Weekend in San Francisco

I had only to mention the Amish Abstractions exhibition at the deYoung Museum in San Francisco, and my sweet husband immediately suggested that I go.  And I had only to mention San Francisco to my sister, and she suggested that she join me. We flew down bright and early Saturday morning and I was home by 10:30 Sunday night.  In between we packed in quilts, shopping, wine, meals out, and lots of walking.

 I highly recommend our hotel in Union Square.  It  more than fulfilled their claim of "urban hospitality" and description as "innovative, practical, and funky."  The hotel and our room were attractive and comfortable, and the service was exceptional.  The staff were welcoming and very attentive to our needs.

Two of our first stops after settling into the hotel were Needlepoint, Inc., which is a really wonderful shop if you like needlepoint and Britex Fabrics.  What a fabulous fabric store, well-staffed with knowledgeable employees!  It is certainly four floors of bliss for sewers; however, the selections were somewhat limited for a quilt maker -- but it is not a quilting store, so that is understandable.  I loved visiting each of these stores, but I was rather pleased with myself for leaving them with my money still safely stashed in my wallet.

With a little assistance from our friends at Hotel Abri, we caught a bus to Golden Gate Park and walked to the deYoung and the Amish Abstractions exhibition.  I had already seen every quilt in the book and on the internet, but I was still amazed and awe-struck by the sheer beauty of these quilts.

Some are dark and rich and some are muted, with lighter or brighter colors that seem to glow, but the colors are always fabulous.  These quilts are fascinating to me on so many levels that I can look at them over and over again.  They are both simple and complex, traditional and  modern, restricted and liberated.

The weather was sunny and warm...

...just perfect for breakfast outdoors in Union Square.  See the Needlepoint, Inc. signs?  That's why I can always find the store when I visit San Francisco.  I just need to find Union Square and look for those signs.I

After breakfast Sunday morning we walked through the Heart of the City Farmers Market and explored the Hayes Valley Neighborhood (boutiques, art galleries, wine bars, etc.).  I've seen the Keep Calm and Carry On slogan so many places lately, that this little gift bag in a bookstore as we neared the end of our weekend really caught my eye.  I think everyone needs a little whirlwind getaway now and again, but if that's not possible...

With wishes, true and kind -- Joan