle Wrangle Rejects from Scraps & Shirttails II!

Well shoot, that’s a quicker finish!

It took less than an hour to stitch the blocks together and add borders.  It measures about 32’’ x 32’’.  Perfect for a table topper or wall hanging or – whatever.  I consider a finished top a FAST FINISH, don’t you?

Why did I reject these?

It was after trying these test blocks that I realized I needed a constant black through the center of each block to make the diamond design show up.

Quilt from the book.

See the difference?

Oh, I do so love this quilt!

Matched with a backing, and waiting for quilting.

The place mats will still happen.  That orphan box holds a treasure trove for some really fun ones. But later.

Today’s prompt is NOTIONS.  Not sure what I’m going to do there – and I know I’ll get behind when I hit the road to Indiana tomorrow, but it will be fun to share the photo prompt of the day when I can.

Today is for packing – and if I get done early – some more SEWING is on my radar!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Antique star quilt found in Louisville Kentucky.

Today is the day to raise the bar.

Don't set your expectations of yourself too low.

Reach just a bit higher!