Tag Archives: Texas Hill Country

Dec5

Hill Country Thanksgiving

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Anny

Our Hill Country Thanksgiving started with cooking and feasting on a scrumptious meal at our daughter’s home in Austin. That is where we met George, our newest sweet grand-dog! He’s called a Goldendoodle.

Black Friday did involve a bit of shopping in Fredericksburg, Texas. Even though the weather was miserable, shoppers didn’t seem to care while they explored this historical quaint town. Our first stop was Carol Hicks Bolton, a huge, fabulous store featuring Bella Notte linens and French antiques. I scored a few French pharmacy items and financial documents from Paris, 1891. Greeting you were scenes like these:

Having worked up an appetite, we visited Vaudeville:

Where you can dine downstairs…

Then shop upstairs. 🙂

We returned to Austin by way of Johnson City to view the amazing Christmas lights! Behold!

The following day, I took time to visit one of my favorite fabric store, Cowgirls and Lace, in Dripping Springs. On the way, I spotted a quilt shop I’d never noticed before, and I’m so glad I stopped!

Colorful fabrics including many Kaffe Fassett, gifts, books, patterns, classes, and even refreshments!

But, alas, it was time to say good-bye to Austin and family. Aww, sad to go, Georgie:

One more stop for Granny and Gramps in beautiful San Antonio. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Contessa on the Riverwalk. And capped off our trip with a riverboat tour of the holiday lights before returning to Galveston.

Never a dull moment. Time to pull out the costumes we wear to Galveston’s Dickens on the Strand. More about that later… Happy Holidays!

Nov12

S’MORES AND MORE!

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Anny

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We were in LaGrange this weekend and I had a chance to experience the Texas Quilt Museum once more. Quilt displays are changed every three months and the setting is a beautiful century old brick building. I highly recommend it if you’re visiting the Texas Hill Country near LaGrange. They don’t allow photographs but I asked permission to snap an overall shot to entice visitors to this lovely quilt haven.

Texas Quilt Museum
LaGrange, Texas

Right next door to the museum is a fabulous quilt/yarn shop, The Quilted Skein. Very inviting fabrics greet you (think Kaffe Fassett, etc.) and one whole side of the store is devoted to yarn and knitting. I could spend hours there. Since it’s finally cooler here in Texas I have the urge to knit and bought just enough yarn to make a scarf. Check out this warm and cozy scene:

The Quilted Skein
LaGrange, Texas

Late that afternoon Farmer Rick wanted to show me the property he’s working on, and I must say, it is quite lovely. Here is a photo down by the creek and another of sunset:

That evening we met my sister and her family at Bistro 108–the place in LaGrange for delectable meals (we had brunch the next day as well.) 🙂

Fantastic Food!

After dark my nephew built a huge fire and we all roasted marshmallows (giant size) for drippingly good s’mores. A choice of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or Hersheys with almonds. Oh so good!! I had seconds. 😉

Our visit was topped off the next morning with sitting on the porch with our coffee while my sister finished binding a quilt and I knitted. Ah, heaven…

One more thing. Since it’s great soup weather, I’ll share a recipe made a few nights ago which came from another quilter friend (thanks, Beverly) that I’m sure you’ll find delicious, quick, and very easy.

Chicken Enchilada Soup
Um-Um-Good!

CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP

1 can Chicken Broth

l0 oz. can enchilada sauce with green chiles

10 oz. can medium enchilada sauce

Tortilla strips (I used “Crunchy Toppings for Salads” kind)

1 tsp. ground cumin

Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Fajita Strips (I used about 1/2 of a 1.37 lb. bag)

1 cup half-n-half

1 medium diced tomato

1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese

sour cream

Combine both sauces and chicken broth in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until broth thickens somewhat. Add cumin, chicken strips (still frozen) and half-n-half. Toss in a few handfuls of tortilla strips (but save some for topping in the bowls.) Heat through until the chicken is thawed and hot. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with diced tomatoes, cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and another handful of tortilla strips. Yum!!

Jul23

Dramamine, anyone?

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Anny

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The Madison Visit–We began with sewing and ended with sewing but mucho entertainment in between! Our first mission was to purchase fabric for the cute McCall’s vintage romper pattern we recently ordered. Madison chose a lovely red stripe seersucker. Luckily, we borrowed a tape measure and discovered that the size was wrong. But, after visiting two stores we located an almost identical pattern (also McCall’s) and promptly had it cut out and ready to roll! We woke up to crashing thunder and lightning the following morning which, as you know, is perfect for sewing up a storm. 🙂 That sewing room had never seen so much cutting and stitching! Maddie is a very quick learner, cutting and sewing with minimal guidance from Granny, and soon delighted with her new summery creation. Encouraged by this awesome success, she proceeded to sew with me throughout the evening, fashioning matching hair accessories, belts, and bracelets! Here is the new outfit…

On Sunday we visited with Nannette and Laura, then back to Galveston for evening sewing. This time Madison was itching to try her hand at stitching a bag pattern (with a zipper!) for small travel items. She selected a laminated chevron fabric from my laminated scraps bin and again, with minimal guidance, created a lovely bag. With even less guidance, she produced yet a second bag for pencils etc. to coordinate with her backpack. As I sewed my latest bag, she continued at the Bernina, trying her hand at fabric flowers. Yay! A beautiful turquoise polka dot laminate rose was generated, along with a fabulous shabby chic satiny silver peony.

No, we didn’t spend four days just sewing. 🙂 We experienced the Duck Tour, visited Moody Gardens Aquarium and The Texas Seaport Museum, learned to Segway along the Seawall, took a carriage ride in the historic district, and rode the Ferris Wheel (Galaxy Wheel) and Log Ride (Pirate’s Plunge) at the new Pleasure Pier over the water. Wow! I am a little lacking in sleep but happy as a clam that we had such fun together! Except for the sewing, Grandpa was a great sport at escorting us and being the bank. 🙂 We dined at our favorite places and sampled some new ones. If you’re in Galveston, we highly recommend the following: Mosquito Cafe, Farley Girls Cafe, Hey Mikey!’s Ice Cream, Mario’s, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Olympia Grill (umm, the blue lump crab cakes are divine), and Galvez Bar and Grille (try the bacon wrapped shrimp.) We also sneaked in a little shopping here and there at Tina’s on the Strand, Colonel Bubbies, Flea by the Sea (Maddie picked up a cute nautical bag), and Modern Vintage on Post Office Street, where I snapped up a beautifully embroidered silk pillow and an antique bird feeder for Grandpa’s wildlife preserve on the Hill Country property!

I mentioned we also ended our visit with sewing. Last night I helped Madison start some embroidery and she took to it like a duck to water, stitching a tea towel with a pear design–a foray into hand stitching.

You must be thinking, “But I thought Madison just arrived Thursday evening?” Yes, she did, and sadly bid us farewell today. But anyone who has traveled with me knows that I do like to pack in the fun until you drop. Grandpa told Madison the story of our honeymoon and how I planned a fantastic agenda but forgot to include little things like travel time and sleep. On the fifth day, he fell asleep in his plate at Trader Vic’s in San Francisco! I stayed up that night reading magazines and viewed more action out the window of our downtown hotel. When I traveled with the teachers, they learned a little secret–I get sleepy if I’m taking Dramamine. Now they threaten to sprinkle it in my food! 🙂 Well, Warren Zevon had a song in the 70’s called, “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” Anyone remember that? Somehow it resonates with me…

Just need to restore a tiny bit of shut-eye to prepare for our upcoming trip to L.A., followed by a Gracie visit! Hmm, Dramamine anyone? Zzzzzz

Jul19

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Anny

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They say, “Be Careful What You Wish For!” Well, I’ve always wished to be a featured artist on one of Galveston’s Artwalk Evenings. AND…my wish has been granted! On October 5th, I will be the featured artist at Tina’s on the Strand on Artwalk night! However…by that time fifteen bags must be ready for my “trunk show.” Whew! Yes, I can do this, I tell myself. It’s been a few days since my “wish was granted” and I have spent those days basically taking inventory of all my exquisite fall/winter fabrics, trims, and potential patterns. You know that’s my favorite part! It’s true, I need to get in gear and churn out those bags, but planning is a very necessary step for me. It is psychologically energizing! Last night my mind was whirling with possibilities until 4:30 a.m. (Yes, I’m also a night person. Too bad most of the world is not in this mode. 🙂 But I digress.)

I have been sewing, though, since we last met. Creating a Victorian style bag was a goal that I can now check off the list. Below you see a sumptuous exterior upholstery fabric trimmed with richly colored tassels and silk ribbon fringe. Lined with Dupioni Silk, this bag has a pocket and zipper top closure. Now for sale in my Etsy Shop–ItsSewAnny! Yay! Progress!

Next, I tackled another goal of fashioning a gypsy/hobo/chic bag, which is now at Tina’s on the Strand. Extensively embellished with silk ribbon loop fringe, beautiful beading and large tassels on the back, this bag is definitely one of a kind! Again, it is thickly woven upholstery fabric but very lightweight and the lining features three dimensional bees–yes, bees. My friend, Pattie, suggested we name her Honey, Bee Chic! Take a look!

My sister, Nannette, had a birthday last week which gave me the opportunity to stitch a bag from a kit I purchased from Cactus Quilts in Texas City, Texas. Fabrics and pattern provided transformed into the sewing tote bag that you see here. Hmm, wouldn’t mind having one of those myself! Lots of pockets both inside and out!

Speaking of my sister, she and her husband, daughter, son, and daughter-in-law invited us to join them at their ranch house in LaGrange (Texas Hill Country.) We had a blast despite 104 degree heat! We pitched in for a mock Thanksgiving Dinner to pretend it was fall! 🙂 In the evening, it was cool enough to go down by the river in a grove of trees, sip some wine, and enjoy the most striking sunset ever!

But a fabulously fun feature of this awesome weekend was everyone’s dog was also invited! Yay! There were seven adults and eight dogs! Here is a sample of a few trying to share a bed that actually belonged to Natalie and Adam. 🙂 P.S. Kate, our bird dog, seen here, was the smallest dog there…

Everyone had a grand time but had to say good-bye on Sunday, so we loaded up Buddy, the Golden, and Kate, and, like a typical kid, Kate seemed to be saying, “Are we there yet?”

BUT, the fun continues! My darling granddaughter, Madison, selected a vintage romper pattern (really vintage–the price on the pattern envelope is $2.50!) Those were the days! Anyway, she arrives this evening when we will visit the fabric store and see if we can fashion a new chic outfit! (Been a long time since I’ve sewn a garment.) Perhaps in my next post, you will see a pic of Madison modeling that adorable romper! Until then…Happy Sewing!

Jul2

Oh! The Sparkle of it All!

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Anny

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Release me! That’s what my new Anny Clutch Pattern kept saying, but I kept editing and testing and editing and testing and getting help from my computer guru (aka Hubby) until finally today (Yes! Today!) I was able to put the new pattern on my Etsy Shoppe for sale! Hallelujah! Like birthin’ a baby! 🙂 I added more pictures with the directions this time and a template for the main part of the bag. This new creation has a choice of button/loop closure or magnetic snap, three pockets, and is actually a generous size for a clutch. Width – 11 inches, height 8 inches, and depth at the bottom 3-1/2 inches. Here’s a pic of the new Anny Clutch and my sweet, granddaughter, Madison, who modeled it for me:

Fashioned from Michael Miller quilting weight cotton, this bag will be calling my closet home because I always keep the prototype for my pattern in case there are any questions from customers. (That’s what I tell myself. Could it be that I have separation anxiety and/or would love to use this clutch? Moi?) Since this was the prototype, it features both a magnetic closure and a loop closure with a button I covered from my stash.

However, my second test of the pattern will be for sale on my Etsy Shoppe (remember, Its Sew Anny–no apostrophe) and here is a picture. Hard to part with…uh-oh. No, this baby’s already listed, and I’m sure it will find a great home. Styled from Anna Maria Horner’s Field Study Collection (and a little Moda thrown in for good measure), this clutch is sturdy enough to stand alone because these beautiful fabrics are actually linen! I chose a floral removable pin with distressed ribbon for embellishing, and there is a magnetic snap and three pockets. Someday soon I’m going to experiment with creating my own fabric flowers. Here is a pic. Too bad Madison’s not here to model for me…

Along with fabric floral experiments, my near future plans include a foray into Victorian type purses and perhaps some gypsy upholstered boho/chic type bags. These lend themselves to the fall season, and although we haven’t seen Independence Day yet, with temps in the 100+ range, I fantasize about fall everyday! Speaking of Fourth of July, here is a pic of my current redwork. I had visions of it becoming a pillow before the Fourth of July but I guess we’re looking at 2014. 🙂 I had forgotten what a stress reliever redwork is! Love it!

In other news, we had a quick trip to Austin last week, with a stop along the way to visit the LaGrange property so that Rick could introduce me to his pride and joy–the new Kubota tractor (and all its many attachments.) He coaxed me up into the seat and took my picture which I should probably publish before he does…but here is the proud new owner and operator himself. The mean machine has actually cleared quite a lot of land already!

Also along the way, he showed me an old farmhouse that we may move from a nearby town to our property. Stay tuned…

Once we finally made it to Austin, we had a super visit! The first evening we headed out to a fabulous Italian restaurant (with gelato!) and threw an early birthday party for Gracie. Grandpa put together the awesome dollhouse that is bigger than she is! That was a lot of work, Grandpa!

The next day I snagged a chance to visit my ultimate home dec fabric shop, Cowgirls and Lace, in Dripping Springs, Texas. You should see the exquisite fabrics I gathered, and trims! Actually, you’ll spy quite a few in the fall season bags I’m planning. A quick trip but such fun! Shortly after we arrived home, I felt something stuck under my shoe. A rock? A tack? No… Now where were we the last few days? Oh yeah, with our crafty, artsy granddaughters!

But of course! It’s a lovely fuchsia stick-on craft jewel! Oh, the sparkle of it all…:) And speaking of sparkles, I hope you all have a fabulous Fourth of July with plenty of Fireworks Sparkles!

May18

“Do you have a pet hummingbird?”

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Anny

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Oh, Yes, I am a New Woman!! Wow! A lot can happen in just a few weeks! Two weekends of Homes Tour were a great success; literally thousands of people toured our home and nine others here in Galveston. The first Sunday, Rick and I were enjoying breakfast at a neighborhood cafe while docents led guests through the tour of our home. But–is it ever a good thing when the House Chairperson calls your cell and asks, “Do you have a pet hummingbird?!” It was a beautiful day–bright blue skies, swift breezes, and perfect temperature. So naturally, I wanted to leave all doors and windows open and convey to our guests a sense of coastal living–you know, those lovely tropical breezes drifting in. Apparently, that wasn’t all that drifted in. There was a hummingbird flying around our kitchen. By the time we arrived to help, the little fellow had taken himself back outside. Just the day before I noticed the hummingbird feeder was empty, but didn’t have time to fill it, so Rick suggested that the hummingbird was probably there to lodge a complaint! Needless to say, that issue has been addressed. 🙂

The Galveston Historical Foundation had also asked Rick and I if we would host a dinner on Saturday evening. They sold tickets, they provided a chef (who was marvelous), they provided drinks, and Rick and I gave a private behind-the-scenes tour of our home. I only had two stress points–the timing and the number of guests. Including Rick and I, there were fourteen seated at our long, long dinner table. Coming up with fourteen place settings, etc. was not an option for me, but Martha Stewart says you can mix and match, right? So that is what we did. I said, “I don’t even have fourteen napkins that match.” My friends said, “But you sew. Somewhere in that stash of yours, you will find enough coordinating fabric to make fourteen napkins.” And sure enough, I had been collecting French fabrics that complemented the French Second Empire style of our house and our dishes.

Yes, I seriously sewed fifteen napkins (just in case) and my friends had suggested using raffia for napkin rings. I ended up tying raffia while sitting in bed at the hotel the night before. Eek! Then I decided they looked too Western and the next day I ran to Pier 1 for napkin rings which were perfect. I said, “You know, hosting a dinner party for fourteen would be stress enough, but I don’t even know who I invited!” Since tickets were sold, I had no idea who was coming but, oh, my, it was so much fun! We had a very eclectic mix of guests, to say the least, and by the time we actually sat down to dinner, we were laughing and talking so loudly that the dining room echoed! We made awesome new friends and had a blast.

I mentioned timing being an issue. The Saturday tour ended around six, the chef arrived at six, and dinner was scheduled for 7:30. After dinner, everything had to be restored to its proper place because at ten o’clock the next morning, the tours started again! A very sad event occurred the evening before, which was that my father-in-law passed away. He had been quite ill for a long time. Rick was making funeral arrangements up in Houston during this same time, but welcomed the distraction of that Saturday evening. With the arrival of relatives from Tacoma, we were soon grateful to be reminiscing with cousins and sharing awesome memories of a fun-loving, gentle family man, who lived to be 89 years and 5 days.

In happier news… Due to a number of circumstances, we have decided not to sell our lovely home! You know, it’s hard to part with something that has just received so many compliments. Since Rick retired in April, he was anxious to get started on clearing the land we have in the Texas Hill Country and start building a weekend home. The thought of moving was becoming an obstacle to other progress. We really didn’t need yet another project. Not to mention I will be keeping my awesome sewing room!

In sewing news we have the following:

I completed an Anny Bag that I call Rhapsody in Blue. Created from Michael Miller, Phillip Jacobs, and Kaffe Fassett laminated cotton fabrics, this item was only at Tina’s a very short time before it was sold.

Another laminated bag that I just turned in to Tina’s is an Abbey Lane pattern (The Lucille Bag) that I call Bali Dancing. I seem to be stuck on Phillips Jacobs, Michael Miller and Kaffe Fassett. 🙂 This pattern came together so easily. I have always been happy with Abbey Lane patterns and anytime you have a question, they will respond very promptly.

A side note about the tours through our home… When we came home to deal with the hummingbird crisis, the upstairs docents asked me if I had business cards because so many people had enjoyed seeing the purses in my sewing room. Long story short–I ended up selling two bags on Etsy. I had to say good-bye to these little beauties:

After receiving more requests, I’m currently working on a few more of the bow style. A great pattern by CraftApple.

Our son was home from Minneapolis and since his plane left at six in the morning, he just took a nap from midnight until two. So, of course, wanting to stay up and say good-bye to him, I just sewed. Ended up sewing until 4:00 a.m. Here’s hoping your spring has sprung and you’ll be visiting your sewing/crafting area often! Don’t leave your windows open without screens, or a little birdie may fly in to help you…

Apr22

So What’s the Drink of the Day?

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Anny

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Our first day back on shore I turn to Rick and ask, “So what’s the Drink of the Day?” Oh yeah, back to REALITY!! No more Mango Mungo Madness! Back to selling the house, readying house for Homes Tour, Rick starting on Hill Country land, putting Spring items on Etsy, sewing for Tina’s, having the flu… Yep, the first week back from the cruise I think I’m dizzy just getting used to land again but no! Very sick, but just for a few days. Now I’m good as new!

So, about the cruise… If you know Flat Stanley, you know that since Gracie is in second grade, Rick and I were in charge of photographing this nicely dressed flat boy doing various activities in settings that prove he has visited countries outside the U.S. so Gracie could share with her class. Duly noted! As the pics portray, Stanley went to the On Deck Sailaway Party, Belize zip lining, marketing in Cozumel, enjoying the Atrium, and even getting his hair styled (his hair always did look nice…) in the ship salon. He’s a dandy!

Docked in Cozumel.

Sail Away Party. See those deck chairs? Drink of the Day setting. Non-alcoholic for Stanley. :)

Sail Away Party setting. See those deck chairs? Drink of the Day setting. Non-alcoholic for Stanley. 🙂

My Cabana Boy

Waving to Roatan, Honduras. Too choppy for ship to dock. 😦

Stan dances the night away.

Zip lining in Belize.

Market visit in Cozumel.

Salon visit for Formal Night.

Although Stanley zip lined in Belize, he passed on the Cave Tubing expedition, and on the Helmet Diving in Cozumel. He prefers dry activities. A great time was had by all and it was amazing how many people recognized Stanley. When taking that Market pic, a policeman says, “So…how many countries has he been to?” 🙂 The one place I planned to buy fabric was Roatan since we had friends there who actually knew where to take us. So no new fabric. (Although I did place an order today from QuiltHome.com. 🙂 And I plan to order soon from another fav, Laminates.)

So…still keeping the sewing room tidy for house showings (an open house yesterday) but before we vacationed I took time to finish a few items for Its Sew Anny on Etsy and a few evening bags for the cruise. (P.S. If you visit my store on Etsy, please don’t place an apostrophe in the “Its” or you will visit someone else’s shop. Yes, I’m a teacher and this just drives me crazy…)

These bags are a wonderful design by CraftApple. I can’t say enough about their patterns. Very clear, attractive, easy to follow instructions. I carry a fall upholstery version of this bag and love it because it’s just the right size. It’s shoulder style, holds more than you realize, and I’ve added three pockets inside. They offer two versions. The magenta and gold bag is the gathered style and while pulling the fabrics I found this embroidered ribbon in my stash that matched perfectly and was a nice little embellishment. When the straps seemed too lightweight (even with interfacing) I decided to add lines of stitching which gave a quilted effect and a much sturdier strap. I opted to use the non-gathered pattern on the blue bag since I didn’t want to interrupt the beautiful floral design. Blue beads called to me from my embellishment stash, so voila! I don’t remember where I purchased these fabrics–it’s been a while–but I have been waiting for a project worthy of these beautiful colors and designs. I do know that the magenta fabric is from Timeless Treasures called “Darling Clementine.” The lining is Garden Pindot. The blue lining is from Moda, and probably the floral also. The polka dot is from Marcus Fabrics, “Authentic 1930’s from the collection by Judie Rothermel.”

This evening bag is a Studio Mio design with the clever slide magnetic clasp. Fashioned from the most opulent copper plush fabric I own, and embellished with a feathery accent. The strap was enhanced by a rhinestone buckle found in my trimmings drawer.

Recuperating from the flu I decided to try this Katie’s Draw-string Bag pattern from Amelie Scott Designs. This is a gem of a pattern that I plan to use again. I had some Michael Miller laminated cotton that begged to be used and I was able to whip this drawstring/backpack style bag up in no time. The pattern comes with flower embellishment instructions which I plan to create from a coordinating fabric. Next time I would add pockets. What was I thinking? Hmm, coming off the flu I guess. But you know how I love pockets!!

In other news:

My hubby retired right before the cruise and is anxious to get started clearing property in the Texas Hill Country where he wants to build a vacation home for us. He is there today which means that I will probably sew until late tonight. 🙂

We have been asked to participate in the Galveston Historical Homes Tour 2013 which happens the first and second weekend in May. Very honored, we are, and very excited to be sharing our home built in 1886. Wednesday the docents arrive for the orientation meeting. On those two weekends, we will stay at the Marriott Hotel Galvez on the Seawall–an historical landmark as well and host to classic celebrities as Frank Sinatra and past presidents. During the day, we will probably spend half our time touring the other homes and half the time on our own deck answering any questions from tourists. We are blessed.

So happy to be home and back with Buddy and Kate! Our teacher friend, Amy, did a terrific job of house/pet sitting for us! She did say that if she gets to return to earth as an animal, she wants to come back as a Heiberg dog! 🙂

With that I bid you farewell and I’m taking those Heiberg dogs up to sew!

Love,

Anny

Feb8

Awesome Retreat!

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Anny

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Beautiful Texas Quilt Museum, LaGrange, TX

Texas Sunset View from the Porch: Well, I guess the best and truest testimonial to what a great time we had is the familiar refrain following each of our retreats–no matter what day we start, we always wish we had more time. When you return from a quilt retreat, you will have gained five pounds, have side aches from laughing, and lost sleep. Oh my, you say, why would anyone do that? Because it was a barrel of fun and doesn’t happen nearly enough. How heavenly to start a project and be able to sew uninterrupted! We accomplished SO much! Oh yes, there were meals–yummy stew and scrumptious lasagne to name a few, and the occasional to-die-for homemade desserts like brownies and caramel apple cookies. Coffee plain or in flavors like Butter Toffee and Jamaica Me Crazy were our pick-me-ups, and often evenings turned to wine, champagne, or whipped cream vodka with OJ (a Dreamsicle.) We exchanged ideas, watched “The Help” while we sewed, shared projects, relaxed and enjoyed those gorgeous Texas Hill Country sunsets on the porch and experienced the new Texas Quilt Museum. AND a few practical jokes were pulled. Did you know you can buy just about any size alligator head at a truck stop?! Drop that sucker into a very low-flow toilet and you’ve got yourself “an alligator who swam up through the sewer and got stuck in the commode I guess!!!” 🙂 🙂 SEW looking forward to next time!!

One Pic is Worth a Thousand Words

Nov5

International Quilt Festival

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Anny

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Shopping Opportunity

Wow! My sister and I have decided that staying two nights for Quilt Festival is just not enough. (What you’re seeing in the pic above is actually about 1/4 of all the booths at the Show.) Next year we plan to stay three nights so we can be a little more relaxed with our quilt viewing and shopping schedule. Remember when your parents used to ask, “Haven’t you had enough fun for one day?” Well, no. Obviously, Nannette and I need Preview Night and three more days to have enough fun–as if there is such a thing! 🙂

The magnificent quilts are always inspiring and leave us awestruck. And we’re very excited about the opening of the Texas Quilt Museum in LaGrange, Texas.

We visited our favorite booths: Cabbage Rose, Material Girl, Abbey Lane, Dianne Springer, C & C Fabrics, Hannah’s Quilts, The Quilt Studio, Robyn Pandolph, Painted Pony, and stopped at antique booths to snag some awesome buttons and embellishments for my bags and Nannette’s crazy quilts.

What did I buy? Some patterns: an Abbey Lane “Long Tall Sally” quilt, Abbey Lane’s Pillow Book, and a Crabapple Hill redwork design of a pumpkin (guess it’ll be “orange” work.) Picked up a few Christmas gifts, and a coat! Yep, a coat. Nannette chose a beautiful jacket and I chose a black and tan print coat. Reversible! This was at The Velvet Hanger booth. And, last but not least, my favorite fabrics–mostly Moda’s new Basic Grey line, Robyn Pandolph, Kaffe Fassett, and Amy Butler for my bags.

Speaking of bags, I was stopped numerous times because I was carrying the large laminated Anny Bag. I passed out several cards and hope to see the all those lovely people I met join me in sewing the Anny Bag. What a heartwarming response! Love you guys!

It's Sew Anny!

Do what makes your heart sing! A blog about Sewing and Traveling

Tag Archives: Texas Hill Country

Hill Country Thanksgiving

S’MORES AND MORE!

Dramamine, anyone?

Be Careful What You Wish For!

Oh! The Sparkle of it All!

“Do you have a pet hummingbird?”

So What’s the Drink of the Day?

Awesome Retreat!

International Quilt Festival

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