let's give some stuff away

I've been going on and on about Red Rose Farm...would you like a fat quarter bundle of your own? I sure hope so!
The bundle consists of 16 fat quarters, and they're all pretty nice, if I do say so myself.



I also have a Red Rose Farm teatowel kit to give away...the kit includes all the fabric needed to embellish the waffle weave towel, which is also included.

So there will in fact be two prizes this time around. I'll pick a winner on Saturday.

In the meantime, head on over to Charlie's blog where you can win a GO cutter! You'll have to hurry on that great prize--he's giving it away on Thursday.

Let the comments begin!

Quilting in the Garden 2010

What a weekend! It was absolutely awesome and I still can't quite believe that I had the great opportunity to be a Featured Artist at such an amazing quilt show. The only thing that could have made it better would have been up to Mother Nature...it was around 100 degrees both days.





Quilts were everywhere. Hanging between the trees, on the buildings, between the buildings...and Alden Lane always looks amazing without the quilts, so believe me--photos (especially mine) don't do it justice.



I was at my table most of the time, so didn't get much chance to see everything. I was so happy to get to "work" with my eldest son--aka known as my Number One Son, especially since he volunteered to spend his entire weekend with me!



The other featured artists were fellow bay area quilter Denise Sheehan (check out her quilt "Bird Haven"--I want to make that one so badly...)
See the darling daisy quilt hanging above my table? That's one of Denise's patterns and if I had a dime for every time I heard someone going nuts over that quilt...well, I'd be someplace cooler right now.



And the star of the show was Sue Nickels. Yes, her quilts are beautiful, but one in particular, called "Tea at Tenby" (above)absolutely took my breath away. I've never seen a quilt as beautiful as that one. My photos turned out horribly--please look at that quilt on Sue's website.

Of course Alex was there--my son thought she was pretty cool. Well, duh, right?



And Pam came for awhile. Here she is with my fantastic quilter Darla, of Wildflower Quilting.



On Sunday I got to see Bari and Verna. Bari was on her way to Day 2 of her trunk show at Wooden Gate Quilts and you'll want to mark your calendar because Verna is going to be the Featured Artist at Quilting in the Garden next year.

It's so great to meet and talk to other quilters. Some I already know, others I'm just so happy to meet. Case in point would be Loni. She's a local quilter and she does beautiful work. She brought her Garden Fresh quilt for me to see and I was blown away by the quilting. And it's so exciting to see a finished product made from my book!

If you can possibly make it next year, it's so worth the trip.
And because I know he occasionally does check out my blog...here's a special shout-out to my son Eric. Thanks so much--I couldn't have done it without you! And no, I don't just mean that your moving out made it possible for me to have a studio...



P.S. You'll want to check back later in the week...it just so happens I have an extra little kit and some fat quarters of Red Rose Farm, and so it seems appropriate to have a giveaway.

Quilting in the Garden

Took me long enough to get this post up, right? The event is this weekend! Alden Lane is the most wonderful nursery in the world. I can't tell you how many times I've gone there just to stroll around and take in the beauty and the quiet. It's such a thrill that this year 24 of my quilts will be on display at one of my very favorite local places.

If you're in the bay area, I sure hope you'll stop by...if you click on the above link you'll learn all about it--including all of the artists who will have their quilts hanging in the garden for you to enjoy.

I'm also pleased to tell you that Wooden Gate Quilts in Danville is having its official grand opening this weekend as well--and Bari J will be there showing her amazing fabric and new designs.

It's going to be plenty warm, but the oak trees keep it nice and shady. I know a great time will be had by all.



Oh and by the way...Alden Lane's gift shop is packed with neat gifty items geared toward quilters...darling ornaments, bags, frames, and the cutest little bracelets ever. (Mine's pink.)



P.S. I want to try to catch up a bit on some things...I'm so happy so many of you are interested in the new bag pattern and handles. I will be carrying handles, in several styles on my website, but bear with me--Market prep is overwhelming right now. I'll let you all know when they're available. New bag and quilt patterns will be up soon as well.

In the meantime, Fat Quarter Shop has Red Rose Farm in stock as well as the cutest ever bag designed by Pam Kitty Morning herself. It's an exclusive pattern and kit.

If you're local, Wooden Gate Quilts in Danville has the entire collection on its shelves. Which is more than I have right now!

sneeky peeky

Yes, it's that time of year again...I've got nothing interesting at all to talk about, because every waking moment is spent in the studio, but I'm starting to have some pretty cool stuff to show off.

Pam has designed yet another adorable bag and it's my job to test the pattern and make samples. She comes up with the prototype, sticks some notes inside, and then pretty much tosses it out her car window to me as she drives by. And that's not much of an exaggeration. I figure if I can make a bag, anyone can. I'm definitely 3D challenged.

This is the first version, 100% Red Rose Farm. I'll be making at least a couple more for the pattern cover and for our booth--with different fabrics.

It has a scrappy gusset that's perfect for charm squares or left over jelly roll bits. Of course it has ruffles--while you certainly don't have to add them, why wouldn't you?

I just love it--it's pretty and very practical--nice size, not too deep, big wide pocket inside. I'm seriously looking forward to making a few more. And that's just one of the new bag patterns for this year!




I about died when I first saw these handles--aren't they perfect? I'm thinking of starting to carry that sort of thing on my website, so let me know if that's a plan you like!

umm...hello?

Has it really been over a month since I've last written anything? Sure doesn't seem like it, but I imagine Blogger doesn't lie about these things.

It's been a crazy-busy Red Rose Farm kinda time. And I've been loving (almost) every minute of it!

So many projects are in the works...and it's so exciting that other designers are having fun with the fabric as well. There will be lots to share and quite soon.

Pieced quilts, appliqued quilts, home dec, garments, bags...so much cool stuff!



Found out this morning that Pat Sloan is getting ready to have a bit of Red Rose Farm fun herself--will have to keep an eye on that!

For now I'll leave you with the cuteness that is Olive--who came for a visit the other day.