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.