Getting Perspective

This photograph is a sneak peak at my website. I am happy because my website will make its debut within the next week. You see, I made my deadline my birthday. [April 6th, in case you're asking]. The site will still be a work in progress but it will showcase my books and designs.

I still haven't shared the experience of a recent class trip, have I? I'd been to the Crayola Factory before and had lots of fun but this time around, I was pleasantly surprised with what I got out of the visit.

The other visits were totally chaotic and crazy because there'd be several classes from different schools visiting. This time it was totally inspiring because I got to sit down and really see what goes on in the mind of three five-year old boys. We were the only class there and it was fabulous. I love the colors!

If I could only have a studio like this below. Spacious, clean and a glass wall that you can write on. How cool is that?

Oh, I do love these work tables. Look at the legs of the tables.

On the third floor they had some interesting folk art on display. I've always love the whimsy and the color of folk art pieces. The boys loved the National Canal Museum on this floor because there was a room with a 90-foot water canal for them to play in.

I fell in love with this captain's desk that they had on display.

For a little while, I did become obsessed with the alleyway between the Crayola Factory and these shops. These photos were taken from the second floor looking down into the alley.

Check out these huge windows. I've always wanted to live/work in a loft with huge windows.

Even more awesome are doors. Each one is a different color.

What I found most interesting was my observation of the uninhibited way that little boys look at the world. They're not afraid of mixing colors and trying new things. Their approach to things is so curious, fun, and messy, yet, uncomplicated. I had been facing a block with the design of my website. I took this simplicity and changed my approach. Then, everything just fell into place.

Sometimes stepping back and taking a different perspective is the key to opening things up.

xo, L

Slight Diversions

Still working hard and I see light at the end of the tunnel. I am working on a new design and hope to bring it to you in a while. The web site development is humming along. Funny thing, each feedback and comment came back to one thing, "That's not you. You're so much more vibrant." So, back to the drawing board a couple of times. 

For relief and an added kick of creativity, I have been working on a couple of creative things. I'm almost finished the crochet blanket shown above. I love its softness. I started this a while ago and it continues to be one of those projects whereby I add a row or two to it, move on to another bigger project and then  return to add rows again. It's like an old friend.

I was craving for the smell of fresh spring air when I started this quilt. Now, I'm mulling it over. I love the blue on white minimalist look but Reno thinks that the white is too stark and "not my style". Funny, this is the third time this week that I've heard that assessment of my style [and from three different people]. What do you think? Should I continue on with the white background or go with my usual route with something wild in the background? xo, L

Cool Girls Quilt!

Look here! Sarah wrote a wonderful review of my book. Thank you! The review is thoughtful and she is spot on about how I would want anyone who wants to learn how to sew to use this book. Take a look here! [*Note: I updated to link to her review.L]

Let me know if you've made anything from my books. I'd love to see!! I'm like a kid in a candy shop! Wheee!

xo, L

Labors Of Love

Here's another up close look at Dawn Gerber's Remembrance quilt. Lovely details.
I love the whimsical quality of this next little quilt by Joanell Connolly.


Gloria Hansen's quilt shown below had a luminous feeling to it because a lot of the dramatic effect of the colors was attributed to all of the thread colors that she used in machine quilting this piece.

I love the colors in this close up of Jean Evans' All That Glitters crazy quilt.

I loved this modern piece. Unfortunately, my photo of the entry label is lost but the designer and quiltmaker did a fabulous job.

Linda M. Roy's Icing On The Cake is beautiful. She won in the Best Use of Embellishment- Traditonal category.

This following quilt, Peace Makers, by Janet and Karen McTavish is so realistic. It won Honorable Mention - Innovative.

The large portraits are made up of small squares of other photographs for shading. Awesome!

Tea at Tenby by Sue Nickels and Pat Holly is gorgeous. The colors are so soft and pretty. Their beautiful workmanship won them Best Machine Workmanship - Traditional.

Another pretty and traditional quilt.

You'll have to appreciate the love that went into this lovely quilt, An Alphabet, by Barbara Korengold. She won Best Hand Workmanship - Traditional.

Wow. You know that color rocks my world. Look at this beauty. Kay Preston won Best Use of Color - Innovative for her quilt, Heavy Lifting.

Here's one that caught my eye but it wasn't the use of color that did it. I think the simplicity and modern design drew me to it. Cynthia L. Vogt won 3rd Place for her design, Ishi-Datami.

Teeny, tiny log cabin.

I just have to say that the quilts were awesome and it was great to see all sorts of techniques and styles.

xo, L

Wowsa!

Often times I only hear about projects that people have made from my designs. I am thrilled when people send me a photo. Enice Burke from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area sent me a photograph of her wonderful adaptation of my free pattern for Better Homes and Gardens, Hugs & Kisses. That swirly black and white fabric sends me over the top. Swoon! She made it for her niece, Amy. Lucky girl! Thanks for sharing, Enice! 

If you have a project that you've made from my patterns, send me photo any time! 

xo, L

Not To Be Outdone ...

When Big A found out about his little brother's artwork, he had to draw his very own clover for the "very lovely artists who read Mommy's blog". Little boys are so competitive, aren't they?

Back to the quilt show that I went to recently. The quilts were beautiful and seeing them made me want to do some more hand applique again. Here's a small sampling of what I saw. I tried to get all of the names but if I have failed for your quilt, please let me know.

This gorgeous yellow quilt, OCD meets SAD by Barbara E. Lies, won Best of Show. Look at the workmanship! I love that yellow color too.

Arabesque was made and designed by Karen Kay Buckley. She won 1st place - Traditional. I love the colors but look at the teeeeeeeny, tiny circles. OMG! It has been a long time since I've sewn circles that small and perfect.

Remembrance by Dawn Gerber was another gorgeous quilt that I fell in love with. Definitely a labor of love. 2nd place -Traditional.

More tiny circles.

You can bet that I loved this one for its bright and happy colors! Lollipops and Friends by Megan Johnson and Jeanne Bancroft.

Enjoy. I have a few more to post but I hope that you've been inspired by these beautiful pieces.

xo, L

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I'm still here everyone! I had a few days of technological problems and then Big A was sick for a week. I am back and running. Little A made that clover leaf for all of "Mommy's nice readers".

I am working hard at wrapping up the new web site. It will still be a work in progress but it's fresh and I'm excited to show you!

In the meantime, I'm off to the Crayola Factory with the kindergarten class this morning.  It should be fun and loud!  

Come back tonight. I will have some quilt photos from the New Jersey show last week. They were gorgeous and the workmanship was outstanding. Can't wait to show you!

Look here! I made this large tote for spring. Isn't it fun? I put a pink fabric inside for the lining [lining is from my Funky Flowers line].

Will be back soon!

xo, L

Oh No!

My blog is acting all wonky. My e-mail is and isn't getting to me. UGGHHHH! I am closing comments and postponing the contest. I will make it up to you guys with two cool patterns in the next little while. I promise.
xo, L

Busy Weekend Stuff, A Long Post And A Contest Too!

photo: Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Canada

I went off by myself to visit with my friends at Angelfirestudios in Basking Ridge and the The Quilt Fest of NJ in Somerset today. It had been a busy week and now it is a busy weekend. I've been working on the web site and Big A has been ill so things have been a little crazy. I've been cleaning up my studio too and have dug up some lovely books and such. So, I'll have a little contest to thank you for being patient. A bit more on that later. I'll have some photos from the quilt show soon.

I know that this is primarily a quilt/business blog and I don't normally post these things but forgive me dear reader just this one time because it is something meaningful that I can do to help.

In 2007, I lost my father, my grandmother, my father-in-law and my husband's uncle within a 6-month period. All of the people involved at every stage of each incident from the firefighters to the hospital staff were AMAZING. Even though I used to work in the pharmaceutical industry before this design biz, I never had to experience being in the hospital with a relative under such stressful times. The staff at The Ottawa Heart Institute were terrific. The hospital is having a telethon tomorrow. For those of you who are able, please consider a donation or go to the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa to help out tomorrow. For those others who want to be inspired, watch this video on a heart transplant story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Today, Saturday, was a lovely warm day. I long to have more long stretches of this glorious weather. Our winter has been rotten, if I may say so. I am waiting for nice, sunny, warm days.

I started out by dropping by to see new momma, Justine. It is her store's 5th anniversary! CONGRATS. Doesn't she look adorable? Plus she's mom to Scarlett and newborn Wes. The kiddos are gorgeous. Check out her blog to see them. Oh, don't forget to check out the goods too.

Her shop is unique because it is a combined knitting and pottery place. She gives lessons right there in the shop. How cool is that?

I love her felted wall hanging. Justine carries the loveliest roving in her shop. The colors are fabulous and it feels sooooo soft.

Justine's friend made this awesome bag for her. Look, there's a peacock. Peacocks are really hip these days.

Her hats and scarves are so fun and she shows off different techniques and different yarns.

I love this sweater on the mannequin. Justine made this in Blue Sky Alpacas yarn and the pattern is from Teva Durham's crochet book.  [Justine, if you are ever donating the jacket, you know where to find me.] Look at her little Juliet sweater on the wee mannequin.

More sweater fun and what a gorgeous color.

Window love ....

This is the Blue Sky Alpacas corner.

I love felted ball ornaments. How cute is her tree?

I am going to have a contest. I don't have photos but I will include some goodies of mine [books] and books from others. So, let's have an appreciation day contest. Tell me who you appreciate. Leave a post or e-mail by Tuesday, 7 p.m. Good luck!