Did you miss me?

I know, I know. You've been itching to hear from me. What exactly was Victoria Jean doing during this period of radio silence? Can there possibly be an excuse good enough to neglect the blog? Perhaps...

You see, I was traveling! And SHOPPING! And turning green with envy at my mom's Bernina... but let's focus on the SHOPPING!

This is good for you guys. by mid-August, I will have replenished my supplies at the cheapest rates for the best quality I can find, which means shipping things in and hauling massive (and slightly overweight) suitcases around multiple continents. Just for you.

OK, not just for you. Because I'm pretty obsessed with fabric. You got me, I'm one of "those" people. I just. need. more. Actually, it's not like an addiction that renders withdrawls, it's more like an obsession to avoid non-buyers remorse. You know, the regret you'll always have for the rest of your life because you didn't buy that one thing that you thought you didn't need but really, you will need therapy to get through the grieving process of your loss when you realize just how much you DID need that thing.

Some fabrics are that thing for me. I mean, anything can be that thing. I will always regret not buying Tanzanite on a cruise ship 3 years ago. That's another thing. When I was in Italy a decade ago, I only bought one set of fancy tire air cap thingies for my beloved car, and I should have gotten two. Another thing. But we are talking fabric here.

 In fact, this is all the fabric I brought back with me from my trip to the US. And this doesn't include the felt for my wretchedly taxing quiet book project. I'll rant about that sometime else.

There are times when you just can't pass up that fabric. You have no idea what you'll do with it, but you must have it. These are those for this trip (plus my clingy cat, who's very happy we're home):

So don't worry, I will rest easy knowing I did in fact purchase my favorite fabrics. I know, you were really concerned.

​And now that I have returned to the desert, fresh goodies through customs, and new research in my head, I'm ready. For what? TO WORK. OK, first I have to clean my desk. And fix my sewing machine. But guys, I have so many ideas! I just can't wait to tell you all about the future of Victoria Jean!

I know. There's an order to all things. Well, while I continue to get my ducks in order (I have a whole raft of ducks to organize before they can take off and soar as a flock), I'll provide you with some reviews of my 2 main stops for fabric this trip.

Coming soon: Click on the links for in-depth reviews if it catches your fancy.

Missouri Star Quilt Company - used with permission

1. Missouri Star Quilt Company - Hamilton, MO, USA

• Definitely a whole-day or even multi-day experience
• Helpful staff
• Huge selection
• Fun atmosphere
• Certainly off the beaten path
• Fantastic online presence and network
• Quilter's cotton heaven

I didn't take this. Because I didn't see Swatch. dogster.com

2. Mood Fabrics - NYC, USA

• Fun to feel a touch of glamour
• Free swatches galore!
• Busy,  with busy staff
• SO MUCH STUFF
• I didn't see Swatch :(
• Home fabrics store in addition to fashion
• Slightly overwhelming, even with a list

Please enjoy these while I tackle the organizational nightmare that is my workspace as I struggle to accommodate my newest additions, and will someone just give me a Bernina, please? Thanks.