Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Maggie's First Dance BOM - Will You Be Dancing?

Welcome all BOMers who figured they'd better check me out as a sponsor! I hope to do this lovely program justice and am also hoping to keep up with you all. So far so good, but then again I did get a head start. Which of course I waited until yesterday to make. But you know, good intentions.

So by way of introduction for those who don't know me, a few stats about me you might or might not find important:

  • Years as a quilter: 21
  • Age: Older than 21
  • Design Style: Scrappy and imperfect
  • Biggest pile in my stash: Teal
  • Almost non-existent pile in my stash: Red
  • How my children described me when I asked them what was interesting about me: "Loud," "Creepy," and "You talk too much."
  • What I'll be doing as soon as I finish this post: Researching boarding schools
  • Three random truths: I still have a baby tooth, I'm allergic to coffee, and I've traveled to all 48 contiguous states. (And I'll check off Alaska this summer!)  
If you just happened upon here and didn't know, Jacquelynne Steve's newest BOM (FREE BOM, by the way!) starts in June! It's called Maggie's First Dance and I keep thinking "I really must ask Jacquelynne who Maggie is..." but of course I think of this at really bizarro times, like when I am driving or in the shower. At some point we will get to the bottom of that mystery.

Maggie's First Dance BOM by Jacquelynne Steves
For now, head on over to her sight and check out all the details and why not sign up? Just go here:  http://jacquelynnesteves.com/maggies-first-dance-block-of-the-month/ and enter the deets. It's free, did I mention? It's a nice size wallhanging or lap quilt, so not an overwhelming undertaking even for newbies, and it's just six months long, so definitely doable! My first block is even already done, though you'll have to wait to see how it came out!

I haven't traditionally been big into stars in my design life, but lately I'm kind of digging them. I even used them in Scintillating Stars, my 46th (!) pattern that came out last month.



I'm excited about the stars in Maggie too, because they all look a bit different in each block. I do love a pattern that switches up every block just a little...keeps things fresh for me!

To celebrate the start of the BOM, Jacquelynne is doing a giveaway, too! As a blog sponsor I've offered up several of my Mod-ified Trees kits, which she'll be offering up at another time, but right now you can enter to win two of her own patterns, Merry Go Round and Amelia!
To enter, leave a comment telling me about the best place you ever vacationed or traveled to, because now that I'm so close to my bucket list of hitting all 50 states I'm going to need some new ideas.

I also invite you to follow me on Facebook and/or IG (@evapaigequilts), where throughout the BOM you'll get all sorts of first looks at my blocks as each new one is revealed!




92 comments:

MissPat said...

I'm not much of a traveler but I think my favorite place was San Francisco.

susan said...

Best vacation? That's a tough one, haven't taken nearly enough of those. How about a long weekend in New York City! So much to do and so much to see it's mind boggling. Great shows of all sorts and wonderful museums if you dig that. Plenty of history to soak in and lots of people watching, food, exercise (walk, walk, walk)and shopping galore.

Joann in PA said...

Myrtle Beach, SC - hands down!!

Anonymous said...

Here in the US, the CA coast, from Montery to Mendocino, should be my first choice. Walking/hiking in western Ireland and in the Cinque Terre in Italy are also favorites. @susansquiltstudio. Sgrancio at Comcast dot net

DebrafromMD said...

Well, I have been to all 50 states (it helps that I was born in Hawaii to a military family). My favorite country is Ireland, but we recently visited New Zealand and that would be my number two choice.

Bella said...

New Orleans, just back from there - amazing place oh my goodness I've never seen anything like it before. When we first arrived I thought I was going to hate it, it was so busy, noisy and crazy but it grew on me. But if you are looking for somewhere to vacation then you really should try Scotland - nowhere more beautiful in my opinion. Lots of beatuiful places to see, history and of course the people are the best!! Yes I'm Scottish and proud of it!!

Linda said...

Best vacation was 2 years ago to Germany, we visited with family and saw the most amazing sights!!!! In the USA, I'd pick tropical/beach, Hawaii.

Donna W said...

My best vacation was getting in the car and just taking off and driving around Wisconsin. No set plans, just traveled wherever we felt like. So many great places to see.

littlexiegirl01 said...

As a mother of triplets, I haven't had the opportunity to travel much, but i do love going to savannah, georgia. It's beautiful, historical and tons to do.

mumbird3 said...

Best vacation ever was Las Vegas with my sister....we slept in every day!! LOL mumbird3atgmaildotcom

Dad Mom said...

Australia, something different .hulsey.momdad7@gmail.com

Brenda J said...

Well, as much as I love the beach, I have to say Saskatoon Canada was my favorite because I got to meet my firstborn Grand daughter there.

PatriciaEE said...

Mammoth Lakes California. Carmel by the Sea. Can not make ump my mind.

Unknown said...

I loved visiting Ireland! The air travel was highly tolerable (not so daunting as traveling to New Zealand) and a reasonable cost. The Irish people were so lovely, the countryside beautiful. The fish and chips divine, and we LOVED visiting the Avoca Woolen Mills to see scarves and other beautiful products being made.

Mary Lou P. said...

Love our second home in the Florida Keys, anytime we can get away!

sunflowermorning said...

My favorite vacation was many years ago...we went to California, flying into Orange County, went to Disney, then drove up the coast to San Francisco. SO much to see between the 2 parts of California! Would love to go back again someday!

Julie said...

My Husband and another couple spent a fun-filled week in Cancun Mexico about 25 years ago. It was money well spent and we didn't want to leave.

Snoodles said...

LOL I'm still chuckling over your great post! I'm Snoodles from over at Lilypadquilting, and I stopped by to say hello (I'm not in the drawing, since I'm one of the bloggers). I'm in awe of your having been to all of the states, that is something I would love to do! Best vacay? Ummm, quiet time at the beach - no golf, shopping, dining (simple meals on the beach), and definitely no Medieval Days or Branson look-alikes. Just the wind, the sun, and the sea. Ahhhhh!

Anonymous said...

The best vacation I ever had was a two week trip to Maui. I didn't want to go home.

LindaK said...

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada...It is one of the most picturesque and peaceful villages I've ever been to. Located at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. There is Fort Niagara, George Shaw Theatre, wineries, shopping, beautiful scenery, wonderful places for eating, great places to stay. I've been there several times. Time for another visit!!

DebraKay Neiman said...

I love Jacquelynne Steves and I am enrolled in Maggies First Dance patterns. I love the Four Corners area, New Mexico/Colorado/Utah/Arizona. My bucket list is Australia. crystalbluern at tds dot not

Unknown said...

The best place I ever vacationed was Japan. Beautiful!! I highly recommend it to everyone. I spent some time there when I was too young to really appreciate it and wish I could go back now that I know better.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

We don't really enjoy traveling so our go to places are the San Antonio River Walk and gambling in Kinder, La at the Coushatta Casino.

Unknown said...

I came to your site via Jacquelynne's site. If you have traveled or when you have traveled all 50 states, I would recommend putting Ireland on your bucket list. The countryside is beautiful and the people are friendly and helpful. I have been to Ireland two times and would return again in a heartbeat. If you haven't hit all 50 states, and Wisconsin is on your list to visit yet...I would encourage you to move Wisconsin to the top of your list. We have beautiful scenery, and a variety of things to see and do. In the winter you would have the opportunity to ski, and snowmobile. In the summer, there are many places to enjoy the waters. You can swim, water ski, fish or just ride around some of our beautiful lakes. We have caves to explore, you could visit House on the Rock...an interesting house built by Lloyd Wright, and his collection of many things. To me fall is the best time to visit. I love the leaves change color..

mgquilts said...

I spent 10 days in Paris last April and it was wonderful. Go for it!

Anonymous said...

Love going to Pigeon Forge in Tennessee...........quiet,quaint and cute. Rent a cabin in the mountains and quilt till the sun goes down. A few quilt shops in case you run out of fabric too down in town!

Shari said...

Vacation Bucket List - Uluru in the Northern Territory of Australia. Geographically awesome - spiritually stunning. Need to visit in the Australian winter as the Australian summers will be way too hot.

Kathryn said...

I loved Bruge, Belgium.

Unknown said...

Cancun, Mexico; Nice, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco and London, England.

Elizabeth S. said...

I loved being to go to Alaska when a couple weeks f my grandsons were born. I would love to go back in warmer weather since they were both born in the middle of winter. It was still beautiful and saw some wonderful sights.

carol said...

The one site I keep having to visit is St. Michaels, Maryland. I love the Bay, eating blue crab and Rock Fish. I find PEACE each time we visit.

RosieGma said...

Hello Beth, Oh my, I have been to 49 states also....but I have not been to Hawaii yet. My favorite state would be Minn., and the Wyoming Valley where the Alex Jordan House on the Rocks is located...so beautiful...I lived in Alaska during the days of the oilpipe line being built...so now you know how old I am...but it was beautiful and very wild in its day.....Thank you for working on the BOM 2016.

judi said...

I loved Florence and I would like to go back some day.

OhioLori said...

What a cool Bucket List! I haven't traveled much..but loooved North Carolina! Our Daughter has lived there for about 9 years. I have been to visit 3 times...saw the Ocean for the first time!...and many other sights there, Would LOOOOVE to go again, and hoping to go this Summer! Miss her soooo much!

Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way too! :D

Anonymous said...

I haven't been to many places in my life but I think I like Oklahoma the best. I wish I lived there. I am a big fan of the Midwest and that area.

Vicky H

Shawna said...

My best vacation ever was with my best friend, my brother, my husband and my best friends boyfriend and we went to London England for two weeks.

Anonymous said...

I have been to 49 of the 50 states. Hawaii is the only one we haven't been to. We say it is because you can't drive there. Alaska was really wonderful. We were fortunate to have friends there. He was a pilot and flew us over the glaciers. That was breathtaking. Enjoy your trip.

Unknown said...

We don't really vacation but the best place I've been to is my new home in San Antonio. I love the atmosphere here and most everyone is super friendly. Shull.jessica10@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

A few years ago e flew to San Diego, Calif. I was a nice place to visit ,and I would like to go back someday. Thanks, Patty B.

Nancy L said...

Ireland was the best place that I have visited, but as to in the USA, it would be the fall folliage tour that I took from MO to NY. Beautiful trees and wonderful sites. I would love to go again.

Karyn said...

The pastry in Italy is to die for! I'd put it on your bucket list for sure. Skip the pizza. Too bad your allergic to coffee, because that's pretty amazing with a hot pastry.

Africa & China are both worth a trip. Amazing to see such different culture!

London is fun to run around and see the sights.

Hawaii is decent to unplug and recharge....but you can get a pretty similar effect on Nantucket :)

Nancy L said...

Ireland was the best place that I have visited, but as to in the USA, it would be the fall folliage tour that I took from MO to NY. Beautiful trees and wonderful sites. I would love to go again.

Renea said...

I love going to San Diego but am so happy when we visit anywhere in Minnesota. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

mazl said...

If you ever travel to Australia, you must go to The Franklin River on the west coast of Tasmania. Indeed all of Tasmania, just an untouched wonderful State in Australia; wilderness, markets, friendly people, plenty of crafts and so many artisans. Just a treasure of a state, hope you all get a chance to go.

Cathy L Wilson said...

We went to New Zealand and Australia when we retired; an absolutely amazing trip! We both fell in love with New Zealand!

Unknown said...

I'm envious that you've made it to the 48 states. My husband and I are trying. I have two favorite vacations. The first was to Ascutney Mountain, Vermont. Every morning for two weeks the desk clerk would greet me with a new list of quilt shops and google maps to them in Vermont and surrounding states. I even took a class that was way off the beaten track in a wonderful quilt shop in the owner's basement.

My other favorite vacation was last summer when my husband and I did the Missouri Genius Trail Quilt hop along the northern edge of the state. We went to so many wonderful shops, the weather was perfect, the shop owners were friendly and helpful, and each shop was truly unique. I got to meet Jenny Doan at the Missouri Star Quilt Shop and she was nice enough to have her picture taken with me.

It's amazing the variety of quilt shops in every state.

J Miranda justj5036@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Favorite place I ever visited? Hmm... That's a tough one. I loved Barbados and
St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. But the last time I was either place was in the
1970's. Never get to go anywhere anymore. Too many medical bills.

Tracine said...

I don't travel much. I vacationed in Antigua many years ago. We happened to be there during Sailing Week. It was spectacular.
tracinecharest at Gmail dot 5

Susan said...

I'm from Australia so we LOVE to travel! Three weeks in Paris was my favourite vacation! But the ten weeks I spent in the US was pretty amazing too!

Unknown said...

Living in Australia but always love my trips across the ditch to New Zealand, only a 3 hour flight so not too tiring.

Ms. B said...

Wine country near San Fransicso

Unknown said...

My best vacation ever was to visit my daughter and her new husband/family in New Zealand! The scenery is amazing. Everywhere you go looks like a post card!

Barbara O said...

I'd love to travel, my dream is to go to all 50 states and Europe of course! My little piece of heaven though is the Gulf beaches of Florida with it's sugar sand beaches and turquoise and aqua water, especially Destin and Panama City Beach. Wish I was there right now!

Barbara O said...

I'd love to travel, my dream is to go to all 50 states and Europe of course! My little piece of heaven though is the Gulf beaches of Florida with it's sugar sand beaches and turquoise and aqua water, especially Destin and Panama City Beach. Wish I was there right now!

LadyLike said...

Northern Virginia on the peninsula by far! I loved visiting my cousin and a trip to Virginia Beach thrown in. It was lovely and miss it a lot

Lori Smanski said...

South Dakota and the Black Hills.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

MaryBeth said...

The most amazing thing I've seen in this country is the Grand Canyon. I've never felt so insignificant in my life as rafting along the Colorado river and looking up the cliff walls. Do yourself a favor and visit if you haven't already.

Dixie Quilter said...

I don't travel much, but I have a few favorites. My #1 most favorite place in all the world: Yosemite National Park. I grew up near there and spent many wonderful times there. Recently, we traveled to the Redwood National Forest (north of Eureka, CA) and hiked around amongst the most awesome trees known to man. It was fabulous. No, we don't live in California.

Unknown said...

I have 2 favorite places. The Florida Keys abs costa Rica.

Unknown said...

I have 2 favorite places. The Florida Keys abs costa Rica.

Karen J said...

Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons. You can do them all together!

Tammy Balbinot said...

My favorite vacation was when I won an Alaskan cruise from the MS Foundation. I had the luxury off being spoiled on board the ship and the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen! I would absolutely love to be able to do it again.

blt87@sbcglobal.net

Charlene McD said...

My favorite place that I travelled to was Sicily, Italy. That's where I met and married my husband 29 years ago. I would dearly love to go back.

labfish said...

I love the Newport News/ Hampton Roads/ Virginia Beach area! There are sooo many things to do for all ages and interests!

Nina Dias said...

Hello! The best place I ever spent vacation, was on the island of Madeira! I have many relatives there and it's a beautiful place!
61ninadias61@gmail.com

Judy1522 said...

How fun that you have made it to that many states. We are working on that and spent 5 weeks in the Northeast last fall. Portland, Maine became one of my favorite cities on that trip (we are from the Portland are in Oregon) and of course Boston with all of its history is up there also. If you are looking for something out of the country that is totally different than anything this country has I would suggest Southeast Asia. My one word that I use to describe it is exotic. Alaska is also one place that I am hoping to go to soon.

DorothyAnn said...

Alaska is a gorgeous state--took my 1st cruise up the inside passage and then a land tour after. The pristine beauty and wildlife are breath-taking!

Donna_Texas said...

I love going to my parents home in North Carolina and at this time that has been my favorite place. I love the tall pine trees, mountains and the history that is everywhere. They are very proud of their state and has laws that help preserve it. On my bucket list is (1) Alaska, (2) Scotland, (3) Ireland, (4) Montana, (5) Colorado, (6) Maine to just name a few.

Sherry said...

My best vacations have always been when we travel to the Washington coast and spend time at the beach with my kids and grandkids.

Donna K said...

My favourite vacation has always been Algonquin Park in northern Ontario. It's very rustic and back to nature, but it's a fabulous place to take the family for a real camping experience.

Peggy Terzian said...

Hands down best vacation ever was a quilting cruise 8 years ago to Mexico!

Tina said...

It has been a long time but I guess it is a toss up between the LA Garment district and taking my now husband back to my home town to meet my family. The Garment district was awesome, Ummmmm...Fabric. But introducing my hubby to my family and showing him where I grew up was a different kind of special. It is hard to choose between the two.

chele said...

Pawley's Island SC is fantastic for quilt retreats. Sun, beach, water, quilting and friends. How can anyone not love PI?

Unknown said...

The best place I've traveled too is Crete, Greece. This cozy island in smack in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It has beautiful beaches with clear blue water. Lots of history and the locals are great. Not to mention the delicious food. Great place to vacation.

judy said...

My favorite place is Mackinac Island Michigan

Karen said...

I had a wonderful vacation to the southwest and would have to say the Grand Canyon is spectacular, but I also really loved Zion National Park.

Sewmom18 said...

Michigan's UP.

cindy lanahan said...

My favorite place which we go to the most often is Estes Park, CO. We stay in a small cottage. I love, love to fly fish! My husband is not a fisherman at all but he takes me every year and I fish at least 5 hours a day! Heaven!!

Cecilia said...

My best vacation was when I traveled to Italy with my youngest daughter and her family. The only thing that would have made it better was if my husband had been able to go along.

sewok said...

We don't vacation, so I don't have a favorite.

Riya said...

Hi from the Netherlands. I don't do vacations...simply because I live in the most beautiful part of the Netherlands; Twente. It has all I wished for to spend my days, woods, fields, awesome skies, the best cycleroads endless fields with cows, sheep etc. And the weather is just perfect, not too hot and not too cold.

Denise :) said...

Hmmmm...there are so MANY states to choose from! I (currently) live in Alabama, which has it's pull -- from the Tennessee Valley, tucked in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range -- to the shores of the Gulf, it's a beautiful state. But I think my favorite summer vacations were at extremes from each other - Vermont and South Dakota! LOL! :)

dquilterguy said...

My favorite place so far has been Toronto, Ontario, Canada.. took the trip by Train with friends. What a beautiful and clean city..

nan_c said...

My most favorite vacation was a Caribbean Cruise with my hubby. We went to Jamaica, Haiti, Grand Caymen, and Cozumel...they were all AMAZING!

Unknown said...

Hi Eva! I'm so excited for you on your quest to visit all 50 states. My family and I just completed our same quest last year when we finally visited Alaska in October. Oh how we loved it! We've been car camping and traveling our country (almost all National Parks) since we married 31 years ago. We have some doozy tails to tell of adventures - good and not so good. One of our favorite trips was to Boston ~ walking the trail from Bunker Hill and throughout the city stopping at all the famous locations - like the north church and Paul Revere's tombstone. Fascinating and fun. Best wishes!

Anne said...

A must see are the canyons of Utah and Arizona. Italy is so romantic and I would go back there in a heartbeat!

Unknown said...

Best vacation was in austin TX. We went to see our daughter

D White said...

I live in South Alabama and have made many trips to Gulf Shores and Pensacola, and I love the many visits to the Smoky Mountains but I guess my favorite was our trip to Washington DC. That was a wonderful family trip!

Unknown said...


I grew up in California and I love that state you can see so many different micro climates all within one state but it would take more than a 2 week vacation to do this.
My favorite state to visit was taking a cruise of Alaska's inner passages. It is beautiful! I currently live in Iowa and it intrigues me that the southern part of Alaska is warmer than IA in the winter and and cooler in the summer. It also has a rain forest where the rain is measured in feet per year.

Dody said...

Mammoth Cave, in Kentucky is nice! I've been there several times. There's always something new to discover.
Dmac5958ataoldotcom

Elisabetta said...

I have visited Wyoming during my honey moon, lately I visited Boston and want to come back and visit for a longer time the Maine

Unknown said...

I haven't found my favorite vacation spot yet. My husband and I never even had a honeymoon and we have been married for 35 years. So any great suggestions for me would be welcomed. By the way, I don't like to fly or be on a boat.

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