Another Preview

These previews are coming so fast. I worked really hard on all of these projects in the last year and I am so excited to see them finally in production. I contributed 5 designs to this publication and it should be available this month. I love the other projects by the other designers too.

This fun and funky new publication [Martingale/That Patchwork Place] will make its debut in October. There are lots of great designs that your crafty friends will swoon over. They are many little designs that include a tote bag, pincushion, pillow, coasters, and six quilts. The little projects are really quick and you be able to make them in no time. I hope that you like them too.

Sew Exciting!

Here's the first of three previews. This is my first scrapbooking book and it should be available in December. It is available from Martingale/That Patchwork Place. I am going to be doing a Schoolhouse Presentation at Quilt Market in Houston. I'll have the details soon.

Thanks

Thanks to Liesl [http://disdressed.blogspot.com] for inspiring me to do this. The photo doesn't do it justice. [It has been gloomy here the past few days]. She made a wonderful miniquilt a while back and offered the remnants. I always wanted to make one of these but with life, handwork was pushed to the wayside. I've been working on this for about three nights and will continue to make it longer. I started piecing the hexagons together and got carried away because I was having so much fun. My pieces are more random and Liesl's are beautifully pieced to form little flowers. I will make one of those soon. In making this piece, I realized that I miss handwork. A lot. When I first started quilting, I only did handwork. Then with time constraints and deadlines, I had to find other ways to put the samples out there fast.

Wish You Were Here

The marina here in Pembroke is very relaxing. The water, the clouds, the trees and the entire view is relaxing. There's a terrific marina with a long walkway and a park for kids to play.

Pembroke is situated on the Ottawa River. Across the way is the Province of Quebec. One can just sit at the end of this part of the boardwalk, have a picnic and watch the boats come in and out of the marina. Can you tell that I am getting lazy and not even thinking about work?

That's it for the touristy photos and then onto a few previews soon. I promise.

Around Town

I have been in Pembroke and Toronto, Ontario Canada on and off for the past few months. It has been nice and relaxing [perhaps I am in denial of the looming deadlines and the entire fall season] but we also have a house closing at the end of the month.

I have been wandering around Pembroke these past few days in between some work. Look at these fabulous murals. They're on the buildings in the downtown core. Aren't they marvelous? Of course, there has to be one with hockey.

I love the colors in this one and it's so cool how the artist incorporated it into the side of the building.

Most of the murals show the history of the city. Lumber and forestry are a big part of the history of the city.

I can't imagine the work that went into putting these up. It would have been interesting to watch the entire process.

Some interesting tidbits:

1. I think that the actor Tom Green, ex of Drew Barrymore, was born here.
2. I was not born here.
3. Pembroke is the site of the first street lamp in Canada and the first town to have electric power for commercial use.

I drove into Manhattan this weekend and didn't even park in a lot. That's how brief it was! I needed a quick fix because I am in a suburban slump. It has been hot and I haven't been motivated much in the past couple of days to get a lot done. Plus, I'm feeling a bit of the carpal tunnel pain right now.

So, I drove in and stopped off at both Purl stores [knit and patchwork]. It was just enough of a breath of fresh air to get myself back on track. There was a lot of color to inspire and lots of fantastic textures. I bought a few little things and even made one bootie last night for my friend Elena's baby who's due in a couple of months.

I hauled around my new purchases in this new bag. Though it felt like 900 degrees outside and this bag is made from wool, I just couldn't resist carrying it around. I made it a long time ago but didn't finish it [still needs a lining] until this past week. The pattern is from my iKnit booklet but I wanted to make it in Cascade Magnum in a funky shade of kelly green. I love it! The flower is from Tinsel Trading in the city. Have you ever been to that place? Oh my, I nearly died on the spot the first time I walked in there. So many beautiful things and so much history.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Sigh! Aren't these flowers gorgeous? My mom has a green thumb [and it, unfortunately, did not rub off on me]. Someone gave me one of those climbing ivy plants once and I think that I killed it in record time! I really tried hard to keep it alive but I think that the plant only lasted a few days.

I went to Hoboken yesterday to visit one of my dearest friends, Fe. She's from Toronto and we worked together in the pharmaceutical industry years ago. She was visiting her niece there and we had a great afternoon. I have lots of acquaintances but a few close friends. She's definitely one of them. I love having friendships where I can just pick up a conversation at any time, whether it is days, weeks or months, and it just seems so seamless. Oh, we can talk, laugh and complain for hours on the phone too! It was nice to stop and spend some quality time just doing nothing. [something that I haven't a chance to do much of lately.]

Home Again

Happy Canada Day! Happy Fourth of July!

I just returned from Canada over the Canadian long weekend. If only I was an eighteen wheeler! See that very empty right lane? That's just for trucks! Clear coasting. Well, what was normally a 1-hour drive to the border at the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge turned into a 3-hour drive and wait. I took some photos with my cell phone. It was a gorgeous day and I loved looking at the puffy clouds. When we were young, my Dad would take us on a car ride and he would ask us what we saw in the clouds. It was fun and of course, time would fly playing that game during our ride. For some reason, we don't get those cotton candy-fluffy clouds much around here in NJ.

So much has happened in the past month that it is somewhat surreal. One month after my father passed away, I was back home again at my grandmother's side. She passed away a couple of days after I left. She was a special person and she holds a place dear to my heart. We lived with my grandparents for a long time and she took care of 14 people [great-grandparents, aunts and uncles] in one household! I will miss you, Jo Pau.

We also sold my childhood home and I was there going through my belongings. It was sad but also really fun to go through my old things. Lots of little treasures and I'll show you a few in next while.

I want to thank everyone for the kind and supportive thoughts as my family has gone through these tough days. It has really helped knowing that some great people are thinking about us.
We appreciate it greatly.

Despite the tough times, there have been some good things too. There have been a couple of previews of my new books. I am so excited about the end of this year. I'll finally be able to talk about my work! Whoo! Whee! For those who know me, they know what a struggle it has been to keep things under wraps. I cannot even wait until Christmas Day or my birthday if someone tells me that they have a present for me. I practically nag it out of them. So the moral of the story is, DON'T TELL ME!

Fathers and Daughters

My father passed away at the end of April. It has been a tough adjustment but I have my good days and my bad days. I remind myself of his spirit and his passion for things in life. He was a pragmatic and interesting man who was very generous and giving to us. I will miss him terribly. Mostly, I miss the fact that he got me. That's hard to find. Someone who gets what you do and is supportive in a quiet yet unassuming way. I am greatful that I was able to spend some quality time with him during spring break just two weeks before his accident. Stop and spend quality time with family and friends. We sometimes forget to do that but it feels good when we do.

Sadly, he will not see the book that I had dedicated to him but I know that he knew about it.I just received the manuscript for review and it will be coming out this fall for Martingale and Co. It is a scrapbook related book and I am excited about it. The book is geared more for beginners and I had great fun in putting it all together.

I have yet another deadline in the next week. It seems as though that's all I talk about right?? It's tough because I work about a year ahead and I can't actually show you until it is published.

I will put up a couple of free patterns soon though. I promise. It's all about having the time to do everything and priorities.

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!

For Inspiration

My friend Amy Butler, [http://www.amybutlerdesigns.com] has had her shop open for a while. She has a very inspiring web site and the purses that she has available on her web site are beautiful.

Glorious! Amy's lush fabrics make me look forward to spring. Though chartreuse and lime green are a couple of my favorite colors, I'm in love with all shades of green these days. I am working on a knit bag in a kelly green. I hope to show it to you soon.

Is it spring yet?

Here's a sign that it is spring! This is a sneak peek at my new fabric, Funky Flowers. The line will be available in a few months. I'll keep you posted on the availability. I love all of the colors in this line and it'll be great for little accessories, pillows and bags. I hope that you like it.

I have really enjoyed the weather this week. It has been in the sixties and the temps may even reach 70 degrees today! The fresh air is really invigorating. I have had a very long March and it isn't even half over. I have finished up a lot of projects this month on the book front and I've started designing new fabric too. I'm dreaming of a holiday already though it won't be Hawaii this year. I think I'd like to go on a road trip down south and stop at every fiber-related shop along the way. Don't tell my travel companions! They've been through enough of that sort of travelling from here to Canada, to Kansas City and down south ro Virginia.

Can't Hang A Quilt There

I know little ghost artists who like to draw on walls. How can you argue with someone who says "but I used the washable markers?"

Here's a photo of my livingroom with my brother's photographs. They are awesome! He and his buddy Pete travel, fish and photograph together. They also print the photographs themselves. They're amazing.

Run out and buy the current issue of Better Homes and Gardens' Quilts & More. My funky little placemats are in there and they used some of my "Paisley Parade" fabric in one of the projects. While you're out there, buy "Quilter's Home" too. Mark had a great little feature on the "Paisley Parade" line. Thanks!

I went to the NJ quilt show this weekend and had fun. I met up with a friend, Karen [R], who works in the quilting industry with me. She came along with her sister, Linda [L], and friend, Mary Beth [center]. They're very nice ladies who have such an enthusiasm for crafting and quilting. Thanks for hanging out with me!

I just finished some projects for Leisure Arts and I am soooo stoked about these projects. Can't wait to show you. I'll keep you posted.

Coming Home

This is the time of year when I have some major deadlines. Crunch time.

I am finishing up a book and a few things that I was asked to contribute to another project. For one of the projects, I was asked several questions about my career, inspiration, etc. Funny thing. as I am sitting here I realize that my designs and perspective are evolving.

I started out designing quilts with bright fabrics and simple graphic designs. The books that I will be doing this year finally reflect what I love. Does that sound weird?? I think so. I will forever love clear, saturated, bright colors. I think that I started out that way because I'm not a painter and I don't care for [but respect] the traditional fabrics even though there are many beautiful ones on the market today. What I love even more [and have always loved] are the funky bohemian looks that come from Alexander Henry. I also love some of that vintage charm that permeates our industry. I also love anything cutsie with an Asian touch. Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie The Pooh are very different in Asia. I also love Pucca and Kerokerokeroppi!

Don't get me wrong, I still love brights. I also love the dramatic designs of Tricia Guild. If my co-inhabitants were neat and dainty, and promised to not launch themselves off of my furniture ever again, I'd love a bold black and white tufted sofa or a deep fuschia or kelly green and chocolate interior room. Alas, it doesn't look as though it will happen anytime soon.

I was interviewed recently and my answers surprised the interviewer a bit. I don't have any quilts hanging in my home and I don't wear a lot of handmade knitwear. I think that it is the process that I love. I usually have so many things going on in my head that I am amazed that it hasn't exploded ... yet. My living room is painted in "parisien taupe" and I have these fabulous black and white photographs that were taken by my brother Robert and his friend Pete. Pretty blah for one who designs in vivid colors, huh? The interveiwer said that she was shocked when she saw my knit projects for my upcoming booklet, iKnit. I think that she was expecting fuschia purses and chartreuse scarves. Instead, my first knit collection is fairly sedate but still exciting compared to my initial designs in the quilt industry.

I can't wait to show you iKnit. It should be available anyday.

Crazy Moments

Today I received a copy of my manuscript for review from Martingale & Co. [That Patchwork Place]. It's looking good!!! Sometimes these things don't actually feel real until someone else puts it all together. I did the writing but it only seems official after the publisher has put its mark on it.

This month, iKnit [Leisure Arts], will be available. I designed all of the projects in their premiere issue. It is an exciting project because the style and photography is much more cutting edge. I'll let you know when it's available.

Red is for February

I love little hankies. Although most of my designs in the past have centered around bright and colorful applique, I love all things antique. My Dad was really into the whole flea market thing before it was even trendy. He'd go every week. I have dibbs on an antique chair that resembles an emporer's throne in our living room at home. I had a colorful hanky when I was young and I would carry it everywhere. It's gone now but luckily I live near some funky little antique towns. One store in particular, Mill Crest Vintage Clothing is located in Lambertville, NJ. It is a treasure trove of vintage clothes, and textiles. I bought some hankies there recently. These were cute and red all over. Perfect for Valentine's Day. I bought this dish in another adorable shop here in town [Heartstrings]. As a designer, it's great to see how things come around again in another cycle. Retro and vintage charm is really hot. I still love really vibrant colors. I was looking around my home this week thinking that I should really put together the look of my home! Well, I think that my problem is that I like everything and haven't put it all together yet. I love Tricia Guild as much as Frank Lloyd Wright. I love the gorgeous and inspiring work of my friend Amy Butler [http://www.amybutlerdesign.com] and the primitive and beautiful artistry of the lovely ladies of Blackbird Designs http://www.blackbirddesigns.com]. I am so grateful that I work in a community of creative and passionate artists who bring the best of their vision. I met these women at the Better Homes and Gardens' Creative Circle of Excellence Retreat last year. I must say that I was truly even more inspired by their passion and personalities beyond their actual work, which by the way, is wonderful in itself. They have a beautiful product but I believe that the person behind the work makes it special.

I think that I have become nostalgic because of a book that I just finished for Martingale & Co. [That Patchwork Place]. It is all about scrapbooking and my focus was on simple, classic pages using fabric. Designing for this book made me stop my crazy life for a brief moment and think about my family, my work and my past a little bit. It was fun visiting those memories and it helped me re-focus my designs and future products. Interesting how reminiscing can impact your vision of your life.

So, stop for a moment and let your memories re-focus and re-energize you. I think that you'll be amazed with what you can achieve.

Awesome iKnit!

Leisure Arts has done a FANTASTIC job of iKnit. What is it? It is a booklet done in magazine style. Cutting edge and I am so stoked about it. They did a phenomenal job with the styling and photography. It will be out in March. Check it out here posted January 16, 2007: [forgive me for not figuring out how to post this link properly]

http://livinginamaterialworld.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2007-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-06%3A00&updated-max=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=17

You should check out their sister publication, iCrochet. Also fab and it is available right now. [I was not a designer on this project.]
www.leisurearts.com

It's A New Year

Happy New Year!

I was doing all right until one minute ago. I was distracted by a call and somehow, the really long post that I have been working on and ready to publish, is lost in blogland. Agh!

I have been busy the past few months. I just wrapped up a book with Martingale & Co. [That Patchwork Place]. I finished another one for them in October too. The most frustrating thing that I encounter with maintaining a blog is the inability to post about my projects until they are actually published. I usually work about a year or so in advance so there's that big gap between finishing and publishing.

I had a lot of magazine work published in the past few months. I had a quilt, "be Merry" on the cover of American Patchwork & Quilting, some holiday cards and an interview in Quilts & More, and pincushions in Quilts & More. Look out for some cool placemats in the next issue of Quilts & More. They're quick and easy to make and are funky.

I wrote four books last year and I am so stoked about them. I can't wait for them to be published! It's worse than Christmas, which for me is a really bad thing. Don't ever tell me that you've purchased a present for me. I will ask you everyday from the day you tell me about it until the day that I open it. My husband pretends that we're not going to exchange gifts and then he pulls out something fabulous. I'm not so into jewelry and bling but he's bought some iPod and Patagonia items in the past. Now, if only a very large Apple product would end up on my desk ...

Back to my books. I've expanded the product range and look to include knitting and scrapbooking. Of course, there is the usual quilting book. Some of the look will reflect my personal taste. My signature look in quilting is bright but I love bright and luxurious likened to Designers Guild and muted colors dominate my home, knitting and scrapbooking tastes run more classic.

I discovered a couple of things when I was writing my scrapbooking book. My main loves are paper and photography but sometimes I prefer that they run separately. Yes, I know, you can't tell from this site but I love black and white photos with a photojournalistic touch. I think that I can call myself a digital documentary director. I almost have 20,000 digital photos alone and I love to take photos that say something without saying something. I think that has to do with the fact that I keep a separate diary/journal and I feel that a visual should just jump out at you and give hints at what's going on. The remaining interpretation is up to you. I found that I preferred an uncluttered look when it came to designing a page. Classic and clean with an unusual touch. I think that this book brought me back to my roots of design.