Kendra and I are lucky enough to get to spend the week in Kalispell, Montana with 37 other shop owners and certified Quiltworx instructors for Quiltworx recertification. What a wonderful experience. We are staying at the retreat center with a group of about a dozen lovely ladies.
Here's our crash pad. We are NOT suffering for eye candy, as you can see.
Our training is at a separate location, which is absolutely perfect.
Here are my partners in crime. Kendra is teaching me lots and the Dots pretzels keep me on task.
The quilt above is my personal fav. Must make soon!
We are learning lots, sewing 15(ish) hours a day, and having the best time ever. We can't wait to show you our progress on the new Technique of the Month, which is called Carnival Flower.
Piece out!
Suzie
If you hang out with Joy enough, you will eventually hear her say, "There is a lid for every pot." Gotta be honest...that one made me chuckle, but oh, how very true it is. I found my lid recently.
It started out as a little bit of a setup. Kendra ever so innocently mentioned, "Suzie, don't you think you should take that Baby Lock Accomplish to the cabin this weekend?" To be honest, never had it crossed my mind to cheat on my Bernina, but heck, I'm a single lady so I'm willing to give it a test drive. The blind date was underway. Wowza, I haven't done this in a long time.
I loaded the box into the car along with enough sewing projects and food/snacks to last a lifetime...LITERALLY.
We hit it off right from the moment I began to undress him from his box. You might call it love at first sight!
I was going to be learning how to paper piece, so this machine and I were a perfect match. Not only does it sew super fast, but it's equipped with a thread cutter, which is simply a must for paper piecing, as I soon learned to appreciate. I was also instantly attracted to long, lean lines of the thread delivery system. The knee lift and I immediately began what I can only describe as an intense game of footsie. Some may say size doesn't matter, but let me tell you, if you haven't ever experienced this extension table before...well, all I can say is that you don't know what you don't know. We had the most amazing first date.
If I had a list of "must haves" in a mate, the Accomplish simply checks them all off. Here's just a few of the features straight from the horse's mouth:
I was pin-feed system virgin. Can I just say WOW? It was so easy to feed the varying thicknesses of my paper piecing projects and the included presser feet were very manly and strong, built for precise sewing. I'm not one who lives in the past, or sews backwards, but if you are such a person, the reverse lever is impressive and hard to miss.
The first date turned into a magical, romantic whirlwind weekend-long affair that will not be ending anytime soon. My interests and hobbies include sewing in a straight line, so this machine and I are perfect for each other whether I'm piecing quilt tops at lightning speed or fumbling through learning the process of paper piecing.
I would highly recommend giving the Baby Lock Accomplish a try. We are now a match made in heaven. Thanks for the tip, Kendra!
Piece out!
Suzie and Soulmate
Can you believe that tomorrow is the first day of school for most of the kiddo's in Minnesota?! It's hard to believe that the summer of 2022 is coming to an end. For me this summer has been similar to the Johnny Cash song, "I've Been Everywhere"!
In May, not only was I getting ready for my daughter to graduate High School, but her softball team also made it to the State Tournament in Mankato where they took 3rd place!
Then came graduation along with my youngest daughter's dance recital, all on the same weekend!
The next week we were off to the Minnesota Quilt Show that was held in St. Cloud. We had a great time showing the attendees how well Bernina "Measures Up" with the long arm quilting machines by handing out the Pine Needles red yard sticks. During the quilt show, my youngest daughter also had her National Dance Competition, thank goodness for technology, I was able to live stream to watch her dances.
After the quilt show and after the trailer was all packed up to head back to Rochester, my family picked me up in St. Cloud to head off to Alexandria to watch my daughter compete in the State High School Trap Shoot.
As soon as we made it home from Alexandria, we had a day to repack our suitcases as we were then headed to Oklahoma for Freshman orientation at Oklahoma State!
I had a few weeks at home and in the shop before heading out to Palm Springs, California for my very first Bernina University! 
This was an amazing time to see the unveiling of the brand new Kaffe machines, the new embroidery hoops and learn about all things Bernina! I even got to play a round of golf cart polo!
Then we had the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop! It was so fun to see all the hoppers that visited our shop and especially fun to see those that finished either the section or the whole state at our shop!
During this time, we also moved my daughter off to college. We loaded her up along with a new sewing machine of course and moved her down to Oklahoma!
I was also able to spend a few days with Marcia, Suzie, Joy and Alyssa at the cabin to do a bit a sewing and embroidery to work on some new shop samples for this fall.
Up next was a trip to St. Louis for Baby Lock Tech! We stayed at the Historic Union Station in St. Louis. We learned about the new Baby Lock Machines, products and promotions. While we were there, we also toured the Aquarium and took a ride around the Ferris Wheel!
And last but not least, this last weekend my daughter flew home from Oklahoma to unwind and unplug at Camp House in Brimson, Minnesota and go deep into the Superior National Forrest!
It now seems that I am ready for fall as some of our fall classes are starting this week! If you haven't had a chance to check out the fall class line-up, be sure to check it out or stop by the store and ask us about it! We'd love to see you!
What an adventure! Our state wide hop ended at Pine Needles Quilt & Sew on Monday morning. Thank you Marcia and Suzie for letting this multi generational mother daughter JAM team make a dream come true.
Getting that final stamp was a little bittersweet.
It was exciting and thrilling to know we accomplished what we set out to do but it was sad to know that was the end of our daily travels and time together. 2500 plus miles traveled and memories made.
Each day we enjoyed the scenery out our windows, we shared stories and memories and unlike any other conversations, car conversations are the best. There is something about the enclosed space and the time stretching out before you that is perfect for reflection, planning, dreaming and sharing.
My travels weren't quite done for the day since I still needed to return my mom home. We took the scenic route home through Hastings, Red Wing, Stillwater and more. We stopped to pick up the mail in Scandia and my mom and I enjoyed a lunch at the Thirsty Buffalo. The burger baskets were Yummy! My mom enjoyed a cold beer and it was just the right thing before a nap in her own bed.
The rain was good for the gardens and my mom has told me she has now canned another 14 pints of green beans. I am hopeful with the continued cool weather she will be able to can more.
The cooler that accompanied us on all of our car picnics and decades of car travel that my parents both enjoyed has now been retired. The main zipper malfunctioned and Alyssa repaired it once and the last two days of our travels the cooler had to be held shut with a clothespin. I have ordered a replacement and now that it has arrived my mom said she plans to take off for Kentucky to visit my brother and his wife.
Alyssa has been busy sewing on the secret projects that my mom commissioned for family gifts. If they weren't so top secret, I would post pictures here.
I have started on one of my "littles" projects and I am so excited. Watch for "Tiny Tuesdays" to come to the shop. I would love for you to experience the pure joy of creating little blocks with very little fabric. It is a passion of mine and I have some really fun ideas to share with all of you.
Thank you to each of you that took time to follow our journey and thank you to those of you who have sought me out at the shop to hear more. Alyssa and I were both back to work last Tuesday and it was truly a treat to be back on the Marcia & Joy show and to share in the Threaducation Workshop that we had at the store this last weekend.
There are still a few more days left in the Quilt Minnesota Shop Hop.
Take some time for yourself and get out there and enjoy the local quilt stores. Look out your windows and breathe in the green, verdant life we have all around us. Find a pattern or a fabric that inspire you and I give you permission to let the housework sit while you recharge your creative energies.
Happy Hopping, Joy
We are in our final miles of our grand adventure and the morning is heavy with moisture and fog. Highway 14 was our travel route choice this morning. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the landscapes of Minnesota. However, I will always have a love of the bluff country in southeastern Minnesota. My parents were from opposite ends of the state. My dad was born in the extreme Northwestern part of the state and my mom in the extreme southeastern part of the state. Both from farms and farming communities. They met in the twin cities and settled north of the cities in Scandia. We took monthly trips to Hokah to visit grandma and my mom's other two sisters. This was a more achievable weekend destination than my dad's family which was 7 hours north.
Our preferred path was down Highway 61 and I loved as we caught the river view and traveled along the Mississippi. Lake City always opened up into Lake Pepin and that is such a panoramic view. As you get further south the bluffs start hugging you on the right and the water on the left. It was fairly common to see trains running in-between as well. In the spring the ice is stunning as it creates mini frozen waterfalls.
Today, our first destination was What's Brewing in Wabasha. The fog banks were thick as we traveled in and out of the valleys.
Wabasha is a beautiful little community and worth the drive by itself. Our greeter was working on a stamped embroidery when we entered and the sweet smell of artisan coffee tempted our senses.
We had a nice visit with Java Jan and took some delicious coffees to go.
Lake City has two shops nearly directly across the street. We found a nice parking spot near Rather Bee. I love their painted store sign.
Jan and Judy greeted us as we entered the shop. They have colorful Elizabeth Hartmann quilts all about the shop. These are such whimsical, fun designs.
Pumpkinberry stitches was our next destination. Years ago when I was revisiting my quilting passion, Alyssa and I visited this shop on a quest for Row by Row designs. Alyssa filled her first bag of scraps in this store carefully choosing fabrics that inspired her. She has come a long ways from those days.
Our last destination was Winona and we enjoyed our lunch along the way and were able to enjoy or scenic river drive a second time. The day continues to be overcast and heavy with moisture but all the greens are richer on a day like today.
I forgot to take a picture on the way out. This is the best I have. Sorry Pauline and Mary.
Bluffview quilts was our last destination for today. Pauline and Mary were at the helm and we enjoyed our time in their shop.
Home and naptime were calling.
(permission was given to use the sleeping photo)
There is only one shop left on our passport and that is our home shop, Pine Needles Quilt & Sew. We will visit this morning and then I will take my mom home. With the rain they have recently had she is hoping to can beans and pickles. She has cabbage waiting for her and the sauerkraut is ready to be jarred. One thing for sure, we never go hungry with such a bountiful garden.
Our menu last night was sloppy joes, leftover pulled pork and my son made fries to round out the menu.
After supper, Alyssa and my mom started on the secret projects.
My mom is the queen of the steam and prepared all the fabric for Alyssa to sew. I went to bed before they finished for the evening but when I got up this morning one quilt top was finished.
Thanks for following our journey.
Happy Hopping and hoping to see you in the shop! Joy
On the road again, we just can't wait to get on the road again......morning breakfast was livelier than the past weeks. The breakfast room had a mix of wedding travelers and families. I especially enjoyed watching a family with 3 young children. The baby was like me, swivel head in every direction and not wanting to miss a single thing.
I am a big fan of American Pickers and I feel we have traveled the back roads of America right here in Minnesota. We have enjoyed so many beautiful flower gardens along the way that brighten up the already beautiful fields we have passed by. The majestic purple phlox are blooming, along with flax, bee balm, bright marigolds and red geraniums and all the varieties of mini sunflowers. As we left Marshall, our local field adviser, Marge reported the soybean crops looked beautiful and it appears they have had adequate rain.
Our first destination this morning is Lamberton and as we approached the train was coming through. However, much to our delight and surprise our destination was right there on the right in a bright and cheery yellow house with a turret. Stitchin' It Up Quilt Shop has plenty of parking and is fully wheelchair or walker accessible.
The sun was shining through the leaded windows and everything inside looked like a gem that had to be had. I loved the combination pattern book and cookbook this section has put together and I had to have one.
Cabby's Corner Quilt & Fabric in Gibbon was our next stop.
This shop is right on the main street of town and the streets were quiet but the shop next door had lively country music playing so the entire town could here. It added a party vibe to our visit. We were wishing we were there a little closer to lunch time since it was Food Truck Friday and that looked like fun. This shop is in an older building and that alone adds a bit of character to your shopping experience. We enjoyed peeking in the antiques section of the shop as well. I came away with a little bit of local Alpaca yarn. The farm it is sourced from is in Hutchinson. Such squishy, cozy goodness.
New Ulm hosts three shops and since we are traveling the entire state we visited them all. The first two shops are supper close to each other. As we exited the car, we could hear accordion music and although we did not capture the moment to share, my mom danced her way into the first shop.
My parents attended community dances for years and my mom continues to go when she is home. The circle of dancers is a friendly community and is a terrific exercise and social time with a little luncheon that is rarely missed by it's regulars.
Between The Thimble Box and The Spinning Spools shop there was a unique tree that showcased local buildings and history on it's limbs. I did my best to capture the view but standing any more in the street probably was not a good idea.
The Spinning Spools had a pretty shaded garden walkway.
Sewing Seeds was our last New Ulm destination and it is full of wool work and littles as I would like to call them.
Jo Morton and Kim Diehl both make little, itty bitty scrappy quilts and toppers and I love them.
(Quilt made by Sewing Seeds)
They were everywhere here and all the beautiful Buttermilk Basin designs and Primitive Gatherings were stitched up and surrounded us (me) with temptation. On our way out we met a mom and daughter combo from the twin cities and the daughter was happily hugging a JoMorton box kit that she had been eyeing for awhile. Her back to school shopping for the U of M was complete.
The German Garden was highly recommended by the Sewing Seeds staff for our lunch destination. They are putting the finishing touches on the garden and were putting up a shade shelter for the amphitheater. We found a picnic table in the shade that overlooked the stunning flower gardens and water fountain.
It was a little warm but just the sound of the fountain made it feel fresh. Our lunch menu included salami or turkey sandwiches, cauliflower, grapes, an orange and chip crumbles.
Last stop for the day is Mankato and River City Quilts. Since the temperature has continued to rise we were thankful for a parking spot in the shade. Although our chocolate chip cookies are in a cooler that car can get warm while you shop.
It happened to be Fat Quarter Friday and there were so many pretty choices. We enjoyed a cold beverage and cookie before we left. Thanks for the nice hospitality River City Quilts.
Our hotel is up by the stadium and as we traveled up the hill it almost felt like we were back in Duluth. We arrived early enough for the afternoon rest time.
Shopping can wear a guy out and a nap is a welcome feature of an early arrival time. I forgot to take a picture of our dinner. It was delicious! Chili was on the menu with a side of cool ranch chips and chased by homemade cookies. Again, I am so thankful for my mom's planning and cooking so we could have such delicious meals on the road.
Finally, the laying out of the plan for secret projects.
Puzzle time
Yesterday we only traveled 147 miles. Today we have almost 300 miles but our own beds will welcome us and we will enjoy dinner with the menfolk at my house. Windom is our first stop this morning.
Be sure to stop into Pine Needles if you are out hopping and thank them for letting Alyssa and I take this epic road trip with my mom, Marge.
Happy Hopping! Joy
