Thursday, April 10, 2014

Sewdown Nashville - the day before

Nashville

I went for a long walk today in Nashville. After strolling through a beautiful university campus, I came to this small little enclave, Hillsboro Village.

Nashville

After spending an entire day travelling here on Wednesday (I had to make a stop in Toronto), I was glad of the beautiful spring day to just walk for miles.

Nashville

This sign, together with a vague statement from my husband, about having had the best ice cream ever somewhere in this area, led me inside.

Nashville

It was lovely, and indeed, Jenis Splendid Ice Cream was splendid - best ever I think. I had one scoop of Goat Cheese with Roasted Red Cherries and one scoop of Yazoo Sue with Rosemary Bar Nuts (Yazoo Sue is a Nashville brewing company and the ice cream was made with wood smoked porter). If you live in the USA, you can get this ice cream delivered by courier, truly.

Nashville

There are quilt inspirations everywhere - look at the bricks. Oh, and also pancakes - I had sweet potato pancakes which were recommended, and also fantastic.

Nashville

This store was amazing. A 40 year family business, cluttered and full of wonderful stuff.

Nashville

Beautiful old buildings, some with decorative ceiling tiles. More quilting inspiration.

Nashville

You don't see signs like that one in Canada. Made me think.

Nashville

Seriously, more quilting inspiration.

Nashville

Old signs.

Nashville

And yet more quilt ideas, look at those windows.

Wednesday night I enjoyed conversation and wine in person with one of my internet quilting friends - Jen - also knows as BettyCrockerAss. Tomorrow I get to go to Anna Maria Horner's house for a studio tour and social with the whole Sewdown Nashville group. And on the way home, a stop at a new fabric shop.

And then, the weekend includes classes from Anna Maria Horner, Carolyn Freidlander, Victoria Findlay Woofe, and Angela Walters. Lectures from Alexia Abegg, Elizabeth Dackson, and Maddie Kertay. In between times there will be time to meet a lot of quilters, some of whom I have met on the internet. I will do my best to report back after it is done on Sunday - the Modern Quilt Guild has put together a fantastic plan for the Sewdown.

You might have noticed Jess and I deferred Decipher Your Quilt for one more week. Jess is up to her armpits with sick kids and a wedding quilt deadline, and I am in Nashville, so look for deciphering 16 patches next week.

Best,

Leanne

26 comments:

Vicki said...

Sounds to me like you are having a great time! Have a fun time learning all you can.

Susan said...

Looks like Nashville is my kind of town- quilt inspiration AND food! Have a great, as I'm sure you will!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Sounds and looks like the most amazing long weekend ever!!!

Benta AtSLIKstitches said...

Oh wow , I'm so jealous! You'll have a great time!!!!!

Charlotte said...

ohhhhh, it looks so beautiful there! Wish I could join you! Have a wonderful time :-)

Erin Quinn said...

Totally jealous! Of your beautiful adventuring, the fabulous food and not least a magnificent weekend of quilting geniuses imparting all kinds of wisdom. Have so much fun!!!
E xx

Debbie said...

Looking like a great time already! Looking forward to hearing more! HAVE FUN!

Leanne Parsons said...

How fun! I'd love the chance to explore and roam around like that, especially if there's ice cream involved. Have a great weekend (but how could you not with a schedule like that!). :)

pennydog said...

They had a no guns sign in the KHL bar in Riga too- I may have also taken a photo!

ChristaQuilts said...

I bet you are having such a fabulous time! Thanks for sharing along with us :-)

Jean(ie) said...

My old home town! Now you're making me homesick. Wish I were there with ya'll. If you like cheeseburgers, go to Rotiers. (and be sure to eat dessert if they have the chocolate cake). If you want a nice, nice night out. Try the Tin Angel, another of my faves.

Happy networking and sewing!!!!!!

What Comes Next? said...

have fun - as if that was in any doubt!

anyadahab said...

You are going to have so much fun. I went to the Portland Sew Down and it was more fun than I could have imagined.

CapitolaQuilter said...

Thanks for sharing your stroll - enjoy the line up of amazing activity you have ahead.

Katy Cameron said...

The tour was fabulous, and I'm not in the least bit jealous (did you hear my gritted teeth there? ;o) )

Svetlana said...

sounds like you have some amazing days ahead of you. Enjoy!!!!

Anne / Springleaf Studios said...

I'm jealous you're there. Have a great time.

Tamie said...

Sounds like so much fun. A few of us did Sew South in Charlotte a few weeks back and had a blast.

MariQuilts said...

Good times.....I can't wait to hear all about it!!!!

Vera said...

Enjoy! I liked the pictures you shared. I'm looking forward some more when you return :-)

dutchcomfort said...

Thanks for sharing the photo’s Leanne. It’s always good to have an image of other parts in the world. We don’t either have those warning signs here!

karen said...

love seeing your pics - enjoy your time - what a great trip

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

I hope you're having a magnificent time!

tusen said...

This looks like a perfect weekend and thanks for reminding me it's good to photograph quilt inspirations :)

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

I'm off to Nashville in the summer, your photos make me look forward to it.Last time we were there we couldn't believe the gun signs. Though N Ireland has had problems with guns, I have never seen a sign like that. There was a great social history museum we went to there just behind our hotel, lots of civil war stuff.

OPQuilt said...

I enjoyed seeing you pal around with people I knew on your IG feed. Those conferences are always stimulating, yet somehow also tired-inducing. With your walk around town, and the itinerary you outlined, it sounds like a lovely experience.