Spring Is Here

I love that nice cool, crisp morning that turns into a warm and sunny day. Today is one of those days and it inspires me to clean and do things. I just finished another book for Leisure Arts and another design for Better Homes and Gardens. I can't wait for these to be published. So fun.

There are only two more weeks until Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. Whoo! Hoo! I should have my new fabrics, Funky Flowers, in my hot little hands by then. I am so stoked about this line of fabric. Lots of fun and great colors. Lots of work until then too.

In between, I am going to squeeze in some time to work on a bit of this cute Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. Liesl was generous enough to offer the scraps and templates and I am going to be the happy recipient! I have always wanted to try this piecing technique. Her quilt is inspiring.

I had a great time at my LYS, The Woolly Lamb in Pennington, NJ. I bought a wide range of yarns to play with. Some ideas will be put together for a new knitting book idea. I love the Lantern Moon Circulars though I reserve comment on their customer service. Let's just say that, for the money that I spent on the needles, I was less than impressed. I would give them a second chance because they seemed awfully nice when I met them at Quilt Market. Sorry, customer service is a little pet peeve of mine.

On Tuesday, I went into NYC to meet up with my fabric company. The drive was HORRIBLE but it worked out in the end because I came home all inspired. I dropped by Tinsel Trading too because it is right across the street from the fabric company. I am in love with that store! If you are ever in NYC go there for the most amazing silk flowers, trim and other goodies.

On the way home I stopped by Angelfire Studios in Warren. This store has a cool selection of yarns and she offers pottery classes too. Sigh! So many possible projects with so little time to do them!

Sew Eggciting!

I know, it's a bit corny but you know what? I'm in the mood for Spring, Easter and Sewing. It's my birthday this week and I must say that yesterday I received some fab mail. I think that the stars are shining on me this week!

Look what I received from Debra, at Leisure Arts. These are early copies of my two new books. Whoo! Hoo! It was like Christmas here when I opened the mail and the poor ladies at my local quilt shop were probably tired of hearing me talk non-stop. [sorry guys]

First, newNoel is my new holiday book. It is full of fun and quick designs. You have to check it out. Toby, owner of Kindred Quilts [www.kindredquilts.com] here in Clinton is putting together a sample of the poinsettia pillow. She even has the black and tan checker fabric. I bought a ton of that fabric. It is so sophisticated without being fuddy duddy and it compliments the brights very well.

My second book is actually the premiere issue of iKnit. I am the featured designer and I'm so happy with how this came out. The projects are fast and oh so cute!

More later as I have a lot of work this week. Enjoy!