I’m Off To Amish Country

Well, we survived the Blizzard of 2011.  That’s how the news kept referring to the winter blizzard that moved through much of the U.S. in the last couple of days.  The girls are home from school again today.  We live in a rural area and I believe the back roads are still quite dangerous.  Plus, it’s awful cold out.  We were all home Wednesday too.  Even Scott stayed home.  It gave me a chance to get some things done before I left for my retreat.  I did not finish all my “Hop To It” blocks, but I finished up Block 10.

Again, I love the rich colors of the wool.  I also squared up all my blocks so far to the correct size.

I will work on the sashing and remaining two blocks while I’m on my retreat.  I’m taking Elaina’s “Toulouse” to also work on.

I’m going to Shipshewanna IN until Sunday.  I can’t wait!  It’s a quilter’s paradise in the heart of Amish country.  I will be enjoying the Amish food as well!!  I usually diet the week before, so I can make a complete pig of myself while I’m there!! 🙂  This is a huge weekend in Shipshewanna.  Saturday morning the whole town is on sale.  Even the the quilt shops!!  It’s like the day after Thanksgiving.  It’s called the Pajama Sale.  In order to get the discounts, you have to be wearing your pajamas!  Even the Amish participate.  It’s so much fun!  The sales start early in the morning.  We always go to Lolly’s first.  It’s one of my favorite quilt shops…EVER!  The whole store is on sale at 30% off!  It’s a crazy madhouse in there!!  I will take lots of pictures to show you when I get back.

I finished up quilting “Mon Ami.”  I still need to get the binding on and give it a little bath.  I was going to wait to show pictures, but I just can’t wait that long.

I just did a simple swirly design around the border.

I think it will make a beautiful table topper.

I have one last little story.  I went to Jamie’s studio Tuesday for a private class with another student.  The other student, Kelly drove over 2 1/2 hours to take the class!  I, of course was running late.  Some of you might want to cover your ears for this part…I took a shower and left the house in the middle of winter with a wet head.  No, I would never let the girls do the same thing.  The other student was already there when I arrived.  As soon as I walked in she said, “You’re The Quilted Pineapple!”  I sheepishly smiled and said, “Yes, I am.”  She was so sweet.  She explained how that she read my blog, enjoyed it and that was how she found Jamie!  I just thought that was super neat!  Kelly, actually purchased a Handiquilter (Jamie is a dealer for those as well) from a dealer that offered no help to her.  Not even set-up of her machine.  Kelly was super excited to find Jamie because he is going to work with Kelly in his studio for about 3 days!  I’m so happy for Kelly.  I look forward to keeping in touch with her.  I had a photo of the three of us, but for some reason my camera didn’t save it.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  I’ll see you Monday with tales of my retreat!