Aren't bus trips fun!?

Last week I went on a Row by Row shop hop bus trip. This was a first for me--but it sure won't be the last! I had a great time and visited some shops that I probably never would have even known existed.

This trip was sponsored by 4 shops, including my local shop, Lil' Red Hen in Paola, KS. We left from Paola bright and early and headed to Stover, MO. The shop there included an area with machine quilting done on commercial sewing machines, much like my upholstery machine. The quilt is held between two wooden rollers that are hung from a track that shifts back and forth as the quilters guide the design. Wish I'd taken a picture because it was really something to see these 3 ladies zipping along quilting.

We also went to Higginsville, MO and Stitch On in Lawrence KS. I was very good--I had prepared a list of "wants/needs" before going and mostly stuck to that with my purchases. I say mostly because I did buy two patterns--one with embroidery that I'm giving to my sister to d.o the embroidery work and then I'll do the patchwork; and the second one was just impulse! But a neat pattern. I do want to try to find some place to get templates made.

Then this past weekend we made a quick, 3 day trip to Los Angeles for a nephew's wedding. Had a great time and it was a lovely wedding. Now to get caught up with some quilting!