These lovelies are from Sew Kind of Wonderful and have been sitting in their basket for to long.  Lynn, Donna and I had a wonderful little sew-in and Lynn helped us with our applique. I got the whole suitcase done except for the embroidery that day. And it was wonderful fun! Looking for time to do it again. I am thinking of changing the labels on the suitcase though, to places I have actually been. Most recent trip was to New Orleans, this was an actual vacation. It was wonderful, we did a lot of walking and driving through neighborhoods. Architecture of the old houses throughout New Orleans is really amazing. Garden District was my favorite, even though I wouldn't want to live in those huge homes, they are really fun to look at all the detail that is put into them. I much prefer the shotgun houses with the gingerbread trim. I did visit the two quilt shops, first visit was to Mes Amis Quilt Shop. Small shop almost too small for all of the fabric. Nice little shop with a great selection of New Orleans fabrics. I bought some pink fleur de lis print, and a few others that were adorable. Next shop was the Quilted Owl, this was a wonderful shop which made me just want to stay for a long long long time. The selection of reproduction fabrics was outstanding!! I totally blew my budget!! Just a great shop that I wish was down the road from me. Oh Well Maybe I will go back and visit again!

This is the little project I worked on yesterday. The block is from Barbara Brackman's book Civil War Sampler. I made 12 inch blocks  but I think if I were to make a quilt I would use the  8 inch blocks.I was thinking (dangerous) about putting a border on but have decided that I will just bind it in the same fabric that I used for the baskets, and call it good.

These are four that I have finally quilted, although very simply. That's what happens when the long arm is available for a day! They all have a very simple meander and I will post pics as soon as bindings are finished. That will not be happening this week. Trip to San Diego is in the works. Hoping to check out three quilt shops, Quilt in a Day in San Marcos, Cozy Quilt Shop in San Diego, they also have a great line of patterns, and last shop is in Costa Mesa called Piecemakers, yes they are the ones who make the great calendar every year. We will have to see how time goes. In the mean while, Keep Quilting and visit your local quilt shop. Rita