Bari J.

Can you see the perfectly spaced pleats in this ruffle? I made each and every one by hand. 

Errr... uhhh... They were made with a brand spankin' new ruffler attachment on my sewing machine.

I had no idea this existed, and now I can't believe I ever made a ruffle without one. Thanks to a suggestion from The Infamous Pam Kitty Morning, I went ahead and bought one of these sweet babies. And I just made 350 inches of ruffle for a project in about 5 minutes. 

Mine has three settings for spacing the ruffles, and I haven't tried it yet, but apparently you can create your ruffle, and attach it all in one fell swoop too.

So... ahem... if a ruffle-less project ceases to exist around here, you'll know why.

(((Since I know you now have to have one... To get one for your machine, contact the store you got your sewing machine from or the manufacturer.)))

My first attempt at creating my own videos, this is a look at how the spring closures work on my handbags. They are available on the Alison Wristlets and Frannie bags. Both are available here.

 

There's nothing like a beautiful package to brighten up your day. This package from Norway was just what I needed yesterday. I've been in love with Emily's (of Ravenhill fame) work forever. So these dolls in my Full Bloom fabric (mixed with some Heather Bailey fabric, I think) are gifts I will treasure always! Thank you so much, Emily.

 

(Go ahead, admit it, you're jealous!)
 

 

 
  Just listed in the Bari J. Store! 

 

 

Yes, it's for real. I have created and listed new bags on my website. There is only one of each bag. So get 'em while they're hot. 

I'll now be going into hiding and working on sewing patterns. Some day in the not so distant future there will be an array of sewing patterns and kits! I'm working on it. Promise.

Here are a few of the newbies.

 

I now have actual strike-offs for Art Journal rather than the digital prints, and I can't wait to show you the difference! The COLOR! So much richer. Boy am I thrilled to see it! I'm especially in love with the blues.

 

 

Here's an example of the original prints so you can see the difference. Wow. Look at that brown compared to the strike-off brown above! Cool. 

Store owners: you can now see (and order) the whole line! Click here!

Well, back to book-deadline-land. Getting there! Pinch me. I'm having so much fun!

I have issues. Vintage bling hoarding issues. Even when I say, "Man, I've totally run out of vintage goodies for my bags". That really means, "There's nothing I feel like using... right now.".

Last night I was searching online for a piece of jewelry to go with an outfit that I want to wear at market next week. And I soon realized that even if I did find that fabulous piece, it was never going to arrive here on time. So... because I have SO much spare time, out came the goodies and the old jewelry making materials... (Did I ever tell you I used to make and sell jewelry from salvaged pieces? No? Wellza, I did. It was like a thousand years ago. My youngest was two or so when I started so let's see... it was almost a decade ago.)

Anyways, I digress... I got out the old jewelry making materials and fussed and mussed with it until I came up with a couple options. 

I like 'em, but I am super pleased because Anna called dibs on one (didn't matter which one) for "When you get back from market, Mom.". 13 year old girl likes it. Now, that's a compliment (Don't tell her I said so... she'll take it back.)

 

I was not a kid who liked to play in the dirt. I don't like to get dirty, and I don't like to get sticky. But a girls gotta' do what a girl's gotta' do, so I pulled out the Mod Podge and Mod Podged me up a little storm. And then for good measure, I threw in some Fabri-tac and applique glue. Plus sandpaper and steel wool. Good times.

If you were wondering... that little girl in the back of picture 2, is indeed me. I think this photo was taken at my fifth birthday party. (I printed it out on fabric for the project above). In the background: Cousins Cornelia and Heidi and Great Aunt Anne for whom my Anna is named. 

Now back to less messy endeavors, like sewing. 

Just popping in to say... I'm sewing... 

And sewing...

I thought the pillow might need a sofa...

There's more, but alas, the light got dim before I got to pick up the camera. So more tomorrow.

G'night. 

So, when I heard Flip was letting you Design Your Own Flip Camera, I HAD TO HAVE ONE. I wanted one for a long time, but when I heard that, well, I FLIPPED! Then I find out, I can list my design on Cafe Press, so you can buy one too, and I was totally sold. And now you can get your own Bari J. designed Flip Cam here... LOL.

But then my little brain started whirling, and I thought "Oooh, what else can I design?". So, I went and designed some of these... for all of my favorite Fabric Junkies... and now, you can get one here.

I'm so excited. I can hardly stand it. What should I do next? I'm just itching to design... Book and fabric lines be damned  But I think I'll get back to work... on my book.

 

One of the most wonderful things about my job these days is all the wonderful fabric I get to play with. Recently, I've been playing with Art Gallery Fabrics by Patricia Bravo. I just love the peaceful palettes and sophisticated patterns. In fact, I finished one project using them, and loved them so much that I decided my book needed a "companion" project to the one I had just finished.

 

A couple days ago, I emailed Patricia to tell her how much fun I was having using her designs... and to my complete surprise, she called me to tell me thank you. Yes, people. The actual telephone. Now that's nice. I didn't get a chance to meet Patricia at either of the fabric markets I went to, so I'm looking forward to meeting her in person this time. 

If you don't already know about her work (I'd be surprised if you didn't), you've got to visit her. I loooove her website and blog. Make sure you check it out!

 

On another note, in regards to the picture above... see the half square triangles? This has become a whole debate I'm having with myself about how these directions should be written. I've heard four hundred thousand (ok, 2) different takes on how quilters like to do them. So, I'm taking a survey, quilters.

This is a multiple part question... 

Tell me, do you like cutting your squares at 7/8" larger than the desired finished size, or do you cut up an entire inch and trim? And why?

Also, do you do the "Sandwich" method of sewing them together (ie one square on top of the other right sides together, draw a line corner to corner on the diagonal center and then a line 1/4" to either side of center, sew on the quarter inch lines and cut up the center giving you two finished squares in one shot.) OR do you cut the triangles and then sew on the bias? And why?

And, did you just understand what I said, or am I speaking Greek? 

Thanks guys!

 

Crikey! (Don't you love that word? I once said it in a play.)

It's hard to write a post when everything you are working on has to be reserved for it's Big Reveal Date. And, what's worse, is all this stuff gets done so far in advance of the time it gets released that it could drive a woman mad. Just sayin'. Seriously, I might start showing you what I'm cooking for dinner cause I got nothin' else. Oh, I forgot. I haven't been cooking much in the way of dinner. And I warned the people in this house that there wouldn't be much of that coming from me for a bit longer. Thank goodness for Super Husband. He's saving our souls around here lately. Pretty much. Except laundry. (I don't know what's up with that.)

None-the-less, I'm going to throw out a big little unauthorized hint about my upcoming fabric line. Which I learned this morning is scheduled to ship to stores in (I told you things get done in advance) late April. Actually the 25th. The day after my 41st birthday. 

So here's the hint: At least one of the pieces was inspired by soap. This soap to be exact. And that nest.

I can tell you that I will receive the discs with the final prints and colors tomorrow, will be creating cards, and probably just before I head off to Quilt Market (Oct 9) I'll give you the low down.

In the meantime, let's talk book. This is kinda' a funny and sorta' sweet story. Last night I'm chatting with Mr. Scott over at Blue Nickel. And he asks me who was writing my "Foreword". I didn't even know I needed a Foreword. 

Panicked, I emailed my "editor" (LOL that sounds silly), to ask, "Uh, do I need a Foreword? I know who I'd ask. And I think she'd say yes." . And apparently I don't NEED a Foreword. But, power of suggestion, after Scott mentioned it, I WANTED a Foreword. Yeah, I told him he is a turd. A nice, sweet talented turd, but at that moment, a turd. 

All that said, there was really only one person I wanted to ask to write my "Foreword". She's inspired me, encouraged me without even knowing it, and without her I would never have had the wonderful exposure that I've had (that was a hint). Plus, she writes (that was also a hint).

So after much hesitation and prayer (Because holy toledo! What if she said "No."?) I emailed her. Then I sat on pins and needles and prayed some more. But guess what? She said yes! Guess what else, I don't think I have authorization to tell you who it is. Arggggghhhh! That would sorta' give away the heart of the book, maybe. 

But I can tell you I am Thrilled-To-Pieces about it. And you know her, and you love her. That's all I'm sayin'. That and, it's not Martha or Oprah (I don't have their email addresses).

I've been wanting to do this forever! 

What I don't know (is under there) won't hurt me.

Messes can be very pretty, especially fabric messes. I started cleaning and folding and organizing in here, but some of the heaps (individually) looked so pretty I had to take some pictures. Now, if I showed you the whole thing, you might get sick, but just these little bits... I kinda' like 'em.

But now it's time to get things off the ironing board, fold up the scraps and get organized. 

So that I can make a new mess tomorrow.

Murphy's law. I call it "Magical Thinking". And as a rule, I'm against magical thinking. What I mean by that is that I think that things don't just happen. I think that we make them happen. Just sayin'.

But over the past week, a series of unfortunate events (really just a couple) have caused me to look at that Magical Murphy's Law. {{{BTW, an aside and another reason not to like it... It's a negative law. So in the way of magical thinking, I think it's a bummer. If I'm going to think magically, it should be good things. Not: "if anything can go wrong it will.". Seriously, that's ugly.}}} But none-the-less here's how things went down:

1. I'd been rushing like a demon to meet a deadline, sewing and writing away when ... POOF! The circuit board on my sewing machine decides it's time to call it quits. 

I looked over my shoulder. Murphy, are you there? 

No. No. No. No magical thinking. At least not the negative sort. 

I called The Sewing Machine Shop in Walnut Creek, and happened to get the owner when he came to pick up the mail. He was just stopping in as he just had knee surgery. Anyways, I explained my situation, and he graciously lent me a machine until he can fix mine. 

The result of which is... this infinitesimally small peek (you are looking at about two inches of it) at this project... See that pretty Laura Gunn fabric?! To die for.

2. I lost the pen to my graphics tablet which is my life line to drawing. Of course, I really needed it right then. I had to think quick in order to save one of my favorite designs in fabric line number two from the cutting room floor... which is a cute story in and of itself and I'll tell you about that when I can show you the whole line in a finished form... which I think is really really soon. But I digress... Murph's law had me loosing a pen just when I needed it. Was I actually going to let him get to me again?

First of all, dear Murphy, I'd drawn my little hand off about a week ago, and found the perfect element I'd already drawn and finished to add to a pattern. (I'm sticking my tongue out and blowing razzes here.) Ha. I saved the "fabric pattern from having it's little head chopped off. 

(a peek at somethin' or another in the works, but it's not the one that almost got chopped.)

Then even though I knew it was a trick, I decided to use this so-called law in my favor. I figured this was the best way to find my old pen. I was already on the magical thinking tear so what the heck, I'll give in... I ordered a new pen that afternoon, and wouldn't you know... found the old one the next day. I'm keeping the new one as a back-up.

3. After Murphy had wrecked havoc twice in a week, I got a letter from my child at overnight camp that started "As I write this I am crying...". So of course this causes a flood of tears from me. (I don't know where my daughter gets her dramatic streak.) I wanted to rush right up there and get her. But. I think. And I realize that this note is written the first night of camp, she's tired, she's in new surroundings. And Murphy's law would tell me that by the time I got up there, she'd be having a grand old time and wondering what all the fuss is about. I'll wait a day. And I was right. Today's letter from her had a really happy tone. She's canoeing, hiking, and told me not to worry because she is drinking enough water and eating the food.

Ha. Magical thinking, Murphy's Law ... You've got nothin' on me.

PS... Just so you know, if that letter hadn't come today, I'd be in the car right now, feeling guilty that I left her there for an extra day. Murphy's law be damned.

I am definitely having a super exciting start to my Summer. I mean, what could be better (ok, close to better) than a trip to Pixar Studios? Oh, I don't know... maybe a box full of surprise fabric from Moda?

Shhhh... don't tell anyone, but I have a super-secret project I'm working on. That's why they sent it to me. Sheesh! I am a lucky ducky girl. 

 I couldn't be more giddy. Thank you Moda! You totally made my day. I've already started cutting into it. I can't help myself.

I've got other goodies laying around here too. Don't ask my why, but I love how these paint chips look all coordinated up in the cello bags. I've been getting ready to introduce my next fabric line (not just yet, but you know...). The printouts from my computer were kind of faded looking so, paint chips do the trick to let Windham know what color I want. But what do you think the peeps at home depot thought when I went in with a notebook and stood in the paint aisle for over an hour leaving with all of these? And no paint. 

The only problem with so many colors is... it's SO many colors. I couldn't make up my mind. 

At one point, I had my fabric printouts and cut up little pieces of paint chips all over the room. And glue stick in my hair. It's all part of the crazy process. And the good news is, I did finally decide. Color choices are on their way to Windham tomorrow. Yay-hoo! On to the next project. The super secret one.

(Photo disclaimer: my camera is in the shop, so I've been taking pics with my iPhone. Not terrible, but...)

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.

When it takes you all day to make one placemat, does that count as "getting stuff done"? Why, yes.

Because I did get some panels for a sample bag for quilt market done last night too... I'm counting last night as part of today. It's all running together anyways.

It's been a long two or three weeks. I've been in Las Vegas (an early celebration of my 40th birthday), Phoenix, and home. I've been doing a lot, but have not found much to say that is a cohesive thought. So you'll bare with my rambles I hope. 

I'm working on projects to take with me to quilt market including some kitchen items including the little tea cozy above, and hopefully soon I'll be working on a large scale quilt. I'm waiting on getting my hands on a large amount of fabric. I've got the pattern made. Directions are almost done too, and are for public consumption. I can tell you from first hand experience now that if you design a quilt on paper, it maybe helps to work with scale in mind. I found out that it's pretty hard to go back and arrange the measurements to fit a design. May be kinda sorta a good thing to do that first. I dunno'. You tell me.

Vegas was fun. I was with my sisters and my mom. I hadn't told you yet, but Lara is pregnant again (Vegas wasn't exactly her idea of a rocking good time at the moment, but we all survived, including those of us who are not pregnant... so...).

My mom got me hooked on the darn poker machines where a heck of a lot of cash was thrown down the darn toilet. We saw Jersey Boys... fabulous and a highlight of the trip. Another highlight was that incredible outlet mall in Vegas. We spent an entire day there, and other than that, we never left the Venetian, believe it or not. We ate, we spent, we left. Just what the Nevada visitor's bureau was hoping for.

And since this was the start of my kid's Spring Break, my brother in law flew out to San Francisco and DROVE back to Phoenix with Super Husband, super kids, and two insane labradors. I drove to Phoenix with my mom and sisters from LV.

Mostly a good time was had, and I got to see my friend Jona (Fabritopia) and two of her kids. There are pics on her blog.

Unfortunately, the day after we arrived in Phoenix, my mom caught a virus (probably from those NASTY poker machines). And then things turned kinda' ugly. Poor mom mixed her blood pressure meds with Sudafed (don't do this). Her blood pressure dropped like a rock, and she passed out COLD. I mean... COLD. I heard her head hit the floor from across the house. It was midnight and my dad was screaming his head off, "Call 911!". I went running willy nilly not knowing what was going on and couldn't find a charged phone in the place. My dad didn't think she was breathing (she was). When I did find a phone, thank goodness she had already come to, but she looked like something the cat dragged in (sorry, Mom) so we got the paramedics and they took her to the hospital. 

But you know what she says as we are waiting for the paramedics? "I can't go to the hospital. Look at my hair.". I love it.

She spent the rest of the time we were in Phoenix in the hospital. Pretty awful. But thank God not worse.

On Friday, we made the trek back to San Francisco in record time. Don't tell CHP, but we got back in 11.5 hours. We made TWO stops the whole way back. Unheard of for us. I will tell you we were a bit hungry by time we got back, but we were back.

Since then I've been mostly on a tear. I'm getting ready for quilt market, I've got a project I'm working on that I can't wait to tell you about but I do not have permission as yet to speak, I'm working on my next fabric line, there are bag orders looming, and good grief is there isn't paper work out the ying yang.

So that's that. Below: a couple some bags I've been working on, and I'm off. Back to the grind. 

These are for some Frannie Bags...

The one above is for a present... wanna' guess who it's for? Is it for you? 

I think I might be loving this fabric combo.

And, this one, I'm tempted to keep, but it's a special request from a customer. I made two, so we'll see...I'll probably put it on the website for sale. I can't say I don't have enough bags.

Poor Super Husband. It's his birthday, and I can barely concentrate enough to look up and say hello.

I knew my strike-offs were coming today, and I couldn't wait, and then they arrived! We picked them up from the UPS store before heading to get some Indian food for lunch, which meant eating lunch with me was probably torture because that's all I could think or talk about.

I really am going to make some red velvet cupcakes for him, and in fact, I did make popovers this a.m. for breakfast (when in doubt, bake), but I am still marveling over this actual real fabric with my actual real name and logo on the selvedge. Holy moly. You can understand, right?

 

No one every said I was a morning person (really. not. ever.)

On a Saturday morning I get particularly nasty if you want me to be up before 8 am. So when I had to take my daughter to an event this morning by 9 am and get up at 7:00 am I was a little snippy, one might say.

Super Husband was conveniently sick is sick. He sounds and looks like something the cat dragged in.

I had to be on clean up patrol for the event. This involves dragging a large bin of garbage across hither and to yon to pitch it. Plus taking the used icky coffee cups that they people don't bother to throw in the trash and do it for them and other disgusting stuff. For someone with a thing about cooties, this is an issue.

I spent the whole time complaining in my head to myself about what a pain in the tush it all was. Gritting my teeth too. I wasn't nice. And I sincerely hope no one noticed. If you did, apologies all around (sort of).

By 10 am I was wishing desperately I was home. 

It's sad how little tolerance I have.

Especially since, the truth is, the time went faster than I thought it would, and the kids and I spent the afternoon sewing. I made the patchwork portion of Frannie bags (the rest of it goes out to a seamstress) and the kids each took an end of two yards of fleece to stitch the blanket stitch all around it.

They swear they are going to share it and cozy up on the couch. Yeah. Right. I'll believe that when I see it.

So, now, what's next? Cleaning up my own darn mess, cooking dinner and staying as far away from Cootie-Man on the couch as possible.

Hope you are having a nice weekend.

Anna (older daughter) beat me to the messing. I think these jeans are going to turn out awful cute! I'll of course give you a finished shot when they do.

Stop. Take. A. Photo. Bari. Cleaned. Her. Studio.

I just got my apron that was featured in "Apron*ology" from Stampington back. It was also featured in one of their original ads soliciting submissions. I'd forgotten all about it. So, I'm giving it away. Just leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win it. I'll randomly pick a winner on Friday, March 13 (since 13 is my favorite number) by using this website.

I swear, does anything make you happier than giving stuff away?

 

 

 

Lists and half finished projects... it doesn't end. So much I want (or need) to do. 

I want to make a basket full of pretty hearts for Valentines day. I want to finish some sewing patterns and get them ready to print. I want to make an apron. I want to make a table cloth.

I need to finish the laundry. I want to start some new designs. I want/need to finish the color card for the first line of fabric. I want to write a book, design paper, learn how to knit, go to school, get on the phone and make some sales calls (that's a need to rather than want to). 

I want to curl up on the couch and watch The View and then Oprah. I want to work out, walk my dogs, play with my kids, make a nice meal. I would really like to go to the movies. And eat a candy bar. Take a bath. Need to put some socks on my freezing feet. 

I really want to finish the quilt for our bedroom... and painting the bedroom would be good too. Did I ever tell you that we have had test paint splotches on my wall in my bedroom for years and still have not decided on a color? See, something has to give. 

I'd like to do all these things and do them all right now. I'd like to clone myself and I'd like to add an additional 6 hours to the day. 

And I want them to be sunny bright hours. If hours are added to the day, it should be the middle of the day, don't you think?

I think that what I'm going to do is finish what I was doing before I got distracted and started to write this entry. Off to the cutting table. Oddly, that wasn't on the list. Maybe because I was already doing it.

Holy time travel, Batman! 2008 is almost over! Time to get the creative juices flowing for 2009, methinks. A new inspiration board is in order, don't you agree?

A couple of weeks ago, when it was pouring rain outside, I noticed my mood got a little (an understatement) glum.

So in a fit of desperation, I tore down the old monochromatic, not me, boring board:

And put up a new colorful, much more me, board:

Did just the trick. 

Hope you have a happy, healthy and super-colorful 2009!

XO,

Many of you know that although I've been sewing for a while, I only just started quilting. I guess I had been doing many quilting-like things for years, but I had never made finished a whole quilt. When I got started on the whole quilt thing a couple months ago I had no idea... no idea at all... how easily I would become obsessed with it. I can't stop. I'll work all day and piece quilts all night and weekend. I've now finished three quilts and I am on my fourth.

I'm really excited about this one. I'd had Anna Maria's gorgeous incredible fabulous fabrics sitting in stacks calling my name for months and I was loathe to cut them... they looked so great just there in the stacks and I didn't want to make any mistakes. But then the other day Miss Laurie stopped by with her fabulous quilt made out of many of the same fabrics and motivated my butt. 

This weekend after all was settled in house and work, I dove in... foot loose and pattern free. I hate to follow a pattern. Not that I can't follow a pattern, I can, but I don't like to. Rules stink.

I decided that I wanted to really mix up the colors and patterns so that whatever color we paint our master bedroom in, it will work. (Did I ever tell you that we've had test paint splotches on our wall in there for three years? We can't decide. And it's such a big undertaking and such a messy process... that's our excuse anyways.) 

The other thing I wanted to do with this quilt was test out all sorts of angles and different kinds of piecing so that I can learn a bunch as I go along. One of the things I learned right away was that I need to learn paper piecing. Which apparently would have helped this block a whole lot... If you don't know, with paper piecing you build in the seam allowance on things like these triangles in order to get a beautiful point. I think the color play works here so I decided to ignore the wibbly-wobbiliness (I'm being kind to myself) of my piecing and use it anyways.

Here's a bunch more of the unfinished quilt. It's about 1/3 of the way there. I can not wait until it's finished!

It is truly the best way I know to get things done. Have too much to do. When I am too busy I go into overdrive and zoom away until I can't zoom anymore. When there's a lull, I'm cranky.

 

When there's a lot to do, I write lists, I get organized, I get things done. I love to reign over the chaos. It's a "Look what I accomplished" kind of feeling. I spent an un-Godly amount of time cutting my scraps into smaller scraps for instance, because it was on the list (it's part of a project, but it was on the list).

I was behind schedule a bit because I added more than I needed to to the list, but tomorrow I am sending a package express mail to Amy over at Inspire Co. I even got motivated enough to take out something I hadn't looked at in a long time and decided to get it finished.

This is something like 30" x 24" it's all individual motifs that have been cut out from various fabrics and quilted together. It sat in a basket needing another round of quilting, some satin stitching and binding in order to be finished for probably a year or so. Today I finally finished it up (I had time to sit on the couch after I had a root canal today. I thought I was going to nap, but instead I found myself finishing the binding.. not kidding.) I'm tempted to keep it for myself really. But it's going to be up for grabs at Inspire Co instead. I don't know, I could change my mind by tomorrow. You never know.

None the less, it's done, because it made it's way onto the list. I won't go into what is on the list that did not get done. But since the numbing stuff is starting to wear out, I think I shall go take some Advil and march my tired tush back to the couch. Grey's Anatomy time quite soon...Doubtlessly Super Husband has hidden the needles and thread that I stashed in the vicinity so I'm thinkin' I may actually try very hard to sit still and ignore my aching jaw. 

G'night.

While chatting with my friend, Laurie, on the phone this morning I was clearing the mounds of scrapage (a real word... it's in the Bari J. dictionary, so you can look it up) I had accumulated on my cutting table.

By the by, did I tell you that Laurie moved just a mile away from me? So now my virtual bloggy friend is a real friend!

But I digress... back to scrapage. I mentioned the scrapage aloud to Laurie and she asked do I ever make covered buttons. 

Why, just last night I had covered one to go on a pillow, so beneath the mounds of scrapage somewhere I found the buttons and button kit and started plugging away at that little job. 

Do you know that there are not enough buttons in the world for me to make in order to use up all of my scrapage? I used up all the buttons I had in my possession, and tossed the rest of the fabric into the laundry basket under my table that serves as overflow (it's a disgrace). 

Then I got back to work on what I was really working on in the first place which was creating a pattern for this... also a good use for your scraps. With the fabric line, I'm bound and determined to have some patterns to offer as well. This little birdie (the bird obsession rages on...) is my slow start to that project. I hope to have the patterns available ... uh... let's just say... in the near relatively near future. 

Right now, it's back to the cutting table for the next project of the day... and at least now I can find my cutting table. I'm thinking though that I need a skirt to go around it so that one can't see the carnage that lies beneath it.

Have a nice Thursday!

~b

Truly, was the cat ever in the bag? In March after the Country Living Women Entrepreneurs event, I told you that I was interested in designing a fabric line. I even asked you to hold me to it. I'd been thinking about it for a while, but until then I was too scared to say it out loud. 

But I've learned a lesson... saying it out loud is what makes it real.

Since then, I've been on a tear. Obsessively designing fabric. (LOL. First I had to figure out HOW to design fabric) After several rounds and versions and toss away lines, eventually, I came up with something I loved and knew I could present. For display purposes I had it printed up by Spoonflower (they rock), and off to market I went last week. Finished quilt and goodies in hand. Shaking and quivering in my boots. I presented to a lot of companies, and to my amazement, I ended up with a lot of interest.

A couple days later, and I now know that my designs will be available this spring at the Pittsburgh quilt market. I can hardly believe it. I have an actual real contract in my hands.

So, what do I take away from this part of the adventure? I am sure that the decision to say it aloud, to state what I wanted, that made me go for it in the way I have. Uh, somewhat relentlessly. There's probably some people who are a little sick of me. You know who you are. Sorry ya'll. (That's my new Houston-speak. I like it)

Next up on my list of to dos... paper. Hold me to it. Right after I get this fabric line out. 

Note: If you read this post earlier, you may notice I went back in and edited it. Sometimes it just doesn't seem like any of the wording in these blog posts are right. And I worry that things will be misconstrued. This post was super hard to write for whatever reason. I felt like the wording was too contrite, the story not completely told... which is bad, because I think that people reading this should know the details. It wasn't super easy to do, but it was all well worth it. So, you are now reading the edited version of the first post. I hope that whoever you are and whatever you are trying to do, that this post will inspire you to do it and know that there have been those who have inspired me as well. Thanks for understanding, and for your very kind support.

Tum dum... tee dee... What in the world do you wear with this in the Fall? I'm making new rules... are there rules anymore? No. no. no. no. There are no rules. If you are not in a completely cold climate where it's snowing and sleeting and something like this might get ruined, then I think it's perfectly acceptable to wear bright yellow, pink, green, blue and red all year. 

So I was forced to go shopping. 

And looky-loo what I found. I found an apple green jacket (fall fruit) at J.Jill... It's CORDUROY. And, if you ask me that is decidedly Fall-like. (Of course, in the Spring I'll tell you I think it's acceptable now too). Plus it was discounted from over $100 to $35. I'd actually been eying this for months and waiting patiently for it to be reduced... a game that paid off. They are having an awesome sale ... 25% off already reduced items. Wee hoo! I scored on a bunch of goodies...

Now, is there any way I could also wear this? And why is my daughter so embarrassed when I pick her up from school wearing it? I'm in the car... no one can even see me!

 

What I'm working on now is making various and sundry goodies to drag with me next week to the Houston quilt market out of the fabrics I had printed. This is the first of which is coming together. I'm also bringing with a bag, apron, pin cushions... and anything else I can throw in a bag.

I'm thinking this is going to be pretty exciting... even though I have no idea how this is going to work out. I have a couple of appointments though to hopefully license a line (and then maybe I'll have my own booth next year and actually be selling this stuff to YOU). I'm planning on doing a lot of shopping though for my Spring handbag line. Should be really fun meeting people too! 

If you are going to be there... let me know. I'd love to meet you!

I'll try not to go into the gory details... As you all with kids know, as soon as they go back to school they come home with all sorts of disgusting boogers. Literally. I don't know about you, but I think my immune system must be compromised because while they are just out for a day or so, when their little boogers infect me, I am down for the count. ie: I spent Sunday through Tuesday and even part of Wednesday on the couch.

Every once in a while I'd wander in here and decide I could take it. But dizziness bowled me over and back to the couch I went. I decided it was probably not worth cutting a finger off with a rotary blade.

And this was how half of the week evaporated before my eyes.

Then yesterday, Ms. iMac decided (or it may have been iMail) that it was not necessary for recipients to be able to actually view the attachments I was sending them. Hence, I spent the day, writing back and forth to various clients, "Can you see it now?". By about five pm I realized it must be the mail app, and went directly online to my server to send the pieces... and wowee... it worked. Aargh. If I only thought of that at 9am.

Another day... gone. Not sure where they go.

None the less, there was still one day left, I was sure I could get the entire list done today. There was hope yet.

Not so fast, Missy!

Today was a "Teacher Work Day". Excuse me, but how many of these do they need anyways?

Kids at home, a mattress delivery, a long back up of laundry, several other various and sundry people through the house, rush a slew of cuts up to a seamstress, and Blammo! Day gone.

What's the deal with that?

The deal is that certain people were forced to eat their choice of grilled cheese sandwiches or a corn dog for dinner or starve because I couldn't take it anymore. Suck it up, folks. I made some broccoli to go with it. What more do you want?

"Am I done whining yet?" Yes, fine. I did manage to get a little tiny bit up on the website (there are about 20 belts, a bijillion keyfobs and several more bags waiting their turn)...

Here are the two lovelies I managed to extract from their background and make shiny and pretty enough for all to see...

It's amazing how long this all takes. Is it ok to pay a 12 year old to take pictures, and spend hours upon hours photoshopping them? No? Hmmm...

Maybe I can teach Super Husband. I wonder if he'll go for that. I better wait until he's over the boogers. He seems to have just caught it. If you think I was whining, just wait. You'll probably be able to hear it from there. He's already asked for homemade chicken soup and announced he's going to bed at 8:30. Ugh. It's going to be a long night.

It's done! I finished a whole quilt. Got it yesterday pm from the quilter, and did the whole binding last night... Thank goodness the good stuff is back on TV... Survivor and Grey's Anatomy whiled away the hours.

I'm having one of those days when I love what I do. I can't believe I get to play with fabric and goodies all day. Don't anyone tell Super Husband I am enjoying myself so much. Tell him I'm working my butt off please.

And truthfully, not every day feels like this. A lot of days are spent doing the dreaded accounting and paperwork. That's what you should tell Super Husband. Tell him I'm doing math all day. It's horrifying.

But on the sly I'm going to tell you that today I am in heaven. Fabric fabric pattern pattern color color. I love it.

Today, I mixed and matched and matched and mixed. It had my little pea brain all in a tizzy. "Ooooh, pretty! Oh... I know, not that fabric! This fabric! Move this here! Do that!" I was all a-whirl with thought.

As I was going along it occurred to me to wonder why it works out. What makes these seemingly random patterns and colors come together?

When I'm designing I find it curious that sometimes I have no idea where it's going. I'm simply taking various items, mixing them up and trying to make sense of them. It may look pretty random when I'm done, but really I think that as I'm mixing and adding my brain is tying it all together.

Sometimes as I am doing this, I have a hovering sense of doubt about what it will all look like in the end, but so often it has managed to come out "right" that I have taught myself to keep going even if it's not making sense at the moment.

I was having that sense of dread and doubt as I was lining up my piles of rectangles for this quilt for Jennifer. The blue wasn't doing it for me. Then the yellow made no sense. But as I mixed and placed and replaced the rectangles it started to meld, as it always seems to with pattern and colors.

And when it does all come together, it usually leaves me wondering why. Why does that look right? One color answers another and one pattern answers another even if the colors seem totally unrelated when you look at them separately.

Sometimes I do that I purpose. I take things I know have no business being together just to see if I can make it work. That's what I did with this particular quilt. And somehow or another, that blue does look right.

That's what gave me this sense of satisfaction today. For no reason at all... that blue does look like it belongs. It just brings me joy.

Of course, I better not let Super Husband know. Not that he begrudges me my happiness. He'll think I was having far too much fun, and might want me to (I can't bear to think it) get "a real job".

Next time he walks in, I'm going to have to switch over to Quickbooks on the screen and furrow my brow. That throws him off every time.

Jennifer sent a couple boxes full of fabby fabric for belts and a quilt for her store. (She got very carried away with the sheer amount of fabric she sent... not that I'm complaining, mind you). So first I sorted it ...

And then I made stuff out of it (Jennifer's fabrics, even when you mix this and that from different lines, look great together)...

And when I was all done making stuff... and tell me this doesn't look familiar... this is what my sorting looked like...

Impatience is a Virtue.

OK, this was not part of the plan, but I'm giving up some of the goods. I've been hinting and hinting at this and "duh" I know you knew what I was hinting at but ok so, I can't keep a secret. Never have been able to... Telegraph, Telephone, Tele-Bari. I can't shut up.

Actually, if you tell me a secret, I am like a vault unless you are endangering yourself or you are my sister. I can keep the secrets of others, but not my very own. It's ugly.

So... Oui. I am on my way to my goal of having licensed designs as a lot of you know I am DYING to do. You would not believe the single track mind I have. It's good and bad and all that stuff. No one ever said I wasn't totally type A. The good news is that progress is really being made (as S.L.O.W. as that process is).

However... I wanted to see what it would look like on fabric. It was driving me nuts. What would these designs on this little screen look like on real actual fabric? Honestly, I couldn't take it.

And, how cool would it be to be able to show fabric companies my designs on F.A.B.R.I.C.??? Seriously, is that cool or what?

So, I decided to take the matter into my own hands and print some of my own darn fabric. And, VOILA! These pieces showed up in my mailbox today (more on how later). I can tell you I really did almost pee myself.

I even used my fabric scissors to open the envelope. That's the kind of desperation we're talking about here.

And now look, I'm not even showing you the whole enchilada.

Seriously, I think I might lay down on the floor and cry.

EDIT: I just want to clarify that this is not a licensed line yet. It has not been picked up although I am making in-roads on that. This is my dream. This line in whatever form it takes will be licensed at some point ... because I am not going to let it not be. The getting to that point is a really, really long road. I feel sharing the process with you along the way will show that it can be done. Whatever that "it" is for you. Thank you so much for your encouragement. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!

Since I thought the studio was looking rather spiffy the other day... or as spiffy as it's gonna' get with all this STUFF in it... I took some pics to share...
Crowded House...

It hasn't changed much in the past year, but there's some new goodies on it.

More pretty clutter...

Don't you just love fabric folded neatly on a cake stand?

And in case you've been wondering if I am keeping honest on finishing that quilt here it is sans borders and other finishing touches.

TTFN. Hope you're having a great weekend!

.
I hereby do solemnly swear to finish this quilt. Maybe. Most likely.
No, I will. It's cut. Now I have to. You don't have cut quilts laying around do you? You finish them, right???

This was a kit I bought, oh, like 6 months ago for a Valori Wells pattern called Floral Sorbet.
As you know, I'm a bit of a procrastinator.

Here's my excuse this time: there were batiks in the kit for the borders. I'm not into those. I could be a year from now, who knows. But right now. Not so much. That's my excuse.

That, and cutting the fabric seemed intimidating ok, truth be told... boring... 54 rectangles. Mmmm. Not so much wanting to cut.

Oh, and then I decided it needed some brightening up. Before it was just grays, blues and rust. So today I went and got a couple quarter yards of some hot pink and orange Kaffe, Phil Jacobs and others to mix in, and then I switched out the borders to some bright orange and green. I couldn't resist. I have color and pattern issues.

Now it's all out in the open. Yes, I've had a kit in my possession for six months and have not touched it except to take a peek and decide I couldn't do it because, heaven forbid it contained batiks.

Blogging about it is such a relief. The guilt of possessing all that gorgeous fabric was killing me.

I've been meaning to do this forever. I bought the ugly chair months ago. It's just a plain office chair from Target with a seat in a hideous shade of green. It was better than the others.

I'd been procrastinating because frankly I wasn't sure how to do it. But today I said to myself... "Self, suck it up and figure it out. I can't stand looking at that ugly office chair anymore."

I remembered that my mother had told me that her grandmother used to whip up slip covers by covering the chair in the fabric, pinning and cutting it to size with seam allowances. I didn't quite trust myself to do that and I was using some good fabrics, so instead, I started with some pattern paper. This stuff is the consistency of a light papery fabric. I think it's called swiss tracing paper, and I got it at a sewing machine store.

I laid out the paper on the chair and cut around that leaving enough for a seam allowance. Then, not trusting that it was symmetrical, I folded it in half and cut the curves to match. I decided to cut the fabric on a fold too so that I couldn't make a mistake and have a lopsided cover.

I tested it out by laying it on the chair and surprised myself that it looked like it would actually work.

Then I simply measured around the chair to make a skirt, cut those pieces and patched them together (I couldn't find anything long enough to go all the way around a chair that I liked so, patchwork seemed the obvious solution).

After that, I gave the skirt a little hem and finished out the back edge where the bars are. I left a gap in the back and made another panel back there to finish the skirt.

The top was the tricky part because it's a curved back and the bottom is less wide for the top. So, anything I would make to fit the bottom couldn't get over the top... not to mention go with the curve of the chair.

I solved this by leaving it open on the sides and tying it with ribbons that I sewed on.

I like it. The ribbons made it a little frillier than I would have wanted, but it works.

Me thinks I should tell myself to suck it up and stop procrastinating more often.

Oh, so many different things. Some special Emily Tote orders...

Website updating... Lots of pretty patchwork key fobs...

and some solid ones too...

Plus some new aprons...

And, I'm trying to figure out how to use this doo-hickie (it's a fancy-schmancy ear thingy for my cell phone), but I keep forgetting about it, and picking up the phone only to realize there's a person saying, "Hello? Hello?" into that ear piece on the desk. Oops.

Oh, and I forgot to show you these some time back... I just love 'em. They're so shiny. I like a little shiny.

Years ago I went to a wedding reception that used these colors. It was in this gorgeous old wine cave in Sonoma. It was a small party with one long table, and when the doors to the wine cave were opened we were greeted with swells of orange and hot pink. Hanging from above the table on gorgeous satin ribbon were balls of orange and pink flowers. The chairs were wrapped like presents in orange and pink. And on the table were ice bowls filled with gaspacho that were lit from underneath and of course more orange and pink flowers. To my delight, there was also some apple green thrown in.

Since then these have been my colors. You can see it in my work repeatedly. And I decorate like this too. I'd have the whole house bright and fun like that if Super Husband would let me get away with it. Of course, since I did kick him out of his office and make it my studio years ago, I am limited to mostly just here. My Grannie's old stool (the one I found in Spokane) got the Orange and Pink treatment this week with Anna Maria's gorgeous fabrics...

And since I was already in the mood, I made a few of these too...

I'm wondering what else I can cover, paint or otherwise decorate now. Unfortunately (or fortunately as the case may be... I can't complain) I've got to get back to work. Anna Maria's fabrics will have to remain over there in that beautiful stack calling my name.

Weekend synopsis:

When there wasn't some of this...

Or some of this...

or this...

There was some of this...

And I loved this...

And I know I promised you some of this...

I've got a new assistant. I ordered her up and she arrived very promptly. She's very quiet, minds her own business, and is really good at holding things. Like aprons, belts and purses.
Her first job is to clean up the mess behind her.

Well, watcha' waitin' for? Hop to, Gertie! ... if only.

Now, this is fun fabric! We've been busy putting together a slew of belts for Jennifer to take to quilt market in Portland... I've got to show you how many zillions of combinations there are to be put together in the Bell Bottoms line. I was drunk on the color ... had it been candy I would have eaten it all.

Cutting and arranging pieces was a party. A red pattern next to an orange pattern, yellow next to blue, florals next to dots. No matter what I did it looked great.

And I have to tell you, I was stumped on where to put the red pieces.

There were two patterns that were red and white... and for whatever reason, I'm just not usually attracted to reds... But right there next to the orange and pink... Voila.

Just right if I may say so myself. I'm so glad I didn't try to go with the red, white and blue theme that I momentarily (don't laugh... it was only a passing thought) thought I might.

BTW, a certain little girl (that would be older daughter) is head over heels in love with this fabric. And actually, that's my next project for today... give older daughter some fabric to play with. It's going to be very difficult to part with.

Last Friday the planets aligned, conspiring with me to make a purchase I haven't had the chutzpah to make being that I had a working computer that was "just fine."

Here's how it went down:
# 1. My PC finally blew up. DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD!

# 2. I managed to get Super Husband into the Apple Store where he was finally inclined to agree with me on the superiority of the Mac. So stubborn. Nevermind that I was the buyer... I needed his "buy in" in order to keep the peace, you know what I'm saying???

# 3. It was my birthday this week, and I needed a little gifty, don't ya' know.

So, excuses, excuses, I bought myself an iMac and my family thinks they'll never see me again. Can I TELL you how much easier it is to design "stuff"... (did somebody mention fabric?) on this sweet thing?
I am in happy place numero uno!

Ok, now with that out of the way... what else has been going on around here?

I did manage to get Miss Verna her new bag... Turned out pretty. I told her Scotch Guard was definitely in order though with those beautiful light fabrics:

On another note: I mentioned some time back that I had this stack of beautiful fabric to make aprons from and couldn't do the cutting myself because of that rotten arm (Update: doing much better... trying to avoid what got me to that state in the first place.). Well, I've managed to wrangle some wonderful sewing type people into doing it for me. Which is cause for a big loud, "hallelujah!"... Maybe a "wee-hoo!" too. Isn't she a cutie? There's more to come. I plan on having this babies up on the website no later than Friday.

Okers, well, more tomorrow. Must to make dinner ... uh, and I can't believe the state of my laundry room. Seriously people, nobody here has a clean pair of panties for tomorrow unless I get on it. That there is NOT a happy place.

Much to tell, much to say. Right now a little proud "Ta. Da." ....

Why? Below is a Betty Weekender for Jennifer Paganelli made from her new Bell Bottoms fabric line which will be arriving in stores soon. I think this one is my favorite. A great big hug and Thank You through the computer to Miss Jennifer for giving me this fabulous opportunity! I am so honored. I'm almost silly, giddy honored.

I want to show these gals off, but there's also a little story here that I feel like I need to tell. It will sound just a tiny-weenie bit over the top, but no one ever said I wasn't over the top. I am. I admit it. I'm one emotional chick-idy.

I SO need to ya-da-ya-da. 'Cause if I don't my brain will whirl and no one wants to see that mess.  Here goes. I apologize in advance. But don't tell me you weren't forewarned...

My little story: Since starting Bari J.over three years ago, I have been pressing forward, pressing forward never really acknowledging any sort of milestones, acheivements but for a moment. My family would disagree because I tend to beam about it for a bit, but seriously, meanie Bari in my head has other ideas.

Then for whatever reason, this request from Jennifer snapped the old brain back into joint or something.

I started thinking about how far I've come since the beginning. And truth be told, it makes me want to sob. Just sob. Fall on the floor and sob, sob, sob. Messy sobbing. Not unhappy sobbing. Just sobbing. Maybe tired sobbing. Maybe relief sobbing. Something like that.

Someone at the Country Living event said, "Go ugly early". Meaning to me: "Start your dream. Get the not knowing what you are doing out of the way because if you don't go through not knowing ... you'll never get to knowing."

Well, everybody... I went very, very ugly early. A fact I was reminded of at the quilting store the other day... er... Thanks, Jane. Yes, I knew N.O.T.H.I.N.G. It's true, and now you all know it too.

Anyways, I'd been in touch with sweet Jennifer for some time when she asked me for several Betty Weekenders in her fabrics. I didn't think about it at first. Seriously, I was honored, but I didn't think, "How cool!" I mean, I'd been in love with her fabric line since it came out! (This was even before I was honored with Verna's project... which I'm totally stoked about too).

Then suddenly it hit me: That first bag. That first ugly, ugly bag! Jeezy peasy! I've worked my butt off since that first ugly bag. And not everyone thought I could do it.

Is it just me, or is this a universal female experience? That whole "god-forbid-I'm-proud-of-myself" bit.

I think I might just say goodbye to that for good. Here's a thought, gals... It's very not helpful.

(above... Betty Weekenders. The blue one is made from Jennifer's Bell Bottom line and the others are from a previous line. Except that one sticking out in the right corner of the pic.. that's Bell Bottoms. Two more to come next week. Wee hoo!)

Thank you, Jennifer. XO

~b

Whew! I'm making myself crazy. As usual. In fact, I think I've created new ways to make myself too busy. It's my fault, I know. But none-the-less, I'm starting to get pooped.

Just thought I'd pop in and post a little diddy... part of something I'm working on. This stack of ribbon is making me very happy. I could just look at it all day. Better not... back to work. See you later... when I hopefully have something to show for myself.

I tell ya', it doesn't take much to make me happy.

I'd been meaning to order one of these stamps forever, and finally got around to it. Ooooh, the possibilities! Here I've just created a little stationery with Amy Butler's fabby paper... goodness I love that woman!

BTW, I ordered this on Monday and it arrived today. That's F-A-S-T. I got it here. Only trouble... now I want one for everything. I'll be ordering every size eventually, I'm sure.

EDIT: I totally should add that I bought my kids pre-inked name stamps because they chronically forget to put their names on their papers. Anna stamped an entire ream of notebook paper last night. I can't take credit for this idea. Her science teacher is a genius w/forgetful kids.