Notes from the Patch

Can you hear me now?

Hello from Las Vegas.

First I need to apologize for this post. It's taken over three hours to edit these few photos and upload the pictures. If Bill doesn't kill me first I think I will throw this blankity blank computer out the window onto the strip so some crazy taxi driver can put it and me out of our mystery. I think it has something to do with these thick steel hotel walls that effects cell service (and ones attitude).

Monday was a full day of fabric buying. I must say I literally had to dig through:

a wall of flowers,

 

a booth full of feathers

  

and more than a dozen booths of satins and bridal laces before I found things I thought you all might want me to buy.

Like printed gross grain ribbon in really cool unusual colors and prints

 

and fabulous new fabrics from Renee Nanneman called Itsy Bits 2 that coordinates beautifully with Stone Cottage. (Couldn't decide so I bought the whole card).

  

Renee is known for her use of gorgeous wool so I thought we should have some of that too! ; )

I found new Minkee patterns and colors, exciting and unusual prints from Alexander Henry, three fresh lines from Lucien, and classic batiks and Christmas prints from Hoffman.

Although the treasures were scarce, I'm glad I came. This is a show that has struggled to survive and I'd hate to see it disappear. Because it's not so busy I get an opportunity to chat with my reps and the companies owners, and share with them what sells for us and what you might like them to include in future collections.

All in all it was a good day. Tuesday afternoon we fly to Louisiana and will be staying in an old plantation about an hour outside of New Orleans.

I'm looking forward to taking lots of pictures and to better cell service!

"heart" Suzanne (can't stand to wait for my name image to download - sorry).

Thought of the week - week #30

 

           

                 

In keeping with my post from earlier this week - 

For my view I give praise and thanks. 

 

Road trip

It seems like I've been packing all day.

It's going to be a busy week!

     

Sunday morning bright and early I'm off to the Ventura Flea Market just down the street. It's an RJ Canning production and friends Penne and Beverly say it's always great.

I haven't been to a good flea market in years. Collecting old stuff used to be such a passion of mine. You know, all those old toys that decorate the store, red transfer ware and of course old quilts. I just kind'a got tired of all that stuff for awhile, feeling like I'd like rather be a vendor than a buyer. But now I'm ready for a new search. Maybe some old sheet music, books, keys and other stuff to scrap with. I just love the thrill of the hunt. Even in the cold. And in the dark!

Then later Sunday Bill and I fly to Vegas for a textile show. This is a small show (and very poorly attended) but we like Vegas and we love any excuse to go and eat and play a bit. I'll be shopping the show then will meet Bill for a yummy dinner at Bouchon or maybe Il Mulino.

Tuesday afternoon we fly from Vegas to Louisiana for some red fishing in the bayous. I have a horrible fear of alligators and they say we may see some so you can bet my hands and feet will be well inside the boat!

What do you pack for fishing in the bayous?

My cameras are charged and my computer is packed (along with just about everything else I own).

Are you all up for a little road trip?

Easily influenced

As you may or may not know I read lots of blogs every day. No, not just the ones over there on my side bar but dozens! I especially enjoy reading the blogs of industry designers. You know, Heather Bailey, Sandi Henderson, Minick and Simpson, Patty Young, Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill Designs to name just a few.

What's so interesting to me is that after I see some blog "sneak peeks" of new fabric lines or patterns and read about all of the exciting things to come, I find myself sucked in, buying in on the hype and before long I'm often ordering the fabric lines and new patterns for the store.

This is all kinda new for me because I've only been reading blogs for about a year. BB (before blogs) I just bought what I liked and what I thought you'd like. Now I know even before I see a line in person that I want it.

Does that make since?

I still think about what you my customer will want to buy, but it's like I've been brain washed influenced by what I've been seeing on the blogs for the weeks leading up to my salesmen showing me the new lines. (Those blogger/designers are such smart cookies aren't they?) ; )

This happened recently when Cheryl from Andover showed me Stone Cottage by Renee Nanneman.

    

I'm  a huge fan of Anne Sutton and we are doing several of her blocks of the month. The minute I saw this collection I thought of Bunny Hill Designs and the Autumn House block of the month we're doing. I instantly knew I wanted these fabrics for our kits.

                 

The colors have that same slightly muted, faded look that she uses and it wasn't until later that I learned that Ann had actually used some of this collection along with fabric from another of Renee's collections in her quilt. If I hadn't been reading Anne's blog we probably wouldn't be doing her blocks of the month nor would I be buying fabrics in this soft more muted pallet.

I guess this is how trends start. You see new color combinations, watch them slowly evolve and before long you're saying, "Hey I like that"!

Just thought you might like to know...

Happy Friday everyone!

Counting my blessings...one by one

There is so much sadness in the world today.

Lost lives, lost jobs, lost homes, lost hope.

Listening to the news, it's just so easy to get depressed.

Although times are tough, we all can find SOMETHING to be thankful for. I was raised to have a positive attitude and I do prefer to see the glass half full.

Today, more than ever I need to look for the positive and thought I'd list some of my many blessings here, then I hope you'll share yours with me.

So here's mine, in no particular order: 

1. I'm thankful for this "job" I've done for the last 24 years. A job that I love and actually miss when I'm away for too long. A job where I get to work with women I truly love and admire. A job where I get to hang out with really wonderful people who share my love of beautiful fabric. I'm thankful for our sweet customers who I count as friends.

2. I'm thankful for this blog where I can share what's on my mind, what's new and what makes me, me. I love that it's brought me closer to my friends and customers and I love it when you share your thoughts with me. I have laughed, cried and prayed for many bloggy friends I have never even met.

3. I'm thankful for my husband that I knew just six months before I married him. I love that he still loves me even though I am nothing like that girl he married 41 years ago next week. I love that he is proud of me and that he thinks I'm doing a good job.

4. I'm thankful for our children and grandchildren. Proud of our sons that provide for their families so their wives can be home with their children.

5. I'm thankful for Nathan's brilliant doctors at Stanford Children's Hospital. I am thankful for the other families with children with DBA that support, comfort and encourage one another. I'm thankful that Nathan is doing as well as he is and for all of the wonderful people who unselfishly donate blood regularly. 

6. I'm thankful for Starbucks, date night, reality TV, Tahoe Joe's mashed potatoes, Fresca, my camera, Trader Joe's, new shoes and handbags, "my" radio station, my sewing machine and time to use it, a clean office and sewing room, walks on the beach and finding sea glass. Thankful that I've been able to resist sugar for the last three months. = )

So, there's my list. What's yours?

Have a blessed day everyone.

Happy Birthday Sarah

     

Nine years ago today Bill and I became grandparents and lost our hearts to this precious baby girl. We have watched her grow into a loving, caring, compationate young lady who loves her friends and family, books, sports, school, church and life in general.

Happy Birthday Bean!

     

xo Grammie Zingg

(BTW Did you notice her middle name?)

 

Girls in white dresses

Since summer is just around the corner I thought I'd show you a couple of cute ideas to get your little one ready for those hot summer days ahead.

The dress, Shoulder Tie Topper by Indigo Junction is as versatile as it is adorable.

 

The hat is from the same pattern I showed you last week but this time done in Bubble Gum Basics by Henry Glass. Barbara Jones from Quilt Soup has created this bright and happy collection using my current favorite color combinations. 

Love it! 

 

I first saw this dress done from pillowcases about nine years ago in Martha Stewart Living magazine.

It's taken nine years, but here's mine. (Actually, I provided the vintage pillowcase and Annette did the sewing). teehee

 

Since you use the finished edge of the pillowcase, you just need to make the casing for the ribbon and finish the arm holes.

Easy peasy.

Can't you just see your little angel in this on a hot summer day?

Heavenly.

 

Collection for a Cause

Introducing Legacy, a collection for a cause from Moda.  

 

leg·a·cy - what one leaves behind in an effort to enhance the care of future generations.

The newest collection of reproduction prints from Moda is doing just that. The proceeds from Legacy go to help fund the research to find a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

In ivory, soft blues, chestnut and double pinks the next quilt you make could be as beautiful as it is charitable.

Hooray for Moda for giving back.

 

Thought for the week - Week #29

   

         

          

Play date

       

Papa Bill and I just kissed these two goodbye - we had such a fun three days with them. We boated, fished, played games and found tons of sea glass. But mostly we just loved having them here.

Thanks guys for coming all the way from Kansas to play with us.