Spring has arrived

Today was my quilt guild's monthly bee. We have meetings every month but on the 4th Wednesday of the month we meet at a member's home for an old fashion bee. We bring something to work on as we talk of quilt guild business, accomplishments, disappointments, and children. Today we did all that and more.

The sun was shinning today, it has most of this week. Spring has finally arrived and the daffodils are blooming and the grass is turning green again. It has been a hard winter as it has for most of the country. Lots of snow and ice. We had to cancel several guild events due to weather. We are so happy to see the sun again. It rejuvenates us as it does the earth.

Part of the renewed energy is reflected in planning this year's 'raffle' quilt. The design has been decided and now we are collecting fabric to make the top. Members are volunteering to work on the committee and dates discussed on when to meet.

The lunch break is called and we gather, in this case, to a hearty soup courtesy of our hostess. Side dishes have been bought by us and recipes are shared. Before we know it is time to return to our respective home's, rich with plans and memories. We look forward to the next bee to share life with friends.

Mid-Atlantic Quilt show

Last weekend I went to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt show in Hampton, Virginia. I go almost every year. The show is a Mansuco production that has held for many years. I go almost every year. The quilt exhibits were top quality. The quilts were beautiful to look at, to admire the fine stitches, and maybe to learn something from. While I did not take any classes this year there are classes to meet every need.

Dozens of vendors were there. Batik and many types of fabrics were available. Notions of every kind were there to stock up on and more types of rulers than I have ever seen. I bought some lovely specially threads.

One trend I noticed was the number of 'raffle quilts' from regional quilt guilds and groups. There must have been a half dozen or more. I was impressed with the number of course but also with the beauty and quality of these opportunity quilts. I spent has much money on these quilts as I spent on the vendors. Knowing that I not only have a chance, slight as it may be, to win the quilt, it is also knowing that I am helping a charitable group and helping a neighboring quilt group.