Where Women Create
I'm so honored to be featured in one of my favorite magazines, Where Women Create! It's now on newstands and available for order here. Thank you for featuring me! My teenage girls think I'm pretty cool now. Well. Sorta. Kinda. Either way, that's a huge bonus.
The Truth is, I like Crazy Town.
My mom used to say, "I thrive on chaos". It was her explanation for having four children, I think. All these years, I've thought she was slightly nutty in that regard, but I have to admit... the excitement of having lots going on at one time, I think I do thrive on that. Maybe not chaos exactly, but having lots to do. Never a dull moment. That kind of living.
Right now, I may just be right in my element. As you know, I'm preparing for both Surtex and Quilt Market (photo above, a bag I just finished for quilt market from Emmy Grace fabric, and the photo below, brochures/lookbook for Surtex). They happen simultaneously in two weeks, and everything must ship by Thursday. I'll be going to Surtex, but I still have a partial booth that I'm sewing for and will be shipping items to Pittsburg. Meanwhile, we are throwing a big birthday party for my mom next weekend and my siblings are all going to be in town. The party is at our house. The night before mother's day. No worries. I got this. (cringes)
But there's also been other big excitement here... This past week, I was very happy to welcome a photographer for Where Women Create into my home to take photos for the November issue. While this was loads of fun, I couldn't be more excited for the issue, and I feel really really lucky to be part of it ... the timing? Well? It was slightly not fantastic for me. I'd have preferred June maybe? But when Where Women Creates wants to take photos for an issue, you just don't say no to that! It's something I've wanted to do for years. The original Where Women Creates book was published in 2005. I bought a copy, and have dreamed about it since then. This was big for me. I got the studio all cleaned up and Super Husband was nagged into doing a little light painting in here.
There was lots I wanted to do to the house, but at some point, I just finally ran out of time. I did manage to make slipcovers for the chairs in the living room which we didn't really take many photos of in the end. But I really had to make the slipcovers anyways because prior to knowing about the photoshoot, I'd taken apart one of two of the covers to make a pattern for new ones and so I had two mis-matched chairs. The process of creating the covers needs to be a post all on it's own, but I can tell you that I'd have been better off creating covers from scratch rather than trying to use the old cover as a pattern. That was a total pain in the butt. Now I have to make new gray linen pillows for the sofa to pull the room together, but let's do that in June, shall we?
In other news, my 18 year old daughter, Anna, graduates high school the day after we get back from New York, so please pray for no flight delays on the way home! I'm doubting I'll post until we get back, so I'll see you after this is all over! Cross your fingers for me!!!
A feature, a confession, and a discount code.
I'm super excited to tell you that I've been included in Uppercase Magazine's Surface Pattern Design Guide. Uppercase is a magazine run by two wonderful entrepreneurs who simply love design.
Ok got that out. Now the rest of this I've re-written this 10 times. I was simply going to do the standard, "hey look where I've been featured post", but I can't. I feel like I need to tell you a little more.
But I'm afraid you are going to think at best, I'm cheesy, and at worst, I'm an emotional mess. So please know that I've pulled on my big girl panties to tell you this.
Something about being featured in THIS publication has made me more proud than just the usual feature. You see, I've been at this for a decade. I started really getting into sewing all those years ago because I loved the designs on the fabric. The ride has been so crazy and dizzy since then, I'm not quite sure how I got where I am. And some of you may think, "Come on, she's so successful. How could she feel like this?". But the truth is, it's not easy to Actually. Make. A. Living. By. Creating. I'm not complaining about how I'm paid or what I'm paid. I have several great partners who I adore and am extremely grateful to have.
I'm just saying that to make it in surface design alone you have to reach a critical mass in the number of licenses you have and the number of surfaces that your work is on. That's just a fact. And it is NOT easy to get there.
Does being featured in this magazine mean I've made it? No. Certainly not. But the symbol of the recognition of being in this magazine... with the company I know I'm in... it is just one more thing that is keeping me going.
When I design, I feel like it's coming out of me from me feet up to the top of my head and out. I LOVE designing like it gives me life. There is nothing like believing in yourself and your work for getting you where you need to go. But a little recognition along the way is truly a boost.
Thank you, Janine and Erin. I'm am more than honored to be featured in your beautiful publication.
For a $15 discount on an Uppercase subscription, use code 'USPDG2014'.
Thanks for listening and not judging.
Have a colorful day,
Bari
The winner is:
Debbi Fair
Hi there from this stop on the GenQ magazine Tour!
(and... psst... giveaway)
The first thing I noticed about this magazine was it's unique size. It measures 7" x 9". I instantly loved the intimate feel that the size gave it.
Second, of course, I recognized the two most recognizable people in the modern quilting industry on the cover: Amy and David Butler. The sweet photo on the front really drew me in, and inside the article did not fail to surprise me. I've read plenty about Amy and David before, but this article really gives you a feel for how they live and work as artists. Again, that feeling of intimacy with the reader makes this magazine stand out from the pack.
I of course read the cover article first, but then when I started flipping through the magazine more, I realized that this is really a different quilting magazine. It's modern and fresh, yes, but it's also personal.
The projects inside are from people we know and love. I was especially happy to see the bag by Pat Bravo who you all know I adore. And Heather Jone's quilt defines the modern quilting movement in my opinion. And the quilting on it... phenomenally executed by none other than Angela Walters. When you get to know Angela, you can instantly recognize one of her quilts.
This magazine left me wanting to see what's next for the editors of this magazine who I'm happy to call friends. It's fresh and it's fun and I believe it's going to draw the next generation of people into quilting. I can't wait to see what you all do, the projects you find and the promise you offer our wonderfully supportive and giving industry.
So, you want a copy? Leave a comment here no later than thursday the fifth and I'll pick a winner on Friday.
You can also enter to win a copy over on Generation Q’s Facebook page by liking them there.
COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. Thank you for participating!
This is what I now know... It is exciting and terrifying at the same time to have your mug show up in a national magazine. Eek. And, it's also a little like, "How'd that happen?". And, "Whose life is this?". And... admittedly it's pretty cool too. Even if I don't like how my hair is sprigging out on one side. Whatevers. Sigh. At least I look good in purple.
You can find out all you needed to know (and more) about me in this Summer's issue of Quilts and More.
There's also a little project:
It was inspired by the frames I did last fall for Quilt Market... in case you were thinking that it looks oddly familiar.
Here's a tiny little bit of what I submitted for Stampington's Haute Handbags. I'm probably jinxing myself...
I didn't buy a magazine for a month. Not one. My husband thought that I was cured. He was celebrating...the poor misinformed man. But alas, I was just being disciplined because I wanted to have a lot to pour over on vacation. Oh ha ha ha. See the damage I did today? I got a book too. Also coming with me on the plane is a blunt pair of scissors and the embroidery projects I've been meaning to get to (I have big aspirations for this relaxing trip.). I'm planning a little pillowcase re-do for my kids. Husband thinks the blunt scissors will not make it on the plane. We'll see about that.
Oh my gosh! I am so excited! I've been missing this magazine so much!
Did you know that Victoria Magazine will be back with their first issue out in November? I may be the last to know, but in case I'm not, click here to get yourself a subscription! Hurray!
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