It has been 2 weeks since we visited Hollyhill Quilt Shoppe in Portland for their SPRUNG event. We've been so busy with everything else, I haven't gotten a chance to tell you a little about it.
First off, I've never been to Portland before. I haven't even been to Oregon before. This is the first thing I noticed:
It rains there. They have flowers blooming and green trees. Lots of trees. I'm just not used to flowers looking like this in April.
Next, the store was even better than I had imagined. Seriously, Hollyhill is amazing. If you ever visit Portland, do not miss it. We also had a great time visiting their gift shop (just down the street) called Pickleweed Hill- isn't that the cutest name!
We had a great time Saturday at the event. Here are some shots of the day:
This was actually a very relaxing trip for us. In fact, we even had time for a movie. Now you might not think that is such a big deal, but for me that never happens. Not that I don't love movies- I just have two things that get in the way. No time and my husband. He hates movies. All movies. He just doesn't see the point of spending what little free time we have going to a movie. He wants to be able to do things where you talk- to me, friends, whoever. Okay, I get that. So you think I would be able to at least rent a movie and watch it at home. Wrong. To him, renting that movie means commitment. If we spent the $3.99 on it, we have to watch it no matter what. And he just doesn't want to commit to that. He may not like it, and he would have to keep watching. Or he might fall asleep. Or the news might come on. And heaven forbid we miss the news.
So, we got to go to a movie! I really don't pay attention to what's coming out or what's popular because I won't get to see them anyway. But my mom had heard about this.
I had no idea what it was about, so I was game. OH MY GOSH! Who thinks of these things? About 30 minutes in, I was seriously considering leaving. The whole idea of the story made me sick to my stomach. My mom had heard it was kind of like the TV show Lost (which I loved). Um, It's not like Lost. But I didn't leave. Strangely enough, I actually kind of got into it. I just had to get past the whole premise of the story. Which I obviously did. Because the first thing I did when I got to the airport to come home was to purchase the 2nd book in the series. Now I'm hooked. But seriously, who would think of this story?
Anyway, we had a great time in Oregon, and we want to thank Jan and Brian at Hollyhill for the wonderful experience. Even though I'm up all night, every night, reading that book.
Just a quick reminder that our Random Acts of Kindness week will end on Tuesday. If you don't know, any order at our Etsy shop will come with something free!
We have more new products to show you, and I planned to do that today. But it is really hard to take pictures when the wind is blowing about 1000 mph, so I'll have to wait till next week. Have a great weekend!
YAY You got to visit Portland. We used to live near there... now we live on the other side of state, Vale. Vale is tiny, and DRY. People think of Oregon as wet. Vale is NOT wet. But we manage. Fun fact about Hunger Games: A lot was filmed in North Carolina, in a small town called Shelby. That's where I'm orginally from. Other (not so fun fact), my husband also hates going to the movies. I have BEGGED him to go with me to see HG. But we still have not been. I should just go by myself, but that seems low and pathetic. Good luck with new projects!- Mary
Posted by: Mary Chamberlain | Monday, April 30, 2012 at 02:54 PM
oh and you just missed my quilt at Modern Domestic PDX that features your fabric! it shows off my quilting so well I always add you in my scrappy mix... :) I teach a class on Beginner Frame Quilting. I love me some Sweetwater!
Posted by: Rachel-2ndavestudio | Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 05:09 PM
Hello, I too had no interest in The Hunger Games. Then I had a friend talk me into reading the first book. I was hooked and have now read all three books in the past week!! Are you a Peeta or Gale fan?
By the way, I can't wait to get my hands on Mama Said Sew fabrics. Thanks for being so creative.
Posted by: Andrea | Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10:41 PM
Yes, definitely don't take seeing the first movie as a substitute for reading the first book . . . the fact that it's written in first person should give you an understanding that you would get so much more of what was happening if you read it. IMO the ark of the 3 books storyline is the payoff more than any one of them on their own. It's twisted, but I think you'll get the theme better when you finish the 3rd book.
Posted by: Skooks | Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 06:23 PM
You have the same reaction as most people I know that didn't read the books and just saw the movie. The books are good, but the storyline is so different that most people think its demented. Best quote everyone love from the movie: 'May the odds be ever in your favor'
Posted by: Lindsay @ Modern Amish | Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 01:54 PM
I was glad I'd read the book before seeing the movie - not sure what I'd have missed. I love movies but rarely go. (I read like crazy though) The BF and I took a trip to Vegas - and went to the movies LOL.
Posted by: MelodyJ | Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 07:24 AM
Hi, I was wondering if you still have the pattern Pure & Simple available?? I can't find it on the Moda website and I need one for a customer. My emails is Sharon&daisycottagequilting.com
Thanks so much
Posted by: Sharon Yeager | Friday, April 27, 2012 at 09:47 PM
Two things regarding the Hunger Games: 1. You should really read the first book, the movie was good but the book has so much more in it, reading it will help you understand Catching Fire, better. 2. I met Suzanne Collins, several years ago. I've met hundreds of authors, I'm a bookseller in addition to being a quilter. She was part of a very small minority of authors who have no public personality. Just nothing. I was so surprised that she had such a vivid imagination, she was such a "blank".
Posted by: Jan | Friday, April 27, 2012 at 08:02 PM