It's Hard to Hobby on Vacation

Did you know that it's hard to hobby while on vacation? I had a devil of a time trying to make myself take actual stitches on any of the projects I took. Why is that? My theory is that I had enough mess with necessary luggage and I just didn't want to drag one more thing out into the general chaos of our car or hotels or homes in which we stayed. 

While I did not DO any significant stitching, thinking about quilting was never far from my mind. Today I will share a successful shopping trip and a surprise flea market find.

Throughout our week-plus stay with my brother- and sister-in-law, we took day trips out to explore various points of interest. This was early in our vacation, and visiting quilt shops was high on my priority list. Whenever we decided where the next day's journey would take us, I searched online for the locations of nearby quilt shops. 

I hit gold when we spent a day exploring the Crystal River and Homosassa areas on the gulf coast. We'd planned to visit a wildlife preserve where we could do some hiking, and if we found anything else of interest, we'd investigate accordingly. A quilt shop, Beyond the Stitches, was in the vicinity and we stopped to look around. It was one of only two shops we visited while in Florida, and it was a winner!

I have learned to expect that Florida quilt shops largely feature bright, beachy, vibrant fabrics to match the vibes of the Sunshine State. Batiks, Kaffe Fassett prints, themed panels - all make for a light and colorful shop. Beyond the Stitches reflected the feel of a tropical, happy destination throughout the shop.

The gal at the counter was just as helpful and friendly as could be. I believe she was a friend - or maybe a relative - of the owner. She said that their first incarnation was that of a machine sales and repair store, but through the pandemic, a situation arose that resulted in their becoming a fabric store, too. (Vague on remembering the details, but I think I'm close enough.) This location has two rooms, one for retail, the other for a spacious classroom. Several quilters were busy in the classroom working on special projects.

I kept my purchases in check, but I did find two pieces that will be useful in the completion of projects on my goals list for this year. Here they are - a pretty white-on-white, and a light blue KF fabric for my goal of making at least one blue KF quilt.

The other quilt-related item I want to share has nothing whatsoever to do with seeking out quilt shops. We were out and about with my cousins and their spouses to the Webster Flea Market on MLK Jr. Day. This open-field flea market is HUGE! We saw all manner of vintage items, yet I resisted the urge to buy anything. 

One particular vendor, though, was especially successful in gaining my attention. He was selling vintage signage, and he was using old quilt as table cloths. I'd have loved seeing all of them, and not just the bits that showed through between his merchandise. However, these pictures show well enough the beauty of them.

This Star of Bethlehem quilt was so bright and colorful, it was a real attention-getter. Below, I am holding out a corner of it; the maker had appliqued intricate vases of flowers and vines in the open space.

Does it make you sad to see beautiful work like this being used so? I think of the woman who put so many painstaking hours into making these quilts - maybe she instructed her daughters, too, to contribute and learn needle skills. For whatever reason, some tops were never finished, while others were. Today, all have landed in the possession of a vendor selling farm-related signage, implements, and wares. I took joy in seeing these quilts, though, and I make a private little tribute to the quilter whose hands toiled over this beautiful work.

Getting a bit philosophical, aren't I? It does give one pause, though. I continue making quilts, far more than I could ever possibly need or use. What will become of them? The day will come when they will need to be dispersed. What will their uses be in the future? Will one or two of them find their way to a flea market table in Webster, Florida?

Ah! Great if they do! I enjoy the making. I really do. And I want to continue making. And making. And making. 

In old business, I did fix the timing on my long arm yesterday. Gosh, I was so glad to finally figure it out. I took one pass on the quilt, only to discover that I now need to delve into the mysterious realm of tension. More on that later, I'm sure. 

Happy Quilting, Friends!