Oregon's Covered Bridges

When you get off I-5 and start driving from one town to another in Oregon you will come across lots of rivers and streams, not to mention the mountains and trees. It is so beautiful. An added attraction are the covered bridges.

In the 1930's there were over 300 covered bridges in Oregon. Today there are 53, the largest concentration in the Western United States. On one of our drives we came across this bridge. There is a nice parking area where you can get out of the car, walk around, take in the scenery, and read about the restoration of this beautiful bridge. It has always bothered me the way people in the US are so welling to tear down and get rid of the things of the past. When I was traveling in other countries I became very aware of this. Seeing and reading the history of these bridges gives you a feel for the past.
You can't drive across the bridge but you can get up close and check it out.

For a little family news. Congratulations to Tami and Joe. My daughter called to ask her Dad to walk her down the isle. We are planning a February wedding and I have a special quilt to make and I know just the one. I'm so happy for them and us. We love Joe and his family. He is a very special man and I know they will be very happy together.

I have lot's to do so I better get started. Have a blessed week and enjoy your summer.

Something New

Greetings. The week is starting off with a bang. As hard as I try to have everything ready ahead of time it still seems that I'm doing last minute tasks. I'm doing the laundry so I can justify sitting at the computer and posting some news on this blog.

I was blessed last week by a very quick visit from Bonnie, a former co-worker and quilt guild member from CA. She and her husband stopped into the store. They had been up North for the Sister's quilt show and we stayed at the same place and didn't cross paths. I didn't see her at the quilt show either. There were a few people that were there and I missed seeing them. I saw Georgia's husband but didn't see her. What's up with that?

For years I have wanted a sewing cabinet. They were out of my budget range so they have been a part of my wish list for years. One of the perks of business ownership is purchasing wholesale. I was finally able to purchase my quilters cabinet. I also purchased the 4 drawer storage caddie. The extended length in the back and left side make quilting and sewing binding on large quilts so much easier. I also like the ability to organize everything in one place so I can find things with ease.

When everything is put away the room looks so much neater. We agreed at the quilt store that we would make something out of any fabric we purchase so our customers can see the possibilities. This requires more sewing for all of us and my new cabinet will make it much easier. The drop down feature for the sewing machine makes a big difference when you are trying to establish an ergonomic sewing environment. I highly recommend a sewing cabinet for anybody who sits any length of time at their sewing machine. I'm getting things ready for Kids Quilt Camp next week. I'm gathering some information and a few small projects to work on the first day, just to break the ice. We will be making a lap size quilt. I'm not sure how it is that I ended up on this project but I'm sure God has a reason. I will keep an open mind and pray a lot. Two of the partners said they will help out and I am counting on that.

Sew, it's off to finish laundry and all my little projects. Have a blessed week.

Sister's 2011

Sister's was fabulous. The weather was great and we had such a wonderful time shopping, eating out, and taking classes. I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted. This is an old favorite.

I wouldn't be interested in making a quilt like this but I really admire the talent it takes to do it. Most of this quilt is all about the thread painting.

The highlight of the week was the class I took from Barbara Shapel. I learned so much and we got to see some of her work. This quilt is the sun setting behind the bird. The detail is all about the threads and her quilting.

This is the other side of the quilt when the sun is coming up. I wish my photo show the detail.

This is an example of some of the quilting stitches she was teaching.

This quilt is one of my favorites. That is Barbara explaining how she quilted this beauty.

This is a the head of one of her birds and it show the quilting.

This is a better close up of her crane quilt.

This is a wall hanging class I took and the piece is called Quail Family. Since I live in Quail Run I thought I would hang this in my entry hall. It was fun to do and a totally different method of applique.

This was a painted wall in Sister's. I wish we could paint something like this on the front of the quilt shop.

We had a great time and I saw a couple of friends from California. I'm looking forward to Sister's 2012.
The quilt shop looks like we're going out of business because we were so successful at the show. We are getting ready for Kids Camp at the shop and some new quilt classes. So much to do and so little time. I will keep you posted on what's new.

Have a great weekend.

Heading to Sister's

I will be at Sister's over the 4th so I'm taking this time to wish you a safe and happy 4th of July. God Bless America. I pray for our country every day and feel so blessed to have been born in American. The quilt below is an X-block pattern. There is a quilt for every season and every occasion. Don't you just love it?

This paper doll dress quilt picture below will be my project when I return. I will be teaching smocking and how to make these darling little dresses. I have shared these pictures with some of our customers and they are very interested in learning something new and getting started. This quit is the Paper Doll Nursery Rhyme.

This is a close up of the Makanzie dress. We will also be selling the patterns in the quilt shop. I'm so excited about sharing them. We have so much traffic from people traveling from Washington to California that there will be some great exposure.

This is another example of one of the dress patterns. If you want to see more go to www.kreationsbykaron.com and check them out. Here is one for those hot summer days. I have a granddaughter, or three, that might enjoy hanging one of these quilts on their wall. We'll see.

I must close for now and finish packing. I will have lots of pictures and stories to share when I return.

Be safe and God bless.