back to "normal"

Pam and I were so lucky--we were invited to be a part of Tammy Tadd's very special birthday celebration...in Las Vegas!
Tammy rented a super house and flew out; Pam and I of course drove. Because that's what we do.

What a great time we had! The weather could not have been more perfect--and same goes for the temperature in the pool.

It was wonderful to sew with friends--and for me it was an incredible thing to be in a house without males.



We sewed, relaxed, ate, and sewed some more. Pam enjoys the zen of unsewing and she helped out in that area with a quilt top Tammy was working on. She'll be doing way more extensive blogging about our trip since she IS the pro--so I'm sure she'll show off the darling blocks she was working on as well as explain this interesting project...



We also went shopping--to FIVE different quilt shops! They were pretty awesome shops, too, and it was a pleasure to do our bit to support them.



I'd never seen this rose fabric before and I love it. I also love these patterns--the one little bag is pure genius--the "hinges" are made from a carpenter's tape measure! There were lovely quilt samples at The Christmas Goose shop and several had crochet around the edges and it was so pretty I had to get the pattern.
Several shops had the pincushion/thread catcher made up and Pam kept looking at them so I'm thinking she'll be getting one for her birthday.




I did get a little bit of "work" sewing done, but it was kind of hard to focus. I picked up this little pattern and some Kaffe (can you believe I've NEVER used any of his fabric before?) and made one wallet...



and then had to go shopping the next day for fabric to make some more. Seriously--the pattern is addicting. Made a little wallet for each of the girls except Pam, who has particular fabric requirements. The fabrics for those wallets were chosen to coordinate with the special bag Pam and I made for Tammy. Don't know why I didn't take a photo of it, but you'll see it soon enough since it'll be a pattern. We're waiting for some specific fabric to be available for the pattern cover. Trust me--Pam's done it again.



No trip is complete without a visit to Pam's trunk...aren't Tammy and Sherry the sweetest? Yes, in fact, they are.

So now it's back to WORK, worrying over deadlines, and having far too many guys around me. But I wouldn't trade it all for anything--as long as there's an occasional wonderful week with friends!

spring really is coming

Seriously! It is! And you don't have to be like me--working on Christmas projects. You can pull out some pretty florals and make something for the upcoming sweet Spring days.

I designed this pattern when it wasn't springtime at all and I'm glad to get to enjoy it this year. The runner is super easy and the framed pictures are quick and fun to do. I think Brenda's "Celebration" fabric collection was perfect!

new fabric

By the time you read this, Pam and I will be on yet another road trip. I know, I know...but somebody has to do it!

I'm pretty sure Pam will be posting while we're gone and I know I'll be doing lots of tweeting.

Today I had to prepare some fabric to take with me, because this trip involves a bit of sewing! I've got a deadline for a Christmas project coming up so thought I'd better get busy. Holly sent us a big box full of her new Dolly Dresses fabric and I love it almost as much as Pam does! She's got most of the pieces at her house (aren't I nice?) but here's what I'm bringing with me. These happy prints may not make you think of Christmas, but I think they'll be perfect for my kitchen table this next holiday season!

new bag!

I love it when Pam comes out with a purse pattern because that gives me a reason to make a whole bunch. Last fall she introduced the Messenger Bag and I have to say it's been one of my favorites! It's about the easiest purse EVER and I've made a bunch and have yet to get tired of it.

You can embellish the fronts and backs however you like--the possibilities are endless.



So when I saw this fabric at the Quilter's Inn, I had to make another...


Jane decided to kit it up and it's been selling fast. She's got just a couple of kits left so if you like it, call the shop at (925) 837-8458 and she can send you one!

blocks please!

I don't know how many of you have followed her story...I first learned of it on Twitter. If you've got some time, and a box of kleenex, I'd recommend you read it. It's heartbreaking, yet also an amazing story of faith.

Yes, sweet Layla is now at peace.

Candace, of Cotton Candie Fabric, is collecting blocks to turn into a quilt for Layla's family. She hopes to have enough blocks to also make one for each of Layla's sisters.

The deadline for blocks is Monday.

All information can be found here.

It's one of the many things that makes us lucky to be quilters--it's so easy to send a little piece of love to those who are hurting.

a new look for Miss Dummy

Yes, that's the name of my vintage dress form. Pam asked me if I was going to be one of those people who gives their dress form a name...uh, OK, I guess not! But without a name, how do you talk about her? Because you will be talking about her.

She's really not such a party girl...her neck was just a good place to stick the lampshade project I've gotten bogged down with.



You have to admit--this is a much better look! It's this pattern and I really had a good time with it. Had to do a tiny bit of tweaking because apparently my body has some freak issues, but the instructions were great and the fit is really good. I love peasant tops and this one is nicely fitted thru the body--most of us don't need that maternity look.

The fabric was fun--BariJ's "Full Bloom" gave the top a nice, sort of Anthropologie look to it.

So Miss D better enjoy it, because as soon as the sun comes out again, she'll be back to wearing the lampshade.

the Quilt Life!

If you've been here awhile you remember the road trip Pam and I took in October to Houston to attend Quilt Market. What we weren't really able to discuss was the fact that we were On Assignment for The Quilt Life magazine!

Thought I'd have a little bit of time to post about this latest bit of excitement, but I'm already getting requests from readers to turn "Coffee with Friends" into a pattern.

Yeah, I may be biased because Pam and I are lucky enough to be featured in the premier issue, but honestly? It's an awesome magazine!

The photography alone is amazing. Just a super, inspiring read--if you haven't done so already, by all means subscribe!

And don't forget to check out pages 74-76...I'm particularly partial to those.

P.S. I'll let you know when the pattern is ready!

let's talk about saturday

Don't you just hate those blogs where people go on and on about all the wonderful places they've been and the people they've seen and the stuff they've found? Me, too. So I really do kind of hate myself for discussing last Saturday.



Pam and I stayed at our very favorite place--the Apple Farm. The parking lot is more beautiful than most people's flower gardens, the food is delicious and the rooms are super nice. If you're nostalgic for the 1980s and loved the world of Waverly chintz, floral wallpaper borders and pickled pine furniture, you'll be right at home. It's all so very comfortable. And doesn't have that motel smell...know what I mean? Even the nice places tend to have a certain aroma.

Should have taken a pic of our room--just picture a big bay window and sweet brass beds with pale pink and white blankets.

The weather was a little iffy--it rained pretty hard Friday evening and we were hoping for a better Saturday.

Pam had already met Susan Branch at Quilt Market many years ago but I'd never met her. One of the most fun parts of being on Twitter is getting to talk to Susan--pretty much every day. So when we heard about her Farm Stand event, we knew we'd have to go! I tweeted my impatience with the length of our drive...and Susan tweeted back that Pam and I were to count cows--most cows wins a prize. That was an easy one--Pam was driving so most of the cows were mine!

We wanted to get to the Farm Stand sale early--and don't let the gray clouds fool you--it really didn't seem at all dreary. Just nice and fresh.



That's Susan still directing set up.



We met Susan right away and she's exactly as you'd hope she'd be. Completely delightful.





It was a good thing we were among the first to arrive--otherwise I'm certain our treasures would have been snapped up before we got to them.



I found all my treasures in or around this tent...the tablecloth is a duplicate of my favorite vintage cloth that I'd already chopped up for valances...love the pillowcase and the doll bed and the big hunk of crochet. And look who else is here--my prize from Susan!





While I wouldn't normally recommend a cupcake breakfast, if they're Amy's cupcakes, any time of day is perfectly reasonable. She and her trailer could not have been cuter. And by all means try the chocolate peanut butter cup--you won't regret it.



It was sad that we had to take off so early--it was after all a long drive home and we both had stuff of the non-fun variety to attend to. Our last stop was in Paso Robles at the Cowgirl Cafe--amazingly good food.



Here back at home are my favorite Susan Branch items--I got this sugar bowl and creamer many years ago for Mother's Day. I was a stay at home mom and money was very tight--but I fell in love with these and my husband bought them for me. Pretty sweet, huh? What's not so adorable is what is kept inside the sugar bowl...that badly discolored quarter was made that way after it was eaten by my then 2 year old son. And that's all I need to share of THAT story.

And no, there's not much to tell about Sunday--spent most of it in a Benadryl-induced haze. Which was fine. Because the cobwebs have gotten blasted out of my head and I'm ready to design and sew again. And it's about time!

the weekend that's worth a couple of posts

It was long overdue, this weekend. I desperately needed to get out of town--2010 has not started out particularly well--far too many dramas and stresses and so forth to deal with. I needed to get away so that the cobwebs could get blown out of my head and maybe, just maybe some creative juices could get flowing again.

So last weekend seemed the perfect opportunity to drive down to the central coast and take in the fresh air and meet some new friends. Bloggy/twittery friends!

OK, so we'll start with Friday. Pam picked me up promptly at 7:00. Which is actually late for us.

First stop was KathiD's place. I tend to think of her as @KathiD because she's really a great twitter pal. I'd recommend that everyone go see her place--it's terrific. Just turn right at the corner where there's no street sign. She says it must've come down in the storm, but there sure was no sign of it. ("sign" of it--get it? I crack myself up).

So at this point we're wondering if she really did want to see us, but she was there waiting and did seem quite welcoming!

Her place is amazing. Her studio is amazing. Her dogs are amazing. Her shoes are amazing. What really captured me was her chickens. And obviously her rooster. I may be a city girl, but I recognized that guy straight away. Wouldn't you know his favorite hen is also a redhead? Of course!



I was enchanted by those chickens. And their indoor/outdoor living quarters. And then I saw the coolest thing--KathiD opens a lid and there are eggs in the egg boxes! Aqua-trimmed egg boxes! I told her how special it was to finally be able to see where eggs come from. She tried to set me straight by explaining just what the hen has to do, but LALALALA I want my eggs to magically appear in egg boxes, thankyouverymuch.


So after a delicious melted cheese-based lunch, the three of us headed out. KathiD wanted to stop at the Cotton Ball and who could blame her? Wasn't difficult to find some fabrics I'd never seen before. Pam says that's not true--that I HAVE seen those fabrics, but somehow they looked better on Friday.


Then we went to Cambria which is ever so charming. Got some ribbons at one of our favorite shops and then enjoyed looking at plants at the shop next door.

Sadly we had to take KathiD back home and then it was off to our hotel. To rest up for Saturday. Which yeah, I know, has been discussed at length all over blogdom, but you'll be hearing about it here as well. Very soon, even!

has anyone seen where my blog has gone?

What with one thing and another, it seems this poor blog has been neglected of late. I keep thinking that for SURE I've blogged about stuff, but no, it's just been little tweets here and there. Twitter seems so much easier--if there was a 140 character limit for Blogger, these posts might come a little more often. And perhaps you wouldn't get bogged down reading them.

Thankfully we've had a few really nice days lately--I'm sorry for all of you still deep in winter, and believe me, this sunshine will NOT last--but check out my almond tree! Even I, with my sad little camera, was able to get an Action Shot with a bee. The tree was full of them that morning. Once I got a few pics, my eyes were about swollen shut--a definite downside to this time of year.

I'm gratified that the Sweet Hearts towel kit was such a hit--and I'm awfully sorry that even with the extras I was able to put together I couldn't come close to making a kit for everyone who wanted one. I would like to do more kits in the near future--with some of my vintage fabric bits, if possible.

I'd love to know what sort of kits you'd like to see me offer--more towels? Something else? Please let me know!



Speaking of kits...I was thumbing thru the latest issue of APQ the other day and came across this ad--so if you've been wanting a kit for Rose Delight, Jennifer can help you out! And she's way better at having enough stuff on hand than I am...



Finally, while it's still February, check out this month's pic in the Irish Quilting calendar! Wish I could be there with my quilt...

saying goodbye to "sweet hearts"

Sweet Hearts was my second pattern ever. It was the design that made me decide that I'd really like to be doing what I'm doing now.

It has sold very well...but it's pretty old now, and it's time for Sweet Hearts to retire. As of the end of this month, it will disappear from my website.

Pam, as usual, came up with a cool idea. She thought it would be fun to send Sweet Hearts out with a bang. So that's what's going to happen!



She came over today and we got out some fabric...LOTS of fabric, actually, and played around with the motifs from the pattern. We ended up using the medium sized heart and the small one...and a couple of stems and leaves.

And here's the result!



That bigger heart is made from one of my favorite vintage napkins...and gotta love the big pink rick rack peeking out over the ruffle.

Best of all, I've got enough of everything left over to create FIVE kits. That's it--only five. Each kit contains a Dunroven House tea towel, all the fabric needed to duplicate my towel (including a piece of that awesome vintage napkin fabric), the pink rick rack and of course the pattern, and instructions for finishing the towel.

The price of the kit is $20, and that includes shipping. If you'd like a kit, please email me at latebloomerquilts@yahoo.com. If you're one of the first five, I'll email you back with full ordering instructions. It's a super fun project and it went together pretty fast too!



I'll be hanging my towel in the kitchen any day now. I'm determined to actually use it. Well, probably.

All kits have now been sold. If I can come up with the materials for more, I'll let you know. Thanks, everyone!

wanna see some quilts?

Just click here...and you'll be amazed by the gorgeous quilts that are on display at The Quilt Show's special exhibit at Road to California.

If you keep going, you might see a quilt that's a little familiar...
I'm quite humbled to have one of my "work quilts" among such amazing pieces.

I blame quilt market

Let me start by admitting that I'm really not a cook. It's not that I'm bad--I've never made anyone sick with my cooking (to the best of my knowledge), but it's just not my thing.
In my humble opinion, cooking takes too long, makes too big a mess, and the results are never adequately appreciated.

If you were to have corn muffins at my house, they'd have come from a mix.

Until today.

When Pam and I took our trip to Houston quilt market last fall and stopped in Fredericksburg, we ended up having lunch at Rather Sweet Bakery.

The name didn't ring a bell but as soon as we went inside, I realized I had heard of the place and the cookbook, but again, I'm not a cook.

What Pam and I ate there so enchanted me that I asked for the book for Christmas. A gift my husband was glad to provide!



First up? "Rather Rich Corn Muffins". What sold me on this recipe was the amount of butter and whipping cream it called for. That's right--3 cups of whipping cream, people!*



I will admit that shredded cardboard would taste good with enough dairy goodness thrown at it, so this seemed like a good recipe to start with.

I simply cannot express how amazing these muffins are. The smell, the texture, the TASTE (and the batter--believe me I licked off that beater).

There are a couple left if you want one--but they're going fast.



*I only had a pint of whipping cream so used milk for the rest of the liquid and that sure seemed to work.

please excuse me while I show off my loot!

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. It was an awesome day...now that my sons are pretty much all grown up it's great to get together for dinner--it just doesn't happen that much anymore. So that's what we did--had a delightful dinner at the San Leandro Marina.

If you follow me on twitter, you'd have heard about the ever so romantic gift from my husband--a Ped Egg. Yup, that's right! He also included a box of 100 Calorie Snickers bars so I guess his heart's in the right place (?) I am a sucker for gadgety things, so I did have to try it out. And without getting too graphic, it does do a great job but eww, so creepy.

The highlight of the afternoon was when Pam came over. She is the absolute master of gift-giving. It's so hard to shop for her because it's impossible to even come close with a gift for her--it's terribly intimidating. She always knows exactly what I'll love--and manages to find things I can never find on my own.

Check out the vintage breadbox. It's perfect! The photo isn't great but I wanted you to see how it looks with the valance nearby.


And this milkglass pot in my very favorite shade of pink...with a miniature rose inside.

As a decal-obsessed person I'm always looking for vintage examples. Garden girls seem particularly tough to find. Look at this girl on the tin!


Finally, I about hit the floor when I saw this letter "E". Pam bought it from our pal Becky, who always has the very best stuff (I think I have something from Becky in almost every room of my house!)

I hope 2010 continues on in such a merry way--while I'm grateful for a friend like Pam I'm also so blessed to be able to enjoy time with my family. I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing eldest son order a margarita in a restaurant tho...how did he get old enough for that to happen???

Happy New Year!

With the beginning of a new year, I'm hoping we can all enjoy the old...

Look forward to playing with the new...


and continue to inspire each other to create new things.

As a quilter, I'm hoping the new year brings vintage roses, lots of polka dots, and happy colors. How about you?