A visit to Ottawa

I was in Ottawa this summer and we stayed at the Chateau Laurier. I grew up near Ottawa though I never visited this city much because my parents didn't like it. It didn't matter that Ottawa was only 1 1/2 hours away and Toronto was more like 5 hours away. They just like the cosmopolitan flair and diversity of Toronto and we owned a house there.

I have spent time in Ottawa for various reasons in the past year and have enjoyed visiting. The Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec has always been a favorite architectural site for me to visit. It is located across the river from Ottawa. I took the kiddos here while Reno attended a conference.

The Chateau Laurier is a beautiful, historic building beside the Parliament building in downtown Ottawa. The kiddos want to stay at the "castle" again very soon.

This is the backside of the parliament buildings taken outside of the Museum of Civilization across the river. It is so pieceful on this side because there is a waterfall along the side of the building and you have this spectacular view of the Parliament buildings and these sculptures.

I managed to visit Quilty Pleasures in Orleans. It is a beautiful shop and the gals there are super talented and terrific. I spent some time there and my boys entertained themselves by photographing their Yoshi plush toy [from Nintendo] throughtout the shop. Look at the wonderful book cover that Sam made from "Cool Girls Quilt". Here are the fine ladies, Sam, Leslie and Val from the shop and Michele is a fan of mine [so nice to meet you!].

Sam made this wonderful notebook cover from my "Cool Girls Quilt" book. She studied baking and perhaps the next time I go there I will have to get her to bake some delicious cake for me!

Here's Michele showing off her beautiful work. She's so fun and energetic. I'm sure that all of her students love taking classes with her.

Adam got hooked on poutine. Yum! French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. What more do you want? I prefer the ones from New York Fries but in a pinch, any kind of poutine is fine with me. Oh dear, this can't be good for the cholesterol levels.

When the Better Homes and Gardens folks came to my home this spring I think that they were surprised by the neutral colors in my home. I love color but my co-inhabitants wouldn't go for the following:

I loved these two window displays. I would die for this chair and then regret it after a week because it would turn black, purple and blue from footprints, and popsicle stains. Sigh!

One can only dream and wish!

BHG does it again!

Those wonderful peeps at Better Homes and Gardens have done it again. I should have posted these a little earlier but anywho, here's the latest. You can still make them and have some fun with them.

My Halloween quilt was so much fun to design. I dug into my stash and pulled out all of the zaniest, spookiest prints I could find. If you're short on time, Make a small hanging with one of the words or a pillow. These birds were oh so easy to make and they sparkle with the beaded strings. There's huge potential to use all of those funky little fabric scraps that you're not willing to throw out just yet.

This adorable crayon roll is in the same issue. I know several people who have made this cutie. I love this little crayon holder and you can make tons for holiday gift-giving.

Show me your stuff. I'd love to see what you've done with my designs. xo, L

Have a sweet day!

You've been patient and I've been bad! Sorry. I had my most official aides, Adam and Alex, assist me with the arduous task of selecting the winner of our little contest. I loved all of the stories and they made me laugh. I couldn't decide so my little helpers put all of the names into their plastic orange Halloween pumpkin and pulled out the winner's name.

The winner is sugarcreekstuff with her full blown pink eye story. Thanks to all. The winner gets a copy of "New Noel" and "Make Believe" by yours truly and "Copy Cat Quilts" and "Follow The Line Quilting Designs" courtesy of the kind and wonderful folks at Martingale/That Patchwork Place. Plus, I will throw in some fabric, of course.



Is anyone else thinking about Halloween and Christmas? For some reason, I have thinking of pumpkins and sugarplum fairies a lot. I am going to re-visit my free patterns on my web site and have some fun with them. Perhaps you'll make something from the ideas that I will present for gift-giving. xo, L

Dinomite!

I haven't forgotten about our little contest. I will reveal the winner in the next day or so. I have the sniffles [which I always seem to get after working on a project].

Meanwhile, I just finished a stitched design based on Alex's drawing of a stegasaurus. Just trace your little one's artwork with a pencil and stitch. So easy yet so satisfying. Your little ones will think that you are the coolest mom when you do something with their artwork. I'm not sure what I'll do with it yet. I'm thinking a little piece of art on canvas. Any ideas?

Whew! I Need A Nap! And a contest too!

The first week of school went by so quickly. I didn't have much time to think about my baby going to kindergarten. I had to celebrate a birthday too. How could I forget? He has reminded me everyday for the past 3 months that his birthday was coming up. Happy birthday, baby.

It has been a little crazy around here. I always said that I wouldn't over-schedule my kids but guess what? It is official. I am a mommy-cab. We have tae kwan do, violin classes and chinese school. The only defense that I have is that they want to do it.

I had promised a little contest. E-mail or leave a post of your funniest story about your kindergarten experience and I will put a little box of goodies together. Don't know what it will be but it will include some fun stuff. It will include some of my stuff and some from other designers. All products are manufactured or published by Henry Glass or That Patchwork Place. High quality stuff for sure! Let's have entries in by Friday, September 19 at 8 p.m. east coast time. Why so long? Well that'll be the first time I'll have a stress-free moment.

Inspiration and a Cool Read

What inspires you?

One of the ways that I am constantly inspired is through travel. I go back home to Toronto a lot. My family owns property in Chinatown there and it is always fun to step outside the door and look around. There are so many different things that arouse the senses from the aroma of the food to the clothes. A lot of times it is the everyday thing that ignites an idea in my head.

Reading books and blogs also add to my inspiration base. Take a look at this site. I have gotten back into knitting and this site is a fun and funky read. I'm excited to see some more modern knitty things.

The kiddies started school today so it has been a happy and sad day for me.

Daisy Hill

At the suggestion of my friend, Amy Butler, we took a detour to Daisy Hill Greenhouses in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Daisy Hill is indeed a special little place. The plants are so beautiful and the greenhouse is located on a private gated property. The house on the property looks like a little castle.

I loved the walkway just outside the greenhouses. The soft colors were soothing and they did not give hint to the lush colors that I would soon see inside the greenhouse.

Oh, the colors of the plants inside the greenhouse were vibrant and rich. It really felt so alive and beautiful inside.


There were three long areas full of plants like this.


These were not only beautiful in color but also in the visual texture.

I don't have a green thumb though I am trying to remedy this. I did buy a couple of mini conifers, a little plant that has flowers that look like little goldfish and a venus fly trap plant. My little one is enthralled with the venus fly trap. At first he was scared because he thought that the plant would eat his finger. After that, it was so "cool" and he watched it "eat" a bug.

I hope that you're enjoying the Labor Day weekend!

Work and Play in Ohio

I thought that it would be fun to show you a photo of the setup at Checker. I was there to promote the two books, "Cool Girls Quilt" and "Sew Sentimental", that I had written for the wonderful folks at Martingale/That Patchwork Place. All of my samples from "Cool Girls Quilt" are shown above. [I had to re-arrange the area later to look like the booth in the previous entry because the event coordinator had mistakenly told me to hang my stuff there. The photo from the last post shows everything in final form.] Everyone loved the brown bag shown hanging from the rack. The store owners were all excited to see a book with so many terrific and diverse designs. To a designer, that is a wonderful compliment!

I must admit, I was happily surprised that so many people walked out the door with a copy of "Sew Sentimental". There are lots of designs for sewing projects beyond the application of sewing to scrapbooking pages. I poured in lots of love and affection to this project. The two pillows on the silver rack are from this book. I designed a few quick and easy to sew projects for gift giving. Run out and buy one. Then come back and tell me how you liked the book. Better yet, make something from the book and show me!

We headed home early Tuesday because I wanted to stop by a place that was suggested by my friend, Amy Butler. Go to Chagrin Falls in Ohio and make sure you go off the beaten path to Daisy Hill Greenhouses. It is worth the drive. Indeed it was. The falls in Chagrin Falls were relaxing to watch while we enjoyed some treats.

The buildings were quaint and picturesque. It looks and feels much like Clinton, NJ where I live. The charm and beauty of these little American towns is so special.

The flowers on the street are so vivid and they add so much to the town atmosphere.

Wouldn't you love to see this outside your home?

We spent a few moments in Chagrin Falls. What a quaint little place. Though I'm generally a modern kind of girl, I also love and appreciate vintage things. Let me tell you about this fabulous shop in Chagrin Falls. It is called Stash Style and it is so inspiring. There's so much to see in this beautiful place and they sell AMAZING cupcakes. Now I know what all of the fuss is over red velvet cupcakes. Yum! Yum! The displays in the shop are delicious too. I managed to buy a few small items and, oh yeah, a little rocking chair! Reno, surprisingly, didn't give me that look that he normally gives me when I am trying to do something crazy like stuff 6 big chairs from a rummage sale into our little SUV. Thank you for that sweetie.

The displays are works of art! I had to keep the kiddos outside. Mommy can't afford to pay for the goods if the kiddos topple this beautiful table over.

Did I tell you that I am addicted to old frames? Buy a frame and put cork behind it or paint wood with blackboard chalk to make a terrific message board.

You will have to check in again soon for more inspiration from Chagrin Falls! It's time for me to get some beauty rest. You know, two posts in one day can kill a girl.

Oh where have I been?

Hello everyone!

Remember me? I am finally back in New Jersey. We have been driving around to all destinations this summer and we got back late last night. My sister and her family are visiting from Toronto the rest of this week so it will be great to end the summer this fun way. To all of you who have commented or e-mailed, I will get back to you soon! I gotta unwind and do a pile of laundry.

Before I forget, run over to Bunny Hill Designs. Anne is having a scavenger hunt [so fun!]. The winner gets some of her lovely fabric.

Oh where have I been? Let's start with this last trip. I just came back from a fun trip to do a book signing to promote my books, "Cool Girls Quilt" and "Sew Sentimental" at Checker Distributor in Maumee, Ohio for their 60th Anniversary Open House. Checker Distributors sells wholesale to those who have businesses in the quilting/needlework industry. What a fab group of people! Everyone from the organization to the shop owners and other designers who came were fantastic. 

Here's an end cap of designs and fabric from Kim Diehl and my fave group of people, Henry Glass.

Here are some more endcaps showing other fabrics and patterns. It was like being in a candy store. This is the fabric section. Their notions and book section [sorry I didn't get a pic] is phenomenal. I need an organizational system like that for my kiddos' stuff.

Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs was demonstrating next to me. Super nice and super talented. She's got these Handy Tabs for purse making. So smart and they come in great colors.

Here's Gina Krieger, head of their IT department and also the buyer for their knitting, crochet, and needlework department. You know how people say that everyone has a twin in this world? It could be a physical thing or a personality thing. Well, obviously we don't look alike but she is my twin. I am sure of it. She's got great energy, and the same "obsessive, compulsiveness" [in a good and positive way] when it comes to crafting. Just take a look at this gorgeous sweater. Can you believe that she's only been knitting for THREE years? Gina, the knitting is awesome if I didn't tell you then.

We had dinner after the hectic day and I just loved spending time with my favorite person at Checker. Nancy Weber has believed in me since day one. Her honesty and friendship is greatly appreciated.

Hubby took the kiddos got to see the Toledo Zoo and surrounding area. Dh is great about supporting me that way even though he may go a little bonkers by the end of the day. The kids really enjoyed the visit too and they're such great troopers because dh and I drag them everywhere. More on our travels later. We made a stop in a fabulous place on our way back but it will have to be in another post for another day.

Come back soon. I will be having a giveaway next week. My baby starts kindergarten. So put on your thinking caps and open your hearts. I will need some funny stories about your little ones so that I won't need to think about mine being away from me for the first time.

p.s. If anyone can tell me how to add spaces between paragraphs beyond the normal way of pressing enter, please let me know. I feel like an idiot. I have been trying everything and it just won't let me do it.

It's so hot, hot, hot!

It is hot, hot, hot outside! Peony is from my mom's garden again. I love this color and the flowers are so lovely and delicate.
I am trying to focus on updating my website and blog. See that flickr badge over there? Yeah, I am behind the times when it comes to this but I am learning!

I have enjoyed the process of creating a lot more. I am currently knitting something to actually gift to someone. Haven't done that in a while. Usually I am up to my eyeballs in making book/magazine samples!

Speaking of knitting, I stopped in at one of my favorite and inspiring spots in NJ. Here's Justine in all of her pregnant glory. She owns Angelfire Studios in Basking Ridge. Justine, you look awesome! On the one hand, I envy her because I loved being pregnant; on the other hand, I can't imagine being pregnant with the heat. I always comment about the color and inspiration that she has going on in her store. The best way to describe her store is to say that it's colorful, funky and tasteful all rolled up in one.

Happy Independence Day!

Happy fourth of July! I just returned from a trip to Washington, DC, Annapolis, Maryland and Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington is truly a national treasure. The exhibits are first rate and they're free. The walk all around the entire area from the Lincoln Memorial back to the Air and Space Museum is quite a hike but worth the effort.

I love to walk around Washington and wish that I lived in an urban setting with lots to see and do for the family every weekend. I have NYC and Philly nearby and appreciate them but I do miss city living!

I remember when I first went to Washington. Dh was doing some work with the FBI and I had two days to explore the city. I stumbled upon the Itchiku Kubota exhibit and I was inspired for a lifetime. I sat in front of the breathtaking landscape of 45 hand-dyed kimonos and I cried. The passion and dedication that he had for his work was beyond words. Mr. Kubota developed what he called Itchiku Tsujigahana.

I just discovered that there will be an exhibit of his work in San Diego, CA and Canton, OH at the end of this year and early next year. You wouldn't want to miss this if you live in either city.

A Walk On The "Wild" Side

I was in Toronto a couple of weeks ago and I enjoyed a "me" day. I love to wander around with my camera and go to my favorite little hangouts.

Check out the banner above. Queen St. West is one of my favorite areas in Toronto. There are lots of funky shops and the biggest yarn shop, Romni Wools, you can ever imagine. Years ago when I designed greeting cards, the paper place was known as The Japanese Paper Place. It was a wonderful store with such character. The store has new owners and it's still an inspiring place. I must admit that my first love is paper and this store is addictive!

Next door is one of my favorite book stores, TYPE. I love the atmosphere and I can, without a doubt, stay there for a good period of time just browsing the kids' section.

A few doors down, there's this cool architecture. Isn't it great how they blended the old with the new? Did I ever tell you that I thought about being an architect when I was young?

I love the orange colors that decorate the outside of this cute gardening shop just a few doors down the street.

I hope that you enjoyed the tour as much as I have. I've got a few more pics and then some of my trip to Delaware, DC and Maryland this week. xo. L

Strawberry Lemonade

Today's the last day of school! Yahoo! I'm feeling a bit sad too because it was a good year and I don't really want it to end. There will be a "moving on" ceremony and a school picnic today. Crazy me decided to stay up and cut three 1/2 yard pieces of fabric as gifts for each kid in the class. Only difficulty, Big A is in a multiage class and there are 42 kids in the class. It was done and I'm a bit tired but I know they'll love it. I donated some leftovers and remnants this year and the kids had a ball with the stack. They made these funky headbands with beads and they cut up the fabric to make other goodies. How cool is that?

Fabric Trends [Summer 2008]did a wonderful job of showcasing my Gardenia fabric [www.henryglassfabrics.com]. I designed and made this quilt a while back but when I look at the quilt now makes me smile. It's so happy and vibrant. Perfect for a picnic I think. xo, L

My Inspiration Wall

Here's another addiction of mine ... wallpaper! I love Graham and Brown, Nama Rococo and Walnut Paper. I love patterns and textures. Oh, and the colors are so glorious. There's just so much wallpaper out there right now. It's not the old fuddy duddy stuff that we used to see.

I've had a mental block about wallpaper because dh and my dad would always tell me how awful wallpaper is to take down later. Since we rented for a long time, putting the stuff up just never happened.When we did finally buy our own place, it still took a while to convince the free help around here that it would look great on the wall. Well, my parents always said that I'm a persistent person. So a while back, I just ordered some and let's just simply say that I have a beautiful wall now.

I have loved this wallpaper from the day that I saw it. I think that I saw it on NBC morning news about six years ago. It doesn't have color but that's the beauty of it. You just add the pics to make it fun and funky. I just stick my fave photos [here's a pic of a design of mine from my book, iKnit] onto the paper whenever and remove it whenever. It's on the wall going down to my basement. I adore it.

I also wanted to put a cool piece of wallpaper on the wall behind my headboard and frame it with molding and to do cutouts for the kiddos' room. Not successful at convincing the help of that yet. I see that Pottery Barn is doing something similar. At least I got the chocolate powder room and the funky green bathroom that I wanted. That was only 4.5 years in the making.

Remembering ...

Jo Pau.

I miss you.

xo, L

So much to do yet so little time

I do have a confession. I have SIX posts in draft mode awaiting publication but life has gotten the better of me so I will have to re-write my posts so that they are more time appropriate.

I just returned from Portland. It was a fun and inspiring trip. Portland is such a terrific city. I didn't take a lot of photos this time around but I will post a couple of pics of some goodies that I did bring home later this week. I got a couple of cool patterns from my friend, Amy Butler and some cute kits from Olympus [Japanese softies].

I caught a cold on the flight back and have been battling that for the last little while. I have been doing some behind the scenes design work that I can't post at this time. I can, however, introduce you to my latest book, Home Stuff. I am so in love with the styling and look of this one. Let me know what you think.

I'll be back later this week. xo, L

Portland here I come

I am off to Portland for Quilt Market tomorrow morning. Wee hours of the morning as a matter of fact. So much last minute stuff to do.

I hope that I will see some of you there. Don't be afraid to stop and say hi if you see me.

Henry Glass will be showing some new fabric of mine. We are working on tying up the loose ends as we speak. Whew!

See you there!

So good.

The cherry trees are blooming and it is looking quite beautiful here. I love the fresh colors of spring. The antique quality of our town is just so magical at this time of year.

Last year I couldn't have imagined that I would be saying this but this week has been awesome. Although my family experienced much sadness this week a year ago, it has been a good week this year.

First, the four wonderful firefighters who saved my dad remembered us and it was a comforting feeling. My heroes. Thanks, Bill, Andrew, Bruce and Steve.

Then, a major magazine came to my home for a photo shoot. What fun! Thanks, Nancy, Bryan and Avery. I will definitely let you know when the profile will be published. We worked hard and then ate a lot. Lunched at Pru Thai here in Clinton and then dined at the Pittstown Inn a few miles away. Lots of history and oh so quaint. I am not the best person to be photographed because I simply don't like to pose. The poor photographer. He'd say stay still and I'd move. Thankfully he was a very patient man.

The next day I went into Manhatten to do some work with the fabric company. I love the buzz of the city. I also stopped by Kinokuniya and Tinsel Trading. I love those two stores for inspiration. The garment district is always hustling and bustling. I can't get enough of it.

Finally, one of the firefighters won an award for his efforts. Congrats, Andrew. He couldn't make it to the awards ceremony so he asked my mom to accept on his behalf at tomorrow's ceremony.

These little events and the wonderful people involved are the very proof that life does go on and it is so good.