Spring Market Quick Recap! 2013

Oh my---so many things to show from my trip to Portland for Quilt Market. It was such a blast. I got to hang with the lovely three--Linzee, Jenny, and Codi. And, we ate our way around Portland, sampling Voodoo Doughnuts, tasty local brews, and Salt & Straw's amazing selection of ice cream. It was pretty amazing----oh, and there was a quilt show too! ha. 

My favorite flavor. 

I tried out some new looks!

I tried out some new looks!

Iowa is just packed with creative ladies!
L to R: Linzee, Codi, Vanessa, Jenny, Me

 Happiness is the International Rose Test Garden! Oh how I wish we had scratch n' sniff blog. This place was so beautiful and divine.

My lemon thyme marinated chevre, tomato, balsamic mushroom, spinach waffle at the Waffle Window--yum! 

Bollywood Theater---by far THE. BEST. INDIAN. FOOD. EVER. EVER! 

Voodoo doughnut smiles. 

Codi loves it when I want to cuddle! :) 

The lovely ladies of Oliver + S, Made by Rae, and Wiksten

And, finally, Amy Sedaris now has a line of fabric with Windham! I think that I'd like to be an adopted member of the Sedaris family-----Thanksgiving's with David and Amy---sure, why not!? ha. Amy and I could chat fabric and crafts while David tells us stories. I can just see it! 

While at the Windham booth, I was lucky enough to get a fabulous little fat quarter bundle of her upcoming line "I Like You." It's pretty bold and wild, but as it should be right? 

There's a great catalog with Miss Amy herself in a few little get-ups made with her line and home decor galore featuring her ric arc and tulip designs. It's pretty great---check it out. 

 

I think my favorite might be this bold, stained glass-like print full of color. It would make a great dress. 

One of my favorite parts of market is always stopping by the booth of hand dyed Akonye Kena textiles. These fabrics are just so beautiful! I love the colors and always wish I had bought more--every time! 

You can really see the variation of color in this one. 

Mustard Gals

At this year's Quilt Market in Houston, I walked past a group of three women, two of which were wearing mustard-colored items. Thinking, "Hmm...who are those hip ladies?"......I stopped, introduced myself, and soon learned it was none other than Iowa's own Michele Rosenboom (winner of the Printed Bolt's Repeat contest), and Ellen and Madeleine who run The Printed Bolt's contest. They were just so delightful to meet. Michele's work is beautiful and was featured in a gorgeous quilt made by Iowa's other darlings---Modern Quilt Relish.  
I bumped into Ellen a few more times over the weekend, and a month or so ago they asked me to be one of the judges for this year's contest on The Printed Bolt. (yay!) I am so excited.

Well, yesterday, the list of judges became public. So, I can actually talk about it now.
In the company of some really outstanding others, I am so so honored to take part in this project. I can't wait to see the entries and creative solutions. Check out the other judges below----whoa. right? :)

BIG NEWS!

Although, I have "officially" announced it in the realm of Facebook and to lots of people in person, I just realized I haven't had the chance to dedicate a blog post to this topic yet.
As of a couple of weeks ago, I am now a licensed fabric designer for Marcus Fabrics out of NY. Yeah!!!
This has been such a whirlwind couple of years.....leaving Florida and my full time gig there, pursuing this avenue of artistic creation.....and now, actually securing a contract with such a fantastic company that is a perfect fit for me. I am just filled with joy about all of it.

Marcus has been around for quite some time, well known in the industry for reproduction fabrics and quality, useable textiles. They recently expanded into the Modern Quilting market with their Studio 37 line of modern quilting fabrics. This is the line I'll be a part of, and I am thrilled!

Last month at the KC Quilt Market, I had the chance to meet the women I'll be working with, who were such a delightful, enthusiastic and welcoming bunch. We are in the process of getting the designs in order and moving ahead. Hopefully, the lines will be available at the Fall Quilt Market in Houston. I will definitely have up-to-date info on the blog and on my Facebook design page. So, stay tuned!

Here are a few pics I took of the Marcus booth at market.

I am quite in love with those pink and orange patterns. They remind me of fresh little kiwis! 

 Hustle and Bustle!

 This quilt makes me want to head to Door County and relax by Sister Bay!

 I just adored these two quilts. The colors are so bright, fun, and fresh!