The Sewing Mom

I woke up today not overly enthused and really felt like staying in my pajamas the entire day.  The only thing on my agenda was a follow up doctor’s appointment and that wasn’t until after lunch, so, I figured what the heck and sat down at the computer to do some sewing supply shopping.  Oh what a happy day this turned out to be and for you guys who are reading this, equate this to something like finding the elusive but high quality Volvo Parts or something along those lines!

I have become completely hooked on Nancy Halverson’s designs.  I am currently working on a block of the month quilt called “Beattitudes” and I also made the “Countdown to Christmas” which she designed.  I recently purchased her latest book, “Cider Mill Road” and have several items I’d like to make.  I’ve been purchasing fabric and have been hunting down the cutest buttons she uses in her designs.  Noone around here seems to have them, so this morning I started looking online.  I went to the website of the button manufacturer and clicked on a link that took me to retailers in my area and I couldn’t believe it, but there was a quilt shop I’d never seen or heard of and it was only 13 miles from my house!

Well, I have to tell you, I was so excited I hopped right into the shower and got myself spiffied up so that I could head out.  I grabbed my GPS and headed on down the road.  In about 25 minutes after leaving my house I was standing in the middle of fabric heaven, aka located in historic downtown Garland, TX.

This store was filled with so many fabrics it was difficult to contain myself! I loved all of the colors and selections, they even have one whole section dedicated to Civil War era fabrics and they are beautiful. They also had an entire section with nothing but sewing and quilting supplies, just about anything you could possibly need was there. I ran across a few fabrics I had been looking for from my Christmas collection and I did buy those as well as some quilt inspired notecards. Sadly, the buttons I was searching for they did not have so I will probably order them online tomorrow.

Besides all the fabrics and supplies, they have a full schedule of classes that they offer. I am currently considering one for next Saturday, but, as it turns out, my husband may need to have knee surgery next Friday, so my class may have to wait. I am certainly looking forward to the next time my Mom comes to visit as I know she will also enjoy this shop.

I really have no idea why this project is taking me so dang long, but it is. I had planned on finishing this last week, but just didn’t get it done. This is my Countdown to Christmas project, designed by Nancy Halverson. I have been working on it for several weeks and hope to finish it this week, for sure! I must admit, I did create 4 tote bags during the last few weeks as well and had to set this project aside while I was doing that.

Last week I managed to get all but one of the hanging loops sewn onto each individual block, I was one short and need to make that loop. I also have the backs sewn on all but 5 of the 13 blocks. So, once I make the last loop, I can get it sewn on and finish sewing the backs on the remaining blocks. Finally, I’ll be able to quilt around all of the applique and these will be done, just in time to begin counting down the days until Christmas.

So, if you don’t see me here, you’ll know I’m at my sewing machine.