We are finally getting drenched with some of the rain that was dousing our northwest neighbors a few weeks ago. It's one of the few seasonal reminders we have in southern California - until recently, we really hadn't seen any "weather" to speak of - this winter has been incredibly non-existent, and I'm realizing that the threat of global warming is much more than a threat. I know that many of you living in harsher climates might wish you were here, but I really miss the seasons we had when we lived in New York and in Colorado. Sure, the weather here is very moderate and mostly nice, but imagine seeing almost no seasonal change, year after year. Honestly, I get a bit tired of the same old thing and long for the need to shovel snow (I love shoveling snow!), wear wool socks and sweaters, and make the home cozy and inviting for the cold months. I think that variety in the seasons is really what makes us excited when they begin to change, and also what makes us long for the next season when we're deep in the throes of another. Despite my complaints, I *am* enjoying the rain, simply because it's something a little different and I know that spring is coming.
In fact, I found a happy bit of spring for myself this weekend. I normally don't buy fabric at JoAnn's - I have been disappointed many times by the quality of the JoAnn branded fabric - pathetic thread count, weak dyes, etc. But, every now and then I find premium brand fabrics (e.g., Kaufman, RJR, Cranston, etc.) from past seasons at JoAnn's for ridiculous prices. This weekend I got really lucky! JoAnn's was having a weekend sale on their already reduced clearance fabric - additional 40% off - and I decided to take a quick look. I found a bevy of sherbet colored fabrics by V.I.P. Cranston from their Flirty Chic collection for $1.80 per yard! The sale was just a weekend sale, so I decided to buy some of everything. This is what I walked away with:
I just love looking at all these together... I normally don't stick to one fabric line when I make quilts - I love trying to come up with my own pleasing combinations - but these just look so fantastic together! Now I'd like to find a fun quilt pattern that will really show off these happy spring colors - any suggestions?
Wow, what a great deal you got! The colors are beautiful together.
Posted by: beki | March 06, 2006 at 04:24 PM
Wow, I didn't see these at my Jo-Anns, lucky you. They do look great together, a quilt, any quilt, would look just amazing with these together.
Posted by: Blair | March 06, 2006 at 05:05 PM
Yeah, I felt the same way, having grown up in Ventura and living there till I was 18. I love the change of seasons in Portland. As a kid, I used to look at pics of kids in ear muffs and ice skates and all that stuff and was just fascinated by it! I don't miss the constant 72 degress at all. I agree that the season is what makes life so fun!
Posted by: Krissy | March 06, 2006 at 05:56 PM
Sigh. I'm not allowed to go there anymore... I don't even have to cross the street to get to my Jo-Ann's. But it's off-limits, at least until I finish one or two or ten of the unfinished quilts I have around here. Those colors and prints that you picked are right up my alley, though. Nice score!
Posted by: Michelle | March 06, 2006 at 06:30 PM
I am so jealous. They all look so beautiful! What do you think you're going to do with it?
Posted by: Karen | March 06, 2006 at 07:14 PM
we've had over 200" of snow in colorado. it's been a little warm the past couple days though and i waited for moments to chip the ice and snow off the deck. i finally got down through the ice today - yea! it really is so exciting to know the seasons are changing. i could send some snow (if you had a way...)
Posted by: jennifer | March 06, 2006 at 09:44 PM
wow...
those colors are fantastic...
i can't wait to see what you make
with them
:)
Posted by: gkgirl | March 07, 2006 at 05:12 AM
Those really look fabulous together! I can't believe the price too! As far as quilt styles go, I'm really fond of just simple squares. I'm also very afraid to attempt anything other then that! ha.
Posted by: Toni | March 07, 2006 at 08:06 AM
What a fantastic deal! I love all those colors and prints! In terms of quilt blocks, isn't there one that's shaped like a sailboat? I think it would be fun to have each sail a different color/pattern. And I see a nice blue (thrid column second from the back that looks like it would be lovely water. Or there are those blocks that look like pinwheels. That's what comes to mind right now. Whatever you make, I'm sure it will be delicious!
Posted by: Passions & Distractions | March 07, 2006 at 08:56 AM
Great score on Joann's fabrics. . woo hooo!!
And, the weather. . . it *has* been strange the last couple of years. Having lived here virtually my entire life, I wish I could experience a season change every now and then. At least once would be nice.
And I think it's kinda sad that my kids have never seen snow! (Well they've seen artificial snow from a machine. . . but that's it!)
Posted by: Leslie | March 07, 2006 at 02:52 PM
Hubba Hubba. Those are some seriously droolworthy fabrics. Funny thing that, I just went to Jo-Anne's today and scored some serious fabric to add to my stash too. I'll have to take a pic and upload to flickr.
Posted by: Sasha -a.k.a- The Paper Doll | March 07, 2006 at 03:34 PM
beautiful fabric prints (and of course, i really love that green and pink)!!!! joanns has a couple stores closing out here...(the smaller ones) and i was trying to get their furniture for sale (you know, stuff that'd be perfect for the studio?!) but everything was sold... and the fabrics left seemed much picked out... and i dont like having a "thrifting" mentality if i am at a retail store... (that's why i don't like tj max)
Posted by: ellia | March 08, 2006 at 05:22 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Gina | March 09, 2006 at 02:01 PM
I just want you to know after I read your blog I ran as fast as I could to my local Jo-Anns and got some myself. It wasn't 40% off, but it was still clearance. You got way more colors than I did! I may have to hit another Jo-Anns!
Posted by: Beth | March 09, 2006 at 03:16 PM
I am such a copy-cat because I just went out and bought some of the same fabrics! But they were so irresistable. Now, for what to make...so, what are making with them?
Posted by: Sharon | March 31, 2006 at 06:23 PM