On the road again, or still...

Depends on how you look at it. Mom and I are vending this weekend at the Gennessee Valley Quilt Guild Show at the campus of RIT in Rochester, NY. It's a lovely show with tons of quilts. 

Did I mention this guild has close to 400 members and there's close to 1,000 quilts hanging here???

We're crashing now at the hotel after day one but we will be here the rest of the weekend if you're in the area. Stop on by and say hi!

Almost back

I don't quite have the feeling that I'm "back in the swing of things". As soon as the jet-lag wore off enough that I could get my bearings I realized we are traveling again later this week and I had a ton of stuff I needed to get done.

I've been busy quilting and piecing some new versions of quilts from Seamingly Scrappy for the MAAFRA show next week. I'm almost done piecing the second top and I want to try to get another one done tomorrow... We'll see.

But anywho, how was your weekend? We had a couple nice picnics with family and it was great to just relax, even if for a short time. It was a little chilly around our places so it wasn't the typical "start of summer" we're used to. It was a bit rainy and breezy, but we were still able to enjoy the company.

Growing up, I didn't have a relative that had served for our country and looking back I can honestly say I was blind to the true meaning of Memorial Day. Now that I married the son of a Marine, that has all changed. I was able to talk with my F-I-L yesterday and catch up a bit. He's a truck driver and is on the road quite a bit so we don't get to see each other much, but we can still talk from time to time which is nice.

It's definitely different from the 5 1/2 years he spent driving truck in Iraq. I was just looking through old pictures and found these from when he first went over to Iraq.

We're so glad he made it home safe as well as his twin brother (who also drove truck in Iraq for about a year or so). I know it was rough for him but he made the decision to go and we supported him. He met many fine servicemen and women while he was gone and man other fine citizens who chose to work in a warzone. Sadly, not all of them were able to make it back home to their families.

As much as I would like to think I understand the meaning of Memorial Day, I know I will never truly understand the sacrifices made like those that have lost loved ones. I would like to thank all of those people that chose to make the sacrifices for freedom and pray for the fallen.

I'm blaming jet-lag...

So sorry for the delay, but I am soooo exhausted after market. It could be the fact that we landed in Cleveland after midnight on Tuesday and didn't go to bed until after 3am...

It also could be the fact that my crazy dog now feels the need to play with his squeaky chicken all hours of the day (including between 1-6am, just maybe)

But it also could be that I had an absolutely amazing time and met so many awesome people and chatted my little self out. (But I still have my voice!) That and all of the amazing ideas and inspiration I got while there are hoarding what little brain function I have left until I catch up on sleep.

This time around at Market was a bit different for me since it was the first Market since my book came out and I had some new responsibilities with that, but also since I had my first booth!

 I had to keep it simple since everything needed to be either packed in a suitcase or shipped across country so I knew it would arrive safe and sound. I packed the booth full of quilts from my book, Seamingly Scrappy, and the two new Alphabet Stitchery patterns.

 On the other side of the booth I used some burlap ribbon and these colorful placemats (no I did not weave them myself and yes I was asked that several times) to showcase all of the other patterns that are currently on the market.

Now, with everything you do there is a learning curve. With writing my first book, there was a HUGE learning curve. With writing my first pattern to now my 20th, still a learning curve.

But with setting up a booth at Quilt Market, yet another HUGE learning curve. The things I learned included:

1. Pack lighter. I packed way too much stuff I didn't end up using and over estimated on certain things. I know better now and will use that knowledge in the future.

2. When you have a booth at Market, you don't get to "visit" as much as you'd like with other booths. I really thought I'd have more time to get out and see the show, but I didn't... And that's fine. It meant I was busy!

3. Bring help that isn't as excited about the show and fabrics as you are. I brought my Mom with me and she was a big help, but between the two of us, we now have a dream plan of making 150,000 quilts before the end of summer... My Hubby would have been a nice help in the booth to let me escape from time to time and he wouldn't have been distracted by all of the new wonderfulness that is Market. Hopefully next year he can come.

4. Expect the unexpected. Luckily the show was great, the people were wonderful and Portland was, well, interesting. I say luckily because with all of the insanity between book signings, Schoolhouse, the booth and just the world that is Market, Mom and I made it through the show just fine. On the way to the airport however, both of us at almost the same moment as we're hauling 4 large suitcases, 2 carry-ons, our purses and coats and things, both of us broke wheels on the largest bags at almost the exact same moment on the way to the train... So instead of us each pushing one bag and hauling one with a carry-on attached... we were pushing one bag and dragging the rest. We didn't have much further to go, but still. We were just grateful we were on the way home and not on the way to the show.

But anywho, we had a blast, would do it all again in a heartbeat and still need a bit of recovery time before I feel back up to normal. I'm so excited for next year since the show will be in Pittsburgh, PA! I can drive and bring much more fun stuff for the booth. We'll have to see what unfurls between now and then.

Before I go though, I had to show this booth. I'll admit that I just downloaded the pictures from my trip and sadly I took 4... You're seeing 3 of them in this post. How pathetic is that?! I did take some on my iPod, but they're not really great enough to show. More or less just scenery of the Portland area while on the train. Anywho (back to the subject), this booth was just down the aisle from us and everything in it was fuzzy in one way or another.

Not only did it mesmerize all of the attendees at Market, all of us vendors were in love with it too. I can't tell you how many people would just instinctively walk up and start petting the fabrics. Some were so in love with the fuzzy pink stuff covering the poles for the booth I watched a lady play with it for quite awhile!

But alas, I'm home and getting back to normal. Everything is unpacked, orders have been sent out and the Seamingly Scrappy Trunk Show is on the road (more on that later). I'm sorry I don't have more to share, but I'm not too worried because as I said, it means I was busy!

However, if you were at Market and have anything you'd like to share, please e-mail me at RubyBlueQuilts (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll be more than glad to share it on here!

Bags are packed!

We're currently sitting at the airport ready to go home. Portland was a great time and I'm so glad I made the decision to come. Right now however I am missing my bed something fierce (and my Hubbin too), but my bed and my pillow...

We've gotten our workouts hauling luggage to and from the show, setting up and tearing down, and I am one sore puppy.

Here's the booth torn down just one hour after the show closed. We meant business and it went so well. I'll post more goodies later as I can!

Machine Quilting: O-H! I-O!

Now I know some hard core Ohio State University fans, but I honestly don't think there's one that tops Darlene.

 Planning ahead for the Fall football season, these lap quilts will be done with time to spare! This first quilt I was told was intended to be a "guy" quilt.

 These All Over Leaves are great for a "guy" quilt. They fill the area nicely and can look tribal. Loops and flowers just don't work for guys...

 This next quilt was a bit more feminine, especially with the floral border. But that border was the thing that tied the pinwheel points together with the rest of the quilt and didn't make them too loud.

 I quilted this with Mittens. This design is soft and flowing.

It really showed up nicely on the back. I love how the Fireside or Snuggles by Moda quilt up and give so much dimension to the quilting. On more custom quilts the backing can look sculpted and amazing!

Do you know a Buckeye fan that would love quilts like these? O-H!

Ready to go!

Doors open in a few minutes! Ready to go here in the booth!

New Stitchery Patterns!!!

With Market in full swing today, it's time to release the new Stitchery designs!!!

 I love drawing these designs and the dinosaurs were so much fun. To come up with the different designs I actually consulted my nephew and played around with fun bright colors. There's a flying pterodactyl, a T-Rex, a stegosaurus and many many more!

Sometimes it's a bit more fun to find the right fabrics to match the stitchery designs. This was one of them. Luckily my friend Dottie had a ton of these fabrics at her shop and I added in a few more to get the colors just right. This theme was tough coming up with different designs that would look right. In this stitchery you will find some planets among the stars, an exploring astronaut, an alien and his spaceship, and a few other neat things.

Remember that each design contains 10 stitchery blocks and 14 pieced blocks to finish at 40" x 48". To make the quilt a bit larger, just add borders! Each design will be printed full size on an individual sheet as clear as day. Most designs can be used as a stitchery as I've done or as applique!

Also, you may find it fun to try out some fabric pencils or paints to color in the designs to make them stand out a bit more. The options are endless.

These designs join the Alphabet Stitchery line already including:

Bugs Bugs Bugs

Bundle of Joy

Farm Animals

Jungle Animals

Noah's Ark

Sea Creatures

So which one will you make first?

New Moos!!!

Well, one moo so far really. Last week I just missed the first calf being born by just minutes! I was so busy that day I wasn't able to run over and get pictures. Then it rained and the little rascal was hiding in the barn for awhile, but I was able to finally get pictures later in the week!

 He's too stinkin' cute! He's finally losing that wobbly awkward stage and moving a bit more confident now.

 He's just the first of five calves to be born this year hopefully.

 This day was still a bit on the rainy side, but it really showed off the colors in the trees as they're greening up! I have to say I really love that this is just one of my views while I quilt!

 I think this cow is the next to have a calf, but I could be wrong. Bud (the neighbor who owns these cows) thought she would be first...

Momma is being super protective and that's just fine for a sleepy little bull calf! I can't wait for more to come!

Machine Quilting: Waterfalls

Darlene made this version of Judy Niemeyer's Waterfalls for her niece as a graduation present.

 I love the colors! Darlene had her niece pick the colors, then she picked the quilt and showed her niece when the top was finished and she loves it!

 She asked for a bit of extra quilting so I quilted waves in each of the panels and the borders. Then to soften the black border some pebbles were added.

 It really does look like a waterfall now!

I love how the fireside on the back really shows the quilting. This quilt was a ton of fun to quilt and I know it will be treasured!

Thanks, Darlene! You amaze me with how many quilts you're getting done! Congrats! Keep up the good work!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Actually more like left. And arrived. We're exhausted and crashing in our hotel before we begin setting up my booth tomorrow. Although while I'm typing this it is tomorrow at home...

This time adjustment is going to be interesting... Post more soon!

Almost Ready!

I'm almost finished packing for Spring Market and I'm super excited!

This year I will have my first booth and have a jam-packed schedule I wanted to share with you:

Thursday you can find me at Room B110/111 from 4:55-5:25 for a Schoolhouse Session. It should be an energy packed fun experience to learn more about my book, Seamingly Scrappy, and the Seamingly Scrappy Technique.

Friday you can find me at Brewer's booth #2214 at 11am for a book signing.

Sunday you can find me at Martingale's booth #1536 at 11:30am for a book signing.

Otherwise, you can always find me at my booth #2949 where I'll have several of the quilts from the book and a couple new stitchery patterns (I'll show those later this week).

I'm getting to that stage where I feel like I'm forgetting something and it's so sad because I haven't even finished packing yet...

Wish me luck and stop on by and say hi if you're coming to Spring Market!!! I can't wait!

Machine Quilting: Happy Giddy Bliss

There are quilts that i just can't wait to start working on and they just make you happy. This quilt was one of those.

 This quilt was a sample Leslie made for the shop a while back and it's just so fun and bright. This pattern is Hugs & Kisses by Julie Herman from Jaybird Quilts. This is a great pattern for jelly rolls or batik bundles like Leslie used!

 Leslie is planning to give this as a wedding gift later this year and asked for a little extra quilting. I ran this plan by her and she said yes...

I mimicked the straight lines in the background diamonds and broke up all of the straight lines with waves. I used a light yellow front and back, it blends well and doesn't overpower these bright fabrics. Not that much could overpower them really!

 I will admit, the day I quilted this it was gloomy and rainy. This was a little ray of sunshine indoors but with the brightness, I did have to take a few breaks to let my eyes rest, but it was soooo much fun!

 One of my favorite moments is when I'm done quilting and flipping it over to see how the back looks. With this design the straight lines disappeared when I had them horizontally to the light, but if I flipped it just a bit...

 Then all of the quilting was visible. I hope the newlyweds like this quilt! Thanks, Leslie!

Big Rapids Recap

So Mom and I packed up the van and drive on up to Big Rapids,MI for a One Stop Shop Hop type show. It was quite warm (warmer than we expected) and we met some amazing people from all over.

I tried to blog during the show and accidentally posted to the Moda Bake Shop blog (sorry!). I only got one saved picture of the booth but I was able to use my new panorama feature and it was too cool! Now off to repack my bags and get ready for Spring Market!

Home from Big Rapids

Mom and I just got home from a show in Big Rapids, MI. I'm exhausted and about to fall asleep on my couch, but I'll be back tomorrow with updates and pictures!

Quilting with noises

Normally when you're quilting, you can listen to the machine and know a few things. Just by listening, you can hear if your bobbin is running low, if it's time for a new needle, if the machine could use a little oil, those types of things.

Now I'm a noise kinda person. I have to have music on or the tv for background noise almost all day long. When I discovered Pandora it changed my life and that's the first thing I do when I am getting the machine started up - turn on Pandora.

But there are days that there are weird noises while I'm quilting. Some of them may just be in the background, some may be a bit louder. Sometimes I can hear the tv in the other room or noises from the kitchen if someone's cooking or baking. You know you live "in the sticks" however, when the sound you hear above the running machine is your brother testing out his turkey call the day before opening season...

Last week however, it was a different noise altogether... It was a noise from a furry member of the family.

 No, it's not these two. They're passed out and could care less I'm walking around the house taking pictures, but it's not them.

 I could hear the snoring from a particular Chocolate Lab who likes to sleep in this chair. She's tucked in so small in there. Want to see how small a 90 lb. lab can curl up?

Trust me, this is pretty small for her. This is Hershey, Mom's dog and she is soooooo stinking funny. She always sleeps in this chair (which she's allowed to be in) but as soon as she realizes you are in the same room as her she immediately gets out and moves elsewhere. I have never heard her snore so loud I could hear it above the long-arm machine running before. That's insane!

I have video of her playing and if I can upload it I'll have to share it with you. She's a brute and she's probably the clumsiest looking dog in motion I have ever seen. It could be due to the fact she's blind in one eye, but that doesn't really seem to slow her down. Not. One. Bit. Gotta love her!