On this trip, I focused on taking things to the states - my son and his wife had left some things that we took over for them, plus I took as many quilts as we could - for gifts, promo and because I wanted them in the USA and not in Poland. I did not go with a list of fabrics to bring back. It felt like I hadn’t been back in Poland that long when we were packing to go this time.

So, while at the store, I was able to pick up some things - but since I didn’t go with an extensive list, my things I brought back was more or less based on what I came across while cutting or folding, etc.

I was able to bring two 50 lb. suitcases plus a carry on.

I also came back with some plans to make some more gifts.

My niece’s girls have outgrown their quilts and are ready for some twin size ones. They want me to make up something out of the colorful unicorn panel that my sis has.

My sis has a bunch of these panels. When I expressed doubt that they would still like them in a year when my son graduates from college - next time I think we’ll be back in the USA, my sis assured me that all girls (well, almost all) between 3 and 8 seem to love these unicorns/colors.

My younger sis’s 12 year old daughter loves cats and pink/lime green. I took a yard and a half of this cat/dog fabric to work with as the basis of that quilt.

I also snagged this white background/cat fabric to use in it. Lest you ask - no, there isn’t any more. I took all we had from the back room. Sorry about that. Not really. It’s just an expression, actually.

I came with plans to make some friends a quilt. They attend our church and have PhDs in English (both hubby and wife have them) - she wants the bargello I’ve made before. I told her I’d make her one. I figure I give away so many to people who are strangers - why not give some to people who are friends? I especially love doing it for people who are or have been in the ministry in some way. (They’ve been teachers in Christian colleges for quite a few years!) She likes blue - so I’ll be checking out what blues I have already. I should be okay for that quilt as I do have 4-5 shelves of blues still.)

Then, I just brought back some various fabrics that either had issues (flaws - the solids- some had splotches on them) or that I loved and just had to have.

I ended up cutting a lot of panels and when we get the panels, sometimes the last one on the bolt is kind of cut off so isn’t quite the real size. I took several of those and will try to make something out of them. They may not be on the website yet, so I’ll just show you the pile I brought back.

Then I brought back a whole pile of tops that YOU all donated! I do appreciate it. I think I counted 23 tops - which is absolutely wonderful! I appreciate it so much! I know that I sent some with my husband as well!

I really appreciate them and so will the recipients!

I also brought back some topstitch needles to be used for quilting. I didn’t get the titanium points, but got something called Schmetz Chrome - supposedly a professional tip. I’ll let you know what I think after I use them for a while. I’m sure they are in response to Superior Thread’s Organ brand titanium pointed ones (which are wonderful).

We picked these up for me while at Moda - but none for the store or website. They could be eventually - if I thought there was a demand. At this point, they were just for me to use.

Then I bought this headlamp/magnifier while I was there. I was curious about it as I do have problems seeing tiny things esp. on the Juki when I need to thread the needle.

I was willing to spend up to about $80 - but this thing showed up on Amazon as highly recommended by thousands of people so I decided to try this $35 item. I’ll let you know what I think after I use it for a while.

I am so ready to get back to stitching! I’ve hardly done any of it in the last month. While I realize I may have sort of done too much right before we left (was ready for a break), I’m ready to get back to the machine!

Have a great day wherever you are reading this!

Be sure to check out what my sis has for you in the store! Rachael is working harder than ever to get you the fabrics you love!