January vacation

January was an exciting month for me - it was vacation time.  Quilting was put on hold for a couple months - I participated in the Amy Butler Morocco trip.  It was so much more than I could have ever dreamed.  What a great vacation and experience.  Amy is not only a great fabric designer, but also a very sweet and caring person.

Here is a picture of Amy Butler and Valorie Wells at one of our sight seeing adventures - a palace in Marrakesh.  I'm in the background checking out my pictures on my phone.  As you can see nothing is plain and simple - lots of colors and patterns everywhere.

I was so overwhelmed with all the sights, colors, sounds and magic of Morocco. Everything is so colorful and ornate. And the people of Morocco were so friendly and helpful.
Now if shopping is your game Marrakesh has miles of shopping in the Medina and outlaying areas.  So fun to barter with the merchants, once you get the hang of it.  Not sure if I always got the best deals, but I was satisfied with my purchases.  Look at some of the shopping

Walking down one of the market streets

Rugs galore

Just one of the hundreds of booths to shop at

Our time spent in Morocco was full of sightseeing and activities such as: riding camels, goats in trees (you heard me right),  learning to cook Moroccan food, hammering my own brass dish, and weaving on a rug to name a few.  At the Peacock Pavilion, where we stayed, there were lots of crafting activities - carving our own rubber stamps, beading and making talismans.   One special evening included a henna party - and we were all treated to a henna from a very talented artist.

Well the vacation is over and now it's time to get back on track.  I have a New Year's Resolution to work on and I'm ready to tackle some quilts.