Fun in the Sun

Last weekend my husband and I took a trip out to visit his mother. She lives just south of Sedona, Arizona. Of course, this meant that I was able to visit one of my favorite fabric stores - Quilter's Store Sedona and Gallery.

That's my husband with the sign.

The owners don't allow photos inside the store but it has a most wonderful collection of batiks. I was delighted to find some rayon batik fabric and a pattern for a jacket that I really liked. There was even a sample made in the store that I could try on. Here is a peek at the fabric. The pattern is really simple and despite some heavy traveling and other commitments, I can't wait to start sewing it.

There is a gallery associated with the store and they had an exhibit by Margaret Anderson which is still on display until March 31.  I really enjoyed seeing Margaret's works which are explained as dyed fabric that is cut and then pieced into a composition. Here is a photo from the store's website of two of Margaret's works.

Undercover Quilts - Seattle WA

For years, one of my favorite fabric stores in the U.S. has been Undercover Quilts near Pikes Market in Seattle, WA. On my most recent trip, I got to visit with owner Linda Hitchcock who shared that they have been in business for over 20 years.

The shop is nestled in an indoor multi-level string of shops that extends down 1st Avenue from the famous 'fish throwing' seafood seller at Pike's Market. I first found it during a web search for quilt stores before a visit to Seattle. Once I visited, I have managed to get back there at least once a year to stock up on whatever catches my eye.

In my humble opinion, what Undercover Quilts excels in are batiks. Linda must have a very similar eye in fabrics to me as I never fail to find just the fabric that I think I need for a particular project that I am working on at home.  In fact, since I have a very strict rule when I am traveling that I never check a bag, I have been forced more than once to ship home my purchases as I can get carried away with what I buy in the store. If you look at the photos below of just some of their batiks, you can see why I never miss visiting the store.

The website address for Undercover Quilts is www.undercoverquilts.com. They are redoing their website right now but there are links for various ways to get in touch with them. 

If you happen to be in Seattle, their address is 14111 1st Avenue #106. Their email address is quilts@serv.net.

Enjoy!

Floral Explosion

I have finished my latest art quilt - Floral Explosion. This grew out a fat quarter that fascinated me. I collected some fabrics that worked with it and went from there. After a brief respite while I contemplated thread work and quilting, I resumed work on it and have been progressing all summer. I kept wanting to call the piece Explosion but somehow wanted flowers or forest acknowledged. This morning the title, Floral Explosion, seemed just right.

Comments are most welcome!

Here is some detail on it.: