Back from Colorado

 I just returned from an exhausting but fun trip to Colorado to visit some family and friends.  My mom came along and I brought my six month old daughter.  I hadn't realized how badly I really needed a break from the daily routine - so refreshing to have some "time off."  We did a little site-seeing, visited friends and family, ate out a lot (hello Cafe Rio! x3!), and enjoyed the constant sunshine. 

I hadn't seen my brother in law and his wife since my wedding, so a stop to their house in the Springs was a must.  They have a son about 6 months younger than Gregory, so I decided to whip up a big-boy bed quilt for him.  I had made him a sock monkey themed stroller blanket when he was first born, so it was kind of cool that I "unconsciously" chose a monkey theme for this blanket:

 All of the fabrics came from stash, and I did an improv-style backing.  I am very happy with the way it came out.  For the front, I love the use of blenders that aren't all dots.  The monkey print from Ann Kelle is to die for. 

 I bound the quilt in a Jennifer Paganelli dot - a perfect basic.  I did a new-to-me free motion squiggle design.  The quilt measures 54 x 63.

I also made a stop on Ft. Carson to visit one of my first freshman year roommates, Melinda.  She has three little ones, so of course, I pulled out my favorite stand-by children's gift: peg bears. 

 You know the fabric obsession runs deep when you seek out local fabric stores when you are traveling.  A few places had the whole range of Chicopee and I saw some Out to Sea and Field Study (the three collections calling my name lately!) but I decided to grab things that weren't so readily available online.  I am thrilled with the Sarah Jane family tree panel, and I am really tickled to have the other three in the top row- I especially have wanted some of those foxes for forever!  The cuckoo clock print is a lot of fun too. 

I could be wrong, but I kind of think that sewing and quilting is bigger out West.  There seem to be more shops and a lot of them offer long-arm rental (something pretty rare in my area).  I was pretty excited to come across a great sale at one store - lots of good basics, Amy Butler Love, and Meadowsweet at 50% off.  Stores around here seem to have bolts on their shelves for ages and never lower the price.....  Can you tell I am a little sad to be back?