We enjoyed nine days of family visits, sightseeing and quilt events in Southern California. Fortunately our visit was to the cooler parts of Los Angeles and San Diego. While we were enjoying temperatures in the
60's and 70's it was over 100 just an hour drive away. Location really makes a difference in LA.The first four days were spent with my husband's family. A niece was married on Saturday. All his brothers and sisters plus most of their children were able to attend the wedding and reception, then gathered at a friend's home in Thousand Oaks for the evening. One brother is scanning all family photos onto his computer. The brothers and sisters spent much of Saturday evening viewing the photos, adding names and dates where the brother didn't know. It will be a wonderful family record. My two sons were not able to travel to California. They had both used their vacation time for their own honeymoons earlier this year.
Ginger and Debbie have both reported here about my visits with them. I echo their enthusiasm about RTCQ meet-ups. Funny how we could spend hours of non-stop talking with people we had never met. And yes, my husband is a keeper. He enjoys meeting my quilting friends and doesn't mind stopping at quilt shops. Usually he takes a quick tour of the store and then returns to the car for a nap or runs errands like filling the gas tank.
In total I visited six quilt stores plus the quilt show in Long Beach. Each store is a little different. It is always interesting to see what is popular in different parts of the country. Most Southern California stores are toward the bright side but I saw more 1800's reproduction fabric than on past trips. This was my first trip to Rosie's in San Diego. They have more fabric and at better prices than I have found any place in the country. Their samples were not very inspiring and the staff was not helpful. I didn't need help but am always happy to be greeted and asked if I need help before I get to the cutting table. If you are looking for old fabric they might have it. They do not have a web site but if you call with a fabric name or send them a swatch they will look for it and mail it.
The majority of the quilts on display at the Long Beach show had been part of the April show in Chicago (Rosemont) held by the same organization. The vendors were mainly stores from California and Arizona. Some vendors who do all the major shows were there but not too many. We attended the pre-view on Thursday night. Attendance was very light. Hopefully more quilters came on Friday and Saturday. By the end of the pre-view some vendors looked very sad. There were probably some vendors who made few or no sales. I did my part to cheer them but had to remember the luggage limits.
We arrived home to a content mother. She had enjoyed the time with my friend caring for her especially the wonderful food my friend cooked. When I explained that Mary Jane would be going home the next day and that Mother would have to put up with my cooking again she responded, "Da gone it!".
Susan