new patterns!

Based on all the orders I've received, some of you have already discovered that the website has been updated with all the new patterns featuring Red Rose Farm.

I've also added a few bag handles that work with Pam's Tammy Tote pattern as well as her Frilly Farm bag pattern. More handles are on their way and will be added as soon as I receive them.

I've also decided to offer free shipping thru Christmas--and if you order 2 or more items, you'll also receive a fat quarter of Red Rose Farm.

I can't wait to show close up photos of all the new designs--but currently they're all at Wooden Gate Quilts--my favorite shop!

Quilt Market, magazine winner, and so on...

OK, so I said a winner would be picked on Friday. And she was. I did not, however, promise to announce it that day, right? Right.
If farmhousequilter8 would email me at latebloomerquilts@yahoo.com, I'll get the magazine and pattern book out right away.

It's probably crazy to even be posting about Market...I know everyone on Twitter has moved on to talking about Salt Lake City, but I've got a few rather blurry pics to share so why not just do it.

Like last Houston, Pam and I had a mostly really great time. You've heard about her fall...and I'd like to clear up a persistent rumor once and for all...no, I did not push her. She missed quite a bit, and lots of people missed seeing her as well.

Remember the speeding ticket in New Mexico last year? Well, we were feeling pretty smug, determined to not let that happen again. And it didn't. Something else happened instead. And I really need to say that getting a flat tire in the middle of New Mexico is not as much fun as you'd imagine...luckily we were close to a mechanic, but I don't think he'd ever seen a metric tool before and there were some tension-filled moments. I prefer having my son Eric do all work on my car, but he seemed to feel that coming to New Mexico was a little bit out of the question.



Obviously it all worked out alright...and it's a whole different experience setting up a booth using your own fabric...



I'd surprised Pam with a custom footstool to go with her "throne" (the slipcovered chair) but of course had no idea it would actually be needed...

We had lots of visitors, and here are the least blurry of them...I'm sure you recognize everyone--Sandi Henderson, Natalie Lymer, and the queen of Parisville, Tula Pink.





I was also lucky to have help getting Red Rose Farm projects made for my booth as well as for the P&B Textiles booth...




My good friend Becky made 2 beautiful bags using her new pattern, Monica made a whole bunch of her super-cute gift bags, and Jona outdid herself with adorable little girls' outfits from two of her new patterns. As if I wasn't giddy enough with the little-girl cuteness, Mary made an outfit from her book and gave me a photo of her beautiful daughter wearing it. I had to frame it and place it front and center--where it captivated everyone.



So that's a brief Market report--the new patterns are this close to being loaded onto my website...and soon they'll be appearing all over the place. Yes, that means both new bag patterns and some handles as well.

I'm also figuring out some new teatowels for kits--and yes, this time there should be plenty for everyone.

where'd the Red Rose Farm go?

It went with me. To Houston...but now it's back and so am I. Well, sort of. Market was wonderful, as I'm sure you already know since most people have managed to post about it already...I'm still editing photos and trying to get things back to normal. I consider myself lucky--the house is still standing, and as far as I can tell, nothing was broken.

So what's all this that I'm showing today? Pam and I were so lucky (again) to have wonderful neighbors across the aisle. That definitely helps when you're in a booth for three straight days! We got to know Carolee and her beautiful daughters--they've started a new fabric company, but if their designs look familiar it's because they've been in the scrapbooking industry for many years. Carolee gave me this piece of canvas--can't wait to play with it. Their fabrics are fresh and bright--you'll want to be looking for them.



What's that on top? Oh, no big deal...really...just what I think is the best issue of "The Quilt Life" ever. The fact that my house is featured? And a new quilt design? Purely a coincidence.



It just so happens that I've been given an extra copy of the magazine. So you know what that means. Leave a comment and on Friday I'll send it on its way. Carolee also gave me a copy of one of her pattern books so I'll throw that in as well.

Hopefully you're already subscribing to "The Quilt Life" but if not, it's available at many independent quilt shops or at Barnes&Noble.

I need to get back to shoveling a path to my studio...

just in time

for Halloween is a new teatowel! Yes, I do enjoy making them...they're quick and fun. This kit was a big hit at Quilting in the Garden, so I came up with a few more to offer to the rest of you. The kit includes the teatowel, all fabrics and trims, Cosmo floss for embroidery...I even covered the little button for you and pregathered the hat trim. All you need to add is a bit of lightweight fusible web and a bit of time.

There are a very limited number of kits available--I'm now fresh out of towels!

we have winners!

Whew! Just made it! I did say I'd pick winners on Saturday and technically I've still got a little time. I relied on my standard method of picking winners--sending a text message to each of my sons asking for a number and then calculating the average. And don't worry--I'm pretty sure they didn't mind having me interrupt their Saturday night activities...

So without further ado, the winner of the fat quarter bundle is Goosegirl! I do believe she's a twitter friend as well!

The winner of the teatowel kit is Kathleen Grace.

Please send your address to me at latebloomerquilts@yahoo.com and I'll get your prize out to you right away!

And yes, the photo above is a sneak peek of an upcoming pattern that I'm really excited about.

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.

need a little project?

How about a darling belt? One of the great things about Twitter is how quickly and easily you find people who also love to make stuff. And who enjoy posting tutorials. That's how I found Mauby's...and her instructions to make this belt.

Seriously. Took me way longer to pick out the squares than it did to make the actual belt.

I used my pieces of Lecien's "Spaicy Scrap" collection for my first belt. There will be more.

That's Miss Dummy modeling my favorite tshirt. It's pretty boring but so comfortable. Looks better with some accessories.



Yeah, I know...tacky of me to post a pic of my backside, but I really love the way that fabric cut up.

I know you were expecting Red Rose Farm news, and I can't disappoint. I got my sample yardage on Friday!! You probably heard me screaming. I've already pieced the top for the free pattern that will be available thru P&B Textiles, but so far can't bring myself to chop off the big pieces necessary for the backing.

Something else happened that was awfully exciting...seeing my fabric online! If you're interested in being notified as soon as Red Rose Farm is available, Fat Quarter Shop will let you know over here. And you know how great their customer service is.

More soon!!

pretty proud of myself

So last Friday was Pam's birthday. I knew she'd be out having fun with her family so figured that gave me some extra time to do some birthday sewing.

I've mentioned in the past how Pam is the absolute ultimate gift-giver. She has such a knack for finding the most perfect presents. Yes, I admit I enjoy her talents--I've received some pretty amazing things over the years. But you know, it's also a little bit stressful because it's awfully hard to measure up to that.

A few weeks back I was in Sonora for the day with my husband. Walked past a shop that to be honest I've never been able to find anything in. Did a classic double take when I saw what was near the door. A vintage toy refrigerator. With a decal of a kitty on it. And little shelves inside--perfect for storing tiny treasures. I dashed inside--I mean yeah, what are the odds that someone else would want to snap that up, but I HAD TO HAVE IT. And it's in Pam's colors.

A week or so after that, when I was at this store, I found some fabric that would be perfect for Pam. I thought about just buying her a yard of it, but then decided that would just put pressure on her to make something so why not make something for her myself. I'm still waiting on Red Rose Farm to arrive so that seemed the best solution.

But what to make?

I decided it would be nice if she had some soft, packable slippers to take to Market. I'm still haunted by the blisters she got a few markets back so that became my plan.
I used this slipper pattern. She loves red gingham so that was an easy choice to bind them. Those are vintage buttons, too. Well, slippers just don't take that much fabric. At least not for Pam's feet.

That left quite a bit left over so I decided I should make her a bag to carry the slippers in. I love Kay's patterns and used this one.

Couldn't wait to give her the presents! Finally got to do that today when she was over here to help with a top secret photo shoot. (Insert diabolical grin here!)

what's going on

So what have I been doing besides waiting by the door for Red Rose Farm?

I've gotten some sewing done...Joanna's palette works very well in my living room and I decided to just dive in and get some Figgy stuff going.



This is a version of this pattern that I've been working on for a long time. Seems queen sized quilts are just not my thing. But it's turning out sooo pretty and I've done all the math...so some one of these days (when it's cooler) I'll force myself to just get the top DONE. After all--I just painted my bedroom with this quilt in mind.



Got this book in the mail the other day. I love Kay's patterns and this book is amazing. Seriously. Can't decide which garment to make first. Well, that's not true. I love these designs so much I think I will follow Kay's directions and make a muslin first because I know I'm gonna want to use these patterns again and again!



Sorry, but I can't just ignore Red Rose Farm...I've got a delicious pile of Cosmo floss ready to go. And as I'm sure you've heard, once you've tried Cosmo, you will not want to go back to that other brand.



And look at these handles! Got them at Prairie Queens in San Jose.

Finally, and this isn't news if you've already clicked my link above, I have a NEW website! It's super cool and so much more useful than my old one. Gone are the days of having to mail in your order. It's awesome so keep checking back--and get on the mailing list. I've now got the ability to put kits, fabric, and other goodies on there for you.

Oh and P.S. Thanks to Pam for loading my new blog banner and getting my blog all updated and pretty. She's the BEST. But you knew that already.

what to do when you're waiting for your fabric

There are all kinds of things you can do.


You can pay a little attention to the flowers on your porch that aren't red roses..


You can enjoy watching your baby graduate from high school...



A day he's obligated to give his mother a hug...



And both of his brothers!


Finally, you can take the little bits of sample fabric you have and make little "Petite Gateau" pincushions from a pattern by one of your favorite designers!

And then you go back to waiting...

P.S. I want to thank each and every one of you for the sweet comments you left regarding Red Rose Farm. I so appreciate it!