Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore

 Recently I got to travel to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to teach for the Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore. It was a delightful trip that I enjoyed very much. There were no travel issues so that helps make a good trip even better.

I flew to BWI, Baltimore, where I was met by my contact guild women: Marianne and Lisa: 

Marianne and Lisa

In Atlanta waiting for the flight

During the more than one hour drive to Easton from BWI, my "tour guides" told me all about the area. We were a mile from Annapolis, we crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, they pointed out where they both live. It was a good ride and I got to see the sights.

We got to the Tidewater Inn in Easton, an historic hotel, where we had dinner together. The hotel is lovely and in a great old neighborhood and I really enjoyed my stay there:

The next morning I got up early so I could walk, from 5:45-6:45 am, before breakfast. I didn't go fast because I kept stopping to take pictures. The area reminds me of the Philadelphia neighborhood where I grew up, in a home built in 1900. Here are just a few photos to give you a sense of the area:

Gardens are everywhere. Local restaurants grow herbs out front I am sure they use in their dishes. It was a beautiful way to start my day. 

I had breakfast at a little place nearby, Breakfast in Easton. It had been 50 years since I ate Taylor Pork Roll--growing up it was a breakfast staple:

The guild meets in the town of Trappe, not far from Easton. I was picked up early for that trip. Once the PowerPoint was all set for my lecture, I could mingle with the guild members. After the business meeting, my lecture was "My Joyful Journey", the story of my "one woman show" in Houston in 2021. It gives a chance to look back at the quilts I have made, mostly traditional, from the humble beginnings to four Best of Show quilts. The lecture was well-received. 

Ready to go to "work"

After lunch we had a 3 hour class on foundation paper piecing, The Village AKA Quilter's Scrap Houses. Everyone did well and all learned something:

Back at the Tidewater Inn that afternoon I met up with good friends who drove down from Philadelphia that day. Judy and I met in 7th grade and have been friends since then. She was my maid of honor. I have known her husband Mark just as long. 

We had a great dinner at Legal Assets, a block from the Inn. It was delicious. So good, there are no photos. It was just enjoyable to sit with old friends over a great meal. 

The next day the 6 hour class was Western Sun. Several students returned from the day before and several new students joined the fun. They all did well and all learned something:

Judy and Mark spent the day sightseeing and their assignment was to make dinner plans--anywhere was fine with me as long as there was seafood.  

After my day of teaching, the 3 of us drove to St. Michael's, where they had spent the day. We ate at The Crab Claw, right on the water: 

I love seafood and eat it every chance I get. Most of time, grilled or baked. But when on "vacation" and I have the option of fried, well, yes, that is what I want. That's why I walk at least an hour every single day. It was so good, a crab cake, oysters, shrimp, clam strips and rockfish. I left most of the potato--I can have a potato anywhere:

Waterman's Seafood Sampler platter

Mark and Judy

After dinner we had the most beautiful weather. Temperatures were in the 70's and humidity was low. We walked around the Maritime Museum grounds, where Judy and Mark had toured earlier that day. An employee who was leaving told us the grounds were open after closing so we were welcome to walk all around. 

It was the "golden hour" when the light is perfect for photographs. The water was soothing, it was just a wonderful way to spend some time. Here is a glimpse of the area:

A selfie of 3 people who all have short arms

After the 10 mile drive back to Easton we said goodnight and made plans to meet for breakfast the next morning in the hotel. After breakfast our adventure would take us to Philadelphia for a couple days. Stayed tuned, next week I'll tell that part of the story.

Let's quilt.

Barbara

IT'S TOO HOT TO COOK!

What's for dinner when it's too hot to cook? And I am leaving for a week and there is a full head of Romaine lettuce, cucumber, green pepper, and tomatoes on hand? Which the husband won't touch while I'm gone.

Since we ate at Five Guys for the Fourth of July--I had to have a burger and no one invited us to a cookout, and Saturday night we tried a new pizza place, because we ALWAYS go out Saturday night, I announced at breakfast Sunday that we were having SALAD FOR DINNER:

Your favorite veggies, extra yummy touches like black olives, red onions, nuts, raisins, and a good amount of a protein or two.

What I had on hand: Canned Pink Salmon, Canned Smoked Oysters, a can of black olives, and all the veggies. I usually make my own dressing but was out and am leaving so the G Hughes Sugar Free Honey Dijon Mustard bottled dressing works for me. Hubby likes Hidden Valley Ranch so that is always on hand.

Add a nice glass of wine and this meal is done! 

If I needed some dessert, I would have a cup of berries and a big dollop of low sugar Greek Yogurt--Too Good Low Sugar Vanilla Yogurt is my favorite--I have it every day in my oatmeal with frozen berries. With a trip coming up I back off on dessert or extras the week before.

What do you like to make when it's too hot to cook?

Now, let's quilt.

Barbara

LOTS TO DO

 As usual, I have lots to do. Last week I taught Oh My Stars! to 19 students locally. Some flew in, some drove a long distance, some were locals. It was great "practice" for me as I will be teaching this in Houston to 25 "strangers"--those not yet friends.

At my Retreat in March I taught this to 15, so this wasn't the first class presentation. Each class teaches me something, how to improve the way I present the class instruction. And for this class I wrote a 10 page "Addendum" to the pattern.

The students did great. Let's start at the end, with the "class photo":

It was especially great to have a friend come from Mobile to take the class, fellow quilt teacher Nina Clotfelter. She provided a chance to critique how class went and added helpful insights, even during class. And she made a great star:

All the students work, toward the end of the two-day, 10 hour class:

After class I made a couple "step outs" that will visually help students understand how to select and cut and sew the 5 fabrics needed for a star. I sent this to the class and they all agreed this visual will help understand the instructions: 

The next time I teach this will be in Houston. That class filled in less than 30 minutes when enrollment opened and has a Waitlist. I am teaching it at EMPTY SPOOLS SEMINARS April 29-May 4, 2026. And a Colorado guild has selected it for a class in June 2026. I love teaching this class and hope to get a few more opportunities.

After class Nina came to my home and while in the studio looking at my completed Laurel Ridge quilt top on the design wall, she noticed "something". Oh, NO! Upon careful study we found I had turned one section completely around. And it had to be fixed, since it's still a top:

Then, as if that wasn't enough, during my LIVE broadcast a few days later, someone with a good eye found 3 more blocks turned askew. Yes, they too have to be fixed. This is going to take some time. Even "professionals" make mistakes. Big Sigh...

The next project looms. In September I am teaching on two cruises, back to back. 10 days to New England and Canada followed by 5 days to Bermuda. The quilt for the New England/Canada cruise is On the Lily Pond, my own design, and the quilt is totally finished: 

The other day I received the Kit for this project and have to "check" it. This means counting every piece to be sure they are all there and that all the needed pieces have been provided. This is going to take some time.

I love the fabrics selected and having them pre-cut will make this a breeze to sew. At least I don't have to make this top before we sail, just get Step-outs ready for teaching: 

The Bermuda class project is much smaller, since it's a 5 day cruise. And that top I do have to complete before we sail. The Kit for it came this week so it had to be checked. There was an issue with one of the required shapes so they will be recut. And I am hard at work on the sample:

Only 10 more blocks to go: 

Next up is pack for a teaching trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with the Bayside Quilters. One lecture, a half day class and a full day class will keep me busy. Then I am taking a side trip to Philadelphia to see friends and family. That will be fun.

I hope you are busy too! 

Let's quilt.

Barbara