I posted a video from the booth yesterday. If you get a chance, check it out.

Here’s some great pics from today…
Our favorite design, Cannon Beach, makes another debut this year but has a more modern tone. As we like to call it…Tradi-Mod (traditional/modern). A very traditional Dresden using the 9 degree ruler for a large eye-catching center paired with modern fabrics by Windham & Lotta Jansdotter called Glimma. We used an Art Gallery grey dot as the background.

Don’t let the Dresden fool you into thinking this is a difficult pattern. It’s my second go at this one and I’m always amazed at how easy it is to make and get such a striking finished quilt out of. I really love how this one turned out!

Sassy Strollers is always a hit at the shows. I wish I’d had more time to remake it and kit it up too. Maybe next time…

Lots of little items too that can be made up for Secret Santa or gifts for teachers and co-workers. Little Wallets and needlecases.

It’s not a fun trip without a little something special thrown in…
This was parked outside on our way out for the day..lol.

Now off to relax with a little Mexican food and a couple of margaritas!

More from the booth tomorrow!

Our first stop was Quilter’s Destination in Arlington Heights. I scored more of Anna Griffins Christmas line from last year. They had it 40% off so I managed to get some yardage.

The shop has a great selection of Batiks & Art Gallery prints, which I love! Check out this piece that looks like paper doilies. I should have bought more of this one.

Here’s a few shop samples she had made up.

Next stop, The Quilt Merchant in Winfield. Mostly reproduction fabrics, but they had added a new section on for all us modern peeps. I put together a cute selection of fabrics for a Mother’s Day gift, which I cannot show you for obvious reasons. There were lots of great ideas in this shop if I wanted to bring a reproduction pattern to life with bright colors. I was especially drawn to a section of patterns by Sue Daley. All hand work of course…what am I thinking??!!

They also have a great section of wools & stitchery.

Last we headed over to Batavia & visited Prairie Shop Quilts. They always have great samples hanging in their shop.This is the shop where I learned to applique. This Piece O’ Cake applique was hanging in their classroom. Lucky for me, Shelley had this pattern so I can add yet another project to my to-do’s:)

A pattern wall you can spend all day on…

And a very well stocked book section.

And of course some pretty great fabrics too!

If you’re dyin’ to go on a shop hop but can’t find the time, pick up the new spring 2012 issue of Quilt Sampler for the top 10 shops to visit. This is my favorite magazine. Lots of interesting stories about how the shops get started, free projects and eye candy to keep you entertained.

I hope everyone has a Happy Mother’s Day & a great weekend!