es i second that have a safe trip home. Only heard about Albequerque in songs and often wondered what it was like.

Yes, of course!!! I am collecting batiks for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler and Affairs of the Heart quilts (both will be on the machine :) )

Also got a new Thread Heaven - old one is so nasty. AND picked up a blue fabric for the binding of Jane's Journey. I didn't bring JJ with me this time, so it's only fitting that I buy her some fabric. Also picked up the new issue of Quilter's Home.

Still have 1 more shop to go to this morning, after they open.

Happy hunting Kathy, sounds like you are having a great time, you must show us all your goodies. What is a Thread Heaven, I am intrigued?.

Elle

Well, it's big - spread out, but easy to navigate around. 2 of the shops are on the same road, but about 6 or so miles apart. The 1st one I went to was waaaay up north on interstate 25, but worth the trip. I had ordered from them about 7 years ago & wanted to see the store - they specialize in SW fabrics & have several resident designers.

The one I'm going to soon is just down the street from where I am now. Saved it for this am. It's a machine maker store - not the brand I have. DH noticed it & mentioned it, knowing I was on a hop. I wonder if he's worried I'll buy a new machine? Nope! I love my Janome 6600P and will only replace it when it's cold and buried in the landfill. Now getting a Featherweight - that's a different story - that falls under antique collecting!

Wish you guys were here with me so we could go together.

It's a thread conditioner. Helps keep cotton thread from tangling. You use it like bees wax, but it's softer and pliable. I pull it out of its little 1" sq. container & roll it in a ball and drag the thread over it several times. My old one is at least 5 years old!!! Jane's Journey has done it in. It picks up tiny lint pieces, turning it grey - my old one is charcoal grey! Yuck!

It's a thread conditioner. Helps keep cotton thread from tangling. You use it like bees wax, but it's softer and pliable. I pull it out of its little 1" sq. container & roll it in a ball and drag the thread over it several times. My old one is at least 5 years old!!! Jane's Journey has done it in. It picks up tiny lint pieces, turning it grey - my old one is charcoal grey! Yuck!

Thanks for that Kathy, now I understand. Wow sounds like a huge place, I never thought of it like that.

Oh you are going to be so tempted if you see all those machines though. I how I wish I was with you to help you choose all your materials and things. Go girl go.

Elle

Haha....I'm sure that Jane would be hurt if you didn't buy her any more fabric. I'm kinda wondering what will happen when I go to the LQS and don't buy anything for Jane...it will sure be strange!

I love Alb. We've been there twice. There is a fantastic Mexican rest. there (DH would remember the name and exactly where it is, I just remember what I ate :oops:). They have a fantastic hot air balloon convention there annually which is spectacular to watch. They also have this cool gondola ride up the mountains where you can eat in candlelight. The last time we went there..we were all set to do the gondola thing when I got sick (altitude sickness). DH was happy he didn't have to go up in the gondola - the rat...roll:

I'd love to go shopping with you Kathy! So you are pretty set on making Sylvia's Bridal sampler? I have to google the other one you mentioned.

We live in a High altitude area, so it wasn't a problem for me. DH's parents lived in Cloudcroft - 9000'+ high = there I got the sickness - not a fun thing to have. Made me think I was in Mexico & had Montezuma's Revenge!

We are home and unpacked now. I'm going to watch Criminal Minds and go to bed or I'm going to bed and watch Criminal Minds.

I'll post pics of stuff I bought on my personal Shop hop! I think you'll be surprised!!

P.S. This morning, I saw - in person - the "830" machine (that monster machine Fons & Porter used to demo) at this shop - It's only $8,999.99, but on sale for $8499.99! It is so big that I would need another room to keep it in! What I did see that I really liked was the Handi-Quilter Avante (18" throat) Now that's something I would spend the $$$ on - I think it was $6895, but without the Stitch Pro - it's another $6000. I think I could do without that. It does come with a stitch regulator.