Bari J.

Gen Q is going to print... they just need a Kick!

Gen Q is going to print... they just need a tiny little kick from us!

Let's Kickstart them!

Watch the video and visit GenQ for more information! 

Your Local Quilt Shop (Referral Rewards) + New Pattern of the Month Program

Your Local Quilt Shop (Referral Rewards) + New Pattern of the Month Program

I have several people tell me, "I've been looking for your patterns, but my local quilt store doesn't carry them.". I know that there are many online stores that carry them (including my own). But sometimes people just want to take a good look inside the pattern booklet before they buy. This makes sense to me.

So I had a thought. Maybe my friends can pass the good word about "Keeping it Real Sewing Patterns by Bari J." on for me... and I can give them free stuff for doing it. 

So here's the dealio... If you'd like Bari J. patterns in your LQS, send me an email at bari at barijonline dot com with the name of the shop and your address (so I can mail you your rewards). I'll email you a PDF brochure that you can print out and bring on over there. If the shop orders, I'll send you two free patterns for every ten they buy. You can pick from any patterns in my line including the PDFs. 

What do you think? Let's get Bari J. patterns in shops around the world! You in? I'd love your wisdom and thoughts on this too... is this a good incentive? Do you have any other ideas? I'd love to hear.

On another note... I've decided to offer 20% off a pattern every month. This month's pattern is the la Boulangerie Apron pattern.

It features a free-motion quilted edge (find out how easy it is here!), deep pockets and an adorable styled waist band.

Just use code "febpattern" to receive the discount at check out. The offer is good until Feb 28, 2012.

Introducing... LillyBelle!

Introducing... LillyBelle!

My first line with Art Gallery Fabrics will be released soon... for now I'm so excited to tell you a little about it and share a bit of the world of LillyBelle with you! Please watch the video below. Also, please join Pat Bravo and me for a live twitter chat tomorrow at 1PM EST ... details here.

 

Seamed Up

Seamed Up

Have you visited SeamedUp yet? It's a new(ish) website to track and share sewing projects, manage your stash and meeet other quilters and crafters. It works somewhat like Ravelry does for knitters. Except SeamedUp is keeping a HUGE data base of fabrics, patterns, books and notions, so adding your stash is super easy. They also have great events coming up like quilt-alongs such as Blue Nickel's (my friend Scott Hansen), Quilt-Uber-Fest.

They have all sorts of wonderful things going on over there. Yesterday I got a chance to talk with one of SeamedUp's co-founder's, Alison, and she recorded our conversation for a podcast. I may have said all sorts of silly things... and we were speaking Yiddish...so you might want to go take a listen. 

Also, SeamedUp needs our help... which is really like us helping ourselves really because we are the ones who will benefit. They need a bigger server to make the site do all the wonderful things they intend to do with it. If you get a chance, stop by Indie Go-Go and read about their campaign. You can also read their blog post about "Making the Dream a Reality". I think it's important to support other women owned businesses for so many reasons... not the least of which is my belief that it will be women who bring this economy back to a running pace.

Here's a little video with more about SeamedUp!

 

Cotton Floss Blog Tour & Give-Away!

(... or is it part of my evil plot to get you stitching this Summer?)

I'm so honored my friend, Natalie, asked me to be part of the blog tour for her first book, Cotton Floss. Natalie is an expert stitcher with such an unmistakeable style. I'm crazy for her work. And I know if you are not already a Cinderberry Stitches fan, you will be momentarily. You'll need to find out her other exciting news over at her blog, but here's a hint... she's has something in common with Monica, Lynette, Denise, Sarah, Meg, Brenda, Rosalie and moi.

But with out further Adieu... here it is! Do you love the owls as much as I do?

The dreamy cover leads to super fun projects that feature simple stitches and great ideas.

I particularly love the way Natalie tells a story with each of her designs. This is Lizzie. She's got a "cheeky" and charming personality like her adorable creator.

I couldn't resist diving right into this book. So I started with one of the blocks above. It is also featured as a cover you can make for your books, which is what I'm planning on doing with my block. I framed it with a little Paris Apartment ("le salle du Soleil" or "sun room" in the coral colorway).

I bet you'd love a copy of this book. Natalie generously sent one for me to give away. AND... I'm also throwing in a Paris Apartment charm pack, which by the by mixes quite nicely with our friend Monica's Happy Mochi Yum Yum. (M gave away a charm pack on her end of the tour... I totally copied her for this give-away. You can't blame me, can you? She's got some rockin' good ideas.)

Here's the dealy if you want to win... leave a comment here swearing on your life that if you don't already embroider, you'll start.

Alright. I'm just kidding. But really. Stitch, K? And leave a comment here to tell Natalie that she is the queen of stitches and you love her dearly and that if you don't win, you'll purchase the book straight away.

That's all. I'll pick a winner on Monday. Deal?

Thank you! 

Oh, and also, go to all these stops on the blog tour if you haven't already. You'll find not just the tour but a slew of incredible talent.

Sunday 6/12    Monica 
Monday 6/13    Amanda
Tuesday 6/14    Pam
Wednesday 6/15    Sarah
Thursday 6/16   Krista
Friday 6/17   Yours Truly... you are here already.
Saturday 6/18    Shari 
Sunday 6/19    Paige

 

 UPDATE: JUNE 20, 2011 -- The winner is #114

Indianna, please email me at bari at barijonline dot com to claim your prize!

 

A WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED. NO MORE ENTRIES, PLEASE.

 

 

Signature Styles

Signature Styles is here, and I just received my copy yesterday. It's beautiful!

Jenny Doh, editor of CrescenDoh, former editor in chief of Stampington publications and incidentally, the writer of the foreword to my book, Inspired to Sew, emailed about a year ago to ask if I'd be interested in participating in this incredible book. What an honor to be included in the company of these fabulous women. Below is just a bit of what you'll see in the book. Each woman is featured on several pages along with a project that we each contributed.

The book is gorgeous and each page is filled with inspiration and ideas.

Congratulations and thank you, Jenny! 

 

Find out why these 9 bloggers are Inspired to Sew... blog tour and giveaways!

Have you ever wondered why one of your favorite bloggers was Inspired to Sew in the first place? What got them started? Who taught them to sew? Why do they love it so much? The Inspired to Sew blog tour will include answers to these questions and ...

each will Give Away a copy of Inspired to Sew as well!

Mark your calendars and remember to stop by for a chance to win. And be sure to tell us why YOU are inspired to sew!

January 31 Mary Abrue: Confessions of a Craft Addict

February 1, Jennifer Paganelli: Sis Boom!

February 2, Jona Giammalava: Stop Staring and Start Sewing

Feb 3, Rashida Coleman Hale: I Heart Linen

Feb 4, Sarah Fielke: The Last Piece

Feb 5, Jenny Doh: Crescendoh

Feb 6, Cara Wilson: Cara Quilts

Feb 7, Deborah Moebes: Whipstitch Fabrics

Feb 8, Monica Solorio-Snow: Happy Zombie

And... (edit) Susanne Woods will be giving away a stack of my Full Bloom fabric (which is no longer in print) at the end of the tour on the Stash Books Blog on February 9! 

I'm Inspired to Sew. Are you?

 

From the first stitch I ever took, I was hooked. I was hooked on fabric, on thread, on color, on pattern and especially on the act of creating something out of nothing. It truly brings me happiness unlike anything else. That's why the name of my book is Inspired to Sew. Every project came about from this unending love of creating something sewn. I hope that the projects in it will inspire you to sew as well. 

Because I'm hoping you are, I've put an "I'm Inspired to Sew" blog button in my sidebar... feel free to "steal" the code for your blog! And if you are interested in a signed copy, they are now available to pre-order on my website. I expect them to ship next week. Use code, iminspiredtosew, for 10% off, and be sure to choose USPS for the least expensive shipping cost.

If you are local, there will also be a book signing at Wooden Gate Quilts in Danville, CA on January 22. I'd love to meet you there! Please check their class schedule as well, I will be teaching the Tea Party Accessories from the book on January 20 from 6 to 9 PM. 

Additionally, be on the look out for an upcoming blog tour! 

 

 

 

Secret revealed... Who wrote the foreword for "Inspired to Sew"?

A long time ago in a land far far away (in my mind at least) I was pondering who I'd like to have write the foreword to my book.

One person came to mind. Jenny Doh. 

 

I met Jenny some time soon after I started making handbags. We were introduced by a common friend. Lucky for me, she happened to be up in the San Francisco area, and stopped by for a visit. Jenny is the kind of person who you instantly like. 

Through the years Jenny has been incredibly supportive of my work. I was featured  many of the Stampington publications when she was the Editor in Chief there (several pictured below). And I have since been featured on her brain-child website, CrescenDoh. I will also appear in her upcoming book, Signature Styles. 

I'm generally surprised by the warm reception my work has received. I'm especially grateful that Jenny took an interest in it. And tickled that she "gets it". 

As with most of my work, I created the projects in "Inspired to Sew" with a desire to have items in my life that are unique, have a artistic feel and yet are fashion-forward. I knew that Jenny would not only understand what I was trying to do, but also be able to put into words a meaningful Foreword that hopefully will Inspire YOU to Sew as much as the book itself does. I believe she did just that.

Jenny, I can't thank you enough!

 

 

(Photo of Jenny Doh from CresenDoh)

Author Deborah Moebes stops by...

I was so excited to hear of Deborah Moebe's new book, Stitch by Stitch. It is a wonderfully laid out book that teaches you to sew one project at a time and comes with a CD of patterns. Deborah owns a fabulous fabric shop and sewing lounge down in Atlanta called Whipstitch. And I'm not ashamed to admit I drooled a bit when I saw the photos.

I love this book for a couple reasons. First, I like so many of you am excited about the sewing industry's growth, and a book like this helps us to new, young sewers in. Another reason is it is a great reference even if you already know how to sew. For instance, I recently made some curtains, but I had never lined curtains before which I wanted to do this time. I wasn't sure how I wanted to do the hem, but low and behold, there is a lined curtain project in Stitch by Stitch which was clear and easy to understand. And lastly, as Deborah put it, "it has an obscene amount of Full Bloom in it." Yeah, I'm a tiny bit excited about that. Deborah used my tea pot fabric on a pillow which appears on the back of the book and pussy willow fabric on a skirt. I'm totally humbled and honored to be part of it. 

Recently, I got the chance to ask Deborah a couple of questions about herself and the book... I know you all will be interested.

Me: This book shows that you have a ton of experience sewing! How old were you when you learned, and who taught you?
Deborah: My mom taught me and my sister to sew when we were young, and we'd use hand-sewing needles to make outfits for our dolls or bags to carry our treasures in.  I dabbled a bit in high school, but didn't really get enthusiastic until I was in college and worked in the School of Theatre costume shop--seeing the artistry and the excitement in that room made me re-think sewing and what it could represent.  I went from seeing it as something utilitarian and practical to something creative and inspiring.

Me: When did you first open your fabric store, and can you tell us a little about it? What classes do you offer? What makes it special?
Deborah:The shop started as an outgrowth of my children's clothing line (which I've since retired).  I sold my overstock fabrics on a whim, and it took off--I quickly realized that selling fabric gave me the chance to indulge my fabric greed, and it's been a whirlwind ride ever since!  The bricks-and-mortar version opened in May of 2009 and moved to a larger location this March--we were overflowing with classes and students, and I needed more room to accommodate the numbers of folks who are learning to love sewing and want to practice their skills.  We offer everything from the very basics of sewing all the way through advanced techniques like patternmaking and fabric design.  I think what sets Whipstitch apart from other shops is the focus on community and building relationships through sewing--it matters to me very deeply that I not only share my love of the practice of sewing, but that I pass on the way sewing can teach you about yourself and open you up to connection with others.  I want the shop to really be a hub for all that, and have been so excited to see it spread and grow!

Me: Tell us about your concept for this book. 
Deborah: I love sewing books, and collect them with a passion.  I also get frustrated when suggesting titles to new stitchers, because there are so many amazing project books out there and so few that give the bare-bones basics about sewing to get someone started!  I wanted this book to do that, to give a new stitcher the tools to see their ideas become real.  I wanted to avoid having it be just a collection of skills, so it's designed to be done in sequence, with each project leading to the next and each skill building on the one before.  That way, you learn each technique in context, and you know where and when to apply the ideas as you move along.

Me: What was your most favorite and least favorite things about writing a book?
Deborah: Writing the book was really a ton of fun--it was so exciting to plan out each section and imagine how a reader would see the material, then figure out ways to phrase it all and lay it out to make it the most useful.  I love planning things and sketching them out, so that was like playtime for me.  The loooong nights were pretty tough, though, especially toward the end when it was really crunch time.  And it was hard to let go and accept that at some point, my part was done and it was time to let the book go out into the world--that was scary.  But I loved, loved the experience overall and am already hoping I get the chance to do it over again!

Me: You have a big family and lots of responsibilities. How do you balance it all?
Deborah: Some days, not very well!  I really, really love what I do, and am grateful every morning that I'm able to wake up one more day and get another chance to do it.  My family, though, is the most important thing to me, and in the end, the only thing that's real in this world.  So I try to live my work in the sense that I do the things I was going to do anyway--sew for myself and my home and my kids--and translate that into the blog and the book and the shop when I can, and always stay willing to cry uncle and ask for help whenever that work interferes with my family.  This past year has been totally insane in terms of the number of opportunities and experiences that have come my way, and I'm learning how to say no more and be patient more and forgive myself more for taking time out to be with my kids and husband with no worries or expectations for work.  I'm looking forward to next year being a little slower, but I'm enjoying the ride now while I can!

Me: What are you working on now? And what is on the horizon for you?

Deborah: Right now, I'm focusing on my upcoming e-courses--I'm teaching one on sewing knits with just your sewing machine, and another on crafty business basics, both this fall--and am working on an outline for another book.  That, and realizing that the holidays are coming up soon, and I'd best get cracking!

Red Rose Farm... Mine all Mine!

 

Lucky me lucky me lucky me! Nanner nanner nanner. I got me some of Elizabeth Scott's debut line, Red Rose Farm and you didn't! 

 

That's mean. 

But... Nanner nanner nanner!

Aw. I'm sorry. 

I shouldn't tease you. I just can't help myself. You see, I've got friends in high places ... Ummm... Elizabeth lives, like, down the road and she's my friend, I'm happy to say. So she gave me some of this goodness to play with and I made myself this laptop sleeve I've been waiting to make until I had the perfect fabric.

And lucky for you, Red Rose Farm is shipping next week. And it's available at Fat Quarter Shop.

I really love this line. Run. Go get you some!

All filled up with creativity and inspiration... Sisters recap, Part I

 
There will be an overload of fresh quilter's and sewers at Sisters next year if I have anything at all to do with it. Because even if I'm not teaching there (which I hope to be), I'm going to start a movement to get all of you there! Ladies and gentlemen, Sisters is Mecca for sewing and the needle arts. 

Led by Jean Wells-Keenan and her daughter Valori Wells, The Stitchin' Post has been around for 35 years, as has the festival which was founded by Jean. Jean is about to be the 40th person inducted in the Quilter's Hall of Fame. A huge honor for her and her family! The Stitchin' Post itself is a dream of a place with pretty much everything you can imagine you'd ever need to do what we do. Patterns, books, fabric, notions, yarn... and the best of it all. 

 

 The Quilter's Affair is a five-day program (M-F) before the start of the festival which is always the second Saturday in July. It was a huge honor for me to teach there. As I quickly found out, the teaching staff is world class. I would gladly take a class from any of them. And the students are so excited to be there, it's just a pure pleasure to teach. I taught two projects from my upcoming book (Inspired to Sew; to be released January 2011), an apron and a pillow, plus I also taught a two day class on my Garden Tea Party Quilt (see sidebar) and a handbag class. That was five days of teaching, and each day I learned something new and felt blessed to be sharing what I love.

I am overflowing with creativity and inspiration from my trip to Sisters. I met so many wonderful, talented people. And words can't describe how Sisters and the spirit of community there filled me with joy. This is going to take like a month to re-cap! I have so many photos, and so much to say. So, I'll begin at the beginning and wind my way through the trip. 

Due to lack of direct flights, I arrived in Sister's pretty early in the day on the 4th of July. Kind of a crazy day to land as everyone in Sisters it seems was in Bend for fireworks that night. After checking into the hotel... which has llamas, the first order of business was finding a shoe store where I purchased a seriously Oregonian, but surprisingly cute, pair of Keens... a necessary evil I found out. BTW, llamas spit, did you know this? I did know, but I was reminded the hard way. I know! That guy looks really nice, doesn't he? But truly, he needs to learn some manners!

After recovering from the spitting incident, I was then able to walk around before all became quiet and still. And I found my dream home. It was for sale too! Sigh.

I also stopped at Sisters Bakery. Don't be judgmental again. I was instructed by my brother, a U of O Duck, that I was to stop there and eat a chocolate covered, chocolate donut. I was just being compliant. Ask my brother. I do anything he says... ummm... yeah... and so... where was I?

 

So I ate my chocolate donut and then walked and walked and walked because I was sure I'd done some serious damage with that donut. By time I was done walking it was time for dinner, of course. But it was the 4th of July, so almost everything was closed by time I remembered that it was a holiday. Therefore, I was forced to eat at a BBQ. And they forced me to eat Danish Babyback ribs. It was all that was left, I swear. And I did have to walk back to the hotel and all. I needed to be nourished for the trip.

 

Ok. So. Tomorrow I will start in with some sewing photos for you! You are going to love what my students did in their pillow class. They were so cool! 
 

 

 

The Creative Connection Event

 

 

  

((Photo from The Creative Connection Blog))

If you haven't heard about it already, you most certainly will. Created by Nancy Soriano, former editor in chief of Country Living and Jo Packham, the founder and editor in chief of WHERE WOMEN CREATE, The Creative Connection is a 3-day event that brings together women who are passionate about being creative in their lives as artists, business owners, bloggers and more! There are classes, panels and even a market to enjoy! I'm devising a way to get there myself, but in the meantime, I'm honored to be part of it in any way I can. I was asked to write an article about creativity and inspiration for their blog, and it will appear there tomorrow. 

I wrote about my love of mixing fabric in an article called, Fabric Mixology... which is my term for ... you guessed... mixing it up with fabric! I hope you'll stop by The Creative Connection Event Blog tomorrow to read more about it! 

((Update: My guest post will be up at 12 MST on 4/22))

Sewing Patterns, Decorating and Shopping

 Before I get started... Keep your eyes open for a fabric and sewing pattern giveaway in the morning over at the Where Women Create blog!

It's been quite a long week. It feels like I've been doing a million different things, and I have. I finished a free download for a quilt for Art Journal which is now being technically edited, I finished my quilt for our master bedroom (OK, fine. it needs quilting and binding but whatever), and my sewing patterns came in and began to ship which was super exciting. I also have been working on my OpenSky Shop quite a bit... you can see the new button to the right and I made a pretty banner. The flowers in the button and banner were fabric rejects. They didn't quite go with the rest of the line. But I'm making good use of them anyways.

OpenSky has been getting some great suppliers, and I'm super loving the stuff I have in my shop. Especially the bird themed items. I love this print below... it's not to scale here... I photoshopped it into the photo of my settee, but you get the idea. You can probably tell, I like the colors a lot... the pillows below are in Full Bloom. I think they look nice with the print.

 

(And I repeat: the print is NOT to scale and has been photoshopped in)
 

Below is the quilt I've been working on for the past year and finally put the outer borders on today. Love it. It's for our master bedroom and it's made of Anna Maria prints. The first border is a combination of velvets that were samples I had laying around. I love the combo. And the outer border is a shot cotton.

 

 

 

 

Well, that's all folks. I'm one pooped pup. Going to go sit in front of the TV and stuff patterns into bags. 

PS... I'll give you one hint what this is all about. It has something to do with that upcoming giveaway I mentioned. 

 
 
 
 

When you ask for help...

... it is there for you. The problem is you have to ask. And, for me at least, that is not the easiest of tasks.

I'm an "I'll do it myself" kind of person... Usually afraid to ask for help for fear of looking weak. For fear of having to say that I "need" help. 

I did not ask for very much help over the past six years in the creation of this business. I've held it together, struggling, for the large part, to do it all myself. Unfortunately, I'm not good at all of it. Nor is all of it something I'd want to do. I, for instance, hate selling. I also vehemently hate anything to do with numbers. 

That said, when I started on the journey of creating sewing patterns, I knew deep down that whether I liked it or not, I did not know exactly what I needed to do to get it done. And I desperately needed it to be done right. So begrudgingly, and probably only because I absolutely had to, I gave in and asked for some much needed help. And no one, much to my surprise, judged me for asking. They were happy that I finally did. 

Oddly, what I thought was going to be the feeling that I had somehow failed myself and failed others by simply asking for help, did not happen. What did come was relief. And the joy of knowing that there are people who will stand by me no matter what. And that even people I don't even know well are willing to share their expertise to help me along. 

That was what I was thinking about this afternoon when my package of sewing pattern proofs arrived from the printer. I was thinking about just how silly that all is. And that from here on... when I need help, I'll ask.

 

 

 
 
 

Give-Away Time!

 Thanks to the generosity of our friend, Emily over at Ravenhill, I have two more of her fabulous dolls made in my fabric, Full Bloom. And these are for You!!!

 Just leave a comment and you are entered! I'll use the random number generator to pick two winners on January 5.

Spread the word! 

Ravenhill

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!)
 

 

Where have I been?

 

First of all, thank you too all of the nearly 700 people who signed up to win a stack of fat quarters! Your support is incredible and I am absolutely FLOORED by it! I keep looking up and thinking, how did I get here? So surreal! 

It's funny, I think there are 700 people who entered because I left the thing open for so long. That's because I've been crazy crazy busy (with more than I can even tell you)! My daughter's bat mitzvah in which she did the most incredible job was last weekend! She was so poised, so together, so grown up I could hardly stand it! I'm so proud of that chicky!

 BTW, my friend, Janis made all three of our dresses! She is a genius. There is no doubt about it. Anna and Emily drew pics of what they wanted, the three of them went to JoAnns and picked similar patterns, and Janis adjusted accordingly. Mine was from a vintage Vogue pattern that Janis endlessly altered because those old patterns can be a bit off for a shorty like me. In the end I wanted to wear my dress all day every day. I love it that much!

Prior to Bat Mitzvah Mayhem, we were at Super Husband's family reunion in Sun River, OR. Wonderful place. We had a great time and the bonus was that the Sister's Outdoor Quilt Show was that weekend, so we got to sneak off to see it! Fabulous. Only problem was it was so crowded, I didn't really get to see The Stitchin' Post (owned by Valori Wells' mom). The pic below is our little cabin in the woods. I wish I could tell you who did all these fab quilts from the show, but alas, I didn't write down a thing. I just drooled.

Creative Calling Cards

I love calling cards. Love making them, love looking them and love collecting them. Awhile back I created a Flickr group so we could all show 'em off. And I've been meaning to make this a regular feature on my blog. If you'd like your card featured please join our group!

Here is my first group of favorites... 

French Garden House

Dreams Of France

Paper Relics

And, Farmer Julie

Quilt Market II

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

Market report part I

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

Pinch me!

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.

A must see!

Yay! Good news. My friend Jennifer has opened her new Sis Boom web store with home goods, childrens, women's and more made from her own fabrics. As expected, it is super beautiful. The site, first of all, is just so Jennifer. She has the most wonderful (I'd say classic/vintage-modern) style...

I am especially happy that she decided to sell her tunics in finished form. Methinks I'd look super-cute in this one! I think it's going to have to be a gift to myself when I loose that last 10 lbs. When am I going to do that?

And I'm also thinkin' this pillow would look really fluffy fun on the little settee in my living room.

This is one of my favorite Jennifer Paganelli fabrics. There's something so not-too-sweet-but-just-sweet-enough about Jennifer's designs.

So, if you haven't already stopped by the new site, it's definitely a must do/must see/must shop.

Rockin' Women in Business!

You are going to love this, I'm telling you! I can't believe how it feeds my little tea-theme addiction. Yummy!

T.J., Janie and Chrissy got hold of me last week to do some graphics, they're friends of Heather's who took some really gorgeous photos for them a bit ago (Does Heather do anything but gorgeous? Uh... no.).

These ladies are up to something so super. I looooved it. Their new business, Orange Blossom Tea House brings the gift of tea service right to you with Teagrams... they've trademarked that little ditty, aren't they smart? The ad below has all of the details.

Will you be there?

I'll be there... March 15th. I was just thinking... I bet some of you are going to be there too.

Let me know! I'll be in town early visiting family and friends as I am originally a Chicago girl.

More Blog Header Switcharoo

But this time it's not me. How fun! I did this one for Tara Frey over at Bella Cafe.

Front Door Decor

The incredible Heather Bullard came up with this idea... And I just love it! Pieces I used: vintage frame, velvet ribbon, millinery, a nest and enamel pin.

BTW, I did not put any nails in the door. Those nifty removable double stick hangers are all you need. And to keep the frame from bouncing up and down on the door every time you open and close it, use double stick foam tape. Hurray for 3M. I've used these products on my door before and they really don't leave a mark.

Office Supplies, Ooooooo, Office Supplies

If there's anything that makes me feel happy and at ease, it's office supplies. Why you ask? Well, the truth is that I come from a long line of organizationally-challenged women. Office supplies make me feel like there is hope that someday I may become organized. My daughter, Emily, has inherited this trait, and feels she cannot leave Target without a bin, clips or a notebook. Not that either of us are organized... Oh, no, far from it. We just take pleasure in the idea of clean neat lined-up pencils, papers and books.

Now, as you may know, I love to shop online. I buy shoes, clothes, presents online. I have been loathe to order office supplies though because, well, Office Depot doesn't have the same appeal as say, Piperlime (Shhhhooooes...) does. But recently I discovered a fabulous woman-owned business online that just gives me a total thrill... See Jane Work. I had heard about it, but never visited. Now I'm down those lovely electronic aisles all the time. I love to just browse there and think about the ways in which I may become organized. It's definitely worth a visit. And, from time to time, I purchase a thing or two. Holly Bohn, Founder & CEO of See Jane Work, seemingly has some fabulous taste too. She stocks everything from staplers to day planners, and I mean the best of them. Below are some of my favorites...

Clipboards... can't have enough, I'm not sure why, but these are some of the prettiest I've ever seen.

Wire letter holders... vintage style... need I say more?

Paper Obsessed... more on the "who do you love?" list that goes on for infinity...

Leslie Saito of the Paper Princess has it down. Her original designs are scrum-dilly-uptious! I bought a couple of items several weeks ago, and I'm due for some more...

Here's what I have my eye on:

Birdy notecards...

More Twine... Comes in a buncha' colors...

And, though I'm taken care of in the calling card department, I think I need these personalized calling cards...

Who do you love list goes on and on and on...

I've been enamored with Inspire Company for years... I bet most of you know it already. But for those of you who don't, I'd love to be the one who introduces you. All of the sweet and unique gifts at Inspire Co are well thought out and presented in a beautiful manner. Owner, Amy makes you want to give a gift every day. Just check out these gorgeous journals that I've been eyeing...

I've also been dreaming about these cutie-pie bracelets made by Amy's friend, Melissa. 

For even more inspiration visit the Inspire Co blog! Every entry is scrumptious, and you'll love the photography.

More of "Who Do You Love?"

I think the coolest of the cool has to be Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching fame. Her patterns have redefined embroidery forever. Jenny is an Artist/Illustrator Extraordinarre, practically the inventor of the DIY revolution, founding member of the Austin Craft Mafia and author of two titles for Chronicle Books. I'm in love with this Dachshunds Pattern... Reminds me of Ratfink... Yes, I said "Ratfink". He was our first dog when I was a little girl. I'm still not sure why my parents named him Ratfink. Apparently something to do with his penchant for garbage. The best dog in the world, I tell you! I think I'm going to get on Jenny's website and order this one now. Plus, I've got to have a signed copy of her book. So off I go. Have a nice day. More tomorrow! Or later if the mood strikes~

Who do you love?

Just thinking how lucky we are with this weblogin' thing. We get to connect with so many fabulous women out there. I know you all know each other by now, but I'm just wondering who you all love? Do comment and let me know, K.O?

Wow! Where to begin with my "who do you love?" list. I'll just have to make an attempt, huh?

To start, I'll just mention a few that I've recently happened across and quite adore (quite adore? Is that British speak? Tee hee, my husband has been working for a British company and I think it's rubbed off on us both.).

Number one: I recently came across Ann Roth Shoes... Espadrilles... in my one of my favorite fabric combinations. Yummy. Check these babies out. Hello Emelda! Bring it on! Oh, and by the by, you can design your own shoes at Ann Roth! So cool. Ann, an actress, says she woke up one day with a vision of "a toile pair of espadrilles with red rick-rack trim and silver sequins" and just had to create them.  I know where she's coming from there!

Number Two: For baby gifts I found liliputians-nyc. I sent these jeans and a top to a friend who recently adopted an adorable baby girl. Again, YUMMY! I've actually ordered some of the fabric that their made with. It's Amy Butler, and mine will be coated to be wipeable. But I digress... The designer and owner at Liliputians is Heather Flottmann. And by the way, when I ordered the jeans I got a personal message from her. She sends one to every customer which I think is really nice.

What 3 Girls are up to...

I've been getting email for some time from a really cool business called, 3 Girls and a Truck. They offer wholesale pricing on some big name designers at their sales... The Marin Sale is a benefit for the Kentfield schools, 20%  goes to the school. So, they're philantropic as well as great business women! If you are in the San Francisco Bay area, I hope you'll attend one of their events!

Here's the info:

		What:	Designer names - 50-80% below retail! Shop for: Margaret O'Leary - Sigrid Olsen - William Rast - Notice - People's Liberation - Red Engine - Weston Wear - John Carlisle - Verivaine - And more!
		Kentfield:	Kentfield Schools Benefit, 20% of our sales go to the schools. Friday, May 11: 8:15am to 6:00pm Saturday, May 12: 10:00 am to 2:00pm Bacich Community Center 699 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield, CA 94904
		San Francisco:	Our Big Summer Sale! Tuesday, May 15th: 4pm to 7pm Wednesday, May 16th to Friday, May 18th: 11am to 7pm 1810 Union St. San Francisco, CA
		Contact:	Ann Lefkovits [email protected] 415-710-4660

Click here to invite your friends.

And remember, shop 3 Girls for the best buys at the start of each season...before you hit your favorite retail haunts!

Resource Links added

I've just added links to offer resources to women in business... I know there's more out there... So, please comment & let me know what to add. Thanks!!!

Around the Studio Today...

Busy, busy...

New appliques I'm playing with... and more ribbon, ribbon, ribbon...

 

Inspired Prints... Part I.

I can't resist paper... Of course, I think every gorgeous inch of it should be fabric, but that's besides the point. These are  from more fabulous Woman-Owned Businesses...

From Cecily Ink : the Fresh Style Card File. Organized and beautiful! Cecily Ink is owned by Alex Wijnen ... And again, where do you all find the energy? This is not Alex's full time gig. She also owns a successful graphic design business.

Woman Owned... The Daily Stroll

Not so long ago, I was looking for a great gift for a friend who had recently become a mom... a friend who has everything. I found it by going to the Daily Stroll. If you are a mom, you are pregnant, if you are looking for great gifts, the daily stroll is a place that you've got to stop by.

It's woman-owned (reason enough) and it is an incredible resource. The daily stroll focuses on bringing parents together with some of the hottest up and coming designers for baby+toddler+maternity.You'll find great unknown designers and bonus... Coupons!

Owner of the Daily Stroll, Lizabeth Landon-Cole Sorensen (currently pregnant with her second child) must be one busy chickie. Not only does she run thedailystroll.com, she also owns 32 Flavors PR, is currently writing a great pregnacy blog and is also a designer.

My Daughter's Wish

In search of beautiful card stock to display our new brooches, I stopped by My Daughter's Wish (owned by Sherri Ashton, another fabulous woman in business) in Walnut Creek, CA this afternoon.

I did find some incredible paper. And I also picked up the newest Somerset publication, Somerset Life. It is not an understatement to say that it is beyond, beyond beautiful!

Projects featured are by Connie Govea Stuart, Pam Garrison, Angela Cartwright, Anna Corba, plus editor, Jenny Doh and more. I have been paging through it over and over again this afternoon.

Thank you Somerset and all of you fabulous ladies whose art I so adore! My studio is about to undergo an inspired overhaul...

Which reminds me, did you all go get Connie's blue cover???? And if you didn't see my little tour of Connie's studio all decked out in blue, you must take a look-see.

Meet Daphne

Women owned businesses are popping up everywhere in every category. We're taking over, ladies!

About to open in Ocala, FL (and carrying the Bari J. line) is Daphne's Cottage. The owner, Elizabeth, is a wild southern lady who I've come to know a bit. Elizabeth is creating her business from the ground up and growing her girl power with it!

Read more about Elizabeth and her new business on her new LOL blog. And, you will have to visit her online store or stop in if you are in the Ocala area.