It Was A Sad Thing To See...

Brynwood Needleworks via host.madison.com - Nancy Zieman at Nancy's Notions

 

Handsome and I drove down to Nancy's Notions yesterday. First, we stopped along the way for a Friday fish fry lunch at one of the restaurants we used to go to. New ownership. Not nearly as tasty as the old place we remembered. We've scratched that place off our list.

 

From our underwhelming lunch, we forged ahead to the Closing Business Sale in Beaver Dam, WI. I had received a letter notifying patrons that the sale began on July 11th, but I figured it would be madness to go on the first day of the sale. I was right.

 

Renee K. manages the shop. I saw her when I got inside, and she told me that the checkout lines were two hours long yesterday! I would have eaten my own liver!

 

As it was, there were many shoppers, and from the looks of things, those employees must have been jumping out of the aprons to keep up yesterday. There were still sewing cabinets and tables, brand new machines (in their original boxes), fabric, machine accessories, embroidery programs and discs,  and threads available. There was more, but I'd say it was less than half of their usual inventory. Most of the display pieces were sold and tagged for people who will come and get them after the sale. I managed to find a piece that I'll look forward to using at the vendor events I attend, and I was able to save us a return trip, as they were gracious enough to let us load it up before we left.

The sale is supposed to last through the end of July, but I don't think the inventory will last that long. The word is out, and the shoppers are coming. Although there will still be an online store, the shop that Nancy opened so many years ago will soon close its doors. I don't think anyone there was excited or happy. It's a reminder that Nancy is gone, and it's the end of an era.

 

A Few Quilt Show Quilts...

Quilt Created by Susan Lawson from DeForest, Wisconsin

I've got to share just a few quilts with you from Kathy's and my trip to the Sun Prairie Quilt Show last Monday. There were so many beautiful pieces, including a display of quilts created by the late Nancy Zieman (of Nancy's Notions). I'm just going to show four of my favorites now, and maybe a few more later this week.

This bed quilt was created by Susan Lawson from DeForest, Wisconsin. It's called "Fresh Cut", and was machined quilted by Pat Geishuit. (Don't tell, but I chose this one for Viewer's Choice.)

Quilt Created by Kim Van Etten from Poynette, Wisconsin

This beautiful bed quilt was created over the course of one year, by making one block a day for 365 days. The pattern is Kathryn Kerr's "365 Day Challenge Quilt", here created by Kim Van Etten from Poynette, Wisconsin. She quilted it herself. It's a truly stunning piece.

Quilt Created by Judy Goldammer from Hartford, Wisconsin

This cheerful beauty was created by Judy Goldammer from Hartford, Wisconsin. It's called "Common Bride", and it was quilted by Rebecca Silbaugh. This one features pretty, appliqued motifs on a white ground. So pretty!

Quilt Created by Wanda Nelson from Monona, Wisconsin

 

The last quilt I'm sharing today is a wall quilt after my own heart. Wanda Nelson appliqued' and embroidered every motif (in Sue Spargo's style), to create a vivid and lively piece. It was also machine quilted by Pat Geishuit.

 

Kathy and I had a great day, visiting one of the local quilt shops; sharing a tasty lunch; and then taking in the show. There were approximately 100 quilts, and every one of them was lovely. I don't remember seeing a single one that didn't impress.

 

The show was set up in the community rooms of a lovely church on Sun Prairie's north side, and there were vendors to visit, too. Kathy and I are already planning what we may contribute to their next show in the spring of 2019.

 

When we left Sun Prairie, we headed back up Hwy. 151 north to our own neck of the woods, but we knew we were going to drive straight past Beaver Dam and the home of Nancy's Notions. Of course, we took a slight detour to visit the shop before going back home.

 

We each came back home with a small bag of purchases (no cotton fabric for me!), and lots of ideas for what we'll be making between now and next March. Don't worry, my friends. I'll be sharing my creations with you as I go through the process of making them. 

 

Tax papers are on their way, so today I'll be getting back to the fun stuff! First, I'll be doing a short inventory of fabrics and then I'll be listing up a lot of new ones into my shop. Fun, fun, fun!

 

A Day In Town...

  This is true, unless your day in the town is with a dear friend.  

Kathy and I had a great time yesterday. We went to Nancy's Notions, Jo-Ann Fabrics, had lunch, and then back home. We saw all sorts of wonderful things, and made a few purchases, too. 

I'm back in the studio today, trying to finish some projects with deadlines. I seem to have a little trouble concentrating these days when it's so inviting outside. (Nose to the grindstone, Donna.)

If you want to get in on my little contest, HERE is the link. I'll be choosing a winner at 11 pm tomorrow and will announce my Janome's new name and the winner of one of my Grab & Go Cork Clutches. Stay tuned!

 

I hope I can show you a finished project tomorrow. I'll do my best. Have a great Friday. It's hard to believe we're already into August. sheesh. 

The Hills Are Alive...

Group One - Sandhill Cranes

We've had a "resident" group of sandhill cranes that have been around since spring. There are a few fields where they're frequently seen in the neighborhood, including the one on the other side of the treeline in front of our farmhouse. There are thirteen in this group.

Group Two - Sandhill Cranes

Sunday that field was cut, and it was harvested yesterday. There must be something they like out there, because the Gang of Thirteen has invited guests to join them. The first group woke me up around six yesterday morning. More arrived throughout the day.

Group Three - Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese

They also brought a small flock of Canada geese with them. There was a pair that hung out with the "gang", but there were a half dozen or so in the group yesterday.

Leaving The Hayfield - Sandhill Cranes

 

I headed outside and stood near the treeline to take photos. I was surprised to count over thirty cranes, eating, calling, and hopping around. 

 

The sentries for the cranes and the geese weren't happy to see me, either. They alerted the rest of the flock, and they all noisily took to the skies. It really was a sight to see, and I'm sure they'll be back again to make sure I don't oversleep.

 

I'm taking a little road trip with my girlfriend, Kathy D. today. We're going to Nancy's Notions in Beaver Dam. I haven't been there in a long time, and I'm looking for a specific foot for my differential feed attachment for my Babylock machine. (Nancy's is a Babylock dealer.) We'll spend the morning together, share a meal, and then head back home. 

 

I've also got a side trip afterward to pick up a 'Build A Box" of produce from Produce With Purpose. It's a farm close to home that sells the most wonderful fruits and vegetables (and more). I have plans in the kitchen for the weekend, and I'll tell you about it tomorrow.