Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Phoenix Day 1

Our two oldest daughters live in the Phoenix area, so we drive their way often.
I left St.George early this morning and drove the 7 hours listening to a good book on tape that I checked out from the library.
Several friends had suggested "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett. The set contains 32 CD's with 41 hours of listening. Hmmm... I don't think I'll get through them all this trip!

As I approached Phoenix I stopped by a quilt store I had never been to before.
Quilter's Bee is located in Peoria, Arizona. http://www.quiltersbeeaz.com/

They have a very friendly staff.

Since I have an interest in making baskets lately, this pattern caught my eye.

Next I went to one of my favorite quilt stores in the area. 35th Ave Sew & Vac is not a fancy place, but they offer an amazing selection of fabrics and patterns.
I loved this "Trip around the Star" in reds.

Their patterns were 25% off so I purchased The American Jane "Triple Crown Quilt".
There are bolts and bolts of fabric everywhere.
The store is laid out with entire sections designated to a theme. This is just part of the section containing Asian fabric.
One side of the book case.
The other rack of books. Patterns are in another section. So many choices!
They offer pre-made kits for most of the hanging quilts.
Now that I work for Superior Threads I had to check out their thread section. This was just one row. Yes, they carry a good selection of Superior Threads. I talked to one of the managers and she said as a longarmer her favorite thread is King Tut.
I also made a stop by Trader Joe's in Surprize, Arizona. My son works for Trader Joe's in Brooklyn, New York and it's one of my all time favorite stores. I sure wish they had Trader Joe's in Utah.
Then the most important part of the visit is to kiss on these faces.
Oh how I've missed them!
Look at how curly Noah's hair is. Tonight I've been continually running my fingers through his hair. (that is, when I haven't been kissing his little cheeks off).
I brought the boys a little bowling game that they can play in the hall. They found a perfect spot on the tile.
It kept them happy and busy the whole evening. Already Isaak's bowling score is way better than grandma's.

15 comments:

Sherri said...

7 hours...so only 6 for me...can you believe I've never been there?! Have a wonderful time with your daughters and grandchildren!

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

The quilt shops look like they are full with new items, loved the tours.
The the best for last, your grandbaby's are so cute. Enjoy your time.
Keep Stitchen'
Bonnie

Janet said...

sweet babies! What a quilt shop, it seems to have everything. How on earth did you limit your time in there?

Carol said...

What cutie pies! The bowling game is a great idea...I'll have to get one of those to take to Hampton when I go the end of June. What wonderful shops! Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I just love going to Phoenix to visit my parents. However, you live much closer. Although it only takes me about 5.5 hours to get there too... by plane that is! I love all the quilt shops they have there. But one of my all time faves is QuiltZ. Tons of inspiration and they were also just a featured shop in the most recent issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine. Your grandkids are just too cute. I am sure you had a fantastic time catching up withe them.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Sew and Vac, now I would spend some serious $$$ there. Nothing is better than little ones, Have a wonderful time!

Stitched With Prayer said...

First of all, your grand babies (well, they're not babies but I still call all of mine, even the 20 yr old, my grand babies), anyway, they are such cuties. Great bowling pictures with them. Soooo much fun. Now, as for the quilt shops you showed us...oh my gosh! We plan to go to Tucson soon and I think I'm going to HAVE to make a couple of stops in Phoenix. Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures of the shops also. I immediately fell in love with the "Trip Around the Stars" quilt and the "Triple Crown Quilt", of course I could go on and on but those two jumped out at me instantly. I now have both shops on my list for 'must stops' on our Tucson trip. Oh, one last thing, both hubby and I find that listening to good audio book and watching the scenery are a great way to travel. Of course we have to keep stopping the audio go make our editorial remarks concerning the story or comment on the scenery, or just chat, but still, a we enjoy audio books. I also listen to them when I'm sewing. Well, enough from me, thanks again for sharing.

Dawn said...

Looks like you had a fun trip!! I hope my kids won't live too far away!!

dotti white said...

Those kisses....they are the best ever, aren't they?! I love the way they are so intent on their bowling--so simple, yet so precious! I loved your quilt shop pix---so much to look at! Have a wonderful time!

Helen said...

What a nice post. Love your pictures!

Just reading it gives me such a happy feeling. Enjoy your visit with your grandchildren.

Hugs

Gayle said...

Hope you have a wonderful visit Nedra! And be sure to take time to listen to the entire book Pillars of the Earth - one of my all time favorites. And then you need to get the sequel - written 20+ years later - World Without End.

Jana said...

I can see why you would want to be kissin' on those lil' babies! Darling! And thanks for the idea of a toy to buy our lil' guy. Have a wonderful time with your family!

Elizabeth said...

Triple Crown is on my To Do list too. I have fabric bought, I just haven't done it. I also wish Utah had Trader Joes.

Di~ said...

Hey Nedra! I've been to both of those stores and several others in Phoenix. At the Sew and Vac, I love how there are signs everywhere naming the fabrics by 'line'. My daughter lives in Peoria and I wish I were there right now to see her.

Nanette Merrill said...

So glad you had time to spend with family in Arizona. That store is amazing. Like a superstore. Love the red quilt. Sigh. I'm not up to that level but I will be someday. I will tell you Pillars of the Earth is one of my favorite books. I've read it 3 times. There are some unpleasant parts but I learned so much about cathedrals and the lifestyle of those people that I was compelled to read it over and over. The story of the church is just so amazing.