CT Quilt Shop Hop 2013

The local CT quilt shops host a bi-annual shop hop towards the end of September and I joined in the fun this year.  For whatever reason, I missed it in 2011.  I don't remember why.

9 shops participated this year.  In 2009, there were a lot more shops involved and they were located on the western side of the state.  This year was just concentrated in the central part of the state.  Less driving for me.  I wasn't crazy about those shops on the western side of the state anyway.

ANYwho.  I didn't finish the hop.  There were two quilt shops that I decided to skip from the start.  One is along the shoreline (only one) and it wasn't worth the drive.  They have 2 others in the area - family business and they don't have much fabric to begin with.  They specialize in custom window coverings and sewing machines.  The second one I skipped.... they don't need my money.  I loved their shop and the selection of fabrics but the employees were very rude in 2009 and I wasn't going to waste my time there.

I had fun.  My friend's Mom and I went together and split the list between two weekends.  Here are the treasures I came home with.

Every shop gave a free pattern for participating.  These are the patterns I collected plus some little notions.  2 mini seam rippers, pair of cute cat scissors, snail measure tape and a ruler.

Some FQs and yardage for a project I plan to work on over the Winter.  Since none of these color shades are in my stash, I had to stock up.  Of course, I made the decision after the fact to use the cream with black mini dot as my background fabric and all I have is a fat quarter of it.  I need to make a special trip to the shop where I bought it (I saw it on the bolt) or call them and see if they would let me make the purchase over the phone.

Some random fat quarters, a Bali Pop to make a quilt for my husband for Christmas this year (hopefully) and a layer cake.

Halloween yardage for a couple of pillowcases and Valentine yardage for a twister heart that I want to make.

Two new patterns.  That tote is next on my list to make.  There was a sample in the shop and it was awesome.  Great size.  

Lastly - SHEEPIES!!!  In 2011, I was crushing on this fabric line and now a couple of shops had the yardage in as "new".  I find it funny that the line is 2 years old but they just got it.

My sheep panel!  I will be quilting this one up to hang in my sewing room

And some yardage for pillowcases.

That's it.  Put a nice dent in my wallet but that's okay.  I don't do it often.  AND I went with a list and shopping purchase.  Few things got thrown into the mix "just because" but most of it, I have a vision for.  I have one more shopping trip in my near future.  Headed to New Hampshire this weekend and my husband is stopping at Keepsake Quilting for me.  :)

The memory quilt is coming along.  I'm up to 40 blocks finished?  I think that was my last count.  My goal is to get the entire top done and off to be quilted by the end of October.  Pedal to the metal over here!

Enjoy your day!

Jen :)