Stirrings in the studio

Somehow I have gone from working under the assumption that each project should be completed before moving on to the next. Hmmm... well that's kind of gone out the window! Seemed like a good goal at the time, and I suppose it still is, but truth of the matter is that a "cooling off period" is in order.

This is one of the appliqued blocks from this quilt, a new pattern in process called "Heartfelt Blooms". Well, at least for now. This also has an appliqued border with bunnies and such! More on that in the weeks to come, it's traveling with me on the plane this weekend. Considering the time spent waiting in the airport

And I'm proud to announce that I have finished what I now affectionately call "the #@!$" beast"! Really, sometimes it's easy and sometimes it's just painful. Now that it's finished, I think I'm going to make it again, but up the size of it a bit and offer it in a larger size. This one will just hang on my studio like a trophy!

Off I go to watch some evening TV before I crash and burn for the night!

Girl Friday... or Wednesday?

{Girl Friday: Noun, Informal;
An efficient and faithful woman aide or employee. }

Definition courtesy of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary

This seems like such an old fashioned term - but hey, if the shoe fits right? I love keeping busy and as a rule, I always have some project or another going on. I say as a rule because it's just a constant factor and can consistenly be counted on that if I'm sitting still it won't be for long. It drives my husband crazy that I'll sit down to watch TV or something "still" like that around 7:30 or so and I'll pass out snoring in 15 minutes or less. Hey - it's tiring being busy! But of course, all of you artsy-fartsy active people like myself know just what I'm talking about, right?

One of the many hats I wear is graphic designer - slash - illustrator - slash - well, whatever. I've had a few people ask me when looking at my patterns, "Who does your pattern layout?" or Who does your diagrams?" Well I say, "I do!" because this makes me fell pretty nifty.

I've witnessed many a harried quilt designer wondering how all of it is going to get done, so I got to thinking that this might just be something people would like me to help them out with. So for those who are intersted, I'll now be offering as quilt diagram creation, digitial quilt design and pattern layout to my list of design services. I also offer ad layout, blog headers and general web and print design work.

If you're interested, just drop me a line and we can chat it over! I'll be posting more information on my website this weekend.

I feel the need...

{ "I feel the need.... The need for speed!"}

One of my all time favorite movie quotes- picture my sister and myself the Summer of 1986, seeing Top Gun multiple times, me with my large earrings, feathered hair and fabulously blonde "Sun-in" hair. *Shudder* Anywhoo... it was the summer to Top Gun, Duran Duran and beach trips in LA for me. Those were the days eh? Ok, welll these are "the days" too, but those were pretty darn good ones to boot.

Well, my need for speed these days seems to be a growing thing. I've got several quilts for magazines either out the door or due soon (very soon), my book manuscript tossed back to Martingale for layout (whoo-hooo!!!) and new patterns hot and heavy on my computer. Shwew! I get tired of thinking about it. So, please, forgive my absence from my Blog! I miss it though, and here I am again. To answer some questions, I will be at Fall Market this year but not as myself. I will be helping out the gang from work at Clothworks, so I hope I can take my breaks and make the rounds. I will be back as "Stitch Studios" in Portland Spring Market 2008 revved up and ready to go. Never fear, more patterns are in the works and I will be previewing them here very shortly.

[ Things I have done this summer - an illustrated guide:}

I celebrated a birthday last month

Got a yummy couple of cupcakes from "Cupcake Royale in Ballard

Went to Levinworth

Saw Eddie Izzard (excuse the horrible phone picture)

Visited Mom and Dad

Just got back from a LONG road trip to the Sacramento area to visit my Mom and Dad. What a good time we had - lots of quilt and other shopping with Mom, movie watching on the couch, swimming... sigh! Back to work tomorrow.

I wanted to give a big thanks to all my friends out there in the blog-o-sphere, as I have been getting some very lovely comments from all of you. And even a mention on the fabulous Pam Kitty Morning blog who noticed my Peaches quilt in the newest issue of Quilt's and More. Seeing your work in one of your favorite magainzes is a rush and a half. I highly recommend and encourage all your designers out there to submit your works!

I have been busy writing at least three (or more?) new patterns and stitching some more and promise pictures over the next few days. Really... I'm serious... Honest!