Thursday, November 10, 2011

Quilt Market Recap - On the Floor

The Whole Gang: Rachel, Laurie, the adorable Kelle Boyd of Ann Kelle Designs, Rebecca, and Me
Saturday we hit the floor and started visiting the booths.  Everyone warned me I would be totally overwhelmed but I must say, as a modern quilter there was a smaller subset of exhibitors that really interested me.  Those booths however we unbelievable, I still have a contact high from being surrounded by all the creativity!  You should also check out my dear friend Laurie's blog, Dodging the Butterfly.  We were at market together so I tried not to share the same things she posted and she has an amazing collection of her own work that will definitely impress you as much as anything we saw at Market.


I think I'm most excited to get my hands on fabric from dear Stella.  I want it all!!!  Maybe it was those zig-zag quilts or those pink pillows I just wanted to walk off with... they were also the well deserved winners of the "Best New Exhibitor" booth award.  I expect we'll all be getting to know them well!

Does this booth by Riley Blake have my name written all over it?  This is part of their new basics collection and I'm sure I'll buy a lot of it.  I would love to have that dress (painted) on the mannequin and the (also painted) chevron wall hanging looks suspiciously like my business cards.
I'm also looking forward to this new organic collection, Stitch by super sweetie Betz White.  I was lucky enough to get a mini pack of this which I've already broken in to to make a special gift.


I was thrilled to meet Weeks Ringle and not just because she makes me feel tall: )  I love her books (with husband Bill Kerr) The Modern Quilt Workshop and Quilts Made Modern.  They are truly some of the founders of the modern quilting movement and I still dream of the day I'll get around to making my own version of their Book Club quilt.  I got to sneak a peek at their latest offering, Transparency Quilts, coming out in January and it is every bit as inpirational.  Definitely on my wish list!



Here I met Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic fame.  I'm a long time fan of her decorating style so it was quite a treat to get a signed copy of her new book.  I couldn't resist getting a fat quarter bundle of her new fabric collection to go with it.  It's so silky and the colors are so soft.   I can't wait to start cutting... definitely another beach house quilt for me: )


Kaffe Fasset showed me the beautiful quilt he was hand stitching the binding on while hanging out in his booth.  I'm a bit of a book junkie so I also got a signed  copy of his book Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in Sweden...
and the fabulous Quilting from Little Things by Sarah Fielke of Material Obsession 1 and 2 fame.  Seeing the quilts from the book in person was just the icing on the cake!


With the extremely fashionable Lizzy House and her Mom, Cherri House of City Quilts
Everyone we met was incredibly nice and willing to stop, chat and pose for pictures.  If I didn't already know that quilters (and fabric designers) are the greatest people on earth my time at market would have convinced me.  I could go on and on about the fascinating conversations I had with the utterly charming Aneela Hoey, the delightful Sarah Jane, the lovely Jenean Morrison, the multi-talented Sandi Henderson and so many others but really, you'd just hate me!

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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

My first guest post - Sew We Quilt Block Party


I am absolutely delighted to be teaming up once again with the marvelous Madame Samm, this time for her November Block Party.  Grab a drink and boogie on over to see what I've whipped up and be sure to keep visiting for a full month of inspiration.

Also while you're there be sure to check out the banner... yes, that's my ruffle quilt on the right.  I've been so busy with everything else I never got a chance to share.  Stop by to read more about all the beautiful banner quilts featured this month.
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Monday, November 7, 2011

Quilt Market Recap - Day 1


I always wondered why people didn't post more, reporter style, from market...  Now I know, exhaustion!  So much going on!!!  I started this while I was there but never got finished but I'll just go with it.  Better late than never, you guys aren't sick of hearing about market yet are you?  Here's a brief glimpse of our first day...

I am in total quilting geek mode with all these quilt stars hanging around.  I rode up to my room with the lovely Tula Pink and also spotted Aneela Hoey checking in at the Hilton.  Tula Pink was actually in the room right across the hall from me and I sooo wanted to sneak in to fondle her quilts and get a glimpse of Nightshade.  Right off we ran into V&Co. and Rachel of p.s. i quilt.  I'm pretty sure they notified security of my presence: )


We started with some of the Schoolhouse series:  Here's the amazing Anna Maria Horner with some quilts she did in voile.  You just have to touch them!  She's got so much going on with her new fabric line coming out in quilting cotton, flannel, velveteen, voile, cotton sateen, and laminated cotton.  Plus there's her new patterns, stitchery and needlepoint patterns, and I'm really excited about her pre-made bias bindings.  I'm pretty sure she doesn't sleep: )



Coming out of another session we were given some cute bags but then I saw that other people were getting Castle Peeps bags.  I asked if I could trade and Quilt Dad, who really stands out in a crowd, offered to trade with me.  Thanks Quilt Dad!

I then immediately ran in to the fabulous Lizzy House and gushed to her how I got "her" bag.  I'm pretty sure she's got the papers ready for the restraining order.  What I meant to say, "Your quilts are fabulous and I hope you continue designing such awesome fabric: )"



Following that, I almost tripped over the lovely Melody Miller.  Once I realized who she was I totally embarrased my friend by asking her for a picture with Rebecca, her biggest fan, to which Melody graciously agreed.  She even gave us each a fat quarter of her fabric though that may have just been to distract us while she made a run for it: ) 



I was totally impressed with Joanna Figueroa's schoolhouse presentation (assisted by Aneela Hoey).  Her new collection is beautiful!  I wish I could better remember what she said but the point she was making was that the quilting industry as a whole needs to be embracing the needs of younger/modern quilters.  Amen!!!  

Most of the schoolhouse sessions were geared towards shop owners and how to sell but it was fascinating to get insight in to what is going on behind the scenes.



Then of course there was the much heralded Sample Spree where I got to meet the adorable Thimbleanna and the fabulous Julie of Jaybird Quilts.  Again I totally overshared about how her blog inpsired me to start blogging. 


I tried to contain myself but who can resist first pick at fabric?  I just wish I had my sewing machine so I could get to work!  I can't wait to see who I can stalk tomorrow; )
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Friday, November 4, 2011

Twisted!


I pulled this one out of the closet for the Blogger's Quilt Festival.  It's based on the Garden Twist pattern with a few twists of my own thrown in.  I love the interplay of the dark and light blues but I thought it needed some yellow to add more contrast. 


Some fun facts about this quilt:
  • This is one of the few quilts I've made that actually lives on a bed.  Someday I'll get around to making matching pillowcases.
  • This quilt is entirely hand pieced.  Yes, all those flying geese, the borders, all of it.
  • I pieced the entire center section in a week.  We were on vacation in Maine and it rained the whole time.  The flying geese took a lot longer!
  • This is the quilt that convinced me it was time to make friends with my sewing machine.
  • This is the first quilt I quilted on the longarm.  I used a butterfly panto for the center and outer borders but did stitch in the ditch around all those geese.  It took me two full days!


I'm not sure when I started this but according to the label I finished it June 2008.  So good of me to label my quilt: )  Be sure to grab a cup of tea, kick back and enjoy all the other fabulous quilts and thanks to Amy for organizing!


Amy'sCreativeSide
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Goodbye to the Ghastlies... for now!


Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to say goodbye to our Ghastlies blog hop.  I know we will treasure each and every moment we have shared together and carry the memories of these awesome projects with us.  But we never really say goodbye because Alexander Henry is keeping the good times rolling with their latest addition to the Ghastly family: )
 

Happy days are here again!  The pregnant Rosemary (my name for her) with her baby carriage, the gossiping Mabel & Mildred, the creepy wallpaper prints.  But what is happening with that veiled witch and her pet?  I shudder at the possibilities! 




I have been blown away by the unbelievable creativity of all my Ghastlie Sistahs not to mention their amazing ability to produce. Truly sick; ) It is impossible to pay tribute to this hop without recognizing the important role that the marvelous Madame Samm played in organizing us so well.  She has touched so many lives and left Quiltworld a better place.  Today is her day so you definitely want to check her out.


Until we quilt again...
Monday, October 24th 

   Mrs Kirie Ghastlie
Ms Carol Ghastlie 
Ms. Wendy Ghastlie
Ms. Carrie Ghastlie
Mrs Holly Ghastlie
 Tuesday October 25th 

Mrs. Annie Ghastlie
    Mrs Doris Ghastlie
 Mrs Brandie Ghastlie
Ms. Alidiza Ghastlie
Mrs. JudyC Ghastlie
                                     
Wednesday October 26th     
                   
Mrs. Barb Ghastlie
Miss Karen Ghastlie
Ms. Loralynn Ghastlie
 Ms. Jen Ghastlie. 
Ms Penny Ghastlie
Mrs Rhonda Ghastlie

 Thursday October 27th 

           Mrs. Katherine Ghastlie              
 Mrs. Gooden Ghastlie
Ms. Selina Ghastlie
Mrs. Melinda Ghastlie

Friday October 28th 
Miss Trudi Ghastlie  
 Ms. Deonn Ghastlie
Mrs. Marlene Ghastlie
 Mrs Kim Ghastlie
Mrs Tammy Ghastlie
Monday October 31st
 Tuesday November 1st 

 Wednesday November 2nd
Thursday November 3rd
 Friday November 4th
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Monday, October 31, 2011

OMG (Oh My Ghastlies)!

OMG!  I got so much love for my Ghastlies bag at Quilt Market!  It is amazing how many people adore this fabric.  I can't believe I didn't get a picture but another woman was wearing a Ghastlies dress she had made from the orange colorway.  Obviously a kindred spirit;- ) 

I also met the adorable Thimbleanna, whom I credit with saving my marriage. She spotted my bag at Sample Spree and we bonded over our love of the Ghastlies.  You absolutely need to check out her amazing Ghastlies quilts!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to stop and chat!  It was so fun meeting all of you and I hope you're reading this now!  For those of you who weren't there I'll be posting more highlights this week.  I can't believe how many "Quilt Stars" I got to meet and how incredibly gracious they all were about posing for pictures and listening to me gush.








OMG!!  The Ghastlies are going to get even ghastlier next year.  I'll have more sneak peeks of the newest additions to the Ghastlies family, expected in April 2012.  Sebastian will be up to his old tricks and there are some fabulous coordinates!  The award winning Alexander Henry booth was amazing and rumor has it today their team will be dressed up as the Ghastlies for Halloween.  I'm going to be looking for pictures of that!


OMG!!!  It is already week 2 of the Ghastlies Blog Hop.  I don't know what is more amazing, the unbelievable creativity of these projects or the sheer volume of what has been created.  Absolutely to die for so get hopping and check it out for yourself!
Monday, October 24th 

   Mrs Kirie Ghastlie
Ms Carol Ghastlie 
Ms. Wendy Ghastlie
Ms. Carrie Ghastlie
Mrs Holly Ghastlie
 Tuesday October 25th 

Mrs. Annie Ghastlie
    Mrs Doris Ghastlie
 Mrs Brandie Ghastlie
Ms. Alidiza Ghastlie
Mrs. JudyC Ghastlie
                                     
Wednesday October 26th     
                   
Mrs. Barb Ghastlie
Miss Karen Ghastlie
Ms. Loralynn Ghastlie
 Ms. Jen Ghastlie. 
Ms Penny Ghastlie
Mrs Rhonda Ghastlie

 Thursday October 27th 

           Mrs. Katherine Ghastlie              
 Mrs. Gooden Ghastlie
Ms. Selina Ghastlie
Mrs. Melinda Ghastlie

Friday October 28th 
Miss Trudi Ghastlie  
 Ms. Deonn Ghastlie
Mrs. Marlene Ghastlie
 Mrs Kim Ghastlie
Mrs Tammy Ghastlie
Monday October 31st
 Tuesday November 1st 

 Wednesday November 2nd
Thursday November 3rd
 Friday November 4th
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Somebody stop me!

Congratulations to Cherise one of Annie's Ghastlie fans who won this beautiful BRIGHT PINK wheeled sewing bag from Blue Fig.  I know what's going on my Christmas list (hint, hint!)  Keep hopping, there are more giveaways each day!


My sincere and heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who took the time to comment yesterday.  I read each and every one of them and have never felt so much quilting love.  I hope to respond to you individually but that may take me awhile.  Until then know that I was overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness.


I'm definitely still suffering from the Ghastlies Fever and all today's bags inspired to pull out my stash again and put this together.  The collective creativity of everyone involved in this blog hop is unbelievable.   I'm truly frightened to see what else you all are going to come up with, I may never be cured!



My ruffled messenger bag is a mash up of  these tutorials by New Green Mama and Between the lines.  For this one I added in some Alexander Henry Heath in Black and Rose Pink.  If you haven't tried Heath it's a fabulous blender with just enough texture.



This was a perfect cure for what's been bugging me; )  I wanted to make something special for my trip tomorrow. What, I forgot to tell you where I'll be spending the weekend?   I'm going to be in Houston for Quilt Market! Eeeeek!!!! So if you spot this bag you'll know it's me and if you can't make it to market check back next week and I'll share some of the sights.

Monday, October 24th 

   Mrs Kirie Ghastlie
Ms Carol Ghastlie 
Ms. Wendy Ghastlie
Ms. Carrie Ghastlie
Mrs Holly Ghastlie
 Tuesday October 25th 

Mrs. Annie Ghastlie
    Mrs Doris Ghastlie
 Mrs Brandie Ghastlie
Ms. Alidiza Ghastlie
Mrs. JudyC Ghastlie
                                     
Wednesday October 26th     
                   
Mrs. Barb Ghastlie
Miss Karen Ghastlie
Ms. Loralynn Ghastlie
 Ms. Jen Ghastlie. 
Ms Penny Ghastlie
Mrs Rhonda Ghastlie

 Thursday October 27th 

           Mrs. Katherine Ghastlie              
 Mrs. Gooden Ghastlie
Ms. Selina Ghastlie
Mrs. Melinda Ghastlie

Friday October 28th 
Miss Trudi Ghastlie  
 Ms. Deonn Ghastlie
Mrs. Marlene Ghastlie
 Mrs Kim Ghastlie
Mrs Tammy Ghastlie
Monday October 31st
 Tuesday November 1st 

 Wednesday November 2nd
Thursday November 3rd
 Friday November 4th
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