Still unpacking from Paducah

Why is it I am wonderful at packing for a trip but unpacking? Not so much. Maybe it is that I have a hundred things to do this week and so little time to get them done!

Great fabric placement in these Grandmother's flower garden blocks

So instead of cleaning the house or getting some baking done or getting thank-you notes out...I'm blogging. It is an illness...

It is just I still have so many photos and memories of the week in Paducah that I want to share! This however will most likely be my last post for a few days as I try to do some life maintenance. (which includes calling window and rug cleaners, and getting food shopping done...)

A nice traditional pattern in the Pilgrim Roy Challenge exhibit

So more Paducah...if you haven't gone onto the AQS website and checked out the photos of the winners than jump on over there. They really were beautiful. Their photos are so much better than my own (too many butts and elbows in mine!) One thing I did note was there was a bit less "bling" on the quilts this year and what was there was more appropriate. I guess that is a trend that has come under control!

While riding the bus back to the hotel I heard one of the funniest comments, "I thought we'd save money by not taking a class this year," said one quilter to her friend," but I think in the same amount of time I spent twice as much in the vendor area." As my Dad used to remind us - "don't spend a dime to save a penny." Personally I like to take a few classes whenever a go to regional or national show but I also like to make sure I have time to see all the exhibits and yes, all the vendors. It is a balancing act.

A favorite from the Pilgrim Roy Challenge

Paducah has a wonderful variety of vendors...something for everyone. I always spend a time with the antique and vintage quilt dealers. However this year I also came home with quite a wool stash. We don't have a lot of wool for sale in my area so I could rationalize lots of purchases! Also the hand dyed wools have such gorgeous colors. Yes, I did some damage.

Me, Lisa Bongean and my friend Paula at the Primitive Gatherings Booth

One of my favorite wool and pattern dealers there was Primitive Gatherings run by Lisa and Nick Bongean out of Wisconsin. Since I am new to using wool I bought one of their kits. I'm generally not a kit person but when you do the math it was a no-brainer...particularly when you consider I have no wool stash to use-up! It wasn't until I was on the road home that I realized I had bought one of her Halloween jacket patterns at another wool booth. Seems she does wholesale as well as retail so you may be able to find her patterns or kits locally.

Well, I had best get back to work. Results from the appraiser exam are supposed to be out within two weeks. Let you all know when I find out!