A Wonderful Thing Happened to Me as I Drove Home on I-80

After leaving the book signing at Barnes and Noble in Rockford, I met up with my cousin, and we had a long chatty lunch. I hopped in the van, slipped a Harlen Coben audiobook in the CD player, and headed for home.
After an hour and a half of driving, it was time for a potty stop. While traveling by car, my rule of thumb and preference is to stop at a mid to high end hotel (best and cleanest restrooms). I spotted a Hilton Garden Inn, took the exit, and hot-footed it to the room with the W. 

My Cousin came to B&N to cheer me on.

As I entered the restroom, six-feet away was a conference room with a beautiful Bernina sewing machine sitting just inside the door. This was cause for further investigation! Popping my head inside the door I was greeted by A ROOMFUL OF QUILTERS!
I had stumbled upon a mini-quilt retreat sponsored by Paula Kmetty, the owner of Top Shelf Quilts in Frankfort, Illinois. They noticed my polo shirt with "The Bunco Club by Karen DeWitt" and wanted to know all about the book. One woman said, "Do you happen to have any in your car?"
During the next hour, I made two separate trips to my car for books! I had a fun and memorable time meeting and talking quilts with these wonderful women.

This is Paula Kmetty, the owner of Top Shelf Quilts in Frankfort, Illinois. She was very gracious when I "crashed" her mini-retreat. Top Shelf Quilts is an amazing shop--make it a point to check it out soon

Overview of half the room of quilters.

The other half of the room.

My son would love this quilt! I want the kit, but apparently it's sold out =(

Such fun, happy quilters!

Signing my book for this group of fun, friendly, and welcoming quilters.

This was one of those amazing moments for me, where I was at the right place at the right time!
Thanks again for your hospitality, ladies...hope to run into each of you again someday =)