23 July, 2007

The Five Shop Hop and Sewing In Circles...

My adventures in New England continued last week with a two day, multi-state, shop-hop. (Hey, it's New England, the states are small!) We began on Monday morning by fueling up at George's Diner in Meredith, NH with a hearty breakfast. Located on the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee it's a short drive from there to Center Harbor and Keepsake Quilting (or "Quilter's paradise" as my Dad calls it!). My Mom and I had ample time to stroll and drool over all the tempting fabric bolts and Keepsake Medleys (pre-cut, coordinated fabric selections) that they're known for. I didn't do too much 'damage' there, a fat quarter and a pattern plus an inspirational "kind words" watercolor panel by Susan Branch. From there we headed toward Massachusetts and a stop in Salem, NH at Audrey's. I collected some more fat quarters there, some pinks to add to my ever-growing collection for a someday quilt, and a package of self-threading needles. My Mom picked up her sewing machine too, it had been serviced, and we headed home. Mom was eager to begin on a new project... she hadn't sewn in a long while and that afternoon we unearthed some long-ago laid back squares of background fabrics and coordinating Debbie Mumm prints destined to become a 21st Century Bulls-Eye Quilt. On Tuesday we headed out again... we did three shops that day: The Red Barn (fantastic collection of novelties!), The Quilted Acorn(antique reproductions) and the Loom N Shuttle before dinner. It was a fun day, tiring for Mom, but productive. In between shops we stopped in Newburyport, MA and strolled alongside the canal. We found a Life Is Good (!) shop there, too; well worth exploring! Our dinner stop was in Ipswich and a plate-full of the most delicious fried scallops ever... yum. Wednesday and the Bull's Eye awaited. I trimmed the background squares for Mom while she was showering that morning. My free-hand circles were deemed a little too "free", Mom found a template and traced around the round shape... I cut on the line from then on! We stacked and shuffled, then pinned the stacks together. The machine was set up on the kitchen table, a quick refresher lesson was in order (for me!) and before long her Viking was humming along... Mom was happily sewing in circles by the end of the day. I can't wait to see the results! She taught me to sew, I'm happy to know that I had even a small part in leading her back onto the path. The ripple effect only grows larger, too. My daughter asked me yesterday if she could borrow a sewing machine to take back to the Capital City with her! I thought, at first, that she was kidding... but no, she wants to make pillows for her newly decorated bedroom. My heart smiled in response to her question.
"Yes, of course, you can borrow a sewing machine!"
... and the circle grows larger...
Life is Good!

10 comments:

Shelina said...

Your shop hop sounds fabulous, Mrs. G. A great way to get a great selection of fabrics, and spend time with your loved ones. How sweet that you are spreading the quilting/sewing bug back to your daughter and your mother.

Paula, the quilter said...

I wish I could have come along! A road trip shop hop is always fun; and then to have that precious time with your mother. Remember the saying? --

"What goes around, comes around."

Angie said...

Wow, I want to go with you to your Mom's from now on and do a shop hop with you two!!! Totally awesome!! And I love that bull's eye too!! :D

CONNIE W said...

Nothing can be better than the sweet couple of days spent with your mom. Life IS good, and sometimes just plain 'good-er' than others!

meggie said...

Sounds like a perfect trip, full of good company & treats galore.

atet said...

Life certainly is good -- love those t-shirts and the fact that both your mother and daughter are sewing/quilting. The more the merrier!

Mama Spark said...

I have always wanted to visit Keepsake Quilting. What a wonderful time you got to spend with your mom. Mine is now gone but she taught me how to sew. She was not a quilter but her mom was and I can't help but think she would be happy to see me quilting.

Carole said...

Oh, what a wonderful excursion! Is there a chance that you'll be able to make it to the quilted Crow in Acton? Such a sweet shop if you like primitive. Glad to read that you are having a great time! Life is indeed good! Keep well!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

I've enjoyed catching up on what you've been up to while I've been away. My mom taught me to love to sew, too.

We'll be in New England in another week or so for a couple of days. The best quilt shop I've ever been in is in Hyannis -- well worth the traffic! Joe usually brings his book along . . . .

Teodo said...

Your trip is fantastic.
ciao ciao