10 Apr Catching up…

I’ve been trying to write a blog post for at least a week now!  In addition to the usual sewing and other Esch House Quilts work, lots of other fun things have kept me away.

First, my older daughter was home from college for a week.  It is wonderful to have her back from time to time.  I just know her future holds lots of good things!

Then we had to replace my old car.  It had been on the agenda for a while, but I have quite a few road trips coming up in the next few months, so now was the time.  This is always complicated for us because we have a pop-up camper that we need to be able to tow and I really prefer to drive a car.  I ended up giving in to the marketplace and buying an SUV – a 2008 Mazda CX7.  I’m really happy with our decision and look forward to driving this car for many years (I had my last one for 14 years.)

Machine Applique!

It got it’s first outing the day after I bought it when I drove to Cleveland to teach at the OSQE* there.  My Cleveland students were so wonderful and I had lots of fun, despite two days of rain (I kept thinking “at least it isn’t snow!”).  I managed to squeeze in a visit to two great quilt shops recommended by my IG fans, Abigayle’s and Anna’s.  There were several others on my list too, but I ran out of time.

Older side and the atrium

I also made a quick visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art.  I only had a little over an hour to spend there, but I’m so glad I went!  It is a beautiful place and I could have spent the whole day there, but a short visit was better than none.  The architecture of the Museum is interesting – they have a very modern building and a beautiful, classically designed building joined by an amazing atrium/courtyard.

The modern side

This week, my Dad and his wife are in town visiting.  We don’t get to see them often because they live in Savannah, GA, so it has been wonderful to spend a bit of time with them.

The rest of the month should be a bit quieter.  As it needs to be if I’m going to get everything ready for Quilt Market in May 🙂  I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful Spring (or late summer/early fall if you’re in the southern hemisphere)!

I’ll be back on Sunday with the latest Sew Solid Sunday – do you have a solid project to share?

*I’ll be teaching at OSQE‘s in Raleigh, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and Tinley Park, IL later this year.