How fun!  We got invited to play with Holly Holderman's Dolly Dress Up Blog Event.  Holly created these darling panels and asked 15 different designers to "create" a little taste treat for this blog event.

 

When Holly asked us (me and Kaye Wickman--my fairy godmother and amazing quilt sample maker) to  “play” dress-up for this blog event we were excited.  We brought the "Dolly Dress Up" panels back to the shop, pulled out our Lakehouse fabric collection and we dove into our collection of ric-rac, ribbons, buttons and bows.

 

Soon, we decided it would be a team effort...We call ourselves the "Scrappy Dolly Dress team".

 

We then asked for assistance from Sammie Belanger, our resident “embellishment” queen and stitchery instructor at my quilt shop, Fresh Picked Fabrics.  She worked her magic creating aprons, vests, necklaces, collars and other frou frous.  Sammie passed it back to Kaye, who added her own finishing touches with flair.

 

Quilter and customer, Carrie Wright advised us along the way and had a vision for putting the blocks and quilt together.  At the shop, we are know as the Ric Rac Queens, carrying all 42 colors of  JUMBO ric rac, Carrie decided we had to use JUMBO ric rac on the project.  She “shadowboxed” the dress blocks with the jumbo ric rac and decided to do “scrappy” sashings and a nine patch.  She also created an amazing “scrappy” binding.

 

Ginger Grimes, my go-to girl at Threaded Pear Studio, pattern company, is also an amazing long arm quilter.  She agreed to take on the challenge and I let her run with it.  After working long hours into several nights (and getting a little punchy) we saw “our” masterpiece on the Gammill quilting machines (she used both the Statler Stitcher computerized machine and the Premier hand guided mchine) and we jumped for joy!  Ginger used the Karen McTavish’s trapunto technique of adding “fluff” in certain areas of the quilt. Then Ginger, did some tiny tiny micro stippling around the dresses.  She finished quilting the sashing then we all decided we could not be happier “parents” of  these Scrappy Dolly Dresses.

 

 

 

We will have the panels and a Ric Rac kits available for purchase.  The kit will include  about 10 yards of Jumbo and tiny ric rac for embellishing the dresses and "shadowbox sashing.  We will also include detailed photos of each block for your inspiration.   Drop us an email at quiltersbuzz@gmail.com to get on the sign up list.  Kits and panels should ship in April.

 

 

We the “Scrappy Dolly Dress Team” have had a creative adventure working on this project.

 

Thanks for letting us play!

 

Gina Halladay, head engineer and team captain

 

Kaye Wickman, fairy godmother and project leader

 

Sammie Belanger, queen of bedazzling

 

Carrie Wright, Piece maker

 

Ginger Grimes, long arm guru

Houston. Quilt Market. Frolicing in Fabric.  Need I say more?

Yup, Quilt Market starts tomorrow and I am very excited to re-connected with many in the quilt industry as I roam the aisles at the Houston convention center for the next few days.  I join hundreds of quilt shop owners from around the world who are here to buy products to fill their shop at the International Quilt Market.

New fabrics, trims, patterns, and people...are all very inspiring for a quilter like me.

I ran into Amy Butler, (one of my biggest blog supporters and inspirational people), her hubby David and Amy's cute dad.  She showcased her newest fabrics "Love" --both quilting weight and home dec weight-- and new patterns, pillows, bags and other goodies in a presentation given today. (See the free-downloadable "Sexy Hexy" quilt)

She and hundreds of other vendors "fluffed" and put the finishing touches on their booths today to ready for the opening of market tomorrow.

Here are a few photos...to more to come!

(Amy Butler's Dad and husband helping to set up the booth--I call them "quilters eye candy")

 

 

Exciting news! I am in Atlanta, GA meeting with the "Sixth Man" travel team.  We are working out the details of booking an entire cruise ship for a quilting adventure next summer.

The Sixth Man rents a boat (ok, it is really a ship) and fills it with "like-minded people"--like us--who are looking for a wonderful crafting adventure.  (They have an Elvis cruise in the works--for those Elvis fans and impersonators!)

I will be hiring quilting talents and designers to lecture and teach and to entertain all on board. 

Do you want to play?  I will be posting more details as they come. 

In case you have missed me and posts on Quilter's Buzz...I have been busy opening a quilt shop,"Fresh Picked Fabrics" in Yorba Linda, CA.

  Then, soon after opening, decided to move to a bigger location (7500 sq feet! yikes) in the same complex!  We move early July.  Find us at 3810 Prospect Ave. #A in Yorba Linda, CA  92886  714-223-1701.

I missed going to quilt market (and missed all my friends!), but caught up by reading everyone else's blogs and facebook entries. 

I plan on getting back on track and writing more on Quilter's Buzz! 

 

 

 “Now that I am a quilt shop owner, I am always on the search for great fabrics and fun projects. And when I saw that Kay MacKenzie was writing a book about appliqué…I was interested in her work. 

 

Then when I saw the word “easy” in the title, I knew I was really interested.   Don’t get me wrong, I love appliqué, I just needs it to be fast and easy.

 

And I think I found the place….for 50 easy designs in 5 different sizes!  We plan to use this “Easy Applique Blocks” book in our “beginning appliqué” classes.

 

Kay has generously donated a book for the reader’s of Quilter’s Buzz. 

 

COMMENT TO WIN!

Tell me what you think about the “A” word book and Kay will pick a random winner from the comments placed today, April 4 by midnight Pacific Time.

 

 

Fun for all! 

I have been working with a event planner/travel company, "the Sixthman" to plan a quilting/crafting cruise in the spring of 2010.

My dream has been to book the whole dang cruise ship with quilters!

Yup, the whole ship and all of it's events and activities dedicated to us crafty bunch!  There will be guest lecturers with artists and designers, sewing and quilting classes, demos, all-night sewing spectaculars, ...and more.

And Andy, at the Sixthman, is going to help me do it.  Andy works to "create unique experiences by bringing together like-minded people in exclusive, interactive and intimate environments". 

Right now, he hosts events with Rock Stars.

He shares my vision and we are working to make it happen

A week ago, Andy invited me to go on a cruise "to see how his people" do it and to talk business. The crazy part is, I am leaving today with the hubby! (I haven't been that spontaneous since college--hard to do with 4 kids , I guess!)

I will be going on the "John Mayer" cruise (bummer, probably no Jennifer Aniston because of the break up andl all!). John will be playing (along with 15 other bands!) on this 5 day event.

I will be working on the details and date and doing cruise business talk on deck chairs---so we can book "our" event. I will keep you posted. 

We will be porting in Cabo, I will try not to share a pig's head and chicken feet with you this time!

I am taking my camera, And hey I might get some good "quilter goes Paparazzi" photos!

COMMENT AND WIN!

Have you been on a quilting cruise?  What is the best thing about it?  Comment and win.  The Prize?  Since I am trying to book a GIANT cruise, the randomly picked comment, will win 20 yards of GIANT Ric Rac.  Make a comment by April 4 at midnight Pacific time.

 

 

Being Blue Jean “Green”!

Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose And Reduce.

 

My sister sent me this link with the instructions for making a jean quilt from your jean scraps.  She promises it is "easy and fast".

 

The pattern is a free pattern called “Doreen’s Circle quilt” and is on the equilters.com site.  Look on the site for the free pattern.

 

There are several other posting of other who made quilts with this pattern.  And about a thousand other FREE downloadable patterns…

 

I wonder what this circle quilt would look like using an Amy Butler canvas print and jeans…it got me thinking….

 

Photos thanks to equilters.com.

 

 

Haven’t sewn since seventh grade home ec? Need to jump start your “I Can Do It Myself” mode?

 

Heather Ross has written a book, “Weekend Sewing” full of 40 projects and ideas for inspired stitching!

 

Perhaps this book will inspire you to reclaim sewing and the need to create!

 

Heather Ross is a designer of fabrics--for both Free Spririt Fabrics and Kokka--,fashion projects, sewing pattern and stationery goods.  You can check out her website at Heather Ross Designs.

 

She often is a guest teacher at Purl Patchwork in New York where she lives and recently held a book signing there.

 

I received a copy of the book for review.  And the first thing I noticed was the full sized paper patterns tucked behind both sleeves of the book’s front and back…making it even easier to get started on one of the many “doable” projects in this book.

 

Projects include totes, aprons, pillowcases, pajamas, sundress, skirts, baby bloomers and more.  Plus, a whole chapter on sewing basics and tips. 

 

There are full colored photos and graphics/illustrations throughout the book.  Each project in the book is meant to be completed in a weekend!  This book would make a beautiful gift—for yourself!

 

The girls at Purl posted an interview with Heather at their blog The Purl Bee.

Here is what Heather had to say about the arrival of her first book:

“A few weeks ago a friend turned to me and said "I am so sorry your book is launching during such a rough economy." The only thing I could think to say in response was "Oh no, you've got this all wrong!"

I think this is the perfect time for Weekend Sewing! I have been so moved these past months by how much people seem to want to do for themselves and their families in an effort to be more self sufficient, and by how many of us have discovered the opportunity for creative expression that exists in doing so.”

Read the complete interview on the Purl Bee blog.

Available now. Suggested retail $27.50.  On Amazon for $18.15.  Also check out your local quilt shop.

I dedicate this post and photos to my vegetarian daughter.

 

I recently traveled to the Mexican Riviera (thanks to my generous Mother-in-law!) and I learned a bit about Mexico and Mexican cooking--I even made homemade tortillas and salsa.

 

 I did a bit of shopping in a flea market and meat market. Here are some photos of some interesting sights and SMELLS (if you can only imagine!)   Besides the beef stomach, hoofs and pig heads…

 

 FOREIGN FABRIC FOUND!

 

I also found a fabric store right in the middle of downtown Mazatlan.  What caught my eye was the name of the fabric store, "Modatelas"—Can it be Moda's "sister store"?  Nah, I don't think so!  But they had lots of colorful fabrics,  I found only three bolts of fabric that were 100% cotton in the whole store.

 

I bought some cute fabric that has some polyester in it for $16 Pecos a meter.  I think it was about $1.75  per yard.  Here is how my transaction took place. 

 

 

1. They called a clerk to cut my fabric.
2. She cut it the put it on a shelf near the cash register and gave me a ticket.
3. I went to check out and gave the girl my ticket.
4. The girl gave my ticket to a man.
5. The man looked at my ticket and found my fabric (Mind, you I was the only customer checking out at the time AND the fabric was on a shelf RIGHT NEXT to the cash register!)
6. The man examined my ticket and the ticket that was on the fabric and determined it was a match.
7. The girl rang my sale up.
8. I gave her my American Express.
9. It did not work.
10. The man informed me I had “No Money!”
11. I used another credit card.
12. Apparently, I had money on that one.
13. Numbers were punched, papers were signed and I was sent to another part of the check out area.
14. I waited to receive my fabric (which is still on a shelf RIGHT NEXT to the place I checked out!)
15. The man came back, checked my receipt AND ticket again.
16. He got the fabric off the shelf.  Checked the ticket on the fabric to make sure it was still a match! 
17. And he finally gave me my fabric. Whew!

 

And I want to give it to you. FABRIC GIVEAWAY!

 

Make a comment by March 5 at midnight Pacific Time.  You will be entered to win.  I will pick a winner. I will mail you the Mazatlan fabric from Modetelas, PLUS some fabric from Moda, in Dallas, TX.  I promise not to send you any pig’s heads!

 

Fresh Picked Fabrics

 

…for quilting, crafting and sewing

 

 

As I See it:

 

Hello friends, I am happy to announce that we came up with our name for the quilt/fabric shop.  I loved most all of the name suggestions sent our way—they were truly inspiring and helped us work our way to the name we did pick: “Fresh Picked Fabrics”.

 

Our shop is located in Yorba Linda, CA (near Disneyland and the Richard Nixon Museum) and we are madly buying fabrics and notions to fill up our 2000 square feet of space—a pretty fun activity—until the bills come due!

A Change of Plans...

 

Originally, we (my partner Pamala and I) intended to buy an existing shop located near by—we were pretty far into the process of the sale when the purchase date kept getting pushed back—from September, to October, to November, to December.  In the meantime, we had ordered up fabric (while at Quilt Market in October) planning on a Dec. 31 close date and a Jan. 1 opening.  Then, we were devastated when the close date got pushed back to February. We got anxious and worried that perhaps the sale was not going to happen—and we had fabric coming in everyday!  So we decided to do it on our own!

 

Coming up with a name for the shop has been the hardest part!  Buying fabric, patterns and notions is the fun part.

Many Things To Learn...A New Perspective

 

I thought I would share a few things I learned along the way…

 

In writing Quilter’s Buzz, I get the chance to meet with fabric designers, heads of fabric companies, designers, pattern makers, magazine editors, and other movers and shakers in the industry.  I see and play with new notions, gadgets, trims and frills.

 

I write about the things that I love. 

 

However, my perspective has changed a bit when I am actually buying fabric as a “quilt shop owner”.  I now see things through the different eyes…and the question I now have to ask is “Will this sell?  I know that I love it, but will the consumer love it?

 

Do I buy the whole line of just a few select bolts?  What sample will I make with the fabric line?  And probably the worst part of buying fabric is that you have to make a decision fast.  You have no time to “dream and think” about whether you will buy a fabric line or not.  If you wait, the line –or part of the line--is sold out, or is on back order—with no guarantee that any of the line will be re-printed.

 

And the other question of how much to buy…I have to think about buying extra bolts of certain fabrics for borders, backing and making kits.  Holiday fabrics present a bit of a dilemma too.  Not only how much to buy, but what are you going to do when Halloween is over but you still have witches and goblins on the bolt!

I am sure I have many lessons to learn and will make plenty of mistakes along the way.  But, I am excited the adventure.

 

Where To Find Fresh Picked Fabrics:

 

We are looking forward to hosting friendship groups and will have a full calendar of classes.

 

“Fresh Picked Fabrics” is open now with a BIG grand opening slated for March 27 through April 4.  We are located in the same suite as Cranberry Quiltworks, my Gammill dealership; and Threaded Pear Studio, my pattern company:

 

Find us at: 3900 Prospect Ave. Unit G in Yorba Linda, CA 92886.  Call or email me and I will get you on the mailing list. 

Phone: 714-223-1701 Email: FreshPickedFabrics@gmail.com.

 

Thanks for your support and kindness.

Gina

 

PS I am working on a logo!

 

I am excited to be in the process of opening a new quilt shop (yeah!) in Yorba Linda, CA.   I have been browsing through catalogs, meeting with sales reps and ordering up fabric (See my pink skulls fabric photo below!) and notions. (Fun!, but time consuming!)

 

NO NAME YET!

However, the shop is yet to be named—I am asking for you help!  Do you have a suggestion…for a name? 

 

My business partner, Pamala, and I agreed that we would like the word “fabric” in the name.  Please email me your suggestions at quiltersbuzz@gmail.com by Sunday.  If we pick your name, we will send you a whole bunch of great stuff!

 

Our shop is open now, but our official grand opening will be in late March. Lucky for me, the podcast quilting queen, Annie Smith, stopped by (on her cross country quilting adventure tour) for a podcast interview with me and a quick tour of the new shop.  She posted the interview and photos of our shop on her Simply Arts site. 

 

In browsing my supply catalogs, I keep running across the word mercerized and I have always wondered what the heck does being mercerized mean…and maybe you have too.   I have seen it associated with fabric, thread and even ric rac.

 

And I am the jumbo Ric Rac queen…I have 30 colors of it available for sale now ($1.49/yd) at the new shop and on my www.CranberryQuiltworks.com website—(Thanks Mike!) It was just listed on the website today!

 

Anyway, back to the mercerization…

 

My new FaceBook friend and Aurifil thread guy, Alex Veronelli, sets me straight:

 

Says Alex:

 

Before dying any cotton, we need to proceed to its mercerization. What is mercerization: it is a treatment for thread mostly used to give cotton a lustrous appearance. . Mercerized cotton is a cotton thread that has been treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

 

Who knew?

 

Oh yeah, we will be carrying Aurifil thread at the “un-named” shop--it is the best for piecing.

 

It is so fun when the UPS man comes with boxes of goodies.

 

 

 

Find us at:

 

“Yet To Be Named Quilt Shop”

3900 Prospect Ave. Unit G

Yorba Linda, CA  92886

714-223-1701