As a Quilt Magazine Junkie, I have enjoyed reading cover to cover the stories of quilters, designers, shops and magazine staff. One of those names
Heidi Kaisand, a previous long-time Executive Editor for the Better Homes and Gardens, American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. Heidi is now the National Sales Manager for APQS, so I ran into her while test driving long arm machines -- how exciting! Also with her,
Pat Sloan (sadly, no picture) -- who owns a George that I test drove last year.
Speaking of APQS and George, my love for the "George" sit-down quilting machine is still prevalent, however a long arm eliminates the need for basting (yuk!). One of my favorite features not mentioned much in the web-world, vibration. I walked away from the "Lenni" and "Millennium" with minimal vibration (you know.... the body shaking even after the machine stops). REALLY appreciated this.
While in Houston, I tried every brand of machine there except maybe two. All perform well, all have bells and whistles, all have high and low end pricing. I have brought home a stack of notes and brochures. Last night, I surfed a few sites for owner comments. Very little negative anywhere -- good sign. Also have friends who own a Gammil and A-1 ... both very happy with their machines and company support. Both are in the business of quilting tops for customers. My use -- a HUGE "bucket list" for family, friends and charity. So .... the journey continues.
Of course, I had to stop by the
"Moda Bake Shop" to visit my own quilt on display. I met the Director of Marketing,
Lissa above and
Angela below with Web/Marketing. Their booth had to be one of the best! Even though I traveled to Houston for the show and visiting family, I am now back at home working on the next Moda Bake Shop project.
All three of these ladies were a joy meeting. They are so sweet, gorgeous and very tall (I am 5'7")!
I am still a fairly new blogger, and now that we are approaching the holidays, I can see where it will be very difficult to show what I am working on. With time home for the holidays, I have been behind the machine quilting tops. Every so often, I need a break, so I am digging through my 2" strips and cutting a few from my stash of pinks and greens for the Bonnie Hunter Mystery Quilt -- Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll. 
Now here is a quilt that I cannot wait to show viewers -- it will be on the Moda Bake Shop soon. I am actually doing the hand work --- but thought I would give you a sneak peek from a recent picture while quilting. The fabric is from Barbara Brackman's new line "A Morris Tapestry". The collection is STUNNING! I only hope the pictures will do this collection justice. It is so delicate and feminine .... with Barbara's attention to detail perfecting the true essence of the art of tapestry. Can you tell that I am in love with this fabric? So much so .... that I will add a few surprise accessories. 
As a Quilt Magazine Junkie, I have enjoyed reading cover to cover the stories of quilters, designers, shops and magazine staff. One of those names Heidi Kaisand, a previous long-time Executive Editor for the Better Homes and Gardens, American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine. Heidi is now the National Sales Manager for APQS, so I ran into her while test driving long arm machines -- how exciting! Also with her, Pat Sloan (sadly, no picture) -- who owns a George that I test drove last year.
Of course, I had to stop by the "Moda Bake Shop" to visit my own quilt on display. I met the Director of Marketing, Lissa above and Angela below with Web/Marketing. Their booth had to be one of the best! Even though I traveled to Houston for the show and visiting family, I am now back at home working on the next Moda Bake Shop project. 
Sandy's Cupcakes are scrumptious! Sandy is an scrapbooking artist; she decorates for baby showers, retirement parties and now, her new pallet is her cupcakes. Is your mouth watering yet?
When I made "Missy's Fall Garden" for the Moda Bake Shop Quilt, there were HST's left over -- 168 to be exact, which made 42 pinwheels. I added 8 more pinwheels from other scraps and started playing on the design wall. The results is this 72" x 72" Fall Companion Quilt, perfect size for a table topper.
I am so excited! Missy's Fall Garden has just come out the Moda Baking Oven and is now available at the Moda Bake Shop. Named for my second niece, Missy Marie, the quilt uses every one of the 42 10x10" pieces of the Layer Cake, "Awesome" by Sandy Gervais, for Moda. I feel like I just won the Lottery!
