Oops, I really intended to write a series of blogs about Quilt Market in Houston, but somehow I keep getting bogged down with things like life and work, and family. Go figure.
Anyway, here's another great find: Villa Rosa Designs, www.villarosadesigns.com. We found this booth last year and really loved grabbing up their fabric bundles -- Dr. Seuss for me of course while my friend Leslie scrafed up bundles of batiks (her favorite). But my favorite thing in the booth were the quilt postcard patterns that had a glossy quilt photo on the front and the instructions on the back! POSTCARD-SIZED!
The patterns are scrappy, contemporary, and feature lots of precuts. I'm not a shop owner but if I was, I'd have a display of these postcard patterns next to the register -- they retail for $2 each! They'd also be great kitted up with super fabric collections.
Anyway, I decided to buy some more of these postcard patterns this year -- I ended up buying the whole set of 40! WOW! Looking forward to putting them to work after the holidays. Check out their website (above). I was going to add a photo here, but for some reason I can't get it to work so I'll add the photo later.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
New Books at Quilt Market
Following is a selection of great new books debuting at Quilt Market. It was great to meet most of the designers or to attend their schoolhouse lectures. Leslie and I went to lots of lectures, demos, and signings to find out what's new and I think you'll like what we discovered:
Leslie and I went to the schoolhouse lecture for this book and were so impressed with Kay -- she was such a dynamo and her samples were incredible. We liked the bags so much that we decided to go to one of her booksignings. I really like the way this book is organized from simple projects to more complex. It really mades sense. Kay is very skilled at bag construction and even shares her tips and tricks in the book to achieve professional-looking bags!
Edyta Sitar was a wonderful speaker/demonstrater at her book demo! We really enjoyed hearing about the importance of quilts in her life from the doll quilts and Barbie quilts made for her children to larger projects. This book has gorgeous photography and is an excellent read. There is a CD in the back which includes nine quilt patterns, but the book is devoted to quilts and their stories, or reasons.
One of my goals at Quilt Market was to stop by the Quilter's World booth and meet the the editors in person. I was fortunate indeed to not only meet Carolyn Vagts, but also to get a copy of her new quilt book for beginners. This book concentrates on a single quilt block that can be arranged in different ways. It also takes a beginner from the beginning to end. Good photos. I really liked the idea of working with a single block that can be flipped and flopped into different designs. Very good for a beginner, the one block will keep the newbie from getting to overwhelmed!
I'm not much of an appliquer, but this demo was very cool. I loved the concept of using both the positive and the negative shapes created when you cut out an applique! I don't know if I'll try this technique, but for those of you who are into machine applique -- this book would be a nice addition to your bookshelf.
I really liked Gudrun Erla's other Fast and Furious books so when I saw that she was doing a schoolhouse on her new book, I grabbed Leslie and we went. The samples were great and somehow, I was the lucky winner of one of her book giveaways. If you like fast and fun, this book is for you. I particularly like the curved placemats -- these would look nice on my round table!
Pam and Nicky Lintott did it again! Another awesome book using those yummy precuts! Very clever designs and a feast for the eyes with all of those terrific precut packs.
Are you familiar with the Schnibbles patterns and the first book? Carrie Nelson does it again with her second book, which features even more designs for 5" and 10" squares.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cassie Barden and Adrienne Smitke at several book signings/demos. Of, course I was carrying my "Birdwatching Bag" which was a project in Cassie's first book, The New Handmade. Cassie and Adrienne were absolutely delightful and so energetic! Cassie even sports the most wonderful magenta hair color!! This book, Everyday Handmade, is the folow up book for Cassie's first book and well worth the wait. Filled with lots of great everyday projects.
Leslie and I attended the schoolhouse lecture for this book. Happily, Cassie and Adrienne were the featured designers. There are actually 25 projects from 23 differnet designers, including Cassie and Adrienne. Definitely a fun book with lovely gifts for everyone on your list.
Leslie and I went to the schoolhouse lecture for this book and were so impressed with Kay -- she was such a dynamo and her samples were incredible. We liked the bags so much that we decided to go to one of her booksignings. I really like the way this book is organized from simple projects to more complex. It really mades sense. Kay is very skilled at bag construction and even shares her tips and tricks in the book to achieve professional-looking bags!
Edyta Sitar was a wonderful speaker/demonstrater at her book demo! We really enjoyed hearing about the importance of quilts in her life from the doll quilts and Barbie quilts made for her children to larger projects. This book has gorgeous photography and is an excellent read. There is a CD in the back which includes nine quilt patterns, but the book is devoted to quilts and their stories, or reasons.
One of my goals at Quilt Market was to stop by the Quilter's World booth and meet the the editors in person. I was fortunate indeed to not only meet Carolyn Vagts, but also to get a copy of her new quilt book for beginners. This book concentrates on a single quilt block that can be arranged in different ways. It also takes a beginner from the beginning to end. Good photos. I really liked the idea of working with a single block that can be flipped and flopped into different designs. Very good for a beginner, the one block will keep the newbie from getting to overwhelmed!
I'm not much of an appliquer, but this demo was very cool. I loved the concept of using both the positive and the negative shapes created when you cut out an applique! I don't know if I'll try this technique, but for those of you who are into machine applique -- this book would be a nice addition to your bookshelf.
I really liked Gudrun Erla's other Fast and Furious books so when I saw that she was doing a schoolhouse on her new book, I grabbed Leslie and we went. The samples were great and somehow, I was the lucky winner of one of her book giveaways. If you like fast and fun, this book is for you. I particularly like the curved placemats -- these would look nice on my round table!
Pam and Nicky Lintott did it again! Another awesome book using those yummy precuts! Very clever designs and a feast for the eyes with all of those terrific precut packs.
Are you familiar with the Schnibbles patterns and the first book? Carrie Nelson does it again with her second book, which features even more designs for 5" and 10" squares.
I had the pleasure of meeting Cassie Barden and Adrienne Smitke at several book signings/demos. Of, course I was carrying my "Birdwatching Bag" which was a project in Cassie's first book, The New Handmade. Cassie and Adrienne were absolutely delightful and so energetic! Cassie even sports the most wonderful magenta hair color!! This book, Everyday Handmade, is the folow up book for Cassie's first book and well worth the wait. Filled with lots of great everyday projects.
Leslie and I attended the schoolhouse lecture for this book. Happily, Cassie and Adrienne were the featured designers. There are actually 25 projects from 23 differnet designers, including Cassie and Adrienne. Definitely a fun book with lovely gifts for everyone on your list.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Quilt Market...The Beginning
I'm back from Fall Quilt Market and full of all kinds of ideas and inspirations -- I just don't know where to begin! In the next week or so, I'm going to write several more blogs about Quilt Market, so I hope you'll come back to read them all.
But first, let me tell you about the beginning of our trip. My friend Leslie and I arrived at the Erie Airport with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately, the plane was an hour late. We were crossing our fingers that we might still make our flight from Cleveland to Houston.... When the plane landed in Cleveland, the flight attendant asked passengers who didn't have an immediate connector flight to stay seated so that those who had to get to their next flight could get off first. We were hopeful that this would help us get to our next flight. So, when the plane stopped and the seatbelt light went off, Leslie and I stood, gathered up our stuff, and stepped out into the aisle. There were at least nine other people who did the same. We then waited at the front of the plane until the flight attendant opened the door and gave us the go ahead to get off. Suddenly the attendant starting yelling at us, wanting to know why we were standing and telling us to sit down. We tried to tell her that we had to get catch our next flight, but she just didn't listen and kept telling us to sit down. Of course, we couldn't because there were a lot of people behind us. The attentant seemed to get really irritated and mad at us (Leslie and I were at the front of the line).
Finally, she let Leslie off the plane, but wouldn't let me off with her because I had to get my carryon off the cart outside the plane because it had been stowed in a compartment (this was a small plane). She made me sit down in the nearest seat, meanwhile other passengers were getting off. Then I heard Leslie yelling at the flight attendant from outside -- she was yelling "Tell Tricia I have her suitcase!" The attendant started screaming at Leslie to get inside the terminal. Finally the attendant let me off the plane. Leslie was on the ramp, holding my carryon up so that I would see it. I got to her, grabbed the case, and we both started to run. We were in the D section of the terminal and had to run to the C section. Leslie was half a hallway in front of me, but I watched closely so that I could follow her. I was so out of breath and my heart was really pounding. Leslie got to the correct gate before I did and found out she was 1 minute late. We'd missed our plane to Houston. SO did the other nine passengers. If the horrid flight attendant had listened to what we were telling her, we probably would have made it. Anyway, we had to take a later flight and didn't get into Houston until that evening. Seriously, after running through the airport like that, both Leslie and I were not feeling well for quite a while. I'm not asmatic, but I wheezed and coughed for about an hour or so afterwards.
This was not an auspicious start to our trip, was it?
But first, let me tell you about the beginning of our trip. My friend Leslie and I arrived at the Erie Airport with plenty of time to spare. Unfortunately, the plane was an hour late. We were crossing our fingers that we might still make our flight from Cleveland to Houston.... When the plane landed in Cleveland, the flight attendant asked passengers who didn't have an immediate connector flight to stay seated so that those who had to get to their next flight could get off first. We were hopeful that this would help us get to our next flight. So, when the plane stopped and the seatbelt light went off, Leslie and I stood, gathered up our stuff, and stepped out into the aisle. There were at least nine other people who did the same. We then waited at the front of the plane until the flight attendant opened the door and gave us the go ahead to get off. Suddenly the attendant starting yelling at us, wanting to know why we were standing and telling us to sit down. We tried to tell her that we had to get catch our next flight, but she just didn't listen and kept telling us to sit down. Of course, we couldn't because there were a lot of people behind us. The attentant seemed to get really irritated and mad at us (Leslie and I were at the front of the line).
Finally, she let Leslie off the plane, but wouldn't let me off with her because I had to get my carryon off the cart outside the plane because it had been stowed in a compartment (this was a small plane). She made me sit down in the nearest seat, meanwhile other passengers were getting off. Then I heard Leslie yelling at the flight attendant from outside -- she was yelling "Tell Tricia I have her suitcase!" The attendant started screaming at Leslie to get inside the terminal. Finally the attendant let me off the plane. Leslie was on the ramp, holding my carryon up so that I would see it. I got to her, grabbed the case, and we both started to run. We were in the D section of the terminal and had to run to the C section. Leslie was half a hallway in front of me, but I watched closely so that I could follow her. I was so out of breath and my heart was really pounding. Leslie got to the correct gate before I did and found out she was 1 minute late. We'd missed our plane to Houston. SO did the other nine passengers. If the horrid flight attendant had listened to what we were telling her, we probably would have made it. Anyway, we had to take a later flight and didn't get into Houston until that evening. Seriously, after running through the airport like that, both Leslie and I were not feeling well for quite a while. I'm not asmatic, but I wheezed and coughed for about an hour or so afterwards.
This was not an auspicious start to our trip, was it?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Quilt Market Here I Come
Well, the time has come to pack my bag and head off to Quilt Market. In fact I'm leaving in less than an hour. I've already got the butterflies in my stomach (flying makes me nervous) but I am so excited! Can't wait to see what's new in the quilt world. I'm looking forward to connecting with various editors in order to cement our relationships.
This year I am attending as an up and coming fabric designer for Northcott. Along with my trusty sidekick Leslie. I will be attending my first Northcott Sales meeting and we'll have a designer dinner Saturday night. What fun -- I'm really excited to meet the other designers and get to know them.
Check back next week for my post-Quilt Market blog. If I get a chance, I'll try to add a blog while I'm there to tell you all about some of the things that are new, but I make no promises!
Ta Ta!
This year I am attending as an up and coming fabric designer for Northcott. Along with my trusty sidekick Leslie. I will be attending my first Northcott Sales meeting and we'll have a designer dinner Saturday night. What fun -- I'm really excited to meet the other designers and get to know them.
Check back next week for my post-Quilt Market blog. If I get a chance, I'll try to add a blog while I'm there to tell you all about some of the things that are new, but I make no promises!
Ta Ta!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Strange Things Happen.....
I'm sitting here shaking my head at how crazy things are again. Just the other day, my Northcott design director told me that they decided to go with my second collection, Cocktails at Eight, instead of my first collection, Louetta's Garden due to the amount of 1930's and 1940's reproduction fabrics already out there. I'm fine with that -- I really love the Cocktails collection -- it's fun, fresh, and funky 1950's! So, okay, time to switch gears. This collection will launch in January 2012 and will be available in late spring/summer in quilt shops. I'm so excited about this -- I haven't been able to sleep for a couple days! Now I need to get the artwork done PRONTO, design some quilts, and then come up with another collection for my second collection. Hmmmmmm.
This week end I'm hoping to do some more fabric dyeing so that I have everything that I need for my upcoming fabric dyeing article in Quilter's World June 2012. Hopefully the weather will hold and will stay dry.
Last week end, I went to a fun indoor flea market and of course there was a quilt waiting there for me -- an ingido and white double irish chain in great condition, pretty much only needing a bath. I'm thinking circa 1915 or so.
I'm also trying to get everything ready (and into a carryon) for next week's Quilt Market in Houston. It's my second time going. My pal, Leslie, is going with me again and we're going to have an amazing time! Check back to read my Quilt Market blog(s) in a couple weeks!
This week end I'm hoping to do some more fabric dyeing so that I have everything that I need for my upcoming fabric dyeing article in Quilter's World June 2012. Hopefully the weather will hold and will stay dry.
Last week end, I went to a fun indoor flea market and of course there was a quilt waiting there for me -- an ingido and white double irish chain in great condition, pretty much only needing a bath. I'm thinking circa 1915 or so.
I'm also trying to get everything ready (and into a carryon) for next week's Quilt Market in Houston. It's my second time going. My pal, Leslie, is going with me again and we're going to have an amazing time! Check back to read my Quilt Market blog(s) in a couple weeks!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
It's Fall!
Fall in finally here in NW PA. Sadly, the bad winds and rain today are knocking all the leaves off the trees! It's snowing leaves!
I'm still working hard on my two quilts for the House of White Birches book. I'm making headway, but still have lots to do. Here's a quick pic teaser for you!
Ta Ta for now!
I'm still working hard on my two quilts for the House of White Birches book. I'm making headway, but still have lots to do. Here's a quick pic teaser for you!
Ta Ta for now!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Playing Catch Up / Orphan Quilt Update
Do you know the old saying, "When it rains, it pours?" Well, that pretty much sums up the last week or so for me. After I returned from my quilt vacation at Chautauqua, I made a list of items I wanted to make for people for Christmas. I even made some Pittsburgh Steelers pillow cases for my brother in law and I gathered up additional supplies that I would need for my special one of a kind Christmas gifts for my friends and family.
I was on a roll and getting ready to start my next holiday project when I received an email from Quilter's World magazine -- an acceptance for an article for the June 2012 issue. Super!
Then in the afternoon, I received another acceptance from Quiler's World -- this time for two quilts for an upcoming House of White Birches book! I was ecstatic, but there was a catch -- a deadline of Nov. 8th, which is only about four weeks away. Oh my!
Of course, I found all this out this past Monday and I had to work all day on Tuesday. I called one of my local quilt shops and begged them to stay open a little later so that I could get the fabric for one of the quilt projects so that I could get started that night. And they did! It took me about fiftenn minutes but when I walked out of the shop, I had the perfect fabrics for the first of the quilt projects and the perfect backing to boot! Let's hear it for our local quilt shops -- you wouldn't find that kind of service at a chain store, would you?
By the way, today is Friday and the first quilt top was DONE yesterday. That's three days, not too bad for a throw-sized quilt top, eh?
ORPHAN QUILT UPDATE:
A few blogs ago, I included a photo of Nancy's orphan quilt, which she made from blocks purchased at an antique shop. Well, Nancy emailed me back to say that she won a ribbon at the Fair! Well Done, Nancy!
Valerie sent me this photo of her orphan quilt -- sorry it's taken me so long to get this on the blog. The blocks were hand-pieced by her great grandmother. Great quilt, Val!
Recently, I also reconnected with a very dear quilt friend who moved to Colorado three years ago. She emailed me and then called me shortly thereafter. My friend, Dot told me a little bit about her home in the mountains -- she can see Pike's Pike from the potty in her upstairs bathroom! Anyway, she asked me for my mailing address because she said she had something for me. I figured that she might have come across some old blocks and thought of me.
A large box arrived the other day. Inside the box was a treasure trove of vintage fabrics, old blocks AND newer blocks, a pieced apron, a prairie hat, and even a few quilt tops. I was speechless. Completely. Just thinking about Dot makes me smile. She never was a quiet quilter -- always prefering red and orange and purple with a splash of lime green. It was Dot who taught me how to dye fabrics and got me hooked. I've really missed her a lot in the past several years. I'm so happy to reconnect with her.
I was on a roll and getting ready to start my next holiday project when I received an email from Quilter's World magazine -- an acceptance for an article for the June 2012 issue. Super!
Then in the afternoon, I received another acceptance from Quiler's World -- this time for two quilts for an upcoming House of White Birches book! I was ecstatic, but there was a catch -- a deadline of Nov. 8th, which is only about four weeks away. Oh my!
Of course, I found all this out this past Monday and I had to work all day on Tuesday. I called one of my local quilt shops and begged them to stay open a little later so that I could get the fabric for one of the quilt projects so that I could get started that night. And they did! It took me about fiftenn minutes but when I walked out of the shop, I had the perfect fabrics for the first of the quilt projects and the perfect backing to boot! Let's hear it for our local quilt shops -- you wouldn't find that kind of service at a chain store, would you?
By the way, today is Friday and the first quilt top was DONE yesterday. That's three days, not too bad for a throw-sized quilt top, eh?
ORPHAN QUILT UPDATE:
A few blogs ago, I included a photo of Nancy's orphan quilt, which she made from blocks purchased at an antique shop. Well, Nancy emailed me back to say that she won a ribbon at the Fair! Well Done, Nancy!
Valerie sent me this photo of her orphan quilt -- sorry it's taken me so long to get this on the blog. The blocks were hand-pieced by her great grandmother. Great quilt, Val!
Recently, I also reconnected with a very dear quilt friend who moved to Colorado three years ago. She emailed me and then called me shortly thereafter. My friend, Dot told me a little bit about her home in the mountains -- she can see Pike's Pike from the potty in her upstairs bathroom! Anyway, she asked me for my mailing address because she said she had something for me. I figured that she might have come across some old blocks and thought of me.
A large box arrived the other day. Inside the box was a treasure trove of vintage fabrics, old blocks AND newer blocks, a pieced apron, a prairie hat, and even a few quilt tops. I was speechless. Completely. Just thinking about Dot makes me smile. She never was a quiet quilter -- always prefering red and orange and purple with a splash of lime green. It was Dot who taught me how to dye fabrics and got me hooked. I've really missed her a lot in the past several years. I'm so happy to reconnect with her.
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