SPRING 2009 QUILT MARKET PART TWO

I don't really know what happened, but we didn't end up with that many people photos, and some of the ones we did take were scary bad. I felt like I spent a good deal of the time dodging cameras myself. Nonetheless, there are plenty of strange photos of me appearing on blogland. On top of that, our roomie, Sandi Henderson toted around this cute little flip video and she's got Jenn and I shakin in our boots. Sometimes you'd turn the corner to find that little thing right in your face. A whole lotta dodging was going on.

Here's what I do have....

This is Simone Howell. I have blogged about her a couple times before, but this was our first time to meet. She is as absolutely gorgeous as her handiwork. She made the handbags and jumper in my booth. She's a dream to work with because she "gets it". Her work is perfection. She exceeds my high expectations and makes everything even better with vintage ribbons, brooches and lace. Okay, just think I talked her up to the point she won't have time for me anymore. Trust me, you'll be seeing that cute face again..and again.

Then, oh my goodness, I'm in LOVE with this couple. Brad and Jill of Lanie Jane. So fun and..oh let me just say it...Squeezable. We laughed and carried on as if we'd known each other forever. Along with their on-line fabric store, Jane also has a blog worth visiting.

And what would Quilt Market be like without these two very dear friends? Sandi and Patty; not to be confused with Sandi Patty. Seriously, they are both wonderful, but you already know that, don't you?

And of course, here is me and Jennifer, joined at the hip. Patty took this awesome picture of us with that new camera of hers (picture below). So professional looking, huh?


Sandi, Paula and Patty soaking our pained feet before we took off for the Michael Miller dinner.

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We took lots of pictures of Patty's Birthday surprise , but I think this one is her initial response. Looks like Myrinda was trying to scare her. Funny.

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Well, that might be it for now.

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Now don't forget to go to Dana's and sign up for that Quilt Along/Giveaway. Free quilting lessons from the best!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

QUILT ALONG + HUGE GIVE AWAYS

Wow, I seriously think I am a week behind. Yesterday I noticed several people wishing me a good weekend. Had no clue that this was Memorial weekend until Jennifer broke the news to me. I lost a whole week. Where did it go?

I must have lost that week during Quilt Market. I handed out flyers about this incredible Quilt Along and told everyone it would begin after Quilt Market. Not so. It's already underway, so if you're just tuning in, let's not waste another moment! This is BIG!

Do you remember Dana @ Old Red Barn Co. and her amazing Quilt Giveaways? Well, she has truly outdone herself this time! Dana has planned a six week Quilt Along with weekly Give Aways. Go get a better look at this Grand Prize. Yup, it's the Janome 6600 sewing machine.

Told ya! Hold off all your Memorial weekend plans until you can get over to Old Red Barn and get signed up. Dana is going to give you impeccable instructions. I understand that you get extra points for using my Flights of Fancy fabric! I saw some of my e-stores at Quilt Market and they said they restocked the Flights of Fancy for this event.

Besides the wonderful Dana, I also wanted to introduce you to Sarah Pead, the graphic design student that worked on the artwork for this Give Away. I find Sarah's website fascinating, as she puts her actual school projects online. Boy that brings back memories! Go say hello.

I know I have so much more to share about Quilt Market, and lots of people to talk about, but this post became a priority. Maybe next week will truly be next week for me.

SPRING 2009 QUILT MARKET: PART ONE

For those of you who didn't make it to Spring 2009 Quilt Market or didn't make it over to my neck of the woods in the huge convention center, welcome to my humble booth. Today I will concentrate on the booth, then I'll do the gloriously amazing people next. How self-centered is that? Hugely, I admit, but also the first few of a hundred + pics on my camera.

I was given a 4x8 space this time, so instead of cramming it full, I chose to have a patchwork theme to represent the 40 new fabrics in the Summer Soiree Collection for Michael Miller. I can handle busy in a clean, organized kinda way, ya know? So here it is.

The ottoman is just a reflection of some fabrics in my new line and actually includes strike-offs (not the real deal) since I didn't have fabrics til the last minute. My man made this ottoman for ME and ultimately our family room! If I can figure out a way to come up with cool ottoman legs I'd love to provide an ottoman tutorial for you all. I love the big chunky balled legs and couldn't find them anywhere. I actually bought an ottoman and took the legs off to use on my own version, I was that desperate!! Anyone have some big, fat, round, layered ball legs (and not our own, my ladies) please let me know.

Next in the booth is this collage I made with various florals and base prints from the new Summer Soiree Collection with a bit of vintage lace encased in an IKEA frame. My inspiration came from the arrangement Kathy Miller sent me when I destroyed my arm/shoulder immediately after signing on w/MMF. All I know is that after such a severe break, I could only hope for some mobility. Dr's kept referring to my break as "bad; really bad". It is now my personal miracle. Seriously, I sign my name, paint and draw from the same arm that was totally not connected. What can I say? I still am amazed that planes can fly.

Here is my Oh Jackie! handbag that is soon to be a pattern. I have been refused entrance until I hand over the bag. Hope the pattern is hugely popular and available. Hows that for optimism?

A settee pillow. Yes, I will make this available. Do I lose sleep for nothing? Soon, very soon.

These are belts rolled on a cake plate. If you just buy them to wear these will make for a very pretty waistline!

This is a quilt that was within the MMF area. Hope the quilt pattern is available thru MMF.

SERIOUS SWOON FOR SUMMER SOIREE

IMPORTANT NOTE: Paula holds visuals in a much higher priority than words. If in this post you come across words, they are only value added. and only be used to enhance the visual.

MODEL: Jennifer Storey JEWELRY: Stella+Dot Happy Necklace and a HANDBAG: made by Simone of Gardenhouse using the new Summer Soiree fabric, vintage brooch and ribbon. Droll anyone?

It's hard to believe that it was a mere 7 months ago when I debuted Flights Of Fancy fabrics for Michael Miller. So many wonderful recorded memories, fabulous people and continued friendships. Now my crate for the upcoming Market is closed up and on it's way. I'm still working last minute and will hopefully have time to clean up my debris before heading for Pittsburgh. If you aren't going to Quilt Market in Pittsburgh (Let me know if you are!), we'll take good photos there and a much better reveal of the whole line once we return.

I have so admired Simone's handbags and clothes for some time, but when I got the first batch of goodies she's whipping up in Summer Soiree I literally teared up. Her workmanship is impeccable and so is her ability to mix it up. All her bags have vintage brooches, ribbons and a unique combination that is to die for. I ran a couple errands using one of the bags and got serious compliments. People coming to my studio are drooling over them ( I know, they clean up nicely though). She is also test sewing a bag that my husband helped me design...stay tuned for that one. All I'll show you for now is the handbag above and this adorable jumper modelled by my Miss Amelia.


Here's a pillow I'm working on. I love french chairs and am having quite a bit of fun making some collage pillows and artwork for the show.
Then I got a pleasant surprise yesterday when Kay Whitt sent me a couple quick pics of some things she's taking to Market. This is her Sophie Trench Coat pattern using my newly laminated Par Avion and Rain Dot in the Spring colorway. Whoa. Thank you Kay! I'll have to check on when the laminate will be up on the MMF site, but it is available. She told me it was great to work with. Yeah!! I can't wait to see that and another goodie she made with my new fabric.

Hope this has been enough to get you to wander over to my booth during Quilt Market. Lots more to see and learn about an amazing upcoming humungous giveaway. Yes, you heard me right. It'll knock your socks off. Okay, I know, you're probably not wearing socks. Just trust me.

BOOTH #2518 (within Michael Miller Fabrics area)

Schoohouse: 12:15 PM – 12:45 Room # 305

Lastly, you've got to go check out my Jennifer's blog. Whhaaa? Remember I was on the front of the March Carmel Magazine? Well, the crew took one look at my fashionable daughter and next thing I know she's on the cover of April's Hendricks Magazine. I gave her strict instructions to run if the photographer wanted to shoot UP at her. Well, she took mom's advise. Whatcha think? Much better material to start with and much better results.

Happy Mother's Day!

MORE SUMMER SOIREE

Here is the remainder of the Summer Soiree fabrics that arrived recently. On the left are the Best Friends (get it? Diamonds?) and on the right is Cufflink. We have been running around working on numerous projects and events, so a full reveal will be coming soon. Next week? I hope so! We are in the midst of a local Private show that started yesterday and goes for 2 more days. When this is over, I'll be back at the sewing machine and pulling all nighters.
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Oh, speaking of the sewing machine, here's a photo of Wyatt trying out a spot at the ol' machine.
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Lastly, thanks so much for the encouraging words you've left about Summer Soiree. Kind words go a long way, as you know. Right now, I'm riding on yours. xoxo
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THIS COULD BE THE START OF SOMETHING GOOD

Quilt Market is right around the corner now, so I spent the weekend sewing. I am on a patchwork kick these days. Works nicely since I want to show as many of my new fabrics as possible in a small space. This way I get to play with them all at once! I'm getting pretty excited. I know not all the fabricnistas will be there in Pittsburgh, but I'm so looking forward to seeing many of you again. Let me know if you're going.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

My birthday was this last Friday. It was a wonderful day. The new fabrics were here, God stopped the rain just for me, the sun was shining, and I was surrounded by friends and family.
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Most of you do not know much about my life. That's probably good. But the older I get, the more I realize I'm not as alone as I thought in having a crazy, sad childhood. See, I was passed among different family members, foster homes and ultimately became a ward of the state while I was in high school. I was clearly unwanted, unloved and unloveable. My birthday was not celebrated. In fact, I did not know my actual birth date until I was an adult and got a copy of my birth certificate. April 17. Not the 15th or 13th as I thought.

So you can imagine how tickled I am if I get so much as a birthday card. One of my dearest friends, Lisa, makes a card EVERY year, and I anticipate and cherish each one, especially because she hand delivers them. I feel so loved. My husband takes me to dinner and always has an incredible bouquet of flowers waiting at the table when we arrive. I notice that people are curious and look to see who the special person might be that finally arrives. I feel so very blessed. Here's a close-up of one beautiful rose in the large arrangement waiting for me.

I went from unloved and homeless to one happy gal. My faith has brought me a long way from those sad childhood days. I have learned to love, be loved, be a mom, wife, friend and the most awesome Mimi (grandma). That is a miracle, don't you think? That's why I'm so freakin blessed!

I got this "birthday card" from Anthropologie. I thought it was so creative...I had to show you.

Isn't it adorable? I somehow want to contact the Anthro people and personally thank them for their creativity.

So to all of you, thanks so much for your kudos. You keep me going! Hugs and kisses.

EVERYONE, MEET SUMMER SOIREE

You like? This is between a sneak peek and a casual introduction. Don't know a word for that.

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We received the fabrics yesterday afternoon, except for 2 additional patternns that are coming soon (I hope). It's been a whirlwind ever since. But, even amidst the hubub I just had to stop and at least let you see what I've been up to.

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Drop me a note and tell me what you think. Okay, gotta sew.

I SEE A PEDICURE IN MY NEAR FUTURE

Guess who did a little shopping? My birthday is this week, so I treated myself. Remember those 2 vintage necklaces I picked up awhile back? I think I spent $7 for both. Didn't really have anything that matched...until now! Orange you loving those shoes? Green with envy? Hope to wear them at Quilt Market, but I can tell you now, I'll be in pain. I have never been able to wear heels, and love them. At Fall Quilt Market I had these awesome heels that I was determined to wear (I'm 5'1" and feel more like 4'8" next to Amy Butler and Heather Bailey). Instead of looking hot, I staggered around in pain, leaning on anyone that stood close enough. Towards the end of the 2.0 party I yanked them off and wandered around bare footed. I'm just warning you. I will wear them and I will whine. Let me know if you don't like people leaning on you.

Nothing is going as planned today. Camera battery was dead. Trying to send an email to a fellow designer and no matter what I try she isn't getting them. My stat counter has not been working for days and took me hours to figure out the problem, so had to re-install that. All these mechanical things annoy me. It's a love-hate relationship. I hate the problems, but I do love to play on the computer and see what everyone is up to when I have time....and even when I don't really have the time.

So what did I do? I joined Twitter!!! Yes, way! I had never even been on Twitter, but last week was catching up on my blog favs and Heather was telling us she joined Twitter. I know Patty is a huge fan, so I got curious. Went poking around. Next thing I know, I am a legalized Twit. Basically got nothing much done all weekend. If you're interested come join me on Twitter. Check out my sidebar. But beware, it's definately addicting, and a time waster. On the good side, as a self employed person, I don't have regular contact with the outside world. Don't have that problem now! It's a great way to find out what other's are up to, what they're working on in a quick way. Are any of you Twittering? Let me hear from you.

Hey, look what I found on my Flights of Fancy Flickr group? Another handbag made by Simone of Gardenhouse using a bit of my Garden Trellis fabric. She always uses the most awesome brooches and vintage ribbon.

And look at this Orange dress! A combination of Sandi's Farmer's Market and another of my Garden Trellis colorways...orange, of course. Wonderful Spring color.

My second line of fabrics should be here this week. I can't wait!!! It will become busier than busy once they arrive, but I promise some sneak peeks.

NEEDLES UP: QUILTING GIVEAWAY

Hey, I just had to pass the news along. The Backporch Quilters are going to give away a free quilting service! That's huge to someone like me! I started this awhile back and now I have the push needed to get it done, wouldn't you say? Go over to The Backporch Quilters and check it out.

I CAN SEE THE PILES AND PILES AND...

Ever wonder why I never finish those creative projects that I promise to share? Have you noticed that I'm not sharing my beautiful garden or luscious recipes? It's because I am buried in these piles of picture frames and so much more. Simple meals or fast food replace favorite recipes and my garden is only an imaginary one these days.

Truth is, at one time I was a fairly decent gardener, enjoyed creating delicious recipes, reupholstered my own furniture, heirloom quilted, made my own clothes, window treatments and bedding...am I making you ill yet? If it makes you feel better, I never learned to take photos beyond the aim, click and shoot kind. I'm slowly warming up to computers, but still don't trust them. Anything mechanical hurts my brain. And math...absolutely HATE math.

Well then, what happened? Glad you asked. Long story very short; we ended up a manufacturer of home and children's decor in 2003. Here's a snippet of our world these days.

I made an attempt to start another project this weekend. Here's the beginnings of a Flights of Fancy patchwork handbag that I started and I can only hope it won't get buried under the piles.