A Quilter's Happy Bus

Somewhere between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., alarm clocks go off in 14 different households...up and out of the house, meet at 6:00 a.m. by Cedar Creek. Bring your lunch, spending money and comfortable shoes. The Liberty Ladies Annual Bus Trip is ready to go!

Can I sit next to you???

 Last Thursday, 14 dedicated quilters and one very patient, tolerant, & flexible guy (husband to one of our Ladies) left North Central Wisconsin and headed for points south. We had an ambitious itinerary - 4 quilt shops. Since most shops prefer no photos be taken, visit their websites. I did get permission to capture friends clutching bolts of fabric though!
First stop - Rockford, Illinois...Quilter's General Store... a well appointed shop in a lovely old home which dates back to the late 1800's. 

"Open" - a word to thrill a quilter's heart!

And a wallet!!!

Delectable Mountains - lovely quilting!

Bright, clean and so orderly, we were welcomed by a friendly staff who were ready to cut our chosen lovelies.


Surrounded by well kept barns and outbuildings, this shop has a very nice selection of reproduction fabrics - so dear to each of us in the quilt history study group. They also have hand dyed wools, kits and up to date books and patterns. A beautifully restored staircase railing was commented on by everyone...and a reminder sign to not try and carry bolts of fabric down the stairs by yourself! Even in the "necessary room" there were things to contemplate....

The 2nd shop on our list - Acorn Quilts also in Rockford...this is a fun place with 2 very cheery ladies who were very helpful.(Sorry - no exterior shots!) This shop was also very neatly kept - lots of fun samples and batiks, brights and a nice grouping of tone on tones. They had a completed quilt on display called "Ohmygosh!" which featured 1 1/2" finished 9 patch units and churn dash blocks...very similar in appearance to mine which appears in my blog header. Since I am about ready to start another tiny finished block quilt (1/2" pieces) (Settler's Trail from Primitive Gatherings) I passed on this one...but love the name!

By now we had worked up quite an appetite and everyone grabbed their lunches which had been packed the night before.  Sometimes those fast food restaurants get a little weak-in-the-knees when they see 14 women approaching their front door. My home made salad really hit the spot too. Less guilt when eating chocolate too...


Tummy's full - bags of Dove chocolates, Midnight Milky Way and home baked cookies for dessert were shared with everyone and we were on our way again...


Next stop - Attic Quilts in Beloit...those poor folks have major road construction taking place on their front street which is closed off. Being intrepid quilters, we quickly found the rear entrance and in we went. Nothing could stop us - we were on a mission. A nice little shop - some good basics and florals.

Sandy and Faye - happy shoppers!

Now where did I put that extra credit card?

 Our Happy Bus now turns eastward towards Janesville - the last stop in our busy day...Life's A Stitch - one of the Top 10 Quilt Shops in 2008. 

This is another reproduction fabric lover's heaven...wonderful samples and fabrics to inspire. The shop is located in a 1863 farmhouse and with a newly expanded classroom  with fabulous lighting, we lingered there for quite a while. I was still seeking additional reds and greens so had to stay focused...round and round the free standing fabric shelves I went, seeing new things at every turn and getting sidetracked by dear little bundles and packets of fabrics begging to go home.


Back on the bus - many shopping bags, totes and chatter - what did you buy? Oh I didn't see that...darn...should have bought more...pass the chocolate please...

Something to read along the way...

Our faithful driver headed North towards Madison...its a good thing the dinner hour was approaching or we might have talked him into swinging by Mill House Quilts in Waunakee or JJ Stitches in Sun Prairie....there was still a little room left in the back of the bus.


A very tasty meal at Outback Steakhouse finished up our fun day and we settled in for the 2 1/2 hour ride back home...


All ready, there was talk of where to go next time! 

My little pile of purchases...

A great find - 50% off - 4 yards for a backing!

I just want to try this little Twister ruler - looks like fun

Do I need more pinks and browns...probably not but can't resist

New reds and greens for a new project

Love belonging to this group - we have a good time together and everyone shares the passion for quilting and the history behind it.
Until next time...wishing each of you a good week.

Pat

At least Janesville has signs of Spring!