Hollyhill Quilt Shop and Other Delights

A few days ago, I had to run some errands in the West Linn area, so I thought I would check out a quilt shop that my quilting friend, Mari told me about. When I got to the street where the shop was located, I noticed some other really fun shops, so I thought I'd share my finds with you. The area is called "Historic Willamette Area". (Take 10th St exit off I-205, in West Linn)  My first stop was a darling store called LAVENDER BLEU. They had lots of the kind of things I love.

If you walk through the shop and out the back, you find a lovely garden, and this sign...

The Tea Room was charming-I will have to sample it on a future visit.

A couple doors down from Lavender Bleu, is "THE LITTLE DOOR"

It is a home decor store, with what looked like new and gently used and vintage pieces. I loved it and they were very nice and gracious.

I must admit that I took this footed cake plate home with me!

I made my way across the street and stepped into Quilter's Heaven! I must say I was blown away!

This store is gorgeous! The furnishings were amazing (several crystal chandeliers) and their displays were really stunning. The selection of fabrics was endless!

I really could have spent hours in this store.

They have a huge variety of fabric and patterns. They even have a separate shop for more contemporary fabrics called "Thoroughly Modern Holly".  It was really a treat to see this shop. 

Thank you Mari!

Visions of Valentines

We have some fun Valentine items at The Olive Kat. Come and see!

I love to visit Rare Earth Decor at the Ridgefield Junction. They have the most unusual and fabulous decor for any holiday, as well as funky and unique home decor. (see below)

I don't have any pink rooms in my house, but if I did...these are SO pretty, I Love the glittered flowers as well. It's a shame we don't find those in nature! :-)

I LOVE Cath KidstonI

I just recently purchased this set of stationary in a Hood River stationary store. I love Cath Kidston's designs! She is a London designer who's style has this wonderful retro look to it. I first saw it in a little shop at the coast where they had some of her products: Ironing board covers, oil cloth tablecloths and aprons - I fell in love with them.

I have looked for her fabrics everywhere but apparently, they are only for sale in the UK. You can order them online from her website, however. Well, now that I have this pretty stationary, perhaps I should write a letter!

Sisters 'n' Stitches January 2012

Our new year got off to a great start at Darlene's House. Barbara's quilt was so beautiful!

The detail work was so amazing on this quilt.

"A quilter in motion, stays in motion"...or else I can't seem to get my camera in focus! We loved Lorali's Hexagon quilt.

Here is our hostess hiding behind her gorgeous Christmas pillow.

Darlene also made these fabulous dish towels. She designed the chicken herself, then programmed it into her Embroidery Machine.  So Cool!

For the new year, we have decided to exchange home made ornaments at each meeting rather than quilted post cards.  We had a fun assortment to admire.  We certainly missed those of you that couldn't attend last night. Please come next time!

Train Trip to Leavenworth, Washington

I just returned from a super fun trip with 3 great friends. We took Amtrak from Vancouver Washington to Leavenworth, Washington. It was a 3  1/2 hour trip to Seattle on the "Coast Starlight" and then another 3 and 1/2 hours to Leavenworth on the "Empire Builder". The train ride was a very pleasant surprise. It was very clean, spacious and comfortable. The food was even good!

Of course, I LOVE Leavenworth! I love all things Bavarian, Tyrolean and Scandinavian!

 

Here we are as we begin our day of shopping. From the left: Lori, Marion, Colleen and Moi!

Leavenworth still had all their Christmas lights up. It was quite magical. If we had more time, we may have gone for a sleigh ride, but I don't think there was quite enough snow for that.

We just had one day to shop, but it was enough. We had to be back on the train verrrrry early (6:00 AM!!)

Here's Lori waiting outside the "Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory" :Our first stop AND last stop!