Kansas Prairie Shop Hop

 

 

Yesterday I boarded a bus bright and early for a day trip of fabric shopping!  The 2009 Kansas Prairie Shop Hop.

 

Last year was the first time I had ever taken a trip like that and I had a great time.  So, of course I needed to go again this year!  Auntie couldn't go so I went by myself.  I have been meeting a lot of the local quilters  lately and figured I would surely know someone else on the bus.  And I did!  And met some new people as well. 

We all had a good time and there was lots of laughter on the bus.  I can't tell you about the whole day - it would be too much for a blog.  Besides, the first rule of shop hopping is "What happens on the bus stays on the bus!" 

Each year there are block patterns available based on the theme for that year.  This year was stars.  Each of the eleven shops make a quilt using those blocks and each designs a different layout.   All of the quilts were amazing, but I think this one is my favorite.  If I were to make this quilt (which I probably won't) this is probably the layout I would use.

   Each shop provided a goodie bag to shoppers that included the block pattern as well as a quilter's button and miscellaneous goodies.  See that little pile of candy on the left?  It started out much bigger.  LOL!

This is what the buttons look like.  If you visited all of the shops, you would have eleven buttons and several shops had a quilted clock made up of these buttons.  Cute idea!  Did I think to take a picture?  Of course not!

This is part of what I brought home with me.  These are the stash builders.  Things I knew I was going to need and actually had on my list.  I need yellows and oranges in my stash and a couple of neutrals since that pile gets used frequently.  The fat quarters are for a polka dot swap.

And there were other fat quarters, of course.  Sometimes they fill a hole in the stash, and sometimes they just need to go home with you.  I can never resist new fat quarters!

And then, there is this group.  Have you ever been in a store when you heard a wee, small voice saying "Buy me, buy me!"?  No?  Ahem, never mind that, then.  I've learned on past shopping trips that if you see something you really, really like you should go ahead and buy it right then.  Thinking that you will get it the next time you are in <insert city name that you never visit again> is something you will live to regret!  I have no idea what these fabrics will become part of, but I will enjoy looking at them for awhile.  And one day an idea will come along that is perfect for these!

One stop seems to be a requirement for all bus trips . . . Russell Stover!  I think the buses are all programmed to turn off at the appropriate exit regardless of final destination!  Hmmm. Yum!

In fact, I think I need to go sample one of those chocolates right now!  I'll be back later with more fun stuff.

Shop Hop!

Yesterday I went on my first Shop Hop bus tour! Wow! Was that ever a tiring - but fun - day! My auntie went with me and we had a really good time together. We've talked about doing this tour for a couple of years, but our schedules only came together finally this year. The Kansas Prairie Shop Hop runs for four days and the bus trips usually run for two days - I would never last through two full days of this!


Well, if your goal is to build up fabric stash, then this is the way to do it. Er, not too good for stash-busting, though - unless you're our "tour guide." The shop who sponsored the bus provided lots of give-aways, but our guide brought some of her own what-was-I-thinking stuff and gave it away as well. Each piece had a story, of course, and most were funny so we laughed and laughed all day. Between shopping stops, that is!


Oh boy, did we shop! This is what my personal treasure trove looked like at the end of the day. I did start out with a few goals and managed to fulfill all but one. Not bad, huh? Please note the small pile of change in the photo. That is ALL the cash I made it home with. Even had to borrow a dollar for dinner. Oh dear! But, I got a lot of really neat stuff - and lots and lots of inspiration - for . . . well, uh, maybe I shouldn't say. Hubby reads my blog sometimes, you know!

Well, now I have sorted and pondered and stored most of the haul (and eaten some of the chocolate!) and it is time to get back on schedule with my creative goals. There are still some family obligations to finish up, but I have more time in the studio every day. That means I will actually get a chance to work on the Take It Further Challenge and Stargaze Tome and Hattie's headwear - and so on. I'm ready!