Open House - Part 1

Well the Open House is over and it was a huge success!  Thank you to all the quilters who came and spent some time with us.  I could not believe all the people who came!  I was astonished.  We had about 170 people stop by.

The night before I was worried because I hadn't really advertised, and I was afraid I would have a low turn out.  (Which really wouldn't matter to me, but I had some people coming to demo and to help out, and I didn't want to waste their time.) We had people here from Utah and Idaho and as far away as Kansas!  (That quilter was a follower of my blog and was planning a trip to Idaho in September.  When she read about the Open House, she changed her plans so she could be here in the right week, and then she drove down from Idaho to see us!)  To those of you who came, thank you again.  I am honored.

I can't wait to tell you all about it.  My sisters and I were hurrying around to get everything in order, and right at noon, a flood of people started to arrive. After that it was a whirlwind of quilters.  So many friends and family and followers and shop owners.  I really hope they enjoyed themselves!

The front porch displays some pillows, Highways and Byways and the quilt, Crossroads.  Both are projects from the book, Home Sweet Quilt (Hereafter, HSQ)  Notice my red windows!  They are one of my favorite things about my new house. 

Once inside, you are met by a greeter, (either Judy or Erin) and you sign in and get your key necklace (so you can go Beyond the Gate!).  The first quilt you see is Overture, hanging on the stairway wall. ( in HSQ)

In the living room just off the entry is Carousel,  from my last book, Stitched Together. (ST)  Here I am with my wonderful sisters who came to help.  Susan came from Arizona, Judy is from St. George, and Margaret lives close--only about 40 minutes.  They did so much to help get ready and work at the event.  I really seriously could not have done it without them.  Good thing they just decided to show up.  Aren't sisters great?  Mine are!!

Then head into the family room.  There are several quilts displayed in here.  Posy Party is on the sofa back, while Winding Down drapes the chair.  (HSQ)  There are several quilts folded on the shelf, and if you want to see them, you are welcome to open them up--just put them back when you are done!
The runner draped on the small black table is called All Dressed Up from ST.

The family room is two story, and open to the second floor, so the railing was the perfect place to display the new quilt from the fabric line, Beyond the Gate.  This quilt is made from the free pattern which you will be able to download from my website or the Henry Glass site.  It is not up yet, but will be soon.  On the ottoman, we have displayed the new fabric bundles that you can use to make the quilt.

Now the food.  I had to have a picture of the food.  It looked so yummy!  And there's the Cottage Bloom runner from HSQ.   Quilters were taking some refreshments and looking through the book.

 Outside on the deck it was a beautiful day.  The sun was shining and the smoke from wildfires has finally cleared out of the valley.  I had two quilts outside, Summer Slices and A Walk in the Park.

 Inside on the table is Berry Patch from the new book, HSQ.  Such a fun quilt!  Susan is finally getting a bite to eat. 

 Over in the kitchen I hung the Cherry Lemonade dish towels on the oven doors. (HSQ)

That's going to be all for this post, but I have so much more to show you, so stay tuned!  I will post more pics in a few days!

Thanks again for coming!  I just can't say it enough.  What awesome quilters you all are!