Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Red Sox and quilt stores


At first glance Red Sox and quilt stores may seem an unlikely combination but that is the quickest way of describing my trip to New England last week.
We spent our first few days with my sister and her husband in New Hampshire. First she brought me to Quilted Threads in Henniker. This is a great shop. Checked all the things you look for in a shop - nice folks behind the counter, great selection of fabrics, inspiring samples on the wall, lots of books and patterns conveniently mechanized with the fabrics...I could go on a long time on this store however I will focus on two things - the display of Japanese fabrics and projects just as you walk in the door is totally gorgeous and on the second floor are recently renovated classrooms that any teacher and student would love. Of course we also went over to Merideth to visit Keepsake...still has a great selection of fabrics and had a sale section that I don't remember from last visit (3 years ago!) There were lots of quilt-y gifty things there but I didn't find the mechendizing or organization to be as good as it used to be. It is still worth the visit though....
It was a warm sunny day and even though we were there early the lakeside tables at the restaurant were filling up early. You would think they hadn't had sun all summer (ok, that is almost true...) I think I still like going to Hart's Turkey farm restaurant best but I understand the need for sunshine so dockside it was...
I am originally from New England so am an "honest" Red Sox Fan. My Dh is from Virginia where they did not have a baseball team so as a child he decided to become a Red Sox Fan...if he had picked the Yankees we may never have married (doubtful there would have been a second date!) Anyway, he had never been to Fenway Park so this trip was a big one for him. It had been 10 years since I had been to the park and I am happy to say they have done a great job on it.I also had some fun finds at an antique store but that will have to wait until later. I am having surgury tomorrow so it may be a week until I can get back on the computer. Luckily I have some fun projects all "kitted" up and stacked bedside so I can hopefully stay busy.

(the rug hooked wall hanging on the top of the this blog was made by my sister...isn't it fun! Everytime I visit I get to urge to learn to rughook. Like I need another hobby that comes with a whole new set of "stuff!")

21 comments:

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

Looks like you had a glorious trip! hope the red sox won!

Tonya Ricucci said...

glad you got to have fun before the vile surgery. fingers crossed everything goes really well!

pajudie said...

Hope your surgery is successful. Got to love those Sox!!! I used to work at Boston University and would amble down to Fenway after work to catch a night game once in a while - that was back in the 60's. I remember seeing Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris play - what fun!! I grew up in West Springfield, MA - still consider it home although I've been gone from there longer than I lived there!!! Again - good luck with the surgery - hope you heal fast!!!
Judie

Twisted Quilts said...

Great pictures of Fenway Park. We went several years ago with my cousin and his wife. We had a great time. Good luck with your surgery.

Linda said...

What a fun time! Hopes and prayers for a speedy recovery from your surgery.

Lisa said...

Sounds like a great trip! Hope everything goes well with the surgery!

judith lockhart said...

Siobhan, so glad you had a great trip before your surgery. What a cute rug your sister made. . .rughooking is fun, too. A couple of years ago I decided I needed to know that also. BG! Will pray for your surgery and recuperation to go well!

sewkalico said...

Love the idea o rughooking, but agree, another hobby, more stuff? No can do LOL
All the best for your surgery. Hope you get a chance to do those projects you have ready.

ps those quilt shops sound great...

*karendianne. said...

Welcome home! I'm so glad you had a nice trip. I love the photos at the Dock. Seems nice to me. The Ballpark though, that's totally cool!!! Thanks for sharing.

Take care of yourself my friend. I'm certain surgery will go well but I'm getting my R. beads out anyway. They look pretty...

Chris@Cats On My Quilts said...

Living in NH I can tell you for sure there has been NO SUN until August. It was the worst weather we have ever had in NH during the summer. Glad you're a Red Sox fan.

KimP said...

Hope the surgery goes well! Let us know how you are doing; we worry!

julieQ said...

I am so glad you got to enjoy a game! The quilt shop looks amazingly fun.

antique quilter said...

yup we are big red sox fans here in NJ! traveled to Baltimore a few weeks ago to see a game. When we went to NH a few years ago I visited Keepsake and yes we had Thanksgiving dinner at Harts Turkey Farm
it was soooo good!
will be thinking of you good luck and a speedy recovery
Kathie

Millie said...

Great pictures and I hope the Red Sox won! Hope everything goes good and well with the surgery.

Mary Johnson said...

How fun! We'll be in Maine next month but doubt we'll get to Boston for a game. Keith's not really into baseball but we're getting excited because the new twin's stadium is being built just a few blocks away...he's even said he'll go to some games. When my son was smaller we lived in FL and went to a lot of Marlin games right after the team was established there. Brings back lots of memories so I can't wait until next year - I'll have him visit and we'll walk to a game.

quiltmom anna said...

Hi Siobhan,
I hope the surgery has gone well and that you are recovering nicely from it.
Your trip to New England looks like great fun. I would love to go to Keepsake Quilting- I get their catalogue in the mail but rarely order because the shipping /exchange/ duty costs make it really expensive. Its too bad because they have really beautiful fabrics.
I have done a little rug hooking but not for a very long time. I have played with a number of hobbies and crafts but consistently return to quilt and bead these days. Can't afford to take up yet another hobby either time or moneywise..LOL
Sending you warm thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Regards,
Anna

Loris said...

I'm a couple days late catching up on blogs...but I hope your surgery and recovery is going smoothly. Rest up and heal well. Mac will keep you company :-)
Love the photos from your trip. I have enjoyed Hart's Turkey Farm too. Long way from California but worth the trip especially when it was filled with quilters from the MQX show. Such a beautiful part of the country. Go Red Sox!

McIrish Annie said...

Looks like you had a great time at Fenway! hopefully we will get back on a winning streak.

sewprimitive karen said...

Take it easy after that surgery. What gorgeous photos. That second-story porch on the quilt shop building is to die for. That rug! Is it a particular pattern?

cityquilter grace said...

did you go to man's greatest hospital aka MGH?

Sweet P said...

I love Red Sox and quilt stores. Not a strange combination at all. How lucky to get into a Red Sox game. The tickets can be hard to get these days.