Sunday, February 28, 2010

Over The River And Through The Woods........

To Country Loft we will go!
Yesterday morning, 7 friends, bound together by the threads of quilting, ventured out into the relentless pouring rain, into a charming town in San Diego to visit what many quilters in this area call the BEST quilt shop around!  The Country Loft.  I have been quilting for over 10 years and have heard of this shop many times, but had not yet had the opportunity to visit.  What a treat!!!  Despite the terrible weather, our spirits could not be dampened, as we knew we were in for a wonderful day!  Our first stop was to be the farthest out, about an hour and a half from our town.  Walking through the doors of this period home, immediately set the mood for what was about a 2 hour piece of time that had each one of us dreaming of projects we would do, with fabric , thread and wool, and patterns, and books, that offered endless ideas, and also encouragement from other fellow quilters who loved the needle arts as much as we do!  We were like 7 little girls on Christmas morning.  What fun we had!  Our first greeting was from the owner who met us with smiles and a warm welcome, extending an invitation for us to go into the country kitchen and help ourselves to home made scones and fresh fruit and coffee.  


We each had a yummy scone and enjoyed some fresh fruit and warmed up with a cup of coffee before we began our shopping extravaganza!
And we were off..........................


There's our little J-bird getting right down to the nitty grilly of her shopping.  The owner opened up a big brown Kraft sak for each of us, and placed it by the front desk for us to leave our purchases in until it was time to check out.  This was going to be dangerous, I could already tell!!!!!
So much to look at, so many beautiful quilts and wall hangings, and runners, and table toppers.  Everywhere the eye could see.
Two of the ladies in our group had placed a book on hold at one of the shops that was to be another destination later in the day.  But lo and behold, not only did they have the book here, they had the author and artist of this book HERE in the shop, teaching a class and signing copies of her book!  What luck. What a treat.  What a nice lady!!  Renee Plains is the artist, and the book is called A Bird In Hand - folk art projects inspired by our feathered friends.   Anyone who knows me, knows I love birds!  I spend a good deal of time feeding, documenting and enjoying birds of all types at my house in Corona.   I bring binos on every trip I take and a field guide to identify and document birds.  I love them.   So even though I didn't know of this book, I was thrilled to buy it and meet the artist and author who wrote it.
Here I am with Renee Plains after she had signed my copy.

We almost look related in this photo.  Black and gray on, similar hair, she could be my sister.  I did get the chance to leaf through the book last night and I can't wait to make several of the patterns in there.  What a nice lady she is.  Go visit her blog.  It is called


Every Day
 We met up with two other quilting friends at Country Loft who happen to live nearby.  LUCKY ladies!!  I had not yet met these two in person, but on eof  them, Tammy, has a blog that I like to read.  Ginger Patches is on my blog roll.  Check it out.  Her friend Janine was delightful and fun!  We continued to shop, for what seemed like only a few minutes, but in actuality was more like two hours.  And we could have stayed all day.  Here is Nancy and Janine, admiring a beautiful quilt.
  Below is a photo that someone took of our whole group.  Next stop, lunch.  I didn't take my camera out after this shop because it was pouring so hard.  I left it safely in the car.  We had a wonderful lunch, and then said goodbye to Tammy and Janine and the rest of us went on to Fat Quarters in Vista where we managed to find several other things we could not live without.  
Then on to Temecula where unfortunately, we had arrived too late. All of the shops were closed.  So next field trip will be just for the Temecula shops.   Can't wait.  Nancy, thanks so much for being our driver.  You have nerves of steel to have navigated us safely through the pouring rain and back.  We had a fantastic day!

 Left to right, me, Nancy, Linda, Jae, Debbie, Tammy and Janine.  I am anxious to see who makes what first! 

16 comments:

Katie said...

HOW FUN KRISTY!!!!!! What a FUN Filled Field Trip & and what a treat to have the Author there to sign ya'lls book!!
The owner of that quilt shop is such the hostess with coffee & fresh scones, way to pamper the shoppers!!!

Genn said...

Looks like it was a fun day!

deb said...

it was such a fun day and I cannot wait until the next field trip!!!!!
Nancy was such a good driver....my sister and I counted 10 spin outs on the way to meet everyone...the rain was bad but we did not let it get us down!!!!!
I cannot wait to start sewing!!!

Lauri said...

I'm not even a huge quilter but that shop looks fabulous! I love to look at fabric...especially when it is displayed so cute. I can't wait to see what creations you come up with.

Renee said...

It was so much fun to meet all of you darling girls. I would love to have you as my sister . . . and I'm flattered that you think we look related! You are adorable! Thanks for including me in your lovely post . . . I will be following along on your blog for the next adventure!
all the very best, Renée

Kris said...

Oh LOOK!!! That last post was from the very person I was so happy to meet at the quilt shop yesterday!! Renee Plains!!! I just love her!!!! I shall be following her blog as well.

Ginger Patches said...

What a fun day this was! So fun getting to know you and Jae, I look forward to the next field trip!

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

I don't quilt but I always love following quilters on their trips. Those shops are the best!!

antique quilter said...

sure looks like you all had a fun day!
so what did you buy????
I can't imagine leaving that shop without a bag full!
I love that quilt with the Cloft 1985 -2010 in the corner, was it beautiful in person?
browns and reds???
What a selection of pearle cotton too
I could spend a day there and with Renee what a treat!
so do you LOVE the new book?
Kathie

everyday katie said...

Having worked in a pretty good quilt shop in college, I can fully appreciate the awesome-ness of this shop. Fun day!

Debbie said...

What a fun day and a wonderful group of women to share it with!! Looking forward to seeing your new creations.

Kristi said...

Looks like such a fun day! Can't wait to see what you make next, hopefully it's for another giveaway, hint hint...

Cathy said...

That's my idea of a fun! I can spend hours browsing through a quilt shop and I always find some new project. But, if I live to 100 I'll never finish the projects I already have.

Pam said...

What a cute quilt shop and it looks like you and your friends had a great time!

Nancy said...

I am ready to pack up the blue bus and go again. Are you ready?

Brenda said...

I want to go shop hopping with you! You find the coolest places...and I sooo love Renee. She is one of my favorite designers too! Lucky you! B=)