PAPILLON IS FLYING HIGH

I kept getting emails and Twitter messages that an apron made from my Papillon fabric from Flights of Fancy was on Army Wives. So this morning I got on the Army Wives website and there it was. Wonder where the apron came from? I kinda think the only thing that could make it look even better is if there was an XXLL label right on the front that said PAULA PRASS. I'm just sayin...

It's really not uncommon for us to find my artwork, picture frames, even rooms I've designed in magazines, books and catalogs. Just yesterday saw my picture frames on the Atlanta Gift Mart application form. The biggest accidental find was a room I designed ended up in this book. Imagine standing in a bookstore flipping through and finding your own designs. No mention of the designer.

Here's the room, which was also on the front cover of this BH&G Window & Wall magazine and you can see all the Before and After's on this previous post.



I did have a bit of an announcement, but it will have to wait for now, sorry. Nothing that I can't put off for another post. Just wanted to share my Papillon goodness with you.

LET'S HAVE A SUMMER SOIREE

This is the second post today, but this has been such a big project for us I had to share the results. Once we hit the save button at 5 p.m., I was wanting to do cartwheels (in my head only, don't worry!) while Jennifer wanted to take something for a headache. I did the sewing (except for the adorable jumper from Simone of Gardenhouse); Jennifer did the photography; Tim was the stage hand and the models added that party atmosphere. Seems we are in a never-ending learning curve, but isn't that life? If this puts you in the party mood, go over to Michael Miller Fabrics to enjoy all the options for creating your own soiree. I'd love to hear what you think!
If two posts in one day and an interview isn't enough, I have yet another post for tomorrow. Please stay tuned for more news?

ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

We finally were able to do our long overdue Summer Soiree photo shoot. Of course, we brought along our models. Thought I'd share some of the fun with you. Wyatt is becoming a natural, while Amelia...well, not so much. She still has to be chased down, bribed and threatened. Ah, but one shot like this one is worth it (at least for the photographer/mom).

Wyatt just strikes one pose after another and is so stinkin serious about his job. By any chance, does Ralph Lauren read my blog?

I know the lighting isn't the best, but Mia IS smiling and has not crossed her eyes and stretched her mouth from ear to ear, so we're saving this one.

And here is one of many shots of her hiding from us. Isn't she "sweet"?

Off into the sunset, pizza and dessert.

The Summer Soiree photo shoot will be revealed very, very soon, once we've properly tweaked.

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Speaking of food; our friend Missy Severson of Sweet Funky Vintage came with her family last week for a quick visit. Jennifer and I met them for dinner at a place right beside the Monon Trail so Chris could chase their 3 girls around outside while us girls got all caught up. And no, we didn't coordinate outfits.

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JoAnn Connolly of The Sewing Examiner recently interviewed me. She really asked some interesting questions, so if you're interested on some behind the scenes scoop (and I hope you are) go check it out. Let me know how I did, will you?

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Okay, back to editing more Summer Soiree photos.

LAUGHTER IS AN INSTANT VACATION

That is exactly what we have given each other. When I came up with this giveaway, I really had doubts that you would take the time to write out a whole story, especially if it, well, exposed some embarrassing moments. Oh was I wrong. You have had no trouble bearing your souls (and other body parts) for a chance to win. If you haven't read them all, I encourage you to take an instant vacation. Thank you so much, my friends. We all know each other a little bit better now, don't we? You made me tell 4 stories so you are getting to know me quite well.

The #1 winner: Infarrantly Creative. I actually got a few emails from people saying they peed their pants when they read this one. I'm hear to testify...I laughed so hard I cried (and peed) Contact me for your Summer Soiree giveaway.

The #2 winner: Mollie. Your mom is hilarious. Maybe you can make her something with the laminate for what you all put her through.

Another Summer Soiree Giveaway

My new fabrics are hitting the stores. And guess what? There's another giveaway for Summer Soiree fabrics over at Sew Love Fabrics. And you don't have to work nearly as hard as I made you. 12 one half yards of my Summer Soiree. Go check it out.

LAST HOURS UNTIL GIVEAWAY!

IT'S ALMOST TIME TO CELEBRATE!

Reminder: There's only a few hours left to enter the Summer Soiree Giveaway.

What's your favorite story?

ANYONE UP FOR A {GIVEAWAY}?

I sure wish I could check in more often. Especially because there is usually so much to share when I finally get around to it, that I don't know where to begin. Okay, I'll just dive in and start rambling, if you don't mind. Just take a look at this first image before moving on.

First of all, a big, huge thank you for all the emails and posts filled with encouraging words about my new Summer Soiree fabrics for Michael Miller. I am so excited to say, word has it (actually a Twitter from Michael Miller Fabrics that I happened to see) that my SS fabrics are ready to ship. Do I hear a YEAH!? I desperately need some myself. I have had a photo shoot planned and am tapping my fingers and toes and watching for the UPS truck. Don't you know the project and colorway I planned for the shoot are the very fabrics I didn't have enough of?

So, in the meantime Jennifer and I have been practicing our very weak photography skills. We both would LOVE to take a class, but realize it would need to be between 2 and 4 a.m. I have been asked to provide a head shot of myself for a couple upcoming projects. Interestingly, EVERY photo of me has Jennifer in it and our heads are touching; almost attached. Seriously, we even have one we named Heads Together, but all of them should have the same title. This phenomenon apparently has gone on for many years. I used to say we were joined at the hip, but all along it was the head. Maybe when I'm bored and need something to do (yea, right), I'll show you what I mean.

So, here is our attempt at trying to take a photo of me alone. It was in the upper 90's and humidity was 107, so I heard. No one had to tell me, though. My hair and the sweat were screaming. We also tried hard to take one without the sun, but every time Jennifer went to shoot, the sun popped out from behind a cloud. I went inside twice to calm the frizz. We intended to have some pillows and fabrics squeezed in there, too, but this is my close-up. Guess I could have reclined with the pillows, but that wasn't happening. It cracks me up; this sexy pose. But I was over it. I was hungry and cranky (kinda like when we try to take pics of Amelia). Thanks to the miracles of Photoshop this is all anyone will get from me for awhile. Or is it? Any thoughts?

So, since I had makeup on and was dressed decent, I decided to reward the photographer by taking her to a new restaurant close by. It's called Petite Chou and it's my new favorite place to eat. We took a couple photos just to give you a feel. Oh, and believe it or not, our friend was there and took a picture of Jennifer and I. Imagine that. Our heads are attached! I think we might need counseling; I'm not sure.

It was mid afternoon on a very hot day, so it wasn't busy and the manager didn't mind these weird gals snapping shots. He said the maps are actually painted onto the wall by hand. Right now I'm really liking grays with black and white. Oh, and the food is wonderful! If you're in town you should try it.

I haven't mentioned this giveaway recently, but this is a good time to bring it to your attention again. A few months ago I donated fabric to Dana of Old Red Barn Co. for a quilt along. I went over there this morning to see how things are coming along. The quilt is complete and this is where, even if you weren't in this from the beginning, there is a Janome 6600 sewing machine at stake here! You should go over there and sign up for a chance at this huge prize. Her tutorial is invaluable, especially if you are new to quilting. I know Dana has been busy and I've fallen off her radar screen, so tell her I said hello. Here are some pics I found over there of the finished quilt out of my Flights of Fancy. It's an awesome website filled with eye candy.

Now remember that first picture at the top of this post? Hope so. In celebration of my Summer Soiree release, how about a

{GIVE AWAY}

PRIZE #1 3 half yard pieces of fabric from the Miami colorway (pinks and oranges) and a fabric belt mixed with fabrics from both Summer Soiree and Flights of Fancy.

PRIZE #2 1 yard each of my 2 new Laminate Cotton fabrics. (In the center is a trench coat made from this new laminate by Kay Whitt using her Sophia Trench Coat Pattern).

Now what must a person do to enter this Giveaway, you ask? I actually have thought about this long and hard. I'm thinking I want to hear some stories about Summer (Summer Soiree) and something about water (laminate). One of my favorite things when a group of us get together is to have us tell on ourselves. I usually have 5 hilariously embarrassing summer stories for everyone elses 1 or 2. These usually involve swimsuit malfunctions and swimming pools. When a group of us gals were hanging out in our hotel room, my Jennifer was more than willing to share some of those. Surely you all have at least one funny story involving summer or water, or geez, we'll listen to any funny story, won't we? As long as we tell it tastefully, I will promise to share one story of my own for every, hmmm, say 20 of yours. Then we will vote on 2 of the funniest in a week from now. That should give you enough time to slip and fall (is that ever really funny?) over the 4th of July weekend. Let's have some fun.

*NOTICE: This Giveaway is over. Winners are posted here. Thanks.

SUMMER QUILTS + SUMMER SALE

AND...

I admit it, that wasn't a very clever Blog title. Just not feeling clever. It's yet another dark and dreary morning with the potential for serious storms on the way. I had an outdoor photo shoot planned. Oh well. There's always plenty to do (before the power goes out, that is). Like telling you about this Summer Sale we are having over at both Paula Prass and mimi's collection websites. Go check it out. I love lining the 3x3 frames in 3's or 5's across, or do 4 squares, etc. Stock up on those and grab some notecards or single cards while you're there. The silhouette's that we added in the sale ad below are not included. You probably know that, but I have to say it anyway.

And how about I show you this beautiful quilt that I found, quite by accident. I was doing a little blog and Twitter surfing when I came across this quilt made with mostly Flights of Fancy fabrics. Seriously, even if it weren't my fabric I'd still have had the same reaction! LOVE. Turns out it was at Quilt Market and I missed it. It's a quilt pattern from Anka's Treasures Simple Sixties. I was enjoying Heather's Trends and Traditions blog and as I scrolled down for an instant I thought something looked very familiar. My quilt, well, not REALLY mine, is called Beach Balls. Just wanted to share such a cheery thing on my dismal day.

Thankfully, I got this much posted, but better not push it. The house is rattling. Bye!

STEPPING AWAY FROM THE STUDIO

I continue to practice claiming my life back by not working 24/7. I think it's starting to take hold. I actually found myself thinking about my own familyroom this weekend. The ottoman is back from Market and I traded it out for the glass coffee table that has been in front of the sofa. Then as I stood back, I dreamed of a white sofa (yeah, I know...a glutton for punishment). My sofa is a more practical rasberry color, but I love the punch of the white. Then I ran upstairs and came back with a white quilt from the guestroom. Wow, what a difference, don't you think? My walls are already a maize yellow and I'm really liking this combo. This got me a bit excited! Hmm, yup, I'm thinkin...

On Friday, I was in the middle of working on something, so Tim offered to heat up the leftovers from the night before. Next thing I know, Tim slips this plate in front of me and says, "Here's your Happy Meal"......

And we didn't even have the grandkids here! What a nut. Okay, if you can't tell, that's grilled salmon and asparagus with couscous and a green olive on a lovely paper plate. I love leftovers. So easy! And so fun when Tim is in charge, right?



So, Saturday Tim and I went on a 12 mile bike ride. It was a perfect day and NOT raining. It was Tim's idea, of course. Sad to say, I don't naturally think of getting outside for fun. Here in Indianapolis and north of Indy we have the Monon Trail. It is now almost 18 miles long and such a perfect way to bike, skateboard, rollerblade, walk, jog, even cross country ski, weather permitting. It used to be an old railroad bed, but every year it is being extended by asphault from downtown Indy up north through Carmel (yeah) and recently extending into Westfield, IN. There are gorgeous tree covered paths leading into quaint shopping and eating areas. The smell of honeysuckle and sounds of birds singing in the breeze was such a treat. We road down to Broad Ripple, had lunch at one of the many outdoor eateries, visited some shops and headed back. We even stopped by the Indianapolis Art Center, another must see. Enough talk...here's a bit of what we enjoyed:

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INDIANAPOLIS ART CENTER

I hope you enjoyed the little tour. Proved to myself that there is life away from the computer/studio on a Saturday. What do you do when you're not working? I'm gonna try more of this kinda thing soon. And if you are in these neck of the woods, the Monon is mucher better in person!

LIL OF THIS, LIL OF THAT

Well, what's a gal to do now that we are only selling retail on Paula Prass and mimi's collection. We are still finishing some promised orders, but I do see more time to do some things previously neglected...like yard work! We have been weeding, planting lots of flowers, weeding, transplanting and more weeding, whew. Did get help one day from my Little Miss Amelia.

Between lots of yardwork and keeping the grandkids for several days I managed to hurt my back. Ended up down and a bit drugged out for a few days (fortunately AFTER the kids were gone). Feeling much better now, thank you!

So while I was resting (and drooling, sorry!) I hopped on my Flights of Fancy Flickr group and found many more lovelies. Thought I'd share a few here:

Delightful clothing by Sweet Dreams Designs......

Another gorgeous handbag by Gardenhouse.....

A delightful peasant dress by Travelin Light Designs.......

And a Springtime jumper by iveyc95.......

This quilt is just one piece from a whole bedding set by s. saunders (so much more here).......

On another note, Kay Whitt sent me a couple better photos of things she made out of my fabrics. First, A closeup of her wonderful trench coat pattern using the new laminated Spring Flights of Fancy for Michael Miller.

Then she made this awesome handbag using my new Summer Soiree in the Manhattan colorway. Go check out all Kay's patterns over at Sew Serendipity.

Speaking of patterns, as a new fabric designer with 2 Quilt Markets under my belt now, I have been amazed at how many people seem at least, if not more interested in the outfits, bedding, pillows and handbags. I'm just sayin I have two fabric collections now, isn't that enough? Apparently not. So, I am actually at the drawing board and planning some upcoming patterns. I actually have had some sketches of clothing, etc. designs for some time, and a handbag that is nearing completion:


So that's what I'm up to. And in between, trying to reclaim my life by enjoying my yard, my family and friends and the Creator of it all! Hope you are doing the same.

EVEN BEAUTIFUL CHERRIES HAVE PITS

While Jennifer and I were downloading this image, without thinking, we ate the still life. Before we realized it we had nothing left but a stack of not-so-pretty pits. No do-over. No trying a different angle. So what started as just a pretty picture depicting Life Is A Bowl of Cherries, turned into a thought provoking blog post.

Yesterday was way more than June 1 around here. It's the day we closed the wholesale portion of our children's and home decor line of accessories. In January we were side swiped with CPSIA's initial regulations smack dab in the middle of Market in Atlanta and LA! The state of the economy already seemed enough of a downer for small businesses, or so I thought. We spent a solid week making phone calls and researching the web; trying to get some understanding for our store owners, sales reps, showrooms and our own confused selves. Every person we talked to had hugely different answers.

Since too many decisions have to be made months in advance, I made a painful call to end it. Sounds so simple, yet it was quite difficult. We have poured 6 years, 7 days and nights a week of our lives into this baby. It was a huge loss and I confess I melted. The most difficult part for me was letting others down and letting people go.

You might remember my rapid departure back in January? Tim had an instant, yet very timely business trip to here, here, here, here and here and announced he was sweeping me away to join him. I walked on the beach, prayed and sorted the madness. I returned to a Stay by the CPSIA, but my decision had been made. Months later, I am embracing the possibility of creating and designing again. And while I have several fun things in the works, you can be assured I will be guarding my time from here on out! In the meantime, while we have postponed the wholesale orders it doesn't change our retail sites, Look for upcoming sales!