Holly Blog

My Favorite Things...236...The Day After Market

It's been too long...Forgive me.  The last 15 months of my life have been filled with new adventures, new friends, lots of fun :o)  but also the craziness of not one, but two moves...& more things to do than I could do myself or delegate.  I had to put several things on hold...and blogging was one of them (even though it is one of my favorite things to do).  Thank goodness things are settling down a bit now...more details on all of the above later.

For the first time since 2003, when we started LakeHouse -- the fabric company, I did not actually make it to Quilt Market.  I came down with my second bout of the flu (in 6 weeks time) the week before market & it really hit me hard.  Luckily, Pam & her daughter Frankie were there to help out...Kudos & Hugs for stepping up girls!

Luckily, Pam took lots of fun shots of the Pam Kitty Love themed LakeHouse booth in Kansas City...(it's like they asked us what color to make the aisle rugs) -- LOL!

On our side & back walls were a combination of oversized posters that I designed for the booth, as well as quilts made by Pam, Nanette from Freda's Hive & Darla Padilla from Wildflower Quilting.  Many of you will recognize the gingham block quilt on the right (click to englarge photo), it's the one that I designed for McCall's Quilting Magazine, and oo la la -- I just love Nanette's sampler quilt!  The "Come Around For Coffee" quilt on the poster in the middle is a freebie click & print pattern from Pam...it's on the right sidebar on her blog...it's UBER CUTE! (I'll show you more color combinations of this quilt from our sale booklet sometime soon--wait till you see how she designed the handles on the coffee cups!)

Here's a couple of close up shots of the little goodies in our booth, (Is it just me, or do Pam's fabrics put a smile on your face too?)...The adorable bags filled with goodies are by Keiko Clark of K Cotton Studio.

Frankie helped us fold dozens of the heart-fan decorations, & Pam's accessories on the clothesline are just darling, aren't they?...

Before I close for today...Don't miss having your own mini version of the Pam Kitty Love sales booklet...just click on the 9-patch Pam Kitty Love sidebar icon to the right--->  So you can run in to your LQS and make sure that they'll be ordering exactly what your heart desires!

Sorry, but the perfectionist in me needs to mention that the colors on the .pdf are not the greatest. (They are muddy!)  Since you've probably seen the colors of Pam's first collection in your LQS, you already know that her color palette is clean & bright and filled with "good cheer".  Most importantly, the new Pam Kitty Love fabrics due out at the end of this year, will "play nicely" with the original Pam Kitty Morning fabrics...so you can't go wrong blending the old with the new.

Sort of reminds me of the song we used to sing in girl scouts..."Make new friends, but ke-ep the old, one is silver but the other's gold"...Do any of you remember singing that song too? 

Back in two shakes...(promise!)

:oP

H2

My Favorite Things...235...More with my Peeps

Here's me with the lovely Jennifer Bosworth at her beautiful new Shabby Fabrics booth at Salt Lake City.  She had some exquisite new quilts, and of course she pointed out her favorite "shimmer dot" that she used in the quilt behind us.  It's our LH 03035 Champagne -- one of our top 5 best sellers in the history of LakeHouse.

I also got to meet the irrepressible Pat Sloan for the first time...we have so many friends in common, and somehow we've not been introduced until SLC...

Last but not least for today are Pam & I trying to contain our glee (and our fatigue at the same time), at the end of our first day on Friday...it was a labor of love -- it was many months worth of work and we were toast!

still lots more to show & tell...

;o)

H2
 

My Favorite Things...234...And Kitty Makes Three!

Here's a picture of Pam Kitty, McCall's Quilting's Beth Hayes & me (looking dazed & bloated--LOL) at Quilt Market this year, taken by Laura Roberts (also from McCall's -- thanks Laura!)...

Is it just me, or does Pam look like her feline alter ego?

A little bird told me that PKM is on her little quilt retreat, so it looks like she hasn't totally scooped me on photos from the booth (yet)...

Many Thanks to Nadine Woodraska for loaning us all sorts of cute things from her shop in South Jordan Utah...The Material Girls...We love you Nadine!

We had lots of giveaways at the booth.  Pam made up the cutest little fabric strawberries...with a pattern on a recipe card, called Strawberry Delight.  She also made up a free pattern for the circle pot holder...(hint: with googly eyes that pot holder turns into a hand puppet!)  We also gave away lots of little jars of Pam Kitty Jam, and Pam Kitty Candy (cinnamon hearts)...And of course Ric Rac was from our buddy Adam at CheepTrims.com (Oh, and can you tell that these pictures were taken b4 the show actually opened...that's the boxes from our tables & benches in the background ;o(

That's one of Nadine's antique child's sewing machines from her collection on the top shelf.  On the tabletop is the New Pam Kitty Morning sales booklet, and more of that delicious Pam Kitty Jam.

Here's a picture of the large Jars of Pam Kitty Jam we had on display...

Wouldn't you know that the crack security team at the SLC airport confiscated the Pam Kitty Jam that was in my carry on (on my way home)...Wondering who gets the spoils from all they confiscate...The man who checked my bag was rather chubby.  I'm just saying...

Oh, and if you are wondering where the playful pink dotted fabric on the table top & strawberries came from, it's the Annie's Farm Stand fabrics we introduced last fall, that are just hitting Independent quilt shops near you right now!  (Most of you know by now, that we really try to make our fabrics play well with others, so have fun mixing & matching the new "Annie's" fabrics with the "Pammie's" when they arrive in October '11...

The LakeHouse fabric for quilts motto: 

"Matchy Matchy":  No!   "So Happy Together":  Yes!

More pictures from SLC coming soon...so y'all come back now...

H2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Things...233...Being back in Salt Lake City!

Four years ago, when I was first in Salt Lake City, we did the glass lamps from Pottery Barn that were filled with yo yo's made with fabrics from the La Belle Rose collection.  Those darn lamps caused quite a stir...

Here's me and McCall's Quilting editor (my absolute favorite magazine editor ever!) Beth Hayes back then...

Somehow we both got the dress code memo and showed up in coordinating black & white outfits. That's me on the right.

Last time in Salt Lake City, I sponsored a blogger's dinner for quilters who were attending the show. 

Here's a snapshot Penny Sturges took of the event:

It was a fate-filled dinner 4 years ago.  With backs to the camera are Elizabeth Scott of Late Bloomer Quilts, me, Pam Vieira-McGinnis of the now famous Pam Kitty Morning blog & our friend Tammy Tadd.

Here's part of the re-cap from that dinner that I wrote in my blog back in May 2007...

Pam Vieira McGinnis and Elizabeth Scott were both great to meet.  I have admired Elizabeth and Pam's work from a far but hadn't really had much time to get to know them before our dinner...they are lots of fun and full of ideas.

Most of you know by now that our latest collection of fabric has a been a collaboration with Pam Kitty & me.

If you haven't seen Pam's blogs lately, click here to see the first of her recent posts on this fun & colorful new line of Pam Kitty Morning fabrics we did together. 

Lots more to show & tell about the "Pam Kitty Morning" inspired booth in Salt Lake CIty.

Back in two shakes...

H2

 

My Favorite Things...232...New Friends, New Winners...

This picture was taken by my friend Lisa.  We've been talking about how much we love big puffy tissue paper flowers for a while now...They remind me of the ones we used to make to decorate our rooms in grade school.

New Friends...

We had a couple other online shops join us in the Brownie Points event just after the New Year. 

Mary Reap & her crew over at Desperate Quilters stand out in my mind, because they frequently purchase the special LakeHouse ribbon to tie the fat quarters & other pre-cuts that that they make themselves with our LakeHouse fabrics. 

Make sure to see the Desperate Quilter's mascot "Betty Boop" on their site, shamelessly draping herself over some Fun Flowers fabrics...Their charity is the Humane Society.

Last but far from least is the Cozy Quilt Shop, owner Daniela Stout & her crew have quite the quilting empire, on top of a shop in El Cajon California, they have their own tools, patterns & Daniela writes a terrific newsletter that comes out every Thursday.  Make sure to check out the Cozy Quilt website, there's so much to see.  They are also offering the Fast Flowers Quilt Kit.

New Winners...

Wishes for Velda Fat Quarter Winners:  Kristin & Vickie Streich

Best guess for our elusive guest, Gina Halladay:  Aggie

The HollyStash winners are:

Sheryl Walker who makes quilts for Project Linus

Mary On Lake Pulaski who needs to stay warm

Sandy Narayan who is teaching a new quilter how to use a sewing machine

Ladies, please contact me via support@lakehousedrygoods.com to claim your prize.  Make sure to tell me what type of fabrics you like, and give me a couple of options, so I know how to make you happy!

My heart goes out to each and every one of you who made a plea for extra fabric.  I wish that I had the means to send you all some fabric.

We'll have more giveaways though, so pls come back for a visit soon.

Back in two shakes,

H2

 

 

My Favorite Things...231...A Funny Lady

Well, one of you did guess...It's Gina (who will forever be known as) "my dog ate my computer cord" Halladay.

After a couple of days of one-too-many Xmas cookies, and other holiday delectables, I must confess I can barely keep my eyes open between naps to write this post...

Besides, Gina says it best...click here to visit Gina over at her famous QuiltersBuzz blog.

Besides being one of of quilting's first serious bloggers, Gina owns Cranberry Quiltworks for Long Arm Machines, Threaded Pear Studio for Fun & Easy Quilt Patterns as well has her new store:  Fresh Picked Fabrics.

Thanks to all for the enthusiasm & holiday cheer from all who participated in our little Brownie Points Event.

Lots more about the winners & the prizes coming soon.

To all a good night.

Back in two shakes...H2

 

 

 

My Favorite Things...230...The Spirit of Giving!

WELCOME TO DAY TWELVE OF OUR BROWNIE POINTS BLOG-ALONG-ATHON!

As we await a visit with quilting's funny lady...Let me give you a little snippet, and we'll see if you can guess who my next guest was supposed to be today:

Tried to post & have technical difficulties...electricity out in the rain...then the dog chewed my cables... Am I just an old coot, or does this sound like the modern day equivalent of "the dog ate my homework"? LOL...

I'll send out some fat quarter bundles to whoever guesses who our tardy guest is.

And also in the spirit of giving, since quilter's flock to free stuff like scrambled eggs to bacon...

I have read most of your posts as of this morning.  It occurred to me that this would be a good time to tell all of you who make quilts for good causes, things like:  Project Linus, children in local hospitals, etc.  We do have a Free Fabric Policy at LakeHouse. 

First we verify that our excess fabric is going to a good home...many of you are in quilt guilds who are registered as non-profit organizations for this purpose.  There are also a lot of other ways to verify that you are "doing good works"

Second, we tell you what we have available that would suit your needs.

Third, we need to know how much fabric you can afford to have sent you you and how you want it sent. Because while our overstocked fabric is FREE, shipping to you is not.

Guess who helps us out with this?  Kristine Tate, she's the angel who made up all of our Fast Flowers Quilt Kits for this Brownie Points event.   You can write to her at:  support@lakehousedrygoods.com

Hope this gives the charitable amongst us some food for thought.

Peace on Earth,

Goodwill towards Quilters!

H:oP

H2

 

My Favorite Things...229...Families & Friends at Christmastime

WELCOME TO DAY ELEVEN OF OUR BROWNIE POINTS BLOG-ALONG-ATHON!

This is our second day with Kimberly & her gang over at the Fat Quarter Shop.  Since it's getting so close to Christmas, I'm feeling particularly nostalgic today.  First, I have to show you a picture of Kimberly and her brood, because it is a testament to multi-tasking, hard-working women everywhere...

I first remember meeting Kimberly at the Kansas City Quilt Show several years ago.  Almost every time I've seen her since, she's been walking the show (and pregnant) or she's not been at market because she was too pregnant to travel.

First there was Emma (on Santa's lap), who is looking almost grown up now.  Then the twins (in the matching snowman t-shirts).  Aren't they the sweetest little "toilet tissue" babies you've ever seen?  And in  November, another boy named Christopher.  Yet in the midst of all of all of this "family expansion", Kimberly's created an empire over at the Fat Quarter Shop.

Kimberly, her husband Kevin (who works with her) and all of their kiddles, are living proof that the American Dream still exists. 

As a fellow small business owner, I'd like to commend Kimberly and her "Stay Calm & Carry On" attitude.

Let's all take stock in Kimberly & her success ladies, and look forward to a prosperous New Year.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll remind all of you that Fat Quarter Shop is also selling the Fast Flowers Quilt Kit today, and their charity is the Make A Wish Foundation.

I'll be doing a little guest post over at the Jolly Jabber, so click here to go there...hint, more free stuff for deserving fabri-holics.

As we "wrap things up" (no pun intended) for Christmas, one of quilting's funniest is waiting in the wings to be introduced.  Can't wait...LOL

Back in two shakes...H2

PS  if you are here for my stash giveaway, pls leave your comment on this page!

PPS if you are involved in a group that does charitable works, pls click here

 

My Favorite Things...228...The Nieman Marcus of Online Quilt Fabric Stores!

WELCOME TO DAY TEN OF OUR BROWNIE POINTS BLOG-ALONG-ATHON!

My guest today is the lovely Kimberly Jolly of Fat Quarter Shop  fame.  Not only does she have the penultimate online quilt fabric shop, but she's been busy on the home front too.

The Fat Quarter Shop charity for our Brownie Points event, and the Fast Flowers Quilt Kits is the Make A Wish Foundation.

Her brood has grown yet again just recently.  Here's her latest, Christopher, born just after Fall Quilt Market..

Looks like they'll be lots of dumplings at the Jolly Family Christmas Dinner, congrats Kimberly & Kevin!

I'm thinking that I'll have the just inspiration for another line of little boys fabrics, don't ya think?

Tomorrow I'll have more on the Jolly clan, and a  little guest piece on Kimberly's blog "The Jolly Jabber", so come on back here, y'all.  ;oD

Back in two shakes...

H2

 

 

 

My Favorite Things...227...More Talented People & Their Talented Pups!

WELCOME TO DAY NINE OF OUR BROWNIE POINTS BLOG-ALONG-ATHON!

The Fast Flowers Quilt Kits are selling like hotcakes, and we have a new store today who is also carrying them.  It's Shabby Fabrics, and their charity is the Humane Society.

If you've ever been to the Shabby Fabrics website, you know that today's special guest is the owner Jennifer Bosworth.  She's is a quilter, blogger, shop owner (and did I mention pilot...as in has flown 747's...yes mam, she's a dynamo!

Jennifer's sidekick is Pal, a golden retriever who insists on carrying a package to the postman every day at the Shabby Fabrics store, just look...

If you haven't yet seen the Shabby Fabrics website, you are in for a treat.  It's a little bit like falling into a soft pink featherbed surrounded by lots of fabulous french antique pillows.  It's a respit, a feminine and peaceful place to take a little mental health moment or two.  Especially if you love applique' as much as I do...Jennifer travels the world looking for the finest applique projects, and she has oodles on her site.

So take a gander, it's a site to behold  ;oP

Lots more tomorrow Ladies...

H2