I'm Baaaaack . . . , Again . . .

I'm back, does it seem like I've been gone for just forever? It sure seems that way to me, I don't think I've ever spent so many consecutive days away from home, ever!

Where to begin, how about the beginning . . . .

My first stop was in Indianapolis for a little 13.1 mile race around town.

Here I am with 30,647 of my nearest and dearest running buddies.

13,945 folks crossed the finish line before me, but 16,702 finished behind me, so I think that's pretty good. Additionally, I had a new personal best record of 2:16:34. I was hoping for a time closer to 2:10, maybe next time.

Following the race I accepted my finishers medal, took a shower and jumped on a plane for Salt Lake City, Utah.

I never tired of looking up and seeing these beautiful mountains. Where I live, it's flat, very flat, which made me appreciate this view all the more.

So this is why I flew to Salt Lake City,

Wild Air.

Isn't she a beauty! Those little flying geese surrounding the center squares and in the border are my favorite part of the quilt, I just love all 656 of them.

This is a new pattern by Carrie Nelson for Miss Rosie's Quilt Company.

The Corn Wagon Quilt Company in Springville, Utah hosted two Carrie Nelson classes, I took them both and had the best time.

Here's Carrie with a block from a fellow student who's using Bliss, I think it will make a wonderful Wild Air. There was also an Eventide version, Fig Tree version, French General version and 16 other versions that escape me now.

I'm going with Annandale by Jo Morton for Andover Fabrics.

Here's the flying geese block. The pattern calls for the outer corner squares to be a different fabric from the center, but I'm thinking about going with the same fabric for the center and outer squares. Several other folks in the class were thinking the same thing. I'll just have to make a few blocks each way, then decide.

Yes, I only made the one flying geese block in class! It was a social group, by the time we got set up, introduced ourselves, and listened to Carrie's instructions and information regarding Wild Air, it was time for lunch, which was delicious. This was the most friendly group of quilters I've ever had the pleasure of taking a class with. The majority of the quilters knew each other and participate in BOM or other classes regularly. There were a few of us new to the group, be we were all warmly welcomed.

I decided I would take advantage of meeting new quilters and spent the majority of my time socializing. I have a whole summer ahead of me of alone time in my sewing room, it felt great to chat and visit with fellow quilters while I had the opportunity.

Here's my one class block with my alternate blocks. This color is a real change of pace for me. My first fabric choice for Wild Air was Barbara Brackman's Civil War Reunion, but after I cut it all out, I just felt the colors didn't work my alternate blocks, so two days before class I changed to Annandale. I'm still not 100% confident this is a good fabric selection either, time will tell. It sure is different from the look and feel of the pattern quilt.

Here are a few ladies who drove from Idaho for the class!!

Wild Air is one of 3 new full size patterns that Carrie designed for market. It finishes at 76" x 76". This pattern is just now making its way to quilt shops near you but I have one that I'm giving away, plus Carrie was kind enough to personalize it.

I haven't blogged for 10 days so to be eligible to win this pattern leave a comment telling us something that made you giggle over the last ten days. I'll announce the winner Saturday.

For tomorrow, class two and another pattern giveaway, don't miss it!

Official C n D disclaimer; I purchased the pattern Wild Air, Carrie Nelson did not ask me to blog about this pattern or promote this pattern. If I never blogged about a Carrie Nelson pattern she would not see a difference in pattern sales, she does just fine without any help from me.