My mom and I stopped by one of my favorite old garden shops and wandered through the aisles of well grown vines, roses and grasses. I think I might have been a gardener in my previous life - or at least I hope I was! Anselmo, my gardener from years ago is coming this weekend to help me plant a new field of lavender.
I was really excited to be asked to teach at this year's Silver Bella in Omaha Nebraska - November 12th - 14th. I know that sounds like years from now - but it's really just around the corner! For those of you who don't know, Silver Bella was started by Teresa McFayden as a paper arts event where people gather to take art and craft classes together. I wasn't sure if I totally belonged, but I have been told that people are excited to take my two classes - a charm bracelet class and a rosary necklace class. Some of the other instructors this year include: Pam Garrison, Rebecca Sower, Charlotte Lyons, Denise Sharp, Anna Corba, Jennifer Murphy and Teresa McFayden. I just peeked at the website and it looks like the 3-day event has already sold out for this year - but if you are interested for the following year keep your eye on the Silver Bella site - Teresa usually announces the classes in early April and it fills up within days.
I have finally finished the rag rug that I began weaving over a year ago! Woven out of old hemp scraps dyed in shades of red and coral, cotton vichy fabric from France and scraps of cotton and wool yarn, this is truly a rag rug - in the best sense of the word! After finishing the weaving on the loom, I finished it by twisting the cotton warp ends and then letting them twist upon themselves and then knotting each so they wouldn't unravel.
I love it when the dots connect. Moda heard (or read) that we were doing a giveaway of scraps from our new collection, Rouenneries. Being the great folks they are, they shipped me a big old box of our scraps and threw in a few jelly rolls, honey buns, dessert rolls and layer cakes (see below for full explanation). So, to spread the love a bit, Sofia picked out 4 lucky winners who will all receive a box full of sweet scraps! If the lucky winners would please leave me their address and their bakery choice I will get these out in the mail soon.
Finally - it happened! I received the box I had waited so many months for - the Moda box! Filled with our new collection, Rouenneries, the box was brimming with five yards of each floral print we designed. Old reds, dusty pinks, natural grey and tea stained grounds - all very French General and very simple. I really love it - now if I could just cut into it and start making something special! The collection will be making it's debut at the Philadelphia Quilt Show next week - and then shipping to stores in this fall. We'll be carrying my favorite designs on-line and in the shop also. Just to get the ball rolling - and because I am dying to see what people design with our new collection - I am going to cut up some scraps of fabric and send out a couple boxes of samples. Please leave a comment about your ideas and we'll pick out a couple of names at the end of the week. Bonne Chance!