I've been shopping...

We are back from vacation!  I hit two shops while we were out.  One was a new store, for me.  The other was a sweet repeat.  Can't wait to share what I bought with you all.

We had a great time at the beach.  It was a wonderfully relaxing 3 days.  The weather was great.  The room was perfect.  The food was good.  And the time together unforgettable.  I've feeling quite sentimental at the moment.  Hug your loved ones tight, as life is precious and all to often too short.

In the famous words of my almost 3 year old son, "Good bye beach!"

Time to get on to the new school year and fall.

~SLBY

When I grow up....

I've always kind of known where I wanted to end up.  Not the exact details and I definitely had no clue on how I wanted to get there.  I have always known that I wanted to end up in the country, on a lot of land, quilting as much as possible.  If I'm lucky, I will be sharing quilting with others whether it be through lessons, fabric or some other avenue.

When we were coming home from vacation, we went through Giddings, Tx and stopped at a quilt shop I have not previously visited.  It is just a bit off the main road by a few minutes.  Definitely worth the extra few minutes.  

Visiting this shop was like peering into my future.  A tangible, life size vision board for me.  Gerline's Quilt Shoppe is warm and inviting.  The staff, all family the day I visited, were friendly and helpful.  The fabric selection was impressive and neatly displayed.  My husband and kids loved that that there was room to stretch their legs and maybe a tricycle or two to try out while they waited on me to buy the whole store.  And there might be jeans drying on a clothesline too.  I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming!

When you walk in you are greeted by the register on the left, along with the cutting counter.  During my visit, there was a very sweet young lady behind the counter who was attentive and ready to help.  To the right is an array of fabrics.  If you head straight back, the shop keeps going with additional fabrics.  There is a little clearance room in the back too!

Something unique to this store is the notion selection.  She has notions that I can find at JoAnn's.  Things that are everyday use and well priced.  When you live somewhere that running to JoAnn's isn't an option, having a fabric shop that provides those tools is invaluable.  She also has a selection of non traditional fabrics, panels, etc.

Gerline also supports a charity quilting group that makes quilts for a variety of organizations including local nursing homes, the Bastrop Crisis Center and more.  They meet in a building just off of the shop every Monday.  All are welcomed to join.  Visit Gerline's Quilting Angels website for more information.

These are the fabrics I grabbed while there.  The top fabric will be part of the Around Texas quilt.  I've gathered all the fabrics I need for that quilt.  Now it is time to plan and start cutting.  The bottom blue fabric is going to end up as bluebonnets on an art quilt.  The middle fabric was just too pretty to pass up.  

I was fortunate enough to spend some time talking to Gerline during my visit.  She was in the back quilting on a long arm.  I'm told she can be found there often.  She took some time to talk quilting with me and really, I could have stayed there all day.  I wanted to soak up every bit of information on how she ended up living my dream.  Maybe she can make me an instruction booklet or a map of the right path to take.  I can't wait to see her and her family again.

The nitty gritty on Gerline's:  Established in 2000, they offer longarm quitling services with a one month turn around time.  You will find their collection of over 3000 bolts of fabric and the most amazing dried noodles at 1383 County Road 205, Giddings, Tx 78942.  Check out their extensive website for hours and additional contact information at www.gerlinesquiltshoppe.com.

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A little birdie told me that a THIRD quilt shop has opened in Giddings called Meme's Quilts and Fabric.  The shop wasn't open the day I was in Giddings.  So, I'm going to have to head back out to Giddings soon.  We lost Quakertown Quilts here in The Woodlands, so I now have only one local shop to my disposal.  This means I'm going to have to move to Giddings.  Don't tell my husband.

And as always, Gerline did not compensate me for this review.  It is my goal to get as many people into their local quilt shops as possible.  I'm sadden at the number of shops around me that I see closing.

~SLBY

Texas Fires...

Please take a moment and send your good thoughts and prayers to our state.  The fires are spreading far, wide and fast, as you can see here.

We need rain here so badly.


~SLBY

Galleries added and updates!

The galleries aren't finished but they are there!  Up above you should see three tabs: Clutches, Blankets and Home Decor.  Clicking one of those, will lead you to a page of pictures.  You can see an up close view by clicking on the individual photo.  I'm excited that visitors to the blog don't have to leave the site to find pictures of my creations.  I will still list what I can on Facebook, when Facebook actually allows me to upload photos.

I'm currently working on my 4th of July, Americana, Texas, patriotic pride items.  I have an American Flag in Motion wall hanging on the design table.  After that will be a Lone Star table runner.

Mark your calendars!  The next Lone Star 1st Saturday in Montgomery will be June 4th.  And we will be in the shade for the next few months!  A lot of great vendors were there last time and the show is continually growing.  Make plans to stop by and see us.

I still have a quilt shop to review and a binding tutorial to put up.  I will try to pull myself away from my machine and get those done.


~SLBY

Simple Sewing Solutions in Lockhart, TX

I have to give full disclosure before telling you about this quilt shop.  Maybe it is because of the excellent BBQ in town.  Maybe because it is the unbelievable prices.  Maybe it is the quaintness of the town.  But Simple Sewing Solutions (SSS) is my absolutely favorite quilt shop.  In.The.World. 

I was fortunate enough to accidentally find SSS in August 2010, while vacationing with my husband in nearby Austin.  We stopped in town to visit Kreuz, home of phenomenal BBQ.  I was in love the moment I set foot in SSS.  When we planned this year's trip to Fredericksburg, it was required that we stop in Lockhart again.
SSS isn't the biggest shop I've ever be too.  And it doesn't have a massive stock of fabrics.  What it does have is the RIGHT fabrics.  There isn't any filler or fluff here.  Every time I visit,  I easily walk away with two quilts worth of fabric.  Everything I need.  I typically find I have to visit at least 3 different shops to complete a quilt.  SSS has such the perfect collection, that I can get everything I need there.

And the prices!  Oh the prices...  There is such a great mix of fabric prices.  And don't worry that lower prices means lower quality of fabric.  There is no skimping on brand names at SSS.  I have gotten Moda, Marcus Fabrics, Free Spirit and so many more.  What I think I love most about the fabric selection is that it isn't one line heavy.  I have walked into so many shops that appear to be receiving versus hand picking fabrics.  I get the sense that SSS hand picks every fabric.  It is that individual attention, that makes this store so unique.

The individual attention doesn't stop with just the fabric.  Look at this register counter:

If I remember correctly, the counter is an original part of the shop.  The owner added parts from her century old home.  I have mentioned before my love of repurposed items.  If I could have loaded this into my minivan, I would have!  Much of the store's architecture is original. The ceiling pipes and tiles. The huge window displays. The sidewalk out front still has horse tie up rings!



The walls of SSS are filled with quilts.  Some finish, some blocks.  All beautiful and inspirational.

Beyond fabrics, SSS has a full wall of notions, ribbons, buttons.  Plentiful stash of fat quarters.  Books, classes and an incredibly knowledgeable staff can help you with any project.  And there is always good conversation.  Always.

Learn more about Simple Sewing Solutions on their Facebook page.

Simple Sewing Solutions is located in the heart of historic downtown Lockhart, less than a hour south of Austin.  Their address is 111 West San Antonio Street.  From the north or south you can take US Hwy 183 into Lockhart.  From the west you can head into town via State Hwy 142.

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Lockhart side note:

I'm not one to get involved in conflicts but Lockhart has been the heart of a BBQ war for many years now.  An episode of Food Wars is the only reason we decided to venture down there, back in August 2010.  More information on the episode can be seen here.  We stopped by Kreuz on that fate filled day back in August and our lives have been forever changed.  :)  Smitty's might be good and maybe even better.  We can't bring ourselves to try anything else.  For us, Kreuz is the Alpha and Omega of BBQ.  Don't take my word for it.  Stop by and have your life changed too!

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A few notes:

• SSS did not in anyway ask me or compensate me for this blog post. These are purely my thoughts and feelings, free from coercion.
• The Farmer's Market in Montgomery was incredible yesterday.  It was a pleasure to get the chance to be a vendor.
• I have a few things that sold and never made it to my Etsy shop.  Make sure you are checking out my Facebook page.  (There is a link on the right side of the page)  I always put pictures up there of things I've made.

~SLBY

Montgomery Farmer's Market

Tomorrow, I will be at the Montgomery Farmer's Market. Come out and see me.

Pick up some locally grown produce. Check out booths filled with handmade goods from a variety of artists. Sit back and enjoy live music and good food!

This picture is property of HMBA.  You can find additional pictures of Montgomery, TX by following this link.

Montgomery is such an enchanting town.  The rustic downtown is filled with a variety of stores and eateries.  If you are looking for antiques, this is the place to be in Montgomery county. 

There is so much history and beauty to consume in this town.  A little known fact: Montgomery is the birth place of the Texas state flag. 

It is the perfect place to spend your Saturday.

Lone Star First Saturday and Farmer's Market is located in historic downtown Montgomery. At the intersection of FM 149 and College Street.

Visit the Lone Star First Saturday and Farmer's Market website for more information.

You can also visit the HMBA website for more information about the town of Montgomery.

I can't wait to see you there!


~SLBY

Pocketful of Poseys

The whole reason why my family takes this trip every year, is because my husband is a VW junky.  One day, when we have a bit more disposable income and he is done with school AND we have kids that are a bit older, he is going to buy a Bug to restore.  When that times comes, I expect that he will disappear into the garage for about three years, only to re-emerge with a fully restored VW.  Kind of like a butterfly, in a hippie, air cooled sort of way.

Last year, we were unable to visit Pocketful of Posies (PoP).  This year, I made sure we were able to go by and I'm so glad I did.

View from the front door

When you walk in, you are transported to a whole other world.  The outside world no longer exists.  Time stands still.  You really could spend the entire day there.  Maybe two!

Entry way display.  Such a great variety of Easter/Spring ideas

This store is really one I could sit in all day.  Not just because of the selection.  They have the store set up, so that you can sit there all day!  Fabric, books, notions, classroom area, quilts on display, coffee, sitting room, great conversation and on and on.  I was sad to leave.  Idid not get to stay long enough

I love when stores re-purpose items and use them for displays.  It is something I do for my quilt booths.  PoP uses an old mail slot case for their fat quarters.  I *love* this piece.  Really, a perfect use.  The slots fit the fat quarters perfectly.

The shop has a great selection of fabrics.  I love the 1930's Feedsack Reproduction collection.  The shop has such a great selection of florals and whimsicals.  I found a new favorite collection, though unfortunately, PoP was already sold out of it.  Celebration for Clothworks by Masha D'yans. 

The notions and books were plentiful.  I find that quilt shops with a plentiful library are hard to find.  I wish I lived close because she just had a Hollow Cube quilt class.  The example they had hanging was beautiful.

It really is one of the best quilt shops I have been too.  You are going to want to plan plenty of time in this shop.  Send the kids, husband, family, whomever to Enchanted Rock for the day.  PoP has found the perfect combination of plentiful fabrics, large space and that at-home feeling.  Walking out of the store, I felt like I had just spent time with life long friends.  I didn't feel like I had just gone shopping at a quilt shop. 

And you get the cutest free pincushion with your purchase!  ;)

Visit their website to learn more about the shop: Pocketful of Poseys.

The shop is located off the main strip of Fredericksburg.  From US Route 290/Main St.  Just head south on US Route 87/S. Washington St.  Turn left onto E. Highway Street and the shop will be on your left.

View from the street

There are quite a few ways to get to Frederickburg.  The main route is the US Route 290.  State Hwy 16 and US Route 87, will also take you into town.  Fredericksburg is a fun town to stop in and stay a few days.  Great German food, great beers and so much shopping.

 

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A few notes:

• PoP did not in anyway ask me or compensate me for this blog post. These are purely my thoughts and feelings, free from coercion.
• You can click on any pictures on my blog and it will open a larger view.  I keep the pictures small on the site, for a faster load.

~SLBY

Vacation buys...

I'm willing to admit that I need a 12 step fabric program.  Think of the fabric swaps I could have with fellow members...

There are many ways to gather memories from a trip.  We always take hundreds of photos, when we are on vacation.  With our cell phones and digital cameras that both hold literally thousands of pictures, I feel like we take pictures but nothing ever really happens with them.  They go onto a computer and eventually on to a disk.  At some point, they end up in the fire box for safe keeping.  This was our first vacation as a family and I wanted to create a special memory.  Something we could have around forever.

I decided I'm going to make a quilt.  I don't have a single quilt for myself and have been looking for a project for me and my family.  And since this was a road trip around the Hill Country, it is only fitting to make a Texas themed quilt.  E-Jay's Fabrics helped me set the tone of my quilt.  After five quilt shops, this is the collection I amassed. 

I haven't decided the exact path this quilt will take.  I have a show this Saturday and then I am going to start this quilt.  I can't wait.  I'm excited to plan and make a quilt for myself.


I also bought some fabrics for fun and other projects.  I have been looking for a wood fabric for a cross wall hanging.  My husband found a fabric for another scrub top.  Then there are random fabrics that I just couldn't pass up.

I got this set to make some type of Log Cabin alternate or Pinwheel strip quilt.  I haven't decided on the exact block yet.

Aren't they cute?  The plaid, flowers and stripes are from Marcus Fabrics by Nancy Thias.  The collection is called Petalicious.  You can see more of the collection here.  I got them for a STEAL!  The circle fabric is from this Moda collection.  I got these four from Simple Sewing Solutions in Lockhart, Tx.  Home of the World's Best BBQ and one of my favorite quilting shops.  I'll talk about them later this week.

Look for a post on my next quilt shop stop tomorrow!


~SLBY

E-Jay's Fabrics & Quilting in Taylor, TX

Our first quilting stop occurred as we were driving up to Inks Lake.  I had hoped to stop at quilt shops as we went about our road trip but hadn't really planned anything out.

As we were headed north on Hwy 95, my husband was the one who spotted this shop.  Nestled in the downtown district of Taylor, you will find E-Jay's situated across the street from Taylor city hall and a park full of benches and shade trees.

When I walked up to the store, it really reminded me of the town I grew up in.  We had so many shops on the square, that had the same feel.  Original historic buildings.  Large window displays.  I really felt like I was home.

And that feeling of home grew, when I walked in the door.

When you first walk in you see bolts of fabrics and a fair amount of them.  On the front and left side of the store, you will find fabrics from Moda, Clothworks and more.  They had a great selection of Texas material and helped me start a Texas fabric collection.  More about that in another post.  Towards the back of the front room, you will find various quilting notions.  Just past the front, you travel down a small hallway that connects to a room with a long arm and space for classes. 

The walls of the store are covered in finished projects.  Down the hallway hangs a few quilts.  One is a very old, beautiful feed sack quilt.  You must stop in and see it.  Feed sack quilts are my favorite.

The staff was exactly what I expected.  Friendly, knowledgeable and really had an interest in quilting and helping me with my project.  The clearance section along the left wall was plentiful and had a wide variety.  Besides fabric and notions, the store also offered premade items, quilt kits and quilt patterns. 

And there was a store cat.  My kids had a great time looking for the kitty.  It was hiding in the front window, probably eyeing the birds across the street, in the park.  Maybe the cat wanted an up close view of the impressive Carpenter's Star that is displayed in the front window.

Overall, it was definitely worth the stop.  In the store next door my husband found a new piece of art for our home.  Next time you're in the area, make sure you stop by.

E-Jay's is located on Main Street.  About 30 minutes east of Round Rock.  US Route 79 or State Highway 95 will take you into the heart of Taylor, Texas.

You can get more information about E-Jay's from their website:  http://www.e-jaysfabrics.com/

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A few notes:

• I'm going to do 5 of these shop reviews total.  My goal, dream, hope is that this will encourage you to seek out either these shops or YOUR local quilt shop.  Please, head out and meet the people who share your passion for quilting.  They are the only ones who will truly get you!  ;)
• E-Jay's did not in anyway ask me or compensate me for this blog post.  These are purely my thoughts and feelings, free from coercion.  Though I am forever grateful for the whimsical Texas material they pointed out to me.

~SLBY

Our Hill Country Adventure

We started off at Inks Lake State Park and camped for 2 nights.  If you ever find yourself in that area of Texas, you must stop by Inks Lake.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  Unfortunately, it was also windy and dry.  So, campfires were small, quickly used and slightly panic inducing.  We did get to eat some great campfire food, fish in our PJs and go on a lovely hike.



A little PJ fishing



View from our hike



 View of the ducks during sunset from our campsite



 We left Inks Lake and headed to Fredericksburg for the VW show and a night in a hotel. 





The plan after that was to head out to Perdenales State Park to camp for two more nights.  Due to the dry weather and burn ban, we decided to stay in our Fredericksburg hotel another night.  We did head out to Perdenales for a day trip of swimming and fishing.  Then went back to Fredericksburg for good food, drinks and some play.

Perdenales River



Then we headed the long way home.  We tend to hit back roads as much as we can.  There is so much beautiful countryside in the Hill Country. 

I was able to hit 5 quilt shops along the way.  One I knew about but wasn't able to previously visit, one I had been to before and 3 that were surprises for me.  I'm going to dedicate a posting to each store, so that if you find yourself in one of these towns, you can stop by too!

It was a wonderful, much needed vacation.  The kids did great camping and better than I expected them to do. 

Nature always inspires me to quilt.  I have more inspiration that I know what to do with, right now.  I think I might finally take the plunge into a landscape quilt.  I haven't had the nerve to try but have been wanting to.  I think I'm ready to try it.

~SLBY

We're back!

I have so much to tell you all. 

I visited 5 different quilt shops throughout the Texas Hill Country.

I bought more fabric because I'm an addict.

There were dirt roads, winding roads, fishing in PJs, campfires, smores, wind, swimming and so much more.

Once I get through the mountains of laundry and unpacking, I plan to tell you all every last detail.

For now I'm going to do this:

(For the record, this was before we even set out on the hike.)

Then I will share my adventures with you.

~SLBY

Binding, binding, binding....

What else is a girl to do when it is beyond frigid outside? This is Texas, right? Because it feels like the North Pole right about now.

So, I'm going to put in a steamy love story.

And bind my night away.

Namaste
~SLBY