Whoosh!

That's the sound of the month of August flying right by! Seems like late summer has been filled with travel, lots of new and old friends and faces, and, of course, quilt shops!

First stop: Ontario, Canada for a distributor Open House at QuiltSource Canada. Nearby, a quick trip to The Hobby Horse Quilt Shoppe, a beautiful destination shop in a converted pig barn nestled in rural Georgetown, about an hour outside of Toronto. Every inch of wall space, even the angled ceiling is covered with quilt samples, fabrics and quilty things.

Inside, the barn is chock full of quilty goodies.

With a name like 'Hobby Horse' you know a few shop mascots are available to greet you!
 

The Hobby Horse owner, Gail, and grandson, Quinn.

Next Stop: Ohio! For Checker Distributors Open House. But first, a stop at The Quilt Foundry for a trunk show and book-signing.

Whimsical Fish are a recurring theme at The Quilt Foundry.

What a fun place! Everyone seemed to have a good time for the presentation.

In its earlier days, this building was a manufacturing facility for Oleo packaging. New owners Lisa and Rich Spalding have added their personality to the building, as well as lots of fabric, notions, patterns, and a sizeable classroom.

The town of Maumee, Ohio threw a parade (how did they know I was coming?) on the same day of my visit. So limited parking was even more so on this sunny August day. No matter for us quilters!

Next, on to Archbold, Ohio, and Sauder Village. An entire village of original homes and businesses have been moved to this site to preserve Ohio's small-town history. Here's the General Store, located next to the museum. The museum features all sorts of vintage farm equipment, automobiles, and tools.

Embedded right in the museum, you will find Threads of Tradition. A lovely quilt shop that seems perfectly suited for its historical setting.

An easy transition, museum to quilt shop!

Hey! Lookie, lookie! I can meet me!

On the frame and ready for some hand-quilting!

If that was August, can't wait to see what September brings! D'ya think I should do a little sewing?

Sunny summer greetings to you! If you live along the US East Coast beware of Hurricane Irene, and stay safe.

Joan