We just got back from vacationing in the great state of Alaska. First we went by sea, visiting little towns in the Inside Passage. Then we rented a car and drove as far as Anchorage. Along the way, we enjoyed the country side, the little towns of Homer, Seldovia, Copper Landing, and the big city of Anchorage. As much as I enjoyed the incredible expansive wilderness filled with snowcapped mountains, glaciers, and wildlife, I also enjoyed finding two great quilt/fabric stores in Cooper Landing and in Anchorage.

Each store had unique Alaskan themed fabric designed by Alaskan Artists. I felt like a kid in a candy store, in both locals. I bought small amounts of fabric and one quilt kit featuring bears and moose. The first store I visited is, Bearly Threaded Quilting in Cooper Landing. The bigger sister store is located in Soldotna, Bearly Threaded Too.  The other store that I  made a beeline for is Changing Tides in Anchorage.

I hope to incorporate the fabrics into my Splendid Sampler Quilt that I am making this year along with more than 20,000 other quilters around the world. We receive two patterns a week for a six inch block. Each one is designed by different quilt artist. I’m learning everything from paper piecing, embroidery, and appliqué in this incredibly challenging but fun quilt-along hosted by Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson. It’s not too late to join in on the fun. Just go to the website, The Splendid Sampler, and you can download the first 35 patterns. There will be 100 in all. Here are some of my favorites:

And a snapshot of all the ones I have made so far, pinned to the cover of a hide-a-bed in my sewing room:

I spy sea otters, bears, bald eagles, whales, seals, moose, in their natural habitats and I also find fabric treasures that will remind me of this special time and place.

Happy Sewing!