Saturday, July 11, 2009

Find The Wonderful In Today

I saw this sign in one of the quilt shops today, and I agree!


Our first stop today on the So. Cal. Quilt Run was Calico House in Placentia. Owner Cindy Zechter just took ownership on July 1st, so getting ready for Quilt Run was a new experience.
She did a great job! We were met at the door by a very friendly staff serving popcorn and cold water, and it just got better from there.

I was especially impressed to see an applique club featuring Lori Holt's designs. Hey Lori! I took this picture just for you to see! You are popular in California, too!
Did I mention how nice Cindy and her staff are?
The shop was very busy today.


Our next stop was Quilter's Garden , also in Placentia.

This store is small in space and was crowded with people on the quilt run, so we didn't stay very long.



Our 3rd stop was Ginger's Quilt Shoppe in Upland, CA. This store is right up there among my favorite stores on the Run. I would highly recommend making an effort to stop by here if you are in the area.

I will be showing you a lot of pictures from Gingers because I kept finding something wonderful in every spot.





The theme for Ginger's for the Quilt Run was Christmas. This area was devoted entirely to the holiday. In fact, Christmas music was playing over the sound system, and they had set up a tree.

It's not too early to get working on those Christmas quilts.



Ginger's is quite a large store with wide open space to look, and I took a lot more pictures, but I don't want to make this post toooo long.

Our last stop of the day was Fabric Patch in Montclair, CA.
This store is also quite large and they did a great job with the run. One room was entirely devoted to demonstrations on techniques and products.
I loved moving from station to station.




Look at the cute 3-D flower in the middle of this quilt.
And I love their pattern display area. Boards can be rolled back and forth to allow you to view a lot of patterns.

We spent the evening in Garden Grove at a BBQ with Margaret's family.
You can tell you are in Southern California when the lemon trees grow right next to the flowers in the back yard.

We had freshly sliced lemons in our water. Yum.

Margaret's brother-in-law made authentic Santa Maria BBQ with tri-tip. I have read about Santa Maria BBQ in books, but this is the first I've had a chance to taste it.
Jay seasoned the tri-tip, wrapped it in foil, and then cooked it on the grill.

I can only say the dish deserves the outstanding reputation it has earned.
What a wonderful ending to a perfect day:
Sit by the pool shaded by lemon trees, converse with a delightful family while eating Santa Maria BBQ.

18 comments:

Janet said...

What a great time you had, thanks for showing nice pictures of the shops.

Carol said...

What wonderful pictures...great shops...thanks for taking us along.

Material Mary said...

Oh to be a mouse in your pocket. You were right in my stomping ground. Glad you had a fun day.
Mary

Lurline said...

Sounds like you have had a day in Quilters' Heaven!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Yvette said...

You are making me sorry I didn't do the run this year.

Thank you for sharing.

Micki said...

What a wonderful shop and I loved the pics!
Micki

Dawn said...

Looks like a wonderful trip!! I just got back from Disneyland and everytime we go I look up quilt shops but never seem to have the time when I'm with the fam!! They look like wonderful shops!! Thanks for sharing.

quiltmom anna said...

Nedra,
Loved the pictures of the shops- I especially enjoyed the quilt photos- the turquoise and black piece is really lovely and so are the liberated stars- Lots to inspire one to get quilting.
The lemons look beautiful as does the barbeque.
Thanks for sharing,
Regards,
Anna

Sherri said...

I love the saying on the sign as well! What a great thought to have each day! Glad you had fun and survived the LA freeways!

Carrie said...

I love the fun quilts and great ideas in all of your pictures. Looks like a fun trip!

dotti white said...

Thanks for sharing the fun of your quilt shop run. I really liked the 3-d applique flower design. Always soooo much to see! Have a great week!

Barb said...

You are killing me....I am sooooo envious.....what wonderful places to visit. I too love that saying. What an awesome tour you took us through, thanks.

Barb said...

Oh...having a giveaway at my blog, come on over...www.bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com

Lori Holt said...

Hi Nedra-
Hey...how nice of you to snap that photo and give me a shout out...it was fun to see, I wish I could have been there with you going to all of those awesome shops!
x Lori

dream quilt create said...

I really enjoyed the shops. Will you ever explore quilt shops in Florida? I moved here recently from the quilt shop mecca in South Jordan, Utah, and haven't found any shops comparable yet.

Mel said...

Great pictures!! I love shop hops!!

CJ said...

So many great quilts! Hey, I grew up in Garden Grove!! I didn't recognize the flowers or the lemon tree though. ;)

Nanette Merrill said...

Love the pictures. What a great report. It was fun seeing Lori's patterns there. And again, so many quilts I had never seen before and then some I had. It just is so strange to think women all over the world do and like the things I do.