Bari J.

Oh, wow. Do we look young!

I love you even more now, Super Husband!

XO,

b

I gave up and stopped categorizing these pictures. They're all crazy mixed up, and that's the way they're going to stay. (Man, I have an uncanny way of creating more work for myself... I'm trying to give that up, but it's vuuuuurrrry difficult for me.).

Below is my new friend, Genevieve. She's also a new designer at Windham with her beautiful Collection, Flower Bucket. Genevieve also makes the most adorable jewelry. You can see some of it here. Wood, leather, total cute.

Next is Joanna Figueroa's booth, Fig Tree Quilts. Joanna is a local gal, and also a friend. She was so much part of my inspiration to get started. Her booth, btw, won best merchandising. You can see why.

Here is a shot of Jenean Morrison's marketing piece for her newest line for Free Spirit called Picnic Parade.

And here, a piece I nearly fell over when I saw by Paula Prass. It's in her new line, Summer Soiree for Michael Miller. I roomed with Paula, her daughter Jennifer AND Sandi Henderson. Four gals. One room. Tons of fun. And Miss Sandi... had a flip cam. She's in big trouble if she ever shows her recordings though. Makeup free and in pajamas. Hmmppff.

And, last (for today) but not least, Maw Bell Designs GORGEOUS quilt pattern. To die for, huh? And there's more more more to come. I didn't even show my very own space yet, did I?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

 More quilt market pics to come, but in the meantime, enjoy this free downloadable quilt pattern. Made from the Bari J. Full Bloom line, it has a collaged border instead of traditional binding. The full line is available at many online shops and quilt stores around the world, but I know for sure it's already on pre-order from Jona at Fabritopia. It's due in stores within the month. Store owners can contact Windham for details on ordering wholesale.

Download Gardenteaparty_barij_final2

There was so much to see. This (in no particular order) is just the tip of the iceberg. I was absolutely crazy about all of these designers, but Laura Gunn's debut collection from Michael Miller had me at hello. Check out the fabulous prints based on her paintings. They even have a textured look. Totally incredible. And not an easy effect to create on fabric. But it works SO well! Links are below.

LINKS: 

Patty Young

Valori Wells

Laura Gunn

Oh, you guys! Did I ever have fun. I Tweeted and photographed and socialized my way through quilt market. And I have so much to report back to you! It's going to take me days to report it all. Day one: just a few of the WONDERFUL sewing patterns that were at this market! You are going to loooove it! Links to all the websites are below.

LINKS:

Favorite Things

Sue Spargo

Indygo Junction

If you'd have asked me five years ago what I would be doing today, I would never have answered, I'll be designing fabric. No way. I was a stay at home mom, and prior to that a graphic designer and copy writer. I didn't have much confidence in myself, let alone know what I was capable of doing. 

I couldn't possibly have guessed. But, life leads you in the most unexpected directions. Doors open and you walk through, or you don't is what I've always said. How different life would be today if I hadn't watched Alicia Paulson on HGTV that day about five years ago, and thought, "Gee, I think I'll make myself a handbag.". How different it would be today if I didn't go to the Country Living event last year and be told to speak what you want aloud. I would never have said that I wanted to design fabric aloud because I was afraid that people would think, "Oh, yeah, another one that wants to design fabric, yada, yada.".

So, today, when I got this Hancocks of Paducah catalog, I was pretty bowled over. "My fabric" is on the cover. Something I drew, something I created. And then to open it and be on a page next to my hero, Kaffe Fassett, oh, come on! You've got to be kidding me! 

If you ask me now what I'll be doing in five years, I'll tell you that I haven't the faintest idea. Who knows what doors will open, which ones I'll choose to walk through and which ones I'll just pass by.

Did someone say "fabric-schmabric"? Wasn't me.