A Schnibbles and a contest

Sinta and Sherry announced a new Schnibbles for April, but because I was away on an extended vacation, I was not able to get to it.
Mr. O and I arrived home on Sunday evening, with just 2 days to spare in the month of April. That meant, I could waste no time getting down to my quilting studio, but....
There were suitcases to unpack, groceries to shop for, laundry to do, 2 1/2 months of mail to tend to, appointments in town, and various other things that were demanding attention as well. What's a girl to do?

Well, it was full steam ahead on Monday and by late afternoon, I was able to get down to my studio and cutting table. and fire up my machine and get at it.
Our April project is Carrie Nelsons "Hat Trick". Thank goodness the pdf patterns are available on line!
I had no shortage of fabric to pick from, but with a deadline looming, I decided to forego the  scrappy look I had intended, and used a couple of charm packs I had stashed away. I managed to find some matching yardage from a different line and we were off to the races.
I was only about an hour into the project when I received an email from my Schnibbles partner; Sue, with a picture of her finished Hat Trick quilt top! That was all the inspiration I needed to work quickly! I mean, if Sue was in the parade, then so was I...we were partners, weren't we?

Sue made her "Hat Trick" with civil war repros. For me it was love at first sight! I find I am more and more drawn to the civil war fabrics and this was no exception. Great job there Partner!

By bedtime Monday night I had about 3/4 of my 9 patches made, but I knew we had a busy day today so I really could pull an "all-nighter".

I woke at 5 am and contemplated getting up to so for a couple hours, but decided against it. When I woke again at 7, I headed to my machine for a couple hours before showering and leaving for errands in town. Mr. O had an appt at the dentist and so we didn't get back home until about 2:30. Groceries to be put away and a few other things done and then I was back at my machine...time was my enemy! By midnight the top was pieced, sandwiched and mostly quilted and by 1:40 am the binding was on and sewn down by hand!

I present you...Hat Trick!
Pattern by Carrie Nelson, Fabric is Wild Rose by Blackbird Designs, piecing and quilting by Moi.
There is nothing like a deadline to get me moving! I often joke  that if it wasn't for the last minute I wouldn't get anything done!
I am looking forward to the Parade tomorrow, be sure to check it out!
Now on to the contest...we had a wonderful trip and saw many amazing things, but I stopped at a quilt shop or two while I was away and I gathered up a few things while I was away. I thought it might be nice to put together a package for a little contest. It is a bit late tonight to gather everything together, but maybe tomorrow I can get a pic of the prize.
Earlier, I said to pay attention, there might be questions asked; well here is the question.
We left home on Feb.16 and arrived home on April 28.
We travelled through 20 states and 4 provinces.

HOW MANY KM. (or miles) DID WE COVER?

You have until Sunday evening 10p.m. Atlantic time to leave your answer in the comment box, or email me your answer. I will announce the winner on Monday May 6.

The prize will go to the closest guess (above or below)

Tomorrow I hope to have photos of some of my quilty purchases all piled together as well as another fun purchase that Mr. O made.

Y'all come back ya hear; and bring a friend!

"Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road."
Sol Gordon