Lost in the Bolts

We were in Northern Indiana for our family reunion a few weeks ago. For a day outing, we went shopping in Shipshewana. We walked through a mercantile building I have been in before, but this time I got lost in one shop called Lolly's.

Here are two of the things I saw on display at Lolly's:

 

Aren't they lovely? I could stare at that top quilt for hours.

I found some pictures of the store at Lolly's site here.

Just looking at the pictures makes my heart beat faster. The yards and yards of fabric inspired me. I could have filled a cart with all the bolts I wanted a piece of. I carried several pre-cut pieces around with me, but I ended up not buying anything because I know in my head that (a) I don't have/use a sewing machine and (b) I don't have time to take on a new hobby right now.

But I am desperately interested in doing just that. I want to make a quilt. I want to put pieces of fabric together to make something beautiful and something useful. If I had a "bucket list," make a quilt/learn to sew would be top of the list.

The Dream Lives On

One of my goals for 2010 was to make a quilt. Then I started working and I pretty much scrapped all of my goals for the year. But my dream to make a quilt is alive again.

Thanks to U Create, I found this blog that walks readers through making your first quilt. It is easy to follow and I love the idea of creating with others. It's like a support group!

Just after finding this blog, I talked to one of the women who lead a quilting club at my son's school. As I looked wistfully at the quilts students have completed this year, she told me they quilt at the school for about 6 hours every Saturday. Six hours? Wow! And she said they have enough supplies on hand that my first quilt would be free....

I'm trying to be realistic about my commitments, but I think I might give it a try this fall. If I do, I'll post progress pictures!

Back to Business

Okay, I think I have exhausted all I want to say about Sabbath. Here are some nifty things I have come across recently

Organization - I am always looking for a better way to organize things, and I love office supplies. Right now my torn out magazine pages are overflowing an office file box, awaiting the week I take the time to sort and organize them. But even when that is done, I don't really have anywhere to put them. (I have a 4-drawer file cabinet on the family wish-list!) It is tempting to run out and get some binders (some now qualify for Box Tops!) and sheet protectors and do as this crafter did.

Things like this make me want to quilt. I am not big on Halloween decorations, but the shoes are cute and I bet the pattern could be modified to some classy, girly fabrics.

Bouchercon - the annual mystery convention is coming to Indiana next month. One of my favorite mystery authors posted this on her page. I think there is a day at the convention that includes crafts. I would love to go....