Simplify

Moda love (and something to win!)

A day or two... five.... who's counting, right?  Anyway, I'm back.  For a minute or two, at least.  I have really been slacking with my blog lately.  Sorry...  I'll try to be better!  

I thought it would be fun to highlight each of the Moda designers in their booths (and a little closer up too) so you can get to know them a little better.  I am just getting to know them all, and they are amazing.

Keep in mind, this isn't all of the Moda designers, just the ones who had booths at Market in Pittsburgh.  The name will link to a blog if they have one, and the business name will link to their website.  So, here they are, in no particular order: 

Sandy Gervais- Pieces from my Heart:

yes, she really is as awesome as she looks in her picture.  we had a lovely discussion about Joan Rivers.  also, something about photoshopping a face on a butt??  ;-)

Kathy Schmitz- Kathy Schmitz Studio:

didn't get to chat nearly as much this time as last time, darn it.  Kathy is the sweetest!

Joanna Figeroa- Fig Tree and Co.:

oh, you already know I heart Joanna.  She is going to LOVE this picture, I'm sure.  haha...

Karla Eisenach- Sweetwater:

brand spankin' new designer, and her first line rocks.  can't wait to make something from it!

Deb Strain- Saltbox Illustrations:

Deb is also the sweetest.  seriously.  she told me I should be on America's next top model. (?!)  Love her!  

Sandy Klop- American Jane:

how cute are these guys?  Not sure what Sandy is doing in this picture, but I love it!

Lynne Hagmeier- Kansas Troubles:

only one picture?  darn it!  I thought I got two of everyone.  Sorry Lynne.  Next time I'll take 10. or 100  ;-)

Laurie Simpson (and Polly Minick)- Minick and Simpson:

This was when I was 'stealing' her idea from her sketch pad.  What a good sport!

Barbara Groves and Mary Jacobson- Me and My Sister:

One word- HILARIOUS.  Love these girls!

Lila Tueller- Lila Tueller Designs:

Poor Lila had a rough market- she lost her voice.  Good thing she had a stylin' booth to make up for it.  Hope you are feeling better!

Edyta Sitar- Laundry Basket Quilts:

Do you know how hard it was to get a picture of just Edyta?  She works harder than anybody at Market!  Her booth was always full.  You can see why!

And last but not least, us.  Bonnie and Camille (How crazy is that?  Crazy.  I'm still in awe.):

(eating chocolate, as usual)

So I was thinking,  to celebrate being surrounded by such incredible women, it would be fun to give something away.  Simple Abundance Honey Buns, actually. 

And to shake it up a bit, here's how it is going to go.  Choose any designer, go to their website and pick your favorite pattern or product.  Come back and tell me who it is, and what you love.  And of course, your name and where you are from.  Something interesting about yourself couldn't hurt.  ;-)

To choose the winners, I'm going to randomly choose one Moda designer, and then everyone who named that designer goes into a bowl, and the winner is picked from there.  Twice,  Two designers, two winners.  Does that make sense??  There may also be additional prizes... I'm just saying...

As always, here is my example:

Hey there, Camille Roskelley here, Nevadan/Idahoan.  I have a doughnut problem lately, all I want to eat is Maple Bars.  It's true.  I'm going to choose Joanna from Fig Tree, partly because I am a Fig Tree Junkie, and partly because we are going to hang out in Chicago in 3 days.  Hooray!  I'm eyeing her Creme Fraiche pattern these days, even though I have no idea how to say it.  So lovely... See?

Oh, and you have until next Monday to enter.  I'll announce the winners on Tuesday.  Sound good?  And for those overachievers, yes, you get an extra 3 entries to blog about it.  ;-)

Market is an interesting thing, you are surrounded by so much creativity, by so many amazing people.  Looking out from my little corner of the show, I was overwhelmed by the wonderful people I was surrounded by. And just so grateful to be a part of it all.  

Comments are now CLOSED for this giveaway.  Check back later today for the winners.  Thanks everyone!

Quilt Market.... finally

I'm back!  I know, I know, I'm slow. But just in case you aren't tired of Quilt Market, heres my two cents. Gosh darn it, it was fun.  Also, I'm exhausted.  From too much work, or too much play, I'm not really sure.   Here are 147,679,832 photos to help you decide which it was:

1.

Pittsburgh

2.

me and mom

...Just teasing.  Sorta.  I did take a lot of pictures, but between the 3 hour time change, and the getting up at 7 am, I was actually waking up at the time that I had been going to bed before market.  Because of this, I have some seriously sleepy lookin' eyes, so if you don't see your picture here and you are feeling left out, please send me a copy of yours to add to my Pittsburgh Quilt Market album (coming soon to my left sidebar) because seriously, I have more than a few pictures that are never going to see the light of.... blog.  (?)  

Whose idea is it anyway, holding Market while we are all sleep deprived?  Next time, I think we should have a mandatory week long cruise the week before.  That way we will be well-rested, and everyone besides me would be tan.  Quilts Inc, if you are reading this, think about it.  That's all I'm sayin.

Anyhow, here goes.  My Market recap, mostly in pictures (since it is late, and my brain is finally on Pittsburgh time):

Our hotel, the beautiful Omni William Penn

my half of the booth (Karen of Black Sheep Quilts let us borrow the darling little tables on the sides and the baskets.  How sweet is she?  And also, Karen- you need a blog! ;-)  THANKS! )

my mom's half of the booth

me in my booth looking cheesy 

With Heather and her many gorgeous quilts (excellent work Joel- make sure to ask about his dog ;-)

One of my most favorite people ever, Ted, er... Lissa.  (as in THE Moda Lissa) 

The lovely ladies of Fat Quarter Shop (minus Kimberly and the twins(!) 

Love my pal Sandi Henderson, who matched my booth perfectly and it wasn't even planned

(not sure why this one has weird color?) THIS is THE Carrie Nelson from Miss Rosie's Quilts.  She is a genius, I'm telling you.  Genius.

"Jane" of Lanie Jane- so darn cute, with a so darn cute husband to match. We heart Jane!

My mom and our "people" Sheri, who we also heart.  I've heard she is also known as "THE Sheri Howard."  I know several "THE" 's it turns out.

Debbi "Duckie" Duckworth lookin' stylish in her fancy shoes

Holly and Whitney at the Moda Home booth.  I can't tell you why I love Holly, but it has something to do with something that rhymes with "Shmurban Chicks."  You didn't hear that from me.

Another booth pic?  I'm too tired to put these in any kind of order.  Sorry.

My sorta-sister Angela, Christine, Me, the amazing Joanna (I know, it sounds like a magician, but she is amazing) and my cute little mom on the Moda dinner cruise

The view

My favorite shot of me and Angela.  We got some weird looks from the boat crew for this one. 

Dinner with the "Moda-mouths", otherwise known as one heck of an amazing group of women, even though we were missing a few.  Dinner/laughing our guts out was probably the highlight of the whole week.  Still pinching myself that I get to hang out with them.  They are way cooler than me.

Before takedown:

and after takedown.   

Anyway, thats the short version.  I'll be sure to put up a Pittsburgh album on my sidebar (did I already say that?) to post the rest of the pics.  So keep an eye out for that if you want to see more.  If you don't, that's fine too. I'll understand. :-)

I still can't believe it is over.  All that work, all the preparation, and it is over.  Just like that.  We left everything the way we found it, and it was time to head home.    

Did I mention I missed the munchkins?  

SO happy to see them all when I got off the plane.  And Cafe Rio on the way home?  Just the icing on the cake. Or, in Cafe Rio terms, the Tomatillo dressing on the... everything.

All in all, I'd have to say it was a pretty good market.  A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made it what it was.  Love all you guys (or ya'll for you Texans) and I can't wait to see you next time.  

For more Quilt Market, go check out Lissa, Joanna, Sheri, The Jolly Jabber, Carrie, Pam, Laurie, True Up, Sandi, Anne... who am I missing?

Check back in a day or two for Part 2 (of 2, don't worry).  Think Moda designers, and booths.  And a giveaway, perhaps?  

Anyway, I'm going to bed.  Almost time to wake up.  In Pittsburg that is.  Blurg!  

Good night!  

Due to popular demand, I present...

Otherwise known as, your guide to Moda cut goods. 

What in the world is a Jelly Roll?   

This is probably the question I am most frequently emailed, especially from new quilters who are just starting their {crazy} fabric obsession.  So, here's a quick and easy guide (with pictures!) to help you out.  I should warn you, you might be hungry by the end of it... so I have a little treat down there.  Don't miss it!

*And just in case you were wondering, one yard of fabric is 36" x 44" (the width of fabric. It varies a little.) 

*Just FYI, no need to prewash your cut goods.  Just start sewing!

*Oh, and have you seen these?  Oh my gosh, they are cute.... I want one! (or ten)

Anyway, back on track...

1.  Charm Packs

5" x 5" squares of coordinating fabric from the same collection of fabric (otherwise known as a fabric line).  Charm packs include one of each of the prints, usually between 25-40 squares.  It typically says how many are included on the back. 

see examples here

2.  Layer Cakes

10" x 10" squares from one fabric collection. They used to include 40 squares but the new ones now have 42. Want to throw a quick and easy quilt together?  Layer cakes are the answer.  Love 'em.  By the way, that is a charm pack on top of a layer cake.  For size reference.  And because forgot to take a picture of the Layer Cake by itself.... but who's counting?

see examples here

3.  Jelly Rolls

Jelly rolls are my favorite.  They look so darn cute all rolled up, and even if I just stack them on my shelf, they are gorgeous to look at.  A Jelly Roll is 40 2-1/2" x 44" strips from one line of fabric.  

see examples here

4.  Honey Buns

(Like a Jelly Roll, only sweeter.  And shorter.  :-)  Same concept as a Jelly Roll, only the strips are 1-1/2" wide instead of 2-1/2.  Darling, darling.... 

see examples here

5.  Turnovers

6" half square (triangles) of fabric.  There are 2 of each print, making 80 turnovers per pack.  I haven't used these yet, but I just got a few to start playing with.  Can't wait!

see examples here

6.  Fat Quarter Bundle

Okay, maybe these are my favorite...  Fat quarter bundles are a stack of fat quarters from a line of fabric, and include as many fat quarters are there are prints in the line. What is a fat quarter?  Well, if you cut 1/4 yard of fabric, it would measure 9" x 44"   So, you'd have a long skinny quarter yard.  Instead, a fat quarter is 18"x22".  OR, half the length, twice the width.  Still a quarter yard.  And darn cute all stacked up. 

see examples here 

Simple as that.  

Okay, so now that you are all savvy on the cut goods, lets give a few away!  I'm thinking, some Honey Buns, Jelly Rolls, maybe Charm Pack or two... or some Turnovers!  Hmm... they all sound delicious.  So, heres what you do:

Tell me.... your name, where you are from, a random fact about yourself, and what you think (preferably about cut goods, rather than... I don't know, the meaning of life.  Maybe next time.)  Which cut is your favorite?  And for extra credit (but not really) tell me which Moda fabric line is your favorite right now.  Who knows... it just might end up on your doorstep, in dessert form.... Feel free to tell your friends, for a few extra entries.  But have them hurry, because the winners will be announced next Monday, whatever day of the month that is.  

As always, heres mine: Camille Roskelley, current Nevadan, and I could eat a Fire Grilled Steak Burrito and a Dr. Pepper from Cafe Rio and listen to James Taylor every day for the rest of my life.  My favorite Moda treat is either Jelly Rolls or Fat Quarter bundles, I can't get enough of either.  And my favorite line of fabric right now is... Simple Abundance.  ;-)  ha ha... okay, since that isn't out yet, how about SWEET by Urban Chiks.  LOVE it!  And yes, I posted about this on my blog.

So go on, enter.  And feel free to bribe me with chocolate, it's the Reeses Eggs time of year, you know.... 

One more thing... are any of you able enough to muster up the courage to cut into your cut goods?  It's such a struggle for me! So... I do what any sensible person would do.  

I buy backup.  :-)

Good luck!  

Random Acts of Moda

Yesterday I found an owl on my doorstep. 

And not just any owl, THIS owl: 

How cute is he?? Did I mention he's a Moda Lissa original? Oh I love him! THANKS Lissa! Aside from being extremely thoughtful, did you know that Lissa and Angela are also the masterminds behind Moda Bake Shop? Brilliance, I tell you.  So here's what I've been meaning to tell for the last week or so. Moda Bake Shop has a brand new flickr group! In case you aren't a flickr guru (as I certainly am not... yet), flickr is a place where you can share your photos. So you just sign up for a free account, upload pictures of your MBS projects, finished or in progress, and add them to the group. Simple as that. Can't wait to see what you guys have been working on!

Random Acts of Moda... what will they come up with next? Oh, and one more thing, go over, join the group, whip up a project or two, upload pictures if you've got em, and then come back and leave a comment letting me know. I just might have to draw for a prize or two next week... what do you say? Oooh... I can't wait...

Up to something

An unexpected surprise came while I was on my way out the door, just after writing that last post.  The UPS man brought the only thing more exciting than fabric:  strike offs!  As in, strike offs of our next fabric line, Simple Abundance.... hooray!!  

So I'm up to my neck in swatches, and getting closer and closer....  here's the tiniest of tiny sneak peeks.  Are you as excited as I am?  Can't wait to show it to you for real... counting down the days.

Wish me luck!  And sleep, that too...  

Oh, and one more thing. You know how I love Shangri-la?  Well, I really want to win this bag of Judi's!  Really.  Head on over for a chance to win.  I must really like you guys...  ;-)

Scrumptious

Whenever Aiden eats a treat that he finds especially tasty, two things happen.  Number one, he manages to get it all over his sweet little face, and number two, he always says "Mommy, this is scrumptious!" I love it.  In fact, sometimes I feed him treats just so I can hear him say it.  It's true.  Did you know that scrumptious means "delightful, excellent, delicious?"  That's true too.  

Have you been thinking about giving sewing/quilting a shot but haven't quite known where to start?  Or are you a fabric-a-holic (like me) and you are always on the lookout for great projects? Either way, Moda's got a brand new blog, called Moda Bake Shop and you are going to L-O-V-E it.  An ever growing blog filled with clever ideas and amazing little projects using all your favorite Jelly Rolls, Charm Packs, Layer Cakes, Sweet Rolls....  you name it.  Now that is scrumptious.

Scroll down and you'll find my tutorial to make a simple little table topper out of a charm pack and a yard or so of fabric.  Fun, quick and easy!  I hope you enjoy it!

And also, I'm giving mine away.  Yup, just to celebrate!  Moda Bake Shop AND the fact that it just happens to be my 2 year blogiversary on Wednesday.  Can you believe it?  2 years?  

Just leave a comment before Wednesday and let me know your name, where you are from, and and which scrumptious little project you've got your eye on over there at Moda Bake Shop and you are good to go.  

Example (as always):  My name is Camille Roskelley, and I live in Nevada, although I'll always be an Idahoan.  I want to make everything on the Bake Shop blog, but the top of my list?  Definitely the Sultry Jelly Roll Quilt.  Love it!  In fact, I think I'm going to start it right now... anybody want to join me?  :-)  

Good luck!  Have fun over at the Bake Shop!

How's that for a treat?  

PS- Happy b-day blog!