Happy Day

Yes, today is Valentine's Day and therefore a Happy Day, but I have another reason to be happy. It's a sewing day for me, but a package I received in the mail yesterday will make it an even happier day!! First let me go back just a few days: I flew to Houston for the first weekend in February so that Paula and I could spend a few days planning and doing inventory (ugh part of the whole weekend).  We accomplished so much and you will be seeing that over the next few weeks as I piece together all the great quilts we planned! Just before I arrived, Paula's fabric samples for her new collection, Claret, arrived, so we cut the fabric we need for a new quilt.  I am so in love with this collection.  The wine-colored tones paired with grays, blacks and lights are just yummy. Check out the full collection on Marcus Fabrics' website: Claret.  Paula had already planned a re-do of Harpers Ferry, so it was a matter of just getting it cut.

And here's why today is a Happy Day! 

Yes, those are individual baggies for each of the blocks in the quilt. Be still my heart!  Paula not only cut the fabric, she bagged them by block!!!!  I have been grinning ear to ear since the box arrived!  This quilt will take absolutely no time to piece and put together - which means we can have the kits on the website and available for purchase as soon as the quilt is finished!!! 

We finished the inventory in record time and spent the rest of the weekend pulling fabrics for new quilts and kits.  Watch for re-do's of Bordeaux, Simple Star, Pinwheel Triangles, and A Quilt for Alice. I also got to dine at some of my favorite places: Lupe's and Bagel Cafe!!

Cruise update: We had a fabulous time and met some awesome ladies (and some gentlemen too). Apparently we were one of the topics in the comedy show one night - "have you seen the sweatshop they're running down in the Conference Center?" There were 82 quilters and they were divided into 3 classrooms in the Conference Center. The 3 teachers were Paula, Denice Libscomb of Common Threads Quilting, and Connie Tesene of Country Threads.  Deb Luttrell of Stitchin' Heaven and the organizer of these fabulous cruises also shared the schedule of cruises for 2017 and 2018.  Be sure to check out Stitchin' Heaven Travel and book your cruise of a lifetime.

We sailed on Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, the first of the biggest cruise ships.  It is divided into areas/zones and has so much to offer everyone. Paula and I decided we both like the Central Park area the best.  You're outside, but because of the trees and greenery you would never know you were in the middle of the ocean. The ship even has an outdoor aqua theater for a high diving performances!

Central Park area from the pool deck. Interior balcony rooms overlook the park area.

Aqua Theater. This was taken as we were waiting for our muster drill, so the pool area is closed.

Oh, is that the sound of the baggies calling my name? It must be time to close and head to the sewing machine!

Until next time, happy quilting.
Mary Ellen