Mele Kalikimaka....Merry Christmas!

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say...

On a bright Hawaiian Christmas day

This is the island greeting...

That we send to you

From the land where palm trees sway

Hear the song sung by Jimmy Buffet

In Florida we're putting on our new Christmas flip flops and turning the air conditioner down low to get in the Winter mood. Grab a Bloody Mary (with it's appropriate red and green holiday colors) or some ice cream with macadamia nuts (but don't have this combination together...tummy ache) and open the presents. Then go to the Marina for a little holiday brunch...ahhhhh.

Zen Koi and Bamboo by Stephanie Kimura

This is my latest fave embroidery. The background fabric is designed by Lonni Rossi at Andover Fabrics, the Koi fabric is from Michael Miller Fabrics, and the thread used is Robison Anton. The embroidery was designed by me and licensed to Amazing Designs. The lightweight batting I used was from Air Lite.

Barbie is dressed by Rei Kawakubo

Read more about it here: http://dazeddigital.com/Fashion/article/6070/1/Barbie_by_Rei_Kawakubo

2010 Year of the Tiger

The Morikami Museum in Delray, Florida celebrates the New Year festivities with traditional Japanese food and entertainment.

The Tiger represents the third year in the 12 year cycle of the zodiac. The year 2010 is your year and you are a Tiger if you will be 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, or 96 years old. The tiger is one of the most dynamic signs of the zodiac. They are dependable, unpredictable, fearless, tender, and loving. They love to pack up and travel to some far-flung exotic destination. They have a primal desire for adventure and first-hand experience of life.

Fashioning Kimono

Fashioning Kimono - Art Deco and Modernism in Japan

Exhibiting at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach, FL from December 5, 2009 through January 10, 2010.

For more information and directions: http://www.fourarts.org/

An exhibit of incredible Kimono...a "must see" for those who love textiles and history.

Jury Duty....book 'em Danno....

Well you have to be pretty old and have watched Hawaii Five-0 to recognize that phrase. I just came home for a lunch break. I've been down at the courthouse since 7:30 am to make sure I got a parking space. They said all jurors numbered 1 through 350 had to come in. There weren't 350 people there so they must skip some numbers. My number was in the high 200's so I had to go. They picked three groups for cases and then I guess the plea deal did not go through so there was a fourth...and my name was called. Marsha Ewing is the Clerk for the Circuit Court of Martin County and she has a great sense of humor. I'm going back now and if I am picked to stay I can't tell you anymore than it's a Criminal case and we are lucky to have Judge Levins. Our town is so small and our newpaper must be all of twelve pages...who knew we had four criminals? Talk to you later...but NOT about this.

I'm back. I didn't get selected for the jury...thank goodness. The case was very sad. I'm worried about the youth of our country.

Thanksgiving Day

I have some great friends who invited me to share their day of thanks at the Pirate's Cove Resort. Their father owned the land when it was just waterfront land. They reminisced about the good old days. The photos above show the view from the restaurant. The photos below are of the Dock Master downstairs, the sign that shows who caught what, and Jack, Bones, & Dave. I forgot how beautiful it is here......thank you!

South Beach, Miami

View of Miami from South Beach.......late afternoon. Joe's Stone Crab...watching cruise ships go by...Koi pond in a Zen garden...

A bit of imperfection in a city of beautiful people.......

Wearable Art Finery at the Houston International Quilt Festival

The "Belles" of Houston ... that's what I call them. They always show up in their finery. I made sure to get a photo of their fronts and backs. Whew...they've been busy.
They are members of the Houston ASG.

The Houston International Quilt Festival 2009

This art quilt blew me away. Eveything about it was/is awesome. I am so upset that I didn't get the artists name. If you know who the artist is, please let me know and I will add it to this blog. The artist certainly deserves to be known. In fact, I was going to hold this photo for a future blog post...but I can't wait! I'll be adding more photos soon...but I love this one.

Secret Artist Society creates the Sea Glass Slice Quilt for the World Quilt Show - Florida

Here's a great art quilt created by Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Jensen Beach quilt artists. These artists meet to do workshops where they teach/learn new techniques. For this work they selected a photograph and cut it in equal vertical slices. Each artist took a "slice" and created her own interpretation through surface design and quilting. They worked separately and came together with a masterpiece. Click on the image to the right for more details!

Need beautiful Japanese fabrics and gifts?

Pat and Paul Maeda own Maeda Importing and they specialize in Japanese textiles, Sashiko patterns and kits, books, gifts, patterns, kimono, and MORE. You can find them at the Road to California quilt show, Paducah, Quilts Inc. shows, and Mancuso Quilt Shows. They travel all over the country and love what they do. Stop by their booth and they'll talk about fabric, food, and Japan. They have really funny stories. It's been a while since I've seen them and it was good to see them at the World Quilt Show-Florida, West Palm Beach. Next years dates have been set for November 12-14, 2010. Hope I see them before then! Mahalo.

Houston Quilt Show

If you are attending please stop by Booth # 2034-38 at DYEnamic Fabrics. I'll be helping Libit and Tina. The booth is near the Food Court and Restrooms...yeah, Libit knows how to live well. They sell a wonderful array of BATIK cottons and BATIK rayons. These fabrics are hand dyed, the colors are vibrant, and the print designs are exquisite.

I'll be posting photos...so stay tuned!

Quilting Retreat in South Carolina

I am now a proud member of the South Carolina Quilter's Guild. I'll be at their retreat next week and it should be cooler .... right? Oh, well, it doesn't matter because I'll be surrounded by beautiful fabrics and quilts. What more could you ask for? Oh...more thread...books...

Speaking of quilts, don't forget the Mancuso Quilt Show in West Palm Beach in November! I hope they do well so they come back every year.

Catching up....more to come

I can't believe so much time has passed...seems like yesterday was a hot day in August. Well, today is a hot day in October but at least I know the weather will be cooler soon.

I did attend the CHA show in Orlando. This was the first year for the Summer tradeshow since its move to Orlando. It was a small show but to be expected. There were still a lot of great brave vendors.

The retail show was the first of its kind for CHA. There were a lot of attendees and very few vendors. The ambience was totally different but I guess that was the plan. Hope it all works out.

www.chashow.org in Orlando!

Hey! I'm leaving for something better than Disney in Orlando. The incredible CHA tradeshow and (new) consumer show. This is their first year in Orlando...the venue changed from Chicago. I'll let you know all about it! This is where the craft store buyers (including Michael's and Joann's) go to buy for their stores. I heard that Expo International has my jacket hanging in their booth. Hooray.

Update on Papaya crop

Well, this is an update on the status of my papaya tree and the first crop. This is the first one to successfully stay on the tree till ripe. Oops, I guess I left it on too long. Over ripe. At least I know it's a "girl" tree. There are two more trees growing along side this one. If anyone knows whether I should let them grow or eliminate them...please tell me. Now I am getting ready to plant a Guava tree. I'll turn this little corner lot into a bit of Hawaii yet! Since most of the posts are about sewing I thought I should sew an apron or something. Maybe a hat...temp feels over a hundred (sweat, sweat).

Keeping Busy With Crafting

I was commissioned by Velcro USA to create a collection of "crafted" projects using their new line of products. It was great working with them because they knew just what they wanted. The new products are useful, elegant, and packaged with style. That's saying a lot for a product that we sometimes take for granted. This new line will be sold in the crafting arena as well as the office supply stores. I'll write more and add a link if I ever see it online. PS. I don't want to actuallly describe the product until I see it unveiled and for sale.

SC Gov. visits Martin County, FL

Gov. Sandford is in Hobe Sound visiting relatives. Hope he goes to the BBQ restaurant or the Catfish hangout while he's here. Hobe Sound is known for their cute boutiques filled with gifts made of the traditional "pink and green" of Palm Beach.

A new twist on a Sundress!

Whew! It's hot out there...hope you're not out there hiking...the Appalachian Trail. Hope you're sitting in a screened lanai sipping on a Mango Mohito wearing your latest creation.

Create a corset or sundress top in bright colors and comfortable cotton. Use as many fabrics as you like...they'll match all your skirts and capris.

Make accessories with the leftover fabric...a ribbon to wear around the neck...a Kelly's Kiss handbag? C'mon, summer is the time to wear whatever you like.

Getting ready for the 4th of July celebration?

Celebrate in style. Make this quick and easy to make purse...and make it reversible. Denim trimmed with red, white, and pink on one side and red, pink, and green on the other side. This great fabric is from the "Prairie Gothic" collection. It has two different borders to work with. It's like getting a whole bunch of fabrics printed on one. See more views of this purse here.

Use free motion sewing to add fun designs quickly!

Now that it's summer...and it's hot as blazes outside...it's time to sit under a cool fan and work on some sewing techniques. You have that stack of quilt tops and gorgeous fabrics that you've been meaning to "quilt". Set aside some quiet time. Gather up your free motion foot, drop the feed dogs on the sewing machine, sandwich some fabric with batting in between and GO! Look in magazines and online for motifs that interest you. Create a line drawing. Use your pencil to trace the outlines a few times. It will help you get accustomed to the curves in the lines. If you like...trace the design on to your fabric using the Dritz Marking Pens with water soluble ink. Sew over the lines. Use a moist Q-Tip to remove the lines before you press. Hmmm...looks pretty good. Now for the stack of quilts...

Use a feather brooch to dress up a purse, jacket lapel or velvet headband.

No time or money to make a fabulous outfit? Just use something you have...add a feather brooch to a black velvet clutch bag, or to a white lace Chico's jacket, or pin it to a wide headband. These brooches would make great accessories for bridesmaids....and one in pure white for the bride. Be creative this summer!

It's summertime...time to make a bunch of new bags!

Check my Etsy store:

http://www.bamboogoddess.etsy.com/

Make a bunch of new handbags, wallets, and small accessories. You can make them up quickly and wear them out the door in a short time. Wear lots of bright pinks and greens and add a great purse handle. Don't worry about if they will match all your outfits. That rule no longer exists. No rules. It's all about YOU!

BTW, I just love this pink and green fabric. It was designed by Jane Sassaman and it's from her Prairie Gothic collection. I'll be listing it on Etsy because I just ordered MORE!

Papaya Treehouse

I'm also growing a papaya tree in honor of my Mom who loved papaya. Well...I may not have a lot of fruit yet but I am providing shelter for a frog. Look right in the center of the photo.

Designer Tomatoes

I'm not great at "farming" yet. The plant cost $4 and my crop so far has yielded TWO miniature tomatoes.

Wow..new Michael Miller Fabrics!

Check it out... http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/

Darlene and Debbie in the Cayman Islands on the ASG Cruise

Darlene and Debbie went ashore for some sightseeing. Is that our ship in the background?

Peggy and Marilyn with turtle friends on the ASG Cruise

Peggy (left) and Marilyn went ashore during the ASG cruise and met some cute turtles. Look at their great purses (they made those before the cruise.) Marilyn provided this photo and used it in her ASG Chapter's (Hudson Valley) newsletter.

Corset Couture is coming in Belle Armoire on July 1!

I got my complimentary issue of Belle Armoire (which will be in stores on July 1) yesterday because my Corset was accepted for their magazine. It has its own FULL page (57) and their photography is exquisite. Thank you to Jenny Doh and staff. I also LOVE their Altered Couture magazine and thanks Amanda Nolan (editor). Please look through their submission guidelines and submit your works of art. The staff at Stampington love artists and embrace all "styles". It's a great way to share what you create with all of us.

Thank You Jan Squires & The Central West Coast Florida Chapter

Thank you Jan Squires for putting this cruise together...we really appreciate it! Thanks for even finding us some fabric stores in the Cayman Islands!

We want to thank Connie and Robert Milan for all their hard work and patience putting the travel part together and not losing any of us when we went ashore.

Thank you Emma Seabrooke our Co-Educator who got Citrus Sew & Vac (we thank Sue & Scott too) who supplied the sewing machines.

We want to send out "Get Well Wishes" to Patti Van Matre and Bette Walker!

I want to thank Rosalina for the beautiful gift of a robe in my favorite color. I want to thank you ALL for the lovely rose and card.

Sheila Shultz of the Nature Coast FL Chapter made all the incredible Lotus Pin Cushions (as pictured above)....love MINE. I got the pin cusion and this incredible blue screen tote at the Regional meeting prior to the cruise. Joan Ruffing (President and fearless leader) and her Tampa Chapter made these great totes with the logo...I know it must have been a lot of work...thank you so much.

Our attendees came from: Ocala, Jacksonville, Crestview, Pensacola, Brandon, Tampa, Jensen Beach, The Keys, Northern Virginia, New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina...whew.

Marilyn Martin's Cruise Photos in her ASG Newsletter

Boy that Marilyn Martin works fast. She takes care of the newsletter "Stitchin Times", for the Hudson Valley New York Chapter of the ASG. She has some wonderful photos including our group photo in the latest issue. If you are a member of the http://www.asg.org/, go to the Members Only page, Log in, click on Chapter Newsletters, scroll down to New York, and click on Hudson Valley. If you are not a member...please join us! You can learn to sew, come back to sewing, or just hang out with us.

Dining Divas

Here we are at dinner. That Bev (the one writing in her journal...oh, and that's the other Bev to her left) kept a lot of notes. Don't let those empty plates fool you...those are just the chargers. I couldn't believe how fast the food was brought after we ordered. In this photo we have Carole near the window, Darlene (where's her daughter?), Bev, Bev, and Connie's husband (and Connie is sitting across from him).

Say "CHEESE"!

This is one of our waiters. Hmmm...there must be some good snapshots on that camera.












"Napkin waving" means something exciting is about to happen. On this night it meant we were going to do the MACARENA! We also formed a Conga Line and danced around the dining room. I guess that was to get us moving after all that food. Click on these photos for a larger image. If you look carefully...there are interesting things going on in the background...like Wendy (from the Charlotte, NC Chapter) waving her napkin and "who" is too busy eating to wave the napkin. Ha, ha, ha.

Maybe we should have practiced with this video before we went on the cruise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlzwuFkn88U&feature=related

Chris and Susan with their new jackets.

Look at these good lookin' gals wearing the beautiful jackets they finished and are on their way to the dining room for dinner. Chris (on the left) made the Kimura Jacket with coordinating fabrics with Asian designs. Susan made the Self Collar & Cuff jacket. She used a lovely floral with pinks, blues, and aqua for one side and a matching blue (with a tiny print) for the other side. Whichever way she wears the jacket, both prints will show up. They both worked hard and yet found lots of time to laugh. Chris makes the most perfect bias tape...miles and miles of it. Susan opted for the quick and easy jacket because she was there for rest and relaxation...she deserved it!

Central West Coast Florida (now a separate Chapter from the Nature Coast/Ocala) ASG Cruise on May 4, 2009

Well, this was an adventure. We planned on going to Mexico but because of the Swine Flu we went to the Cayman Islands. It was great because Jan found two fabric stores. Jan Squires is the President of the Nature Coast/Ocala Chapter of the American Sewing Guild. We had members from Tampa, Ocala, Jacksonville, Pensacola, D.C., N.Y., and N.C.

We sewed all day and all night. We kept stopping to eat and all the food was fantastic. There was so much to do and we got back to our rooms late. Rosalina was my roomie and when we entered the room and turned on the lights....we almost screamed...at our towel sculpture gift left on the bed. Every night there was a different towel origami gift.





I'll be adding more photos that I have and that you send.