gardens and quilts and stuff

The one part of my life right now that seems just right is my new little back yard. It's already quite pretty and has plenty of spots for me to tuck things into. And that's what I've been doing. So when unpacking gets to be a bit much...that's where you'll find me. I'm planning some pretty pillows for the chairs...I think it's going to be a very girly kind of place.



Summer is also a good time for some leisurely projects...I've decided that "A Dash of Sugar" (you know--that free pattern over there on the right?) would make a very pretty shower curtain. So I think that's going to happen.

Summer also seems like a good time to find some new homes for a few of my quilts. There are some pieced quilts for sale up on my website and there are 2 appliqued quilts as well. And more will follow. Obviously these are one of a kind. I enjoyed designing and making them and hopefully someone has just the right spot for one.



Be sure to scroll down just a bit...there are 2 giveaways you don't want to miss.

Strip-Smart Quilts

I have to be honest about a couple of things. When Kathy asked me if I'd participate in her blog hop, I didn't even hesitate. If you're lucky enough to know Kathy, you know she's about the sweetest person ever--and is just as talented. So of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book...and the ruler.

So the book arrived...and it was great to just sit back and look thru it...at all the pretty quilts...hmmm...which one most strikes my fancy...

Days passed and all of a sudden came the realization that my day was coming up and soon. My sewing machine had just been moved...but most supplies were still at the old house. I was suddenly sorry I'd agreed to be a part of this...because I just didn't have the time. Or the attention span.



So I decided to see just how quickly I could make this happen. Picked a quilt pretty much at random, and grabbed some of the few pieces of fabric that are here. (Annie's Farm Stand by LakeHouse Dry Goods, dontcha know). Kicked the cat off the ironing board (that's another story for another day) and quickly skimmed the instructions.


Cut my strips...stitched them together at warp speed...kicked the cat off the ironing board yet again...and grabbed the ruler.

As an aside, when Kathy mailed me the ruler, she packed it very carefully. And added the words "Fragile" "Do Not Bend" and so on. The USPS quite helpfully, decided that she must really have meant "BEND", so they did. And the ruler arrived in 3 pieces. Sigh...

So again, just quickly skimming the cutting instructions? Off I went.



Time for assembly. Again, to be honest? Did not take the time to pin. Just grabbed triangles and sewed. Didn't need to pin because the seams effortlessly nested together.

The entire process? Would have taken less than 5 minutes but I ran out of bobbin thread.

I guess what I'm saying is that the book is fantastic...the projects are great and the ruler is amazing. Kathy did a great job with her instructions--I barely paid attention and my block is darn close to perfect.

Kind of a weird testimonial, but there you go. If I could do it with little attention and even less time? It's a great thing.

So you know the drill. Leave a comment and I'll draw a name and Kathy will make sure you get to play as well.

new patterns!

I'm baaack...and it hasn't even been a month yet! I shouldn't joke...what with still moving and stuff, anything could happen.

What's happening now? Two pretty cool things...new patterns and a SALE.

All the new patterns for Spring 2011 are now up on the website...you'll notice that all but one are digital. That's a necessity when the fabric isn't available yet. But it's so worth it in this case since the fabrics are all from Pam's "Pam Kitty Morning" collection for LakeHouse Dry Goods!


The other pattern? That's Pam's Farmer's Market Bag and both samples are made with
"Annie's Farm Stand" also by LakeHouse. The good news? That fabric is in stores now.
The bag is a new version of an old favorite--the "Market Bag" was Pam's first purse pattern for Late Bloomer Quilts and all these years later it's still selling well. The new bag is bigger and roomier...and has the option of fabric handles as well as premade.

To make room for the new patterns, I've (sadly) decided to discontinue some of the older ones. While they last, these patterns are available for as low as $3 each. "Flight of Fancy"? That one is only $5. Some of my best selling patterns are on the list...including "Altar Steps", "True Love", "Toujours" and "Butterfly Love". Lots of love, for sure!

Samples and fabric bundles have also been put on sale so have a look around.

If you'd like to maybe be the first on your block to play with the new patterns? You know what to do...leave a comment and in a week I'll pick a name and the patterns will be on their way to you.

Speaking of giveaways, be sure to come back first thing on Wednesday because it's my day on the Teacher's Pet blog hop!

I'm back...

Excuse me while I push a packing box (or two) out of the way...things are kind of chaotic
in my world these days, but if I wait for them to settle down I may never write a post again.

Tho considering all the dust on this blog, it probably looked like I'd forgotten all about it.

Not so...just too many things going on and not all of them happy and light...and happy and light is what I've always wanted my blog to be. But things are definitely looking up and there are lots of things to talk about now.

While there haven't been any new posts in weeks, Pam has been busy keeping my sidebar updated with new goodies...so feel free to click on the links and check out the fun patterns...including the free pattern I designed for Lecien using their newest Flower Sugar collection. Sadly I didn't get to make the quilt--Nireko did--but it was so much fun seeing it all finished in their booth.

Hopefully you've read all about Quilt Market by now...yes, I really was there...and it was so much fun to get to help set up a booth and have it not be my booth. Nowhere near as much stress. I got to play with the center table in the LakeHouse booth and I'm too embarrassed to admit just how many pieces of candy I snuck from the display over the 3 days of Market.



It was a great Market...and so much fun to see all the excitement that Pam's fabric was generating. I've had the fun of knowing the secret for a long time now...and have had the pleasure of designing quilts digitally using all the fun prints. And like you, can't wait to get my hands on the actual cloth. I have big plans for a few of the pieces--I have decorating to do!

Meanwhile, be sure to check back before long...I'm part of the Teacher's Pet blog hop and there are prizes to be won...great stuff!

...commercial break...

Due to space constraints, I need to find good homes for samples of quilts, bags, and various other goodies. Somehow they've taken over the house and new ones are always arriving!


If you need something already made, hop on over to my website and check the "quilts", "bags" and "miscellaneous" links. New items will be added daily.

If you'd rather make your own, I have a few more kits made up and ready to go for "Tied with a Bow" and "Frilly Farm Bag".

I'm back (yawn)

Actually, I've been back for just over a week. Doesn't quite feel like it though...it's a bittersweet thing to be back...I really missed my kids, and my dogs, but now? I'm really missing Scotland...

So why the yawn? Well, there's an 8 hour time difference. I easily settled into the change when I arrived--I was excited anyway so just had to keep moving. As for coming back? Totally different story...

It was a wonderful trip. I'll remember every minute of it. Unfortunately, I did a better job taking pictures of my travel bags than I did documenting my actual trip. I was so busy experiencing everything that my camera sat idle. Guess that means I'll have to go back, right?

I do have a few photos to share...I spent most of my time in Glasgow, which I really did like, and the cool thing? I didn't hear one single American the entire time I was there.

Another thing? It didn't rain once. It was pretty cold though, but this California girl managed just fine.

The top photo? That's the view from my hotel room. George Square is full of brisk-walking business people in the morning...families in the afternoon...and uh, rather loud revelers each night.



On the first day, I spotted this cute fuzzy red thing being filmed on the square.





I lost track of how many miles I walked...shopping, walking along the river, admiring the architecture.





Stopped in my tracks when I saw this shop...all three exterior sides of the building, plus the back of the interior, were covered, floor to ceiling with old sewing machines. It was amazing...



Spent the last day in Edinburgh, which 2 1/2 years ago I'd pretty much decided was about the coolest city ever, and I still feel that way. Only this time? Instead of a steady rain, I got to experience blue sky...

So anyway, I'm home and am getting settled back into the routine. There are quilts to be designed and patterns to be written, and new fabrics to drool over. I'm looking forward to getting back to work. It'll be just a bit different now tho...since a piece of my heart will forever be in Scotland.

how a crazy person passes the time...

Can't argue with Cath, right? I didn't think so either...

OK, first I have to apologize--I pride myself on always providing links to everything I talk about, but today I just don't have time. While I'm typing this I really ought to be packing--for my trip to Scotland.

Pam will be taking me to the airport--not at the crack of dawn, but waaaay before that actually. And I don't need to tell you that it takes awhile to get from here...to there.

If you've been around for awhile you may recall that I've been to Scotland twice. But that was via cruise ship, so the sum total of my time on the ground is a whopping 3 days. Which was nowhere near enough time to spend in what I knew immediately was one of my favorite places in the world. So this time it's a week. On the ground. Exploring new places and rediscovering why I fell in love with that country in the first place.

So anyway, it's been a looong wait for tomorrow...like a little kid with an advent calendar at Christmas I've been checking off the days...

I've always traveled with a beat up black case...with a broken zipper in the front pocket. I decided that would never do. So now I have a new suitcase. Red.



Thought it needed a cute luggage tag. I recalled a Moda Bake Shop project of awhile back and thanks to Angela's great idea, I now have a cute tag.



I've never been able to sleep much on planes. I actually hate flying, so that gives you an idea just how much I love Scotland. I picked up one of those travel pillows--thought that might help. But wow was the cover ever ugly. A little Red Rose Farm and some ribbon later and this is much better.



Another thing I'm ashamed to admit is that I tend to stick lots of Target bags in my suitcase--for shoes, dirty clothes, etc. Well, not this time. Pam's cute Lecien laundry bag pattern is now being used for shoes. Why the monogram? Why not?



Cindy Taylor Oates' laundry bag will be coming with me...it's super roomy and I figure when I'm ready to come home I can just shove everything right in and packing should be a breeze.



My extremely talented friend Kay of Serendipity Studio did the math for me on how to adapt her ipad bag for my new macbook...unfortunately the US Postal Service decided I really didn't need her instruction book to arrive in time so I used one of Pam's bag patterns to tide me over.



But Kay is definitely represented...the little duffel bag holds hair supplies, the lingerie bag is so pretty, and now my jewelry has it's own safe place.



For an added bit of crazy, I took a super soft wash cloth that was given to me by Jackie Clark and did what her sister Tamara would have done...and crocheted around the edges.


Now I have just one problem--there's not enough room in my new suitcase for all my pretty travel accessories. So what else could I do but dig out Kay's Bijou tote pattern and make a Red Rose Farm carry on bag? Now I'm all set.

Except for the pesky packing part.

So what will I be taking with me to work on in the evenings? Why some knitting of course...

Well that's it for me...I'll be taking my camera so you know that means lots of poor quality photos to come. Can't wait to share my trip with you!

P.S. I'd like to thank everyone for their words of support...your emails, etc mean more than you know...

still here...

I'm still here...I sure hope some of you are too. It's been kind of tough this year to keep up with blogging. There have been changes going on in my personal life--very stressful and difficult changes, but ones that will lead to better things.

I've always wanted my blog to be a happy and inspiring place, so it seemed the best thing to do would be to step back for awhile.

Having said that, I'm happy to say that I'm looking forward to taking my very first vacation alone next week--and it's a big one. More on that real soon...there will be a post coming just before I leave.

To make the time pass more quickly (I just can't wait to go!) I've been making travel items and am looking forward to sharing those with you. We're all so lucky to have access to great patterns--it's been fun stitching things up.

So because I'll be gone, Late Bloomer Quilts will be "closed" all of next week--from February 28 until March 7. Any orders received during that time will be shipped off as soon as I'm able to function back in my time zone. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

Oh, and there are a couple of bag kits and Tied with a Bow kits left...so if you were afraid you'd missed out, head on over to the website and order. If you order by Friday, noon Pacific time, I'll even get them on their way to you before I leave.

new kits!

Finally kits are arriving on my website. I've had lots of requests, and while I generally can't provide a great quantity, I'll do my best. I'm starting with two--the "Tied with a Bow" quilt as well as the cream rose version of "Frilly Farm Bag". I have an extremely limited quantity of each kit, so if you've been wanting to make either project, you might not want to wait.




Each kit contains the exact fabrics used in the original project--the quilt kit is for fabric for the top and binding, and the bag includes all cotton fabric plus the floral handle. Patterns are also included.

an upcoming class!

I'm pleased to announce that on March 19, I'll be teaching Coffee with Friends at Wooden Gate Quilts in Danville. So if you're a bay area quilter, I'd love to have you join me. I understand that some spots have already been taken, so if you're interested, you can click here and make sure you reserve your spot.

This is the quilt that was in the premier issue of The Quilt Life magazine and was designed to commemorate the drive to Houston that Pam and I made that fall.

It's an easy project and a good way to learn how to do fusible web/machine blanket stitch applique.

The class fee includes the pattern, a delicious lunch, and a pack of charm squares from my stash of vintage fabrics for you to use for some of your coffee cups, if you desire. (And if you're like me and prefer tea, you can call 'em tea cups and nobody can argue.)

Also, you might want to check my website...I'm doing lots of downsizing this year and have some great fabrics at equally great prices.

last project of 2010...

Although it feels like we just finished Quilt Market, soon it'll be time to be knee-deep in designs for Spring 2011 market in Salt Lake City. Before that happens it's good to recharge and spend some time on projects just for fun...

For me the projects don't always have to be quilts--it's fun to find something to make that I wouldn't ordinarily do. The only requirement for a "fun" project is that someone else has written the instructions.

The internet is an amazing thing. I'd gone searching for something, found a shop, found that the shop has a blog, and next thing you know, I'm making a tiny pincushion house.

Obviously mine's not Christmas themed--I used some of scraps of my Red Rose Farm as well as bits of Lecien's latest Flower Sugar. I knew I would not be capable of cutting out tiny window panes like Jo did, so embroidered mine.

It was lots of fun and I got it made in a day. I'm planning an entire village now--wouldn't a whole row of houses be darling?



It's also the last day of 2010...and I'd like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year...and may next year be filled with inspiration and creativity for all of us.

winners!

Somehow everything got past me this Christmas...well, except for the shortbread. Ended up making endless quantities of that.

Don't even have any festive photos...the best I can do is a picture from the Sharks game I attended awhile back. Of course for me, that's very festive.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas...and while it's too late to get these prizes out in time, I'm pleased to announce:

Blop wins the fabric (hey, there, blop!)

And Sentimentally Me wins the patterns.

Please send your mailing addresses to latebloomerquilts@yahoo.com...I actually do have the packages ready to go...

P.S. Last few days for free shipping on my website...and fabric bundles have been added and more goodies will be added in the days and weeks to come (including quilts!)

I'm someplace else today

Where? Over here! How exciting to have Pat Sloan ask me to do a guest post for her blog while she's on vacation. Those are pretty happy shoes to fill, let me tell you...

Pat's blog is an easy place to spend endless time, but before you go over there, you might want to leave a comment...I've got two giveaways going--one for a fq bundle of Red Rose Farm, and the other winner will receive a copy of each new Late Bloomer Quilts pattern, including the new ones from Pam.




Also, there's still time to order a Fun Flowers kit--and free shipping continues on all patterns ordered from my website, and if you order two or more patterns you'll receive a fq of Red Rose Farm. There are also some patterns that have been deeply discounted, so you might want to wander around a bit...

fun flowers

Every year around this time, Holly of LakeHouse Dry Goods hosts an event that's lots of fun for everyone...plus benefits a good cause. I've been lucky enough to have been involved in the past, and I'm happy that this year is no exception.

Holly has designed an adorable twin size quilt using her just as adorable "Fun Flowers" fabric collection. It's a super easy to make twin sized quilt, and the kit can be purchased here, and all details are available via that link as well.

Here's the great part: for every quilt kit purchased thru my website, Holly will make a donation to my favorite animal charity--Tri Valley Animal Rescue--a wonderful organization that finds homes for animals in my area.



It's not just about guinea pigs here--Melvin shares the place with Presley, Rosie, and Jane. All of whom were rescue animals. This week, my son Eric's cat, almost 6 year old Huey, is here while he's on vacation. Without caring foster parents from TVAR, at his age, Huey would not have had a chance--but because of them, he and Eric have been the best of friends for the last year.



If you know Holly at all, you know that rescuing animals is near and dear to her heart...I'm so glad she's chosen this cause for her event this year.

Please go to her blog--she's got lots of fun things going on including giveaways you won't want to miss!