Day 4: Guest Ellen Luckett Baker

Great visit with Pat Sloan yesterday! Love her! She gets you to show things like a messy studio desk! She has a way with people you know!

Today I have a special guest. I have never met Ellen Luckett Baker but I have admired her website, fabric and her book! Her first line, Quilt Blocks, was lovely! I saw a display of the range at Rock, Paper, Scissors a little while ago. I love the colors and the geometric shapes!

Ellen writes all about handmade and she curates with a sharp and discerning eye for the beautifully goods that artists show on their own blogs. I love to see what inspires her to put into her collections.

I thought that I'd share a few of my past freebies with you. There are links on the right sidebar or below under the photos.

Aurifil holiday project.

 Crafter's gift tags.

Funky gift tags.

Enjoy!
xo, L

So Behind!

Postings have been a bit scarce. I have been working, working, working. I keep things in my brain but once I'm ready, everything starts coming out like crazy. This is what I've been looking at. Just what's around my desk. Hm, I should spruce it up a bit.

I did pop into my LQS, Kindred Quilts a little while ago to be their video camera chick. I helped them film their video for the Saturday Sampler. Toby was kind enough to demonstrate this wonderful "toy" that she's selling in the shop. It's the Accuquilt Go! The machine is a die cutting machine for us quilters.

Very crisp, and precise.

Here's Mary getting ready for the filming.

I thought that the colors in this quilt were rich and lovely.

See you next week when everything slows down a bit. xo, L

Quilt Out Loud

I'm so excited! This weekend I'm filming with the Quilt Out Loud crew. Who are they? My friend, Mark Lipinski, and Jodie Davis, are co-hosting, Quilt Out Loud! It's a fun and new quilting show on QNNtv. Check it out the promo video here and then check out the show when it starts in July!!!

Don't forget my giveaway. Don't be shy! Lurkers are welcome! I hope that I don't have the same blogging problems as I did last time. My background blogging information has been weird and wonky in the two days and I got a bit worried. Blogger has been giving me some problems in the past few months and some have e-mailed to let me know that they can't post. In fact, it is giving me trouble right now. I can't seem to get that spacing at the beginning of this paragraph. It just won't let me no matter how I try. Any help would be appreciated. No answer here but trying to figure it out. A little while back, I was thinking about leaving Blogger and just continuing my inspiration journal on my blog but I enjoy writing this blog. I hope that you like reading this personal blog of mine. xo, L

We Interrupt The Quilt Market News...

To bring you this important announcement. Go check out my publisher, Martingale & Co.'s website for this free pattern from my Cool Girls Quilt. I'll get back to some more market photos in a while.

Back Home

I've been a bad blogger lately. I just got back from Quilt Market in Pittsburgh. I had lots of fun. I drove there and back myself so I'm a bit tired. I did get the center stitched on the dresdan plate. Do you like it? I'll get back to the excitement later. 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

Your Favorite Tools?

The current issue of American Patchwork and Quilting is focused on tips by designers.  I am finishing a project and thinking about my most essential quilting tools. I've discovered that I don't use much fancy gear! 

1. I love my Gingher shears. I can't live without them. I have smaller Gingher scissors in various sizes but I use the shears a lot.

2. My Olfa Rotary Cutter is so fab. The blade is easy to remove in this model.

3. Fiskars. It really doesn't matter which brand that you buy, but you should have a pair of scissors for snipping fabric/thread ONLY, another for snipping fabric with fusible paper together and a separate pair of scissors with teflon blades for cutting the fusible web. 

4. Clover Seam Ripper. I absolutely love this seam ripper. I've had many others but this one is not bulky and is very sharp. Don't ask me how I know how sharp the end is.

5. Reducing Lens. I can't live without this teeny tiny viewer. It gives me great perspective whenever I'm designing.

What do use when quilting?

xo, L

Life Cont'd

Following the excitement that I had on Saturday, Sunday was a busy, busy day. At 10 a.m., Adam has his tae kwon do testing. [Congrats!] Then, from 1:30 on, we were going non-stop until 8p.m. with Chinese school, and their New Year's concert and banquet. It was fun and we were tired. We did win a bagful of Trader Joe's goodies. Yummy!

It has been gorgeous outside. I love it and I can't wait for spring. Meanwhile, I have photos of these beautiful arrangements on my inspiration wall. I love these arrangements by Saipua and the rest of her site is filled with beauty.

On top of all of the events going on this past weekend, I have been up to my eyeballs in finishing up a project. So, my work area looks like a disaster. It is a bright, happy and fun disaster though. I'm not complaining, just sayin'. When you work, are you neat or is it all over the place? I like to stack all of my fabrics in piles [see my other tips here and in the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting.] so that I can pull from them easily.

xo, L

Mark Lipinski, What a Fun Guy!

Guess who was interviewed by the funny and crazy, Mark Lipinski of Quilter's Home Magazine? Run to your bookstore or quilt shop and buy a copy of the magazine [April 2009 edition]. Turn to the last page and you'll see lil' ol' me. Mark is hilarious and his magazine is wild just like him.

xo, L

This is the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting [April 2009]. I got this advance copy because I'm a contributor. Check it out! xo, L

Lookee Here!

This is the latest issue of American Patchwork and Quilting [April 2009]. I got this advance copy because I'm a contributor. Check it out! xo, L

Is There A Doctor In The House?

I am feeling better but I still sound like a loud, barking seal. Do I have any readers who are doctors or nurses [or anyone else with a cure]? Please, tell me of a cure for this hacking cough. I will love you forever.

I have worked through all of this though. It has been tough keeping focus on everything but I have done two interviews in the past month and I have finished two book proposals. Phew!

Have you started making gifts yet? Of course you have! (wink!). If not, then I am sure that you'll only have time for quick little gifts from here on in. First, did you check out the birdies that I designed for Quilts and More back in the Fall 2008 issue?

In the same issue there was the cool little crayon holders that I designed. I love those and plan on making a few to give away to the wee ones in my life. I used my Gardenia fabric in this one.

I also think that pillow ideas are quick and easy designs that you can make. I made the one above a while ago with my Funky Flowers fabric. It's so bright and happy. I'll highlight a few more ideas in the next few days. I have my sister, bil and cute little nephew visiting this weekend. I can't wait. I hope that you are all having fun prepping for the holiday weekend. xo, L

So Satisfying

*Note: I edited this post ever so slightly because the earlier one didn't flow quite as I liked.

In the past year I made a point of making more personal gifts more than samples. It was therapeutic and a terrific means for me to express thanks for all of the little gifts of love and support that I received. One of these special projects was a beautiful scarf designed by Kim Hargreaves and knit with Rowan Cocoon. I almost didn't want to part with it. The scarf was so soft and warm.

It's going to be a handmade year. I'm going to put out a few free projects soon. Hopefully, you'll be inspired enough to make some for yourself or for gifts. Some designs have already been around and there will be a couple of new ones. Stay tuned in the next few weeks.

Back to Quilt Market for a second. My friend Karla of Sweetwater Street and I always have great little talks through the day during market. She has these cool labels, beautiful fabric and quilt patterns. Check out her designs. I met her at my very first market. She only designed quilt related items at that time and then she went into the world of scrapbooking. She's now combined the best of both and is designing really cool labels that you can order. You'll love them.

I always enjoy running into quilt shop folks. I love their enthusiasm. Here are the folks from Spool in Philadelphia, Pa. I've only been to their knit shop, Loop, but I'm sure the fabric sister store is as gorgeous as the first.

I just love running into people in the aisles. Everyone's having a great time at the show and we're all there to be inspired.

I met Sherri [above, left] and Sandi [below] at the airport in Atlanta last year. They were super nice and we had a great time at dinner. Ladies, I'm sorry that I didn't get to spend much time with you because I was only there for a short time this year. I was running around trying to accomplish a few things in particular. Unfortunately, socializing wasn't at the top of the list! Next year!

The ribbons at this booth were gorgeous. I am a ribbonaholic. Is there therapy for this sort of problem?

The products at Quilt Market are an endless source of inspiration. I didn't even get photos of everything because I started running around for my appointments at this time.

The ladies at Stone Creek Creations manufacture these nifty little totes for storing your tools. They had a really cute booth and an adorable little girl in a big chair. It reminded me of the kids' show, "The Big Comfy Couch". They gave out these cute headbands with feathers [as shown in her hand]. I couldn't believe that they women and men wearing them throughout market. My little one has been wearing my bright fuschia colored one and hopping around like a bunny. So funny.

Have a great weekend. I'm going to get some rest. We have been sick with colds all week. We are turning the corner now and hopefully it will be out of our systems by Sunday. Both of the boys are participating in their first tae kwon do tournament. xo, L

Quilt Market - Part Three

It was nice chatting around the Henry Glass booths. I got to meet the other designers who work with them. Lynette Andersen [right] is from Australia! She had her son working really hard! Karen [middle] keeps me in line! I also saw Bunny Hill Designs and met Quilt Soup, and Michelle of the beautiful Cicada Studios.

I met with the ladies at the Martingale/That Patchwork Place booth. Their books are so lovely and I hope to do some more work with them soon. I lunched with Cynthia Tomaszewski of Simple Pleasures. Her new book just made its debut at this market. We managed to chat with Weeks Ringle who was sitting at the table.

I wandered over to the Leisure Arts booth. Funny thing happened again this year. Cheryl and I met and talked business on the Super Shuttle! We've done this before!

My book, Home Stuff, was displayed wonderfully in their booth. That's the bird pillow on the left and the table runner right below it.

Mary Lou Weidman,  had a bunch of us drooling over a new super $11, 000 Bernina. We all wanted one! I think that there was talk of a bluetooth wireless foot for their machines. Wow! Check out her photo of us. I look much better there! She's such a fun person and very creative.

Maggie Walker had her wonderful applique designs on display. I love the painterly quality of her designs.

It was good to see Nancy of Better Homes and Gardens. She came to my home for the photo shoot of my home this past spring. She's totally cool and I love chatting with her.

Over at the APQS booth, I hung out with a few old friends, [from left] Pat Sloan, Heidi Kaisand, and Lila Scott.

Here's Lila again [she's the Technical Editor for BHGs' magazines] with Jody, who's an Assistant Editor for the same magazines.

I hope that you enjoyed these. I'll have a few more photos soon. xo, L

Quilt Market - Part Two

I love these ladies. I met Barb and Alma of Blackbird Designs at the Better Homes and Gardens' Designer Retreat. They are energetic, fun and very genuine. Gorgeous designs and oh so gorgeous styling happening in their booth. Take a peek below.

This mantle piece makes me envious that a booth display could look so much better than my home! Their booth was so comfortable yet so sophisticated.

They had this bird cage hanging across the top of their booth. Love that quilt hanging behind it. The little lights added a magical quality to their booth.

Oh yes, we even had some touch with true celebrity fame in Houston. Marie Osmond was making an appearance. She is so tiny! Lots of people were waiting in line for her to sign something. 

I went on to see the booth of one of my favorite design firms. I love Alexander Henry fabrics. Here's the dynamic designing duo, Nicole and her brother Phillip who own the company and do the designing for Alexander Henry.

I'm in love with the light grays, yellow and white look right now so I was obviously in love with their booth. 

Come back for part three. I still have lots of photos to go through but we're experiencing a storm right now so I've gotta run. xo, L

Quilt Market - Part One

It was a whirlwind weekend and it was awesome. I was in Houston at Quilt Market. I worked more than I played this time. I really got my creative groove back at this show. I could really feel it this time. I didn't get a lot of photos of all that was going on but I did stop by a few booths.

Since we're already on the topic of my friend, Amy, we'll start with her booth. She had a gorgeous booth as usual. Her new fabrics and patterns are wonderful. You'll have to check them out at your local quilt shop. Her Dad was there charming everyone!

Well, Mark Lipinski is, of course, editor of one of my fave magazines, Quilters Home. He was funny and charming as usual. Such a fun guy!! [Hey, Mark, did I do a good job of cropping the photo?]

On the first night, lots of people lined up for Sample Spree. It was crazy! On the way in, I spotted someone chatting with Ricky Tims.

Here are Scott and Joel from Henry Glass at their table at Sample Spree before the madness. They look calm because Sample Spree hadn't started yet.

That's all that I can put together at this point. I was so darned tired today. Totally pooped. My Mom, brother and aunt will be leaving tomorrow. Perhaps I can sit down for a few minutes to go through all of my photos and put together another post about the show again tomorrow.

xo, L