We arrived in Niceville, FL on 12 June and moved into our house on 21 June. I still have mountains of boxes to go through, but the good news is that I've found my sewing machines, fabrics, and books. My sewing/craft room is a mess, but that's OK. Just knowing that it's there and I have all of the important 'items' is helping me rest easy.

I took a very wise person's advise and took all of my quilts in the van with me. I took one of those "Space bags" and stuffed my quilts in there, attached the vaccuum, sucked out the air, and that made for a less bulky bag. The quilts survived the trip just fine. As soon as I was able, I let out all of the quilts and layed them flat to 'air out' and reshape again.

I've been shopping at Quilting by the Bay in Panama City. It will be featured in the Fall edition of Quilt Sampler magazine. It's been one of McCall's Top Ten quilt shops. It is an AWESOME store; so if you're ever passing through Panama City, this is a shop NOT to miss.

Up in Crestview, closer to where I live, I've made a stop at Margie's Sew Much Fun and signed up for a machine quilting class on 5 August. This will be my first machine quilting class. I've never taken one before. It's an all-day class (9 am - 4 pm). So exciting!!!

I'm debating whether or not to join the local guild. It meets only during the day (Thursday mornings), and when I start working again, I don't know if I'll have the opportunity to come to meetings. What do you think? Should I even bother joining?

So, I'm happy to be getting closer to having everthing unpacked so I can start sewing again. I'm excited about the upcoming class.

I'm so glad that you're all moved and didn't lose anything important!!

Have fun at your quilting class!!

And go to the quilt guild meetings while you can. It's a great way to make new friends in your area!!

Gotta love all that unpacking! I'm glad that you found your sewing stuff - that is the most important part next to the crock pot lol.

That really is a shame your guild only meets in the daytime. Sounds to me like it would be difficult to attend for younger folk. Maybe one of the local churches has a quilting bee that meets in the evenings? I'd check yahoogroups and search to see what you can find in your area.... it's worth a try..

Join the quilt group and go while you can, this is a great place to meet new folks - it's how I made friends when I moved here to Ireland. If you can only go to a few before you start work, then so be it. But use that time and find out what else is going on in your area. Welcome to your new home, I hope you will be happy there.

Glad you made it safe and sound.
Sounds like you are settling right in!

Wow! sounds like you have been very busy!!! Glad to hear that you and your quilts made it and have found a good LQS nearby :D :D :D

Ethel--I am glad to hear that you are settling in and finding all the important stores in your area. Let us know how your quilt class goes.

Glad to hear you made it. I lived there many many years ago. Still have friends in that area. Where did you move from?

It is good to hear that the sewing supply moving went at planned.

Hope you get everything organised and the class goes as you expect and you get a lot out of it.

Moving is such a pain, but it sounds like you are settling in nicely. I'm glad you found a wonderful quilt shop and one to take a class at.