Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Home Sweet Home!

After a wonderful week away, we arrived home safe and sound…albeit somewhat poorer…around 7:30 last night.  We thoroughly enjoyed our time away and managed to squeeze in all that we had hoped to including visiting with old friends and family and shopping till I literally dropped.  It’s going to take a couple of days to recuperate from this vacation…I’m just saying.

I managed to snap this picture of Mr. Painted Quilt as he started to unload the van just after pulling into the driveway last night.  Although you can’t see all of the bags containing our my purchases, just use your imagination.   *wink*

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Mr. PQ knows me well enough and thank goodness he had the foresight to take out the back seat before we left!

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We left Nova Scotia last Wednesday morning and drove fifteen hours straight through to Montreal where we spent the next two days visiting with friends and family who we haven’t seen since moving to Nova Scotia in December of 2010.  The temperature by mid afternoon was in the 80’s and we had to turn on the air conditioning in the van…in mid March!!! 

The unseasonably warm weather  hung on until Saturday when we started to make our way home, this time through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine…and you know what we I did…

S-H-O-P !!!

We I did a lot of damage in The Christmas Tree Shop and the Walmart Super Store in Burlington, Vermont.  I didn’t visit the quilt shops that I used to regularly shop at because I was saving the best for last.  So rather than stay overnight in Vermont as was our original plan, we decided to continue on directly to Augusta, Maine and arrived there about 6 p.m.

We checked into the Comfort Inn, went for dinner and crashed for the night.  It was another long ten hours of driving…including the hour or so for shopping…from Montreal to Augusta.

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Through the quilting grapevine, I found out about the Busy Thimble, located in Litchfield, Maine…about 10 miles outside of Augusta.  For anyone who is into antique reproduction and Civil War fabrics, then this is a must visit quilt shop.  I think that I would be safe in saying that there would be something for everyone who is into that type of fabric…and more.

I emailed Cyndi, the shop owner, ahead of time because I knew that we would be in Augusta on Sunday and Monday when the shop is normally closed.  Because Cyndi’s house is located on the same property and right next to the shop, she was most accommodating and opened her shop for me on Sunday morning.

And S-H-O-P I did!!!

Here’s Cyndi, chatting with me as I drooled down the aisles, picking up treasures along the way.

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Cyndi’s specialty is antique reproduction fabric and every bolt and piece of fabric in her shop reflects that. 

I was in absolute heaven!!!

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Look closely at all the sample quilts hanging throughout the shop.  Talk about inspiration!

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We will be returning in July during the Maine Quilts annual show.  Needless to say, our hotel reservations are already booked!

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After picking up the ‘must-have’ fabrics that were on my list, I decided to give my credit card a reprieve until July.

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I’m not going to bore you with the clothing, groceries and incidentals that we I purchased along the way but will tease you instead with some of my purchases from the Busy Thimble.

The Farmer’s Wife book and the latest edition of the Primitive Quilts and Projects were on my list.

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Green reproduction fabrics seemed to be direly lacking in my stash so this fat quarter collection snuck it’s way into my bag .

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A stack of brushed cotton homespuns to add to the stash that Mary from Quilt Hollow gifted to me a short while ago also found it’s way home with me.

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Jo Morton Civil War fat quarter bundles.  I couldn’t resist.   *sigh* 

I needed some browns and blacks and after seeing them grouped together like that, decided that in addition to the browns and blacks, some reds had to come home with me as well.

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Aren’t these new red and black shirtings awesome?

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And what about these toiles?  I L-O-V-E toile fabric, especially when used to back a quilt.  Lots of yardage pictured below.

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More brown and black yardage…

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and lots more yardage of shirting fabric.

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I think that this reproduction fabric will look great as a backing for a scrappy hourglass quilt that is on my ‘to do’ list.

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Not a bad haul, huh?

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In a couple of minutes we’ll be leaving to pick up Frankie who was staying at The Calico Inn, enjoying his own personal vacation while we were away.  Click on the link above if you are interested in having a look at his home-away-from-home.

When I called there last evening to make arrangements to pick him up today, we were told ‘not to bother’ as the owners fell in love with him and his personality and wanted to keep him.  I guess that was their way of saying that Frankie had won their hearts too.

“Not a chance,” was my reply.  

Home would never be as sweet as it is without Frankie and Mac.  And believe it or not, Mac missed him too!

As much as we did enjoy our time away, there really is no place like home.

Kaarenheartname

58 comments:

Sandi said...

Kaaren,

How wonderful your trip was and how revitalized you must feel with all that wonderful shopping!

I can hardly wait to see what you create with your new treasure trove.

Welcome home!

Darlene said...

Welcome home!!! I'm so glad you had some time away to just 'play'. I think you had lots of fun buying 'toys'. LOL

Heartsdesire said...

Oh my gosh, Kaaren. You must have had so much fun ohing and awing through this store. And what a score of CW fabrics. Sure wish they had a shop like this here on Vancouver Island. Now what are you going to do with all those wonderful fabrics?

Deb said...

Wow - it looks like you had the most wonderful trip and picked up so many fabric goodies! Glad that you had a wonderful time!!

Teresa F. said...

Welcome back Karen. We missed you. I'm glad you had a wonderful time visiting your loved ones and enjoying yourself. Quilt shops are so "dangerous" for our budgets.
I love the reproduction fabrics you purchased, they are one of my favorites.Can't wait to see the wonders you'll do with those.
Hugs,
Teresa

Janet O. said...

How cool was that to have your own private shopping time in that incredible playground of reproduction fabrics and samples!?! I think you showed amazing restraint!
I got a chuckle at the name of Frankie's home away from home--Calico Inn. Sounds like a logical place for quilters to leave their pets while at retreats, shop hops, etc. : )

Shelley said...

Going to Augusta in July too!!! Oh, Kaaren, can we meet up??? This will be my fourth time and I LOVE IT!!

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Kaaren -- couldn't think of a better way to spend my time than visiting old friends and touring through the Northeast states (oh and SHOPPING !). I worked in Maine for two years -- I fell in love with the area, the people, Portland, and the state of Maine !!

Thanks for sharing your goods with us... man -- love those fabrics.

Welcome home - we missed you -- and it's so nice to read the SMILE in your post.

Hugs.
Karen

Sheila said...

Wow, it looks like you had so much fun, thanks for sharing.

Teresa F. said...

Hi Karen, It's Teresa again. I saw on one of your late posts that you are doing the EPP little houses.I wonder if you could scan the pattern and e-mail it to me. I'd love to do those scrappy houses but the pattern is no longer available.Thank you very much.
Teresa
dfelgueiras@sapo.pt

Teresa F. said...

Hi Karen, It's Teresa again. I saw on one of your late posts that you are doing the EPP little houses.I wonder if you could scan the pattern and e-mail it to me. I'd love to do those scrappy houses but the pattern is no longer available.Thank you very much.
Teresa
dfelgueiras@sapo.pt

Donna said...

I am SO happy for you! .... jealous, but happy! ;)

Diane H said...

Drool. Thanks for sharing your wonderful holiday.

LesQuilts said...

So glad you had a wonderful time! All part of the recovery and healing processes! One on One time always heals too!
Take care, Leslie

Janet-Olde Crow Primitives said...

Looks like you had a great time on your getaway!
You also got some wonderful fabrics. Can't wait to see what you make with them. That sounds like a really great Quilt shop to visit......IF I DIDN'T LIVE SO FARRRRRRRR AWAY :)
Enjoy the week.
~Janet

Loris said...

That is my kind of road trip! I'm so glad you had such a sweet time.
Love the Calico Inn. You certainly did right by Frankie! What wonderful care for cats!

Donna said...

Wow, love all your purchases - they're just my type of fabric!

KaHolly said...

Oh, you were in my old stomping grounds!!! Glad you got away and had such a nice time!!

WoolenSails said...

It sounds like a wonderful trip and you picked a beautiful week to travel. You didn't stop at the dorr mill store? LOL, I would have hit quite a bit of shops, which we do when we head into NH and maine.

Debbie

marie said...

Your trip sounded wonderful. Love the quilt shop. If you ever get to come to Oregon (I know--long, long way) we have a great little shop that also only has CW fabrics. It's also in a historic town. Fun place, as I do samples and work on special sale days. You deserved this trip.

Sheila said...

It was so nice to read the enthusiasm in your post , such fun with all the shopping and visiting , I am happy for you .

Gra said...

What a great trip!! Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. Great buys too!!!!!!!!!

Lisa Lisa said...

So glad to see that you had such a great time, Kaaren. Glad you're feeling up to all that traveling and shopping. :)

Samplings from Spring Creek said...

Great score on the Civil War Reproduction quilt fabric--love me some Jo Morton.

Happy you and Mr PQ were able to do something fun.

Frankie is a very loved guy!

Anonymous said...

OMGoodness that shop looks like ME!!! So sweet of her to open for you and she allowed photos for us. What a great shop owner!! Love your purchases...bet you knew that. Welcome home!!

Bertie said...

Fantastic holiday Kaaren, glad to hear your time was the best!! The Busy Thimble shop looks fabulous, thanks for the pictures!

Chris said...

Wow, Karen........you did some serious stash building. Good girl! although I'm not a fan of civil war fabrics it's a pretty good bet I could also do some damage in that shop.
Glad to have you back.

Merilyn said...

Well my goodness! You sure did have a wonderful holiday, and well deserved too after a tough few months. Your loot is gorgeous, you have enough to keep your fingers busy for a while, how nice of Cyndi to open the shop for you, I could get lost in there for a week LOL!!!! Frankie's hotel accommodation looks great, they have made quite an effort to creating a lovely cosy environment for the cats! I don't wonder that he stole their hearts, he is quite the charmer LOL!!!
I hope you rest for a bit now, and dream up some wonderful creations for your new acquisitions. It was a delightful post, really enjoyed the links too!!!!

Joyce said...

On your next trip to Maine, another great place to stop is Attic Heirlooms in Nobleboro. Wonderful woolens and homespun fabrics. They are well represented at the Quilt show in Augusta also.

Crafts4others said...

love the fabrics you chose. I have the farmer's daughter book as well, love it. I hope some day to be able to make some of the blocks. You may like the book The Civil War Love Letter Quilt, it reminds me of The Farmer's Daughter.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kaaren,
Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday. Looks like the hotel where Frankie stayed was great. I have the Farmer's Wife book and have enjoyed it very much.Can't wait to see what comes from all the wonderful fabric that you purchased. Have a great day. Dianne

Abby and Stephanie said...

Has your credit card cooled off yet? I'm sure the time way was rejuvenating. Glad the wind is back in your sails.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you have a ball. I sort of envy you (in a good way) don't get to shop much.

Allie said...

Goodness, I'm surprised you didn't have to take out the FRONT seats, and sit on the piles to drive, lol! What treasures you found, Kaaren. Good job, and so glad you had a great get-away!!!

Karen said...

You know you had a good vacation when you need to recover from it.
Looks like you found lots of great stuff. Cant wait to see.
Very much like the selection of fabrics you found.
That shop is jamed pack wtih goodies, I think it would take hours to look thru it all. Oh the burdens we endure.

Candace said...

Welcome home, Kaaren! Looks like you had a well deserved and very "profitable" trip! It's incredibly nice of the Busy Thimble to open the doors for you - I could have spent all day there for sure! Love your purchases - now you'll have to get busy and sew -- and I know you will!
Cheers!

Karen said...

What a fun post - so glad you had a great trip. It's fun to see what other quilters bring home :).

Sandy said...

What a wonderful time it looks like you had! That shopping is just what you needed to get the ideas flowing again. Go glad you had fun.

Monica said...

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time. Thanks for the report...wink.

Lori said...

Looks like you scored BIG!! I'm so glad you had a nice time away. I hope you are feeling ok.

Susannah said...

Kaaren, I am so happy for you. And look at all that loot!!!! You will have so much fun using up all of that fabric. It is good you got away and shopped for things you really love. I can not wait to see all that you make with that glorious fabric!!!! Sures wish they had shops like that around here. Oh..you make me so happy that you are well and happy!

Susannah

Nancy said...

Glad you had such a nice trip; and can just imagine the fun you had at Busy Thimble. Cyndi is my all time favorite here in Maine....not only for the lovely fabrics; but her personality is as sweet as can be. Am looking for my stop there next month during our annual Maine Shop Hop. That is one place you just can't leave empty handed lol. Looks like you did good there. Would love to meet you at the Maine Quilt show.

Nancy said...

WOW! What beautiful fabric. I have already been to Cyndi's blog and if I had seen that shop when I lived in Maine, I never would have come home to PA! Ever! I don't see a thing I don't like. So glad you had a good time.

Needled Mom said...

That sounds like my type of getaway!!! What fun you must have had shopping your heart out and the fabrics are all gorgeous. You are definitely going to have some fun with all of that stash.

Taryn said...

Iloved seeing your purchases. I must make sure to get to that shop next time I am in Maine. I have about a yard of that "eyeball" fabric you are going to use in your hourglass quilt. I can't wait to see how that one turns out.

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Welcome Home Kaaren!!!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time. You must of been in fabric heaven when you walked into that store. Such beautiful fabric ~ I would of wanted a cut from each bolt in there. Such a sweet lady to open up the store for you.
Can't wait to see all those projects you make with all the wonderful purchases!!!
Enjoy!
Prim Blessings
Robin

Jenny's Place Online said...

Glad to hear you had such a lovely time, Kaaren. The fabric shop looks amazing! Happy crafting, Jenny

Elyte said...

Great to see you having a vacation. You will have lots of fun playing with your purchases. Enjoy.

Miriam said...

Great shopping!!! Cyndi's shop looks like a treasure trove!

Hope you are keeping well.

Vickie said...

I'm so glad you had a wonderful time and aren't you gonna have even more fun with all of that fabric?! Enjoy!

Stina Blomgren said...

SMILE... you must be exhausted...:O))) All that travelling and all the shopping..lol... with a good feeling of course.. but exhausted..:O) TAke care and enjoy your warm weather and just be!! HUGS!!

JudyCinNC said...

Nothing makes the spirit lighter than adding treasures to the mix. Love all of your acquisitions ... and hopefully you "have plans" for them. I love needful things. Have some fun with Frankie - sure he missed y'all. Judy C

The Inspired Stitcher said...

I'm so glad you had such a great time! It looks like you brought home some great additions to the stash too. I'm going to have to put that store on my list of "places to visit." It looks awesome. How sweet of her to open up just for your visit. Love that!

Sandy said...

What a wonderful shopping trip. Isn't it wonderful to find a gem of a shop and shopowner as you did. You better get busy sewing so you can stock up again in a few months.

Sandra said...

oh my goodness, I think I've been to that store.Is it on the corner and you have to walk up her path by her house? She has a woodstove in the store? We went last year on a crazy unofficial shop hop in Maine/N.H. and you know...you really should have bought that pattern when you see it...but you don't....and then you get home and you regret it....because you don't know the name of it and you can't find it anywhere....i think THAT was the store. I am so excited. Thankyou Kaaren!!!
So glad to hear you're up to travelling and having "fabric therapy".
Have you been to Maine Quilts before, I love it, been a couple of times, maybe we'll bump into each other :)

Sandra Henderson said...

I am so glad that you had a wonderful trip. I have ordered from this quilt shop in Maine before. i would love to be able to visit there one day. I had her send me a1/2 yd of every toile she had in stock! seriously! lol

What a wonderful idea and your husband sounds as patient as mine. Take time to rest up. Yes, it's always needed after a long shopping trip and what great fun to look forward to playing with your new fabrics!

I do love Burlington. Have you been to Shelburne Musuem? If not, you'd both LOVE it one day. It has it ALL, including quilts.

Jan Thompson said...

Wow Kaaren, you did a quilter proud! Glad you had a great time, and I am sure you did. My kind of trip. I missed you as you are one of my favorites......get some rest, and will check in again soon to see how you are doing and what you whipped that fabric up into! Jan

Linda said...

Frankie (and you!) hit the jackpot when you found The Calico Inn. What a beautiful facility for felines! I enjoyed your trip report.