Quilt Market Spring 2013

I don't even know where to begin on this post. This market was so fantastic and exhausting all at the same time. Of course, I missed my bff/partner in crime, Roni. But I was thrilled to have the support from my SIL Andrea. She's 7 months pregnant, but did a great job helping me put up the booth (cause I'm short and can't hang the curtains in case you forgot). Surprisingly,  my sweet husband was able to fit everything into my minivan without a scratch (sadly, the same effect did not happen on our way home). Poor lamps.

I drove to Boise to stay the night with my parents and pick up Andrea and then we headed straight to Portland the next morning. One of my most favorited people in the whole world, Amanda, caravaned with us, making for a really fun drive! Here we are on our first day of set up:

 I was able to con my sweet friend Katie, into helping me design my booth this year, because let's face it, I have no idea what I'm doing. :) Here is the booth from both sides. Sorry, but I have yet to find a successful way of photographing the whole both in a classy style. So these are the photos you get. You're welcome! :)

 And the other side...

My favorite thing about market this year, was feeling comfortable there. The first time I was a mess because I didn't know what people would think of me. The second time was worse because they knew me and I didn't know if they'd still talk to me or not. But this time, I was more confident in my relationships with other designers, distributors, etc.

 

It's hard to try new things for some people (like me) and sometimes it's harder to go back, but I'm so glad I pushed through. I was really low key for awhile while I had Remi and took care of my family and I felt like that slowed me down A LOT. But awhile back someone left a comment (sorry I don't remember who) on a post of mine saying that my business would be blessed ten fold for choosing my children and I'm so grateful for that comment, because it kept me going when I wondered if I should even keep going with this career. Always choose your kids, always! I promise it's worth it!

 

Anyway, speaking of friends, here's one of my very, very good friends Amy! Sure do love this lady! And have you seen her new decals over at Kati Cupcake? She and Melda are so clever!

 And, ahem, while I was gone, would you believe that this little bunch went on vacation without me? I was so bummed because I wanted to go with them. But I guess that's what happens when you go to market...they have fun without you. ;)

So in conclusion, market was great. I have really supportive friends and family! OH and wait a minute, did I mention that my patterns have been listed in the shop for a week now? Many of you have already caught on, but I'm a little slow mentioning that here. Oops! Also the new ones are in PDF format, finally! And now I have to go make dinner for my children, have a Happy Thursday Wednesday!

New Spring Patterns

I am so excited to show you these patterns! We've been working hard prepping for market. Our grass is finally showing some color, but that's no thanks to the sun...more my husband spray painting everything I bring home for my booth. :) 

 

It's been 2 years since I've been and I'm a little nervous to go back, but I know it will be so much fun to see all of my market friends again...I do miss them!

 

You'll notice in this collection of patterns a little something different. They aren't all bags! I have no idea why. I think having a toddler running around, snuggling all her blankets was a little bit inspiring. Oh that girl! Anyway, I have plenty of photos to show you, but for now you'll have to settle on just the covers, because I'm lucky to even be writing this post.

 

First up is "Dizzy". This one was inspired by Ruger and his new obsession with mazes. He can do a maze in 30 seconds flat...he's so amazing! I struggled to come up with a name for this one until I showed my dad and he told me it made him dizzy and then left the room because his head hurt! I love my dad! He's the best!

"Chevy" is for my Sawyer who is always up and down...always! Love that boy, but he's a wild one! This one is easier than it looks (or maybe it looks easy?). It's a fun mix of half square triangles and don't you just love the Hooty Hoot fabrics?! They're re-releasing that line and I'm so excited! Watch for it with Riley Blake, it's called "Hooty Hoot Returns".

The "Bye Bye Birdie" quilt is my FAVORITE design of all time! It's a larger quilt, 76"x76", with big chunky blocks. It's a little bit of a spin off of traditional quilting. In fact, I may have broken some quilting rules here, but it was so worth it! I promise you'll have a good time in putting this one together...it's fun!

And this little bag, has popped up here and there as a teaser and I've been carrying one around for myself. It's a perfect 10" by 12" hipster with a long, across the chest look, or two handles for easy toting. Inspired entirely by my sister-in-law Betsy, this bag is perfect for any mom of 6, or 7....how many kids do you have Betsy? Ha! :) And...I almost forgot, this little number can be made with just ONE yard of fabric! Or if you like to mix things up a little, you can break it up into different fabrics.

All of these patterns will be available next week before I leave for quilt market in Portland. I just couldn't wait any longer to show you. I hope you like them! They were a lot of fun to make! Thanks Beth for your mad photography skills!

Wish me luck will you? Happy Tuesday!