I took my pinetree quilt top to two patchwork shops today for show and tell.
The first shop have only recently begun to thaw towards me, as they can see that I've fallen into the dark side from cross-stitching and that I've become a bit of a fabric junkie. The ladies in the class gave me lots of praise and asked lots of questions - it felt good to be in a group of like-minded people.
I then went to another shop, staffed by two lovely ladies who always greet me by name, even though it's been 4-6months since my last visit. One of the ladies was so enthused, she did a great sales job and started dragging out bolts of fabric to help me chose a border design. The owner was busy with other customers (it's their 3rd birthday and are having a sale - wish I had more money to spend on more fabric!), but eventually came over to offer her opinion and advice.
We settled on two different fabrics for the frame and border of the treetops and while the sale was on, I was persuaded to put the fabric I need on lay-by. The plan and cutting requirements have been written out for me and put with the fabric, so that it's all there when paid for and i'm ready to cut and stitch the rest of the top. The treetops measure about 60 inches already, and there is to be a further border of 12" all around - so it's going to fit nicely on the bed as hubby wants.
I'm getting excited as I now have fabric choices made, even though the fabric is not in my hands..it's that little step closer....

in the meantime I can stitch and sew other projects.....lol
thanks for sharing my fun!

thanks for sharing your story with us!

Waving from Indiana, USA

Are you going to post a picture?

Isn't it fun when they make you feel welcome! It definitely makes you want to shop there! I am looking forward to seeing the finished quilt.

There is only one tiny Quilt shop about 20 miles from me. I've only been there once. The ladies that were in there were talking and everyone totally ignored me. I want to give it another chance...if I ever hit the lottery!

Ooooo what a great finish to look forward to :D:D:D
Sounds like you have a very nice shop to go to for help and encouragement :D:D:D

I am really wanting to see this when it's finished!!

Would love to see a picture of the top :lol:

LOL Shame on you for falling to the dark side :wink: LOL

Here is a pic I posted earlier - that is my 12yo, Harry, holding it up for me. Taken at night, but the colours show pretty well considering.
Now imagine the border:
framed first with a 1" strip of brown,
then a 2" strip of green,
a checkerboard edge the same as the 9-patch - green/homespun/green/homespun - set to continue the diagonals on the quilt top,
then a 6" border of green again.
The brown is mottled, and matches the tree-trunks/
The green is dark green, with itty bitty spots of cream scattered through it.
ooooooo it's gonna be purty!!!
I've bought extra fabric than the bare minimum, because it takes the stress off having to cut just right, and because a girl can never have enough scraps!
Thank you for your interest

That is going to be a beautiful quilt. I am so glad you found a wonderful quilt shop. Those ladies sound great. Mine is like that too. It makes it fun to visit.