Beauty....on Fabric....Sooooo Lovely

I just know I'm not alone here....there is just something about having amazing fabrics on hand to uplift the creative spirit!  Look what came in the mail today:

Please don't drool on my new fabrics!  Giggles

They came from Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works.  I can typically resist any sale and even free fabric...yep I'm pretty darn good at that.  However.....I could not resist Jackie's Cyber Sale on Batiks and Kaffe Fassett Fabrics.  She hit me right in the knees with this sale!

Will you just look at all of these amazing fabrics....certainly made my list of amazing things that happened today!

Where have I been other than at the mailbox?  Nowhere really.... the elves and I have been working, doing laundry, cleaning floors, making and cleaning up meals and that's about it.  

Hope you are in love with your fabric stash....cuz I certainly am in love with mine.

Giant Colorful-filled Smiles,

Kelly

Its Not Caving In....It's Just Falling

I've been told that when things feel like they are falling apart.....perhaps they are just falling together!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!   Mr. McSteamy has been out of the country for 3 weeks, we had a co-worker change schools and all the normal activities of daily living (some how they seem like a giant mountain....I need new glasses :)

 The beautiful Fall leaves help keep everything in perspective.

Gratitude....it certainly is an intoxicant!  Zach was so tickled to be about to go out into a field and pick a "real" pumpkin....not just one purchased from the store.

 

Naturally where there is a pumpkin....there is pumpkin guts.

Aaron started a new school yesterday.  I tried to capture his beautiful smile....but it looks like I pressed the camera too late.  Darn!  Can you believe how tall this fella is?

What else is going on in my life.....Waldo....naturally. Waldo is working on a new quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics (many of which I gave her from my stash...what are friends for if they can't use your stash :).  The pattern she is using:

Argyle by Allison Designs

We loosely laid out her blocks to get a look at how the quilt will look.  I may just have to have one of these myself....I just love it!

It is really tough to get an idea about this quilt when we laid it on top of this quilt:

Yep....that's Waldo's bed quilt....a eye popping Kaffe Fassett quilt.  I've warned her more than once to sleep with the quilt tucked under her feet....because I could just break in and snatch it right off of her!

Giggles and Smiles,
Kelly

Patsy Thompson "meets" Kaffe Fassett- Fabric Combinations (A Story)

 (Story Post...kick back for a fun read)

If you have read "Jean Creates" past few blog posts ( here and here) you know what I've been up to.

A week ago Wed. I had the great fortune of heading up to Detroit Metro to pick up Jeannie W. for a week of FUN!!!  Jean and I met 3 or 4 years ago through our blogs and we have become dear friends.  I couldn't wait to see her again because she moved from Ohio to Washington State a year ago and I've really missed her.

We both have an affinity for Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably and Phillip Jacobs fabrics.  Jean decides we are going to stop petting our fabrics and actually use them.  What a mind blowing idea ay?

Jean pre-ships her fabrics and this is what arrived at my house:

A blown out box of some of the most fabulous fabrics I have ever seen.  YES, I did remind her that Possession IS 9/10ths of the LAW!

I had pulled all my Kaffe/Brandon/Jacob fabrics from my stash and had them waiting for Jean's arrival.  Mine were all neatly folded in piles...well...until Jean arrived and suggested it would be more fun to toss them all into one big pile and just start.  Another mind blowing idea :)

I've never, ever....ever started a project like this one.  Talk about excitement/anticipation/and drama (mainly the colors of the fabrics)....way too much fun.  How the plan began...it was a book (un-named for sure!) Jean found and thought it would be an awesome way to begin and each of us could add to the others quilt.  After a few hours actually using the book the book (definitely not a recommended book) idea was abandoned and we were on our own creating. 

I grabbed some of my most favorite pieces (the blades to the star) and built around that fabric with others that made the fan blades pop.  Shall I mention that Jean had made her center block and was well into her first set of borders before I finished my center block?  No...OK...I won't mention it.

I wanted my block on point like Jean's block....so I measured and added some fabric to each side of my block.  OOPS...came up pretty short so what to do???  Add some more fabric and hack off the rest naturally.

 You know what you get?  You get a block that finishes at 17 7/8.  Not 18"...nope...oh well...we had tossed the book by this time and I figured I'd just add more fabric and hack off the parts that didn't fit...FREEDOM!

I wanted a fabric that would allow a place to rest before seeing more exciting prints....so I went into my stash in search of just the perfect fabric.  Initially I hunted through my batiks...nope....then....WOWZERS....I came across a piece of Patsy Thompson hand dyed fabric that was perfect....absolutely perfect in my mind.

Ooooohhhhhhh AAAAAhhhhhhhhhh!

Talk about feeling good....I was on top of the world at that point.  (I won't mention that Jean had already finished the inside of her quilt by this time and was working on a pieced border....or will I?)

Working from intiution is a odd feeling/experience....I've not done that before.  I set this block up on the design wall and waited until something came to me for the next border.  I knew I didn't want a square quilt so I would have to elongate the block...top and bottom borders to move from a square to a rectangle.  Hmmmm.....Incubation Time.....

I saw my Magic Stack N Wack book on my bookshelf...hey...I've never done that...I'm going to make some of those fun kaleidoscopes for my quilt.  Might I suggest you actually read the book before "Wacking" into your fabric?  I did not cut enough repeats so I ended up with 1/2 kaleidoscopes that I combined for my design. 

 I liked this one the best.

Ok....well.....hmmmm....I think I'll add these to the outside borders and not next to my main center block...back to the drawing board.

My block now measures 24 1/2 x 24 1/2.   Then it occurred to me....3.5 x 7 = 24.5 PERFECT...I just need seven 3/12 inch somethings to add to each end of the square.  I cut up several pieces of white paper that were 3/12 inches wide by various lengths and began drawing different shapes to see what I thought would look good.  The one I loved the most I couldn't use because I couldn't figure out how to paper piece it.  Jean pointed out that I had only spent a day and a half trying to figure it out and if it were her...she'd move on and choose another block.  What an  epiphany!

By this time it was Tuesday...Jean was leaving Wednesday so I had better get my butt in gear ay?  Hmmmm...I like the blocks I made but I've decided I want some piping around the center square before I move on.  I've purchased many of my  Westminster fabrics from Patsy Thompson Designs but I needed one she didn't have so I ordered from  Glorious Color website.  I was very pleased and will order from Glorious Color again. (No, I don't get kickbacks from either site)

Jean's progress?  Well...here is her quilt:

 Yes...she is faster to move on (her perception is that I have more patience...perhaps I do...but she sure has the speed down.).  She is going to add one last border and be finished with the top and I'm sure I'll finish mine sometime in the next month or so....I hope :)

Then again...Jean shows up with these very FUN shoes..maybe if I had cool shoes like her's I'd be able to go faster?

Very Happy Big Smiles,

Kelly

Fassett, Jacobs, Lucy & Mably in Houston for Quilt Market 2010

I'm in Heaven....Kelly Heaven.....oh...Heaven.....and of course there are monks chanting in the background....:)  If I put music on my blog it bothers some folks....so you'll just have to get your imaginative juices working this morning/afternoon.....

I know Sarah Vedeler thought I was stalking her while I was in Houston.  Every time I showed up she looked at me and smiled.....so.....I took her photo.  BUT....who I was stalking....and I do honestly admit it was true stalking....it was the Westminster Fabrics Booth with Kaffe Fassett, Philip Jacobs, Brandon Mably and Liza Prior Lucy. 

I'm just appreciative that Brandon has such a good sense of humor and Liza had her back turned because otherwise....I'm certain I could have been jailed in Houston.

The energy these colors. along with the designs just speak to my inner "Wild Mo Jo".....and I don't think I really knew I had an inner "Wild Mo Jo" until I first saw their booth a few years ago. 

I could have parked a lawn chair in front of this quilt and book and stayed there for three days with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

Kaffe enjoying his needlework.

I thought Kaffe was kind to even bother to look up for a photo.  After all, he had been on a plane most of the night (or so I was told.....maybe he really thinks I'm a nutcase and can't stand me taking his photo....who knows?)

Since this is my blog and I can take creative liberties.....I"m going to  name this piece,
 "Peaks of Enlightenment."  How do you like that?  :)

I'm calling this one......"Amber Waves of Joy"

I like "Cornered Energy" for this one.

"Wheels of the Ruby Dharma"....I like that title...do you?

This I call, "Where is Waldo?"....LMAO
(if you don't know what the acronym stands for....please don't look it up)

"Water Falling on Bliss"

"BAM"

"BAM, BAM and AHHHH"

These are just the titles I've given these photos.  I love these Westminster Fabrics and the designers are very inspiring to me. 

These Rowan Threads were in the Westminster Booth just down the isle.  Can you believe I did not even attempt a heist?  Me either!!! 

I was thinking while writing this post.......

........Ever notice that when someone/several some one's work resonates with you....it is actually just reflecting something on the inside waiting to get out?


The IHAN world in which I live can be fun on afternoons such as this one.  Prior to seeing any of these folks work I knew I liked color but I think it was buried deep inside me.   I realize I need some color in my world/home.  I don't typically work with colors etc because of self doubt.  My uncle was a very successful designer and he had wonderful taste.  He was held up as the measure for taste and style....if he liked it....it was "divine" (said in such a grandiose manner too).  Apparently I internalized the message that only "designers" have taste and I certainly am not an artist or a designer so I have honestly never explored much until recently.  I've never taken an art class relied on a color wheel to tell me if things "worked" together or not.

Fear color no more!!!  This photo was taken a few minutes ago in my kitchen.  Like the color?  I can tell you it sure beats what was there before....just ask "Waldo."

Happy Smiles,

Kelly

International Quilt Festival in Chicago

My girlfriends went to Chicago without me.....boooo hooooo.  I had to work and they went on a bus with a fun group of other gals.  When Rosemary got home she called me to tell me about her trip.  I could not wait to get over to see what she had purchased.  Look at these:

Felted wool dolls by TUMAR made in Kyrgyzstan.  I would have bought them too.  I think she showed great restraint by not coming home with every one they sold.   The detail in the work is really terrific.  I would be proud to own a set.  What a wonderful  way to teach my kids about other countries and cultures. 

Rosemary brought home some fabrics that were nice.  But the Big Daddy was this quilt kit she got:

Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably fabrics......I'm wiggling just typing these words.....oh geez.   I tell you it is all I can do to stop myself from going into her house while she sleeps and sneak off with her amazing fabrics.  I love Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably's fabrics. 

One of my greatest experiences at the Houston Quilt Market was hearing Kaffe and Brandon talking about their work.  I was fortunate enough to win the Kaffe's book, Quilt Romance.....and he autographed it too!!!  I was so excited I thought I would burst.  I wish they were my neighbors.....I'd probably be arrested for being a peeping tom....LOL.

Speaking of Kaffe, he has a new book out,  Kaffe Fassett's Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts. 

You know where I'll be at Quilt Market....pushing my way up to the front of the class praying they call my name again.  Yes lightening can strike twice!!!  I know it can.  I want everyone to visualize them saying, "I Have A Notion, Kelly Jackson."

Smiles,

Kelly

Pictures from the International Fall Quilt Market 2009

Schoolhouse at Market is a series of classes that run every 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The schedule comes out 2 hours before it begins. I quickly circled the ones that interested me the most.

Westminster Fibers had a class entitled, "Quilt Romance." Kaffe Fassett, Liza Prior Lucy (I did not forget to link to Liza's site...I could not find it and I've got to run...sorry) and Brandon Mably spoke.

Upon entering the room you typically have to put your business card into a basket. At the end they may pull business cards and give away something.

Liza, Kaffe and Brandon shared about their new fabric lines. They allowed us to gaze upon such beauty using their fabrics.....I thought it was so generous to allow us to see these and some folks actually touched them. I looked like I had recently been to the dentist and the anesthetic had not quite worn off. I was drooling all over the place.....so embarrassing :)

I want to roll around in a bed with this as the quilt...don't you?

Kaffe and Brandon were poking fun and I think they were actually making up names for their fabrics as they went along....it was very entertaining. Something I might do....just call it the first thing that came to my mind.

Singing in the rain....I'd be dancing in the rain if I had an umbrella like that. I think I might just wish it rained more often.

At the end of the Schoolhouse series they announced they were going to give away Kaffe's new book.

I was so intent on having one of those autographed books that the vibes made my business card float.....and I won the book. You can see by the joy radiating out of me in this picture how happy I was. I could have jumped up and down,
cried and kissed the man.....but I found that last ounce of composure and just smiled. (I have it under lock and key so don't even think you'll be breaking into my house to get this....it ain't happenin....nope...stop dreaming)

These are some photos of their booth on the Market Floor. Brandon Mably and Philip Jacobs had some really great fabrics...more drool.

Brandon's dog cover. He actually put this on his head at Schoolhouse. Exactly what I would do with it.....you just gotta have fun right? Knowing me I would have found the most serious looking person in the crowd and put it on them...I'm so bad.

At the same time, I'm sooooo GOOD. I stood in some pretty long lines to get some books autographed. You ask, "Why on earth would you do that Kelly....after all your feet were so tired?" Because I was thinking of you. I don't really think when the Publishers give books to the authors to sign as gifts for shop owners that the books are really for us. I think they are for the shop to inspire others and let them have something fun to look at. Since my shop is virtual....I've gotta give mine away (NOT THE ONE I WON!!!). So while I'm at retreat this weekend I'll be posting photos of a few books that you will have the opportunity to win....and they will be autographed too!!!

Big Ole Happy Smiles,

Kelly