Monday, April 26, 2010

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

16 comments:

  1. What a great weekend...i feel a tad envious of all the lovely things you saw & did...ohhh...not really, just thrilled you had such a great time!

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  2. Sounds like a great trip! I'd love to see those quilts. And I laughed when I saw that bag!

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  3. I am so glad you got to have a get away and enjoyed it. Some of my best memories are with my husband and quilts. Ha Ha

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  4. Sounds like BLISS, Joan!!! I love Amish quilts and the Gee's Bend quilts too. Your description..."simple, complex, liberated, restrained..." sums them up perfectly. The Amish quilts are usually BEAUTIFULLY quilted too. They amaze and inspire me! Thanks for sharing your little slice of Heaven. ; )

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  5. What a great weekend - just fabulous to spend some time enjoying what you love. Keep calm and eat cupcake - I cold adopt that as my mantra!

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  6. What a fabulous, whirlwind weekend! That Britex store looks amazing. Your hotel looked quite nice too. Luckily you had sunny days to explore.

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  7. What a wonderful trip! I could just kick myself that I missed the quilts when we were there! Ahhh, Britex. Wishing I had spent more time with their Liberty prints. Gosh, I'll bet you had FUN! Dear daughter got a magnet that says 'freak out and eat cake.' ;-)

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  8. Looks like fun!

    My hubs and I were there last year and I found that fabric store about a half hour before we had to leave for the airport. I had to take in the whole fabulous store much too quickly!

    Also, the DeYoung had a great exhibit when we visited.

    I love that city!

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  9. What a perfect get away!! And you were able to go with your sister? I would love to see those quilts!!

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  10. How fun! And what a sweet husband you have! San Francisco is a wonderful city... and then you add a quilt exhibit and shopping... it sounds like a perfect weekend :)

    Jennifer :)

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  11. Sooo sorry I missed that weekend. Glad the weather cooperated. The bag is too cute!

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  12. I am sure you feel inspired after such a wonderful weekend! What fun. The notions floor of Britex is like being in a room-sized button jar. I, too, managed to escape without spending a dime when I visited! How could you choose?

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  13. awww...you were not only in my favorite city, but in my favorite parts of the city. I did most of my growing up about 20 minutes outside of the city and will always have a special bond to the area. I am sure see the quilts in person was amazing!! love that bag too, although, i never really need an excuse to eat a cupcake!!

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  14. Oooh, thank you for a little mini vacation! The pictures were fabulous, especially the trumpet vines and the palm trees!

    Fabric, fabric, friends, family, fun.

    Good for you!

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  15. I love whirlwind trips, and I adore that bag...keep calm and have a cupcake!!! Thanks for sharing your trip, I might have to buy the Amish book looks delish xo

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  16. Wow, wonderful! I love that bag too!

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