It was short notice. I had three days to prepare and pack, but I wasn't going to miss this trip. Two weeks in Hawaii in Frebruary, who could resist. I gave some thought to bringing my sewing machine but decided to soak up the sun and culture instead.

Quilting is a way of life, so one of my first stops was at The Calico Cat quilt shop. The owner, Carol Y.O. Kuniyoshi is friendly, welcoming and very knowledgeable about the area. I could have visited for hours but there was fabric to buy.

The boutique style fabric shop is cozy and bursting with fabric and notions. The fabric is beautiful with many brands and designs not found in my local quilt shops. I went in looking for Hawaiin prints, which were there in abundance, to make a memory quilt of this trip. But I didn't stop there. Fat quarters were everywhere, taunting me. I left with a large bag of fabric and a fun new friend, who I hope to see at the Houson quilt market this fall.

1223 Koko Head Ave., Honolulu, HI

(808) 732-3998

Call or check Carol's website for hours. www.thecalicocathawaii.com

Happy Quilting

We enjoyed the many wonderful quilts at the 2012 Alaska State Fair this year, along with an assortment of Fair food. There were traditional patterns as well as modern quilts and appliqué. We wanted to give you a peak at some of the many beautiful examples to both inspire and encourage your own creativity. Click on one of the quilts for a larger view.

Family business and the travel associated with it has kept me busy for the last month. Yes, I'm having quilting withdrawal. A bright spot in my trip was a visit to the Calico Cow Quilt shop in Roswell, New Mexico. I always look forward to stopping in and finding new treasures.

The Calico Cow has a great selection of batiks and a large selection of southwest designs. I must time it right as a new fabric arrival always catches my eye. This time was no exception, but I can't tell you what I bought because I also purchased some for RustAvenger. I can tell you that it's beautiful and I'm already planning my next project. So you'll have to wait and see.

Carolyn Pollard Noling is the owner and it's always a pleasure to visit with her. What a surprise when she remembered I'm from Alaska. I enjoyed looking at all the wonderful quilts that lined the walls. Inspiration and pure joy surrounded me after such a long quilting dry spell. Besides, where else can you see an alien quilt?

If you make it to Roswell stop and visit the Calico Cow Quilt shop and have some fun. Their hours are:  Tuesday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm and Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm. You can visit their website at: www.calicocowquiltshop.com