Speaking of patchwork - I've decided to add some new 'curated' fabric bundles to the shop = color to create with.
Since each fabric collection is a limited edition printing, some of the intial fat quarter bundles are now gone. However I do still have some of the patterns and I thought it would be fun to put together themed bundles, mixing six designs from different collections in color groups that inspire me.
Introducing the four 'Birds + Bunnies' bundles.
Oh you know, before I headed out to quilt market a few weeks ago, I just whipped up my first patchwork throw.
Seriously! I made this in a day {daily quilting?!} This is when I realized that all the sewing I've been doing, especially garment sewing, is starting to pay off. My skill level and speed is improving. Also, I was given some great advice about easing into your first quilt and that is to use a 12" x 12" ruler square to cut your pieces. Brilliant!
You can see the front is an assortment of 12" x 12" squares. At least one design from each of my printed fabric collections to date is featured. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun this was to make and how satisfying it was to put together a grouping of some of my favorite designs and see how they all tell the same story together. Joy. They give me so much joy.
The back displays 4 more designs. I didn't add any batting or quilt this throw. I just stitched the front and the back together and the combination created a perfect summer blanket.
As I told the audience at my schoolhouse at market, "I get it. I really get it. The love of quilting and the fabric stash." The chance to layout and design a favorite collection of fabrics and then turn it into your own, timeless piece of art, that is not only beautiful but useful. I get it.
I might be a little obsessed. For someone who felt intimidated at the thought of and really didn't think she would be interested in and/or have time to sew her own clothes; You must know how satisfying it is to sew something you can wear and then to top it off, in a fabric you designed. Nothing better. I'm sort of loving that my closet is getting filled with clothes I've made.
Locally Grown in dresses. Above is a pattern from a book called Simple Modern Sewing. Below is the Lulu Tunic from Alexia's book Liberty Love, and the last is the Washi Dress from Made by Rae. Red shoes by TOMS and Salt Water Sandals.
Went to Quilt Market last weekend- came back with a bad cold and somewhere beneath the cold a lot of inspiration is percolating.
Certainly because of so many things I saw at market and also because I've been thinking a lot about saturation.
When is too much, too much? And how do we as designers continually stand out in a world that is becoming inundated with design - which = awesome + overwhelm. Do our consumers know how to tell the difference between your average 'pretty design' and something that someone crafted with a unique point of view. Are we still designing with a unique point of view or are our creative visions getting watered down by seeing so much other design? Are we consciously or unconciously just mimicking what works over and over again, or remembering to blaze our own trail?
Bunch of questions, no answers yet - your thoughts?
What I do know is that I want to continue to know myself better. And from that space I want to create quality work that I'm proud of. This is always where I want to start and from there I'm sorting it out as I go. Because as soon as I think I've figured at least some of this out, the world in which I am creating changes again. I'm telling you, every time I attend market - I think this is my 4th time since 2011, the quilting fabric industry has changed again. And that's just one of the industries my work is a part of.
I keep reminding myself that this is all just a normal part of being an artist in business, especially in 2013. Keeps me on my toes for sure, challenged and still excited about my work and where it's headed. In a world that thrives on what's new and on trend, how do we continue to set ourselves apart?
Some snapshots of what inspired me this market.
from top to bottom
So the story goes like this: Christmastime, a couple of years ago; Sean's stepmom, Jan, had a request from her granddaughters for some chicken fabric. The request by the way is because they LOVE chickens. Aside from having an extensive garden, they also raise their own chickens and goats at their home in Northern California. Jan looked and looked, telling me she had the hardest time finding some fun chicken fabric for the girls. That's that - I thought as soon as I can, I'm designing some chicken fabric. {which I like to call the "prosperity hens"}
The second inspiration behind this story is my own desire to start a garden even in the middle of a thriving metropolis, Los Angeles; because of my love for fresh, healthy food, cooking and the kinds of delicious meals where your favorite people gather around the table for hours. I also shop locally, every week, at my neighborhood Farmer's Market. While my garden has only grown to include cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs in pots, one of these days...I will expand it.
And, this is how the desire for chicken fabric grew into an entire collection. It's here! As always I hope you love it. From what I hear so far, the sheep might be a hit?! I also tried out a completely different, more neutral color palette, which I call "Natural", and the other with my signature brighter palette, reminds me of vintage kitchen colors so I've been calling it "Kitsch".
You can find it at independent quilt shops both brick and mortar and online, and I have fq bundles in the shop.
Some larger samples of a few of my favorites too.
Oooh! and I almost forgot! for the first time I've introduced tiny stripes to the collection, acting as a solid to combine with the color palette I typically use. I'm super excited about these and how perfect they blend into all kinds of projects.
Speaking of! Faith of Fresh Lemon Quilts put together this great Farmer's Market Tote tutorial using "Locally Grown". Right! aren't these going to be perfect for a trip to the farmer's market? in the form of an apron or a tote bag? In fact I've been carrying Shaerie's tote bag as my go to purse for the last few months, and made another one this week with the green wreath pattern.
enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! create! create! create! Send me photos of what you're making. I can't wait to see. Or post them in my Flickr group. Have I told you about the Flickr group? so much good stuff there! thank you for sharing what you are creating.
We had the party on Sunday and Valentines we made! I honestly forgot how fun it is to make them by hand side by side with other people. Fabric, thread, sewing machines, decorative paper, hearts from paper source, glue, pens, and GLITTER GLUE {was a hit} Everyone must have GLITTER GLUE.
One of my main 'blog goals' for this year is to finally start sharing more of what you all are making with Creative Thursday fabric. Let this post mark the beginning of that goal. I loved seeing what everyone made, what designs inspired them the most, and how different everyone's interpretation is. I'd say that chickens!! ~ coming soon in the newest collection 'Locally Grown' ~ may be a definite winner.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! sending lots of love your way {today and everyday} xoxo
I got my first sample, a polar bear, last summer. I placed him on my dining room wall and he's been there ever since. Peel and place, removable, repositionable, reusable fabric wall decals. Place all of them in one room or one of them in each and every room. I LOVE these and that is all. {I think you might love them too} You can find these 2 different sets, and all the details at the shop.
Introducing! all 24 patterns of Creative Thursday's newest fabric collection 'The Red Thread'. And a few of my favorite designs in larger sizes so you can see more detail.
There is a story behind the design and naming of this group and here it is: Growing up, my aunt in Germany often talked to me about 'the red thread' that runs through your life. It's a known story so maybe you've heard it?
The idea is that there is always a red thread connecting all the moments of your life and when looking back you can see it with complete clarity. How everything happens just as it should, in the exact timing that is meant to be.
In my own life I find this to be true and since I was little the idea of the red thread has always brought me comfort. What if? our life is unfolding just as it should, always guiding us to best possible outcome for what we are wanting, and all we have to is trust, enjoy and relax into it.
It's all to easy on the days when we don't feel like ourselves, like everything is scary and closing in on us ~ to lose sight of the greater picture.
As a child, I spent almost every summer in Germany visiting my family. I always left feeling more inspired than when I arrived and I let that influence also carry into the designs. Included are the lucky symbols of the mushroom {with tiny bunnies of course} the ladybugs and the flowerboxes spilling over with geraniums {there seems to be some confusion on what flower I designed in the pattern with the small green leaves, they are not pansies ;)}
You can purchase bundles, and select yardage by request at the shop as well as find it at a store near you by using Andover's store finder. There is also a free quilt pattern available for download, that Andover designed. Super cute with the little houses going around the border.
My intent with this fabric collection {when you are creating and sewing away} is a reminder, that all is well.
In celebration of October {and the moment it gets cool, which will not be today] and Halloween, I thought it would be fun to put together a few more "surprise" care packages like I did earlier this year. As I write this there are 26 10 left. And!! so excited to announce that 'The Red Thread' is officially here in my shop, other online shops and at stores near you. Will be back shortly with a post sharing a more detailed view of all 24 patterns.
Edit 10-2-12 Almost forgot to list the 2 "Thriving Artist" Care Packages.
