Gret & I spent a couple of days at the MN quilt show last week.  Our main purpose was to take two classes, and we’re both so glad we did!

Our first was an all day Paper Piecing class taught by Elizabeth Dackson (aka Don’t Call Me Betsy). We learned how to make 4 really cool star blocks, and I actually finished one in class!  (Go, Me!)  This one is called ‘Pinball Swirl’.  How cool is it?

I have three other blocks in progress.  Here are segments of two of them:

One of my blocks is in need of a little TLC…I need to rip and re-sew the first two segments, then work on the rest of them.  These are going to be so awesome when they’re all finished.  I’m really happy with the solids Gret & I chose – they really shine in these stars.  And it was fun to meet Elizabeth and take a class from her.  She’s a great teacher and was just lovely.  We were (mostly) well behaved!

We also took a 1/2 day class taught my Marti Michelle.  She taught us how to do some really cool kaleidoscope blocks.  We were instructed to bring contrasting fabrics:

I’m doing mine with Winter Wonderland fabric (Moda Bunny Hill).  The 2 borders I have are just too cute!  It will be a 9×9 wall hanging when it’s done.  I’ll post pics when it’s all finished.  You’ll have to check back!

After our class was finished on Friday morning, Gret & I walked around the expo floor, I bought some pre-cuts, we talked to the Janome rep (for her) and we played with the APQS long arm machines for a bit.  If only we had $30K and a place to keep it…

After the expo hall, we hopped in our respective cars and headed for home, and hit two quilt shops on the way home…Grubers in St. Cloud, and Millie P’s in Anoka. I love both of those shops, but my credit card doesn’t!

We had a great couple of days and we were both exhausted when we got home!