Thanksgiving in Michigan

I'm back in Atlanta after spending Tuesday through Saturday in Michigan visiting my family for Thanksgiving. I missed most of the ATL airport madness by going then instead of Wednesday-Sunday and I had today to catch up and do laundry. I had a great time and was really busy trying to see everyone and do everything in a few days.

Some of the highlights were:

1. seeing my parents, brother, sister-in-law, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who I haven't seen in a year

2. eating too much great food (thanks Mom for all the pies!!!)

3. getting up at dark-thirty to go shopping on Friday (a family tradition) and getting most of my shopping done and presents wrapped so I don't have to mail them!

4. enjoying 3-4 inches of snow

5. going to my favorite quilt shops

6. playing with Shiloh (my parents' Alaskan Malamute)

and Jack (my brother's Siberian Husky)

I know my quilty friends want a detailed report of the quilt shop hopping. One of the best quilt shops in Michigan is Mabelena's. Unfortunately, they don't have a website or blog so you can't see all the great stuff for yourself--just trust me, it's awesome! The owner, Brenda, is the sweetest and always remembers me even though I visit only once or twice a year. This is what I bought at Mabelena's

some Civil War fabric I actually don't have yet...

along with 4 yards of Duck cloth (a light canvas) for lining purses (I like this better than stiffer lining).

Another one of my favorite shops is Guildcrafters (they do have a blog). This shop has a wide variety of fabric and lots of kits and samples. I picked up some charm squares, a pattern, a cool neutral,

and some Amy Butler fabric to make into a purse. We went to two other quilt shops (Linda's and Canterbury Village Quilt Shop) but I didn't buy anything at those. We didn't make it to my other favorite shop, Lake Street Mercantile. Maybe next time.

Today, I have been sewing on Xmas gifts. Do you realize tomorrow is December???!!!????!!!??? Better get busy!