Okay, I'm in! I'm in Lowell, MA.

Bits n Pieces in Pelham NH has a nice new classroom and depending on the exact dates and times, we could meet there if you want to and I can arrange for a quickie demo on using the Handiquilter Avante or Fusion (long arms) wth the Pro-Stitcher (computerized quilting).

Shall we set up a shop hop starting at the most logical place and hitting the stops along the way? Candlelight in Chelmsford seems like the right place to start and Quilted Threads in Henniker probably the last stop. There is also another shop in Kingston NH, just don't recall the name, but I will get it. Have not been there yet.

Will this include breakfast, (brunch), lunch and dinner?

Will we need to rent a van or take separate cars?

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help with the planning. I think this is a wonderful idea!

Diane

This is going to be fun.
I don't want to do a shop hop, however.* I'd love though to have brunch, lunch or even just coffee and get to know NE folks a little.
Do want to go to Quilted Threads, as I have Horton's book with a picture of a Becky quilt in it - want her to autograph it.

* I'm in the process of selling off alot of fabric right now - way too much and I'm completely out of room.

All good questions!

Re: Kingston shop. Are you thinking of D&D Sewing in Plaistow? That's my favorite shop - great people. If there's another one in Kingston, the "list" of places to go grows!!! Not to get tooooo ambitious.. :-)

Also, I've been wanting to go to Bits & Pieces in Pelham.

What meeting time will work for everyone? Of course, it probably depends on where we're meeting. Assuming we start in Chelmsford, unless someone can suggest a more central spot, Candlelite quilts (like most shops) opens at 10am on Saturdays. Does that time work?

Let's start a running list of info. Nothing is set in concrete, except perhaps for the date/time, so changes & additions can still be made.

DATE: Columbus Day Weekend, Saturday, October 9th, 10am
MEETING PLACE: Candlelite Quilts, Chelmsford, MA ??start here??

PEOPLE:
(if your name has a ?? after it, I'm not sure if you're able to join us. Let me know, when you know.)
QBeth
Kooklabell
ICU-FOSTERMOM
Charleen DiSante ??
Lots2do ??
JenniePenny
dmackey
gollytwo ?? [join us at Quilted Threads only?]
sewcrafty ??
great aunt jacqui ??
[5 definite, 5 maybe] Wow!

SHOP HOP:
(Any other suggestions? We need to look at a map to plan route/order to take; may not be able to hit all of them.)
Candlelite Quilts, Chelmsford, MA
Quilted Shamrock, Hudson, NH
Bits N Pieces, Pelham, NH -- arrange for demo?
Pine Tree, Salem, NH
D&D Sewing, Plaistow, NH
??, kingston, NH
Martin's, Bedford, NH
Quilt Patch, Bedford, NH
Quilted Threads, Henniker, NH

FOOD!!
One of us has offerred to get us a discount for lunch or dinner at a "99" restaurant. Sounds good to me. I'm sure we'll be close to one or more of them, as we go along. Everyone agree?

Hi
I'm planning to meet up with you all at Quilted Threads.
When you have a better idea of your itinery give me a guesstamit on time.

If you're somewhere between Keene and Henniker (or not too far afield) at lunch time, I could join you then.

I can't do dinner - can do lunch or coffee

Okey dokey.

I will be glad to have everyone for lunch, provided there are less than 15 of us. I am also not interested in shop hopping as I am trying to be good. I am located right near Rt 213 in Methuen, in between route 93 and 495. Let me know. Those of you who want to lag behind can stay and chat or sew. I do have a large area

What a great offer!

That fits in right after BitsnPieces and just before Pine Tree Quilts.

Diane

If you contact the shops ahead of time, they may set up discounts or deals for you. I used to work at Martin's, and I know we did that a few times! Ask for Marty or Susan. =) Wish I could join you, but I'm in AZ now.

Great suggestion, I am still unsure of coming.