Store update!

Can I say that the absolute charm of Lockhart lies in the town's ample supply of superior BBQ?

Dude brought his helicopter to the restaurant!  My husband and kids were able to get a closer look, I had to run to the bathroom, after a very long drive.  He asked the pilot and friend what they were up to and I guess they were just flying in the area.  Found themselves hungry and decided to drop in.  Who does that?!?!

Awesome people, that's who!

My kids not only got to eat great but got to watch a helicopter fly off, half way through our meal.


I finally made it back to Simple Sewing Solutions!  The store definitely has a larger supply of fabric than before.  I believe they now have over 1000 bolts!

Almost as much fabric, as what's in my personal stash...

Can someone say "addiction"?

The employees I dealt with were extremely nice and helpful.  The counter top is gone but the same charm still exists.  Lots of samples, notions, and books.  If you haven't noticed yet, I'm big on samples.  I love inspiration. SSS still has some of the best prices I've seen at any LQS.

They've also updated their website with location, hours of operation and their calendar of classes and social times.  The store may have changed hands recently but beyond the missing counter, as a customer, I can't tell the difference.

Now rumor has it, and by rumor I mean Facebook, that Lockhart has added on another quilt shop called Calico Crossing.  And on their Facebook page is that coveted countertop.  I'm probably going to be the first person explaining to the police, "No, officer.  I wasn't going for the register.  I was just moving it, so I could steal the countertop."

I think Lockhart is trying to give Giddings a run for their money.  Nothing makes me happier than multiple LQSs in small towns that I pass through often.  I think my husband may have to start dining alone and bring me the leftovers.  The next time we happen through Lockhart, which unfortunately won't be for a while, I'm hoping to stop by Calico Crossing and share that new store with y'all.

I have two other stores to review, one in Shiner (the place with the BEER) and one in Corpus Christi.  I'm passed the crazy part that is the beginning of school, so I should be able to get those to y'all shortly.  And in one of those, I'll share a new iPhone app that will make finding LQSs much easier for you, in your travels.  

Much love, peace and happy quilting!

~SLBY

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

New and Improved E-Reader Clutch

Just for the record, that is absolutely the worst title for a blog post.  I could not come up with anything creative.  2 days of thinking and stressing brought about nothing.  So, I went with straight forward.  Boring but efficient.

I recently completed an e-reader clutch on my new BabyLock Symphony.  Not only is it my first e-reader clutch on this machine but it also my first, albeit small, quilting project using my Symphony.  I love that I was able to FMQ, utility stitch and decorative stitch, all in one project.  Not only has the new machine increased the quality of my clutches but I get to add a lot of fun, unique touches to each clutch.

FMQ is wonderful on this machine.  I did it both with the foot and with just the start/stop.  My stitches are far more regular.  The machine really glides and the large extension table gives me adequate room.  As does the large throat space.

I got daring and tried a new FMQ design.  It turned out really well.  I saw the design and many others here.  It is a great site for inspiration.

I was able to bind off the pocket using a decorative stitch.  Typically, I bind the pocket, as I bind anything.  Machine straight stitch on, fold over, press and ladder stitch closed by hand.  I decided to use a decorative stitch because, well... I CAN!!!  

I don't usually put a button hole in but I can actually put one in large enough, that it worked out.  No more having to use the elastic string to keep these closed.  I also used the machine to sew the button on.  My machine can sew buttons!  And it was such a simple process.  I have used a buttonholer before and Symphony's is straight forward.  The button foot was equally simple and after a user error, I got it perfectly on the second try.

I am also able to make my own tags.  I was doing these really sad tags that were handwritten with permanent marker.  This was a first rough design.  I'd like to get some printer fabric and do a combo of printing the website and monogramming with my Symphony.  I need to get a printer first.  Then the fabric.  Then the free time to test it out.  The fancy tags will go on my list of things to do.  For now, I have something that looks at least some what professional.

This by far has been the best e-reader clutch I've made.  My FMQ has improved immensely.  I like that I can easily use and access all the added features of the Symphony.  It *really* shows on my end product.


I'm starting a pinwheel quilt tonight.  I'm salivating, I'm so excited about it.  I am using some fabrics that I've never quilted with before.  I also found a tutorial on how to quickly piece the simple pinwheels together.  I have never seen this method before.  I will share all the details, when I finish the quilt.  I am so excited about the experience.  After that, we have an upcoming short trip, which means I get to visit quilt shops and blog about them.


~SLBY

All Around the Block in Giddings, Tx

Google maps is as much a joy in my life as a source of frustration. When we decided to drive through Giddings, I grabbed my iPhone and started searching for shops in town. I found two in Giddings and, according to Google maps, one was very much along our route. Just off the main road.

As we followed the path bestowed upon us by the great Google, we though it had once again led us astray. We were headed down a residential street and we knew how it always turned out, when Google leads us down a residential street. A few years ago, Google took us to a TCBY, squarely in the middle of a subdivision. I had never been more disappointed in my life and briefly considered knocking on the door, to see if maybe it was a TCBY in disguise.

We thought we were amidst another TCBY incident. I happen to notice at the end of the street, that quite a few cars were parked. Enough cars to make me think that there might be a business at the end. And sure enough, there was a quilt shop. 

All Around the Block (AAB) is the epitome of big things in small packages. I admitted to the owner and I will admit here, that my husband and I both were a bit disappointed by what appeared to be the size of the shop. It looked tiny. We were on a schedule and wanted to hit a shop in Brenham before they closed. Wishing we would have gone to the other shop in Giddings, I realized that I just didn't have time to go back. So, I sent my husband and kids to a nearby gas station. I knew they would take longer getting gas than I would browsing this shop.

Boy was I wrong!

When you walk through the front door of AAB, you are mesmerized by the sheer number of bolts in the front room.

One of the owners (a mom and daughter team) will encourage you to keep going back.

Then you head to the left...

Then down the hallway...

The back corner, behind the pattern sets, is the clearance section!!!

Then you realize you have entered what might be the clown car of quilt shops.  :)  I literally called my husband and told him he had to come into the store, after getting gas.  That he would not believe his eyes. 

AAB has the fabric you need.  I can almost guarantee it.  And if it isn't the exact one you need, they will have something similar.  They will also have at least 10 fabrics that you didn't realize you need but will end up buying.  The largest collection of batiks that I have ever seen.  Loads of panels.  Despite the large number of bolts (I arrived on stocking day), the store is well organized.  Sports with sports.  Solids with solids.  Texas themed.  Flowers.  Baby/nursery.  And on and on...

They had an abundant selection of fat quarters.  A great variety of Best Press scents and sizes.  Patterns.  And a variety of notions, some hard to find ones.  The owners are two of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  Despite their location (and let's face it, once you find this place, you will never forget it), I was really impressed with the amount of traffic that was coming in and out.  There was quite the steady flow.

My single and only regret with this shop is that I only had about 30 minutes to shop.  I probably got through maybe a 1/4 of the stock.  There were corners that I never got close too, beyond walking past.  I am definitely scheduling another trip out to AAB. 

AAB is located about 2 blocks off of Main Street at  979 North Leon Street in Giddings.  You can take US Hwy 290 from the east/west or US Route 77 from the north/south.  The shop is located in a residential area.  It is there, at the corner on the end.  Just keep going.  You will be SO glad that you did.

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A few notes:

• AAB did not in anyway ask me or compensate me for this blog post. These are purely my thoughts and feelings, free from coercion.
• This is store 4 of 5.  Look for the last store next week.
• I just finished a purple version of The Giving Tree quilt that is gorgeous.  It is shipping out to the new owner today!
• My next tutorial will be on continuous bias binding.

~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

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

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

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

Off we go...

SLBY and family will be spending the next week fishing, camping, cooking over open (but very small due to fire conditions) fires, and chasing small kids from the edges of cliffs, lakes and rivers. 

I will be back next week with all sorts of stories, I'm sure.


~ SLBY