Tag Archives: Kaffe Fassett

Jun12

Purses Have Feelings Too…

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Anny

When my sister and I were little girls on a road trip vacation from Indiana to Texas, we would bring toys in the car, of course. One of our favorites was the game Cootie. With Cootie, the object was to be the first to build a bug-like object using a variety of plastic body parts. Unfortunately, while traveling through Arkansas, one of the body parts landed out the car window. Now it only made sense to us that if a body part was laying out on the ground in a far away state, we would have to deliberately throw out another body part to keep that one company. Everything has feelings…

All that being said is to introduce you to a few bags that were created last year and didn’t make it into the blog. We wouldn’t want a bag to have its feelings hurt, would we? So before I go off to a therapy session, here are the omitted bags. 🙂

I actually made two bags from a Charlie’s Aunt pattern called the High Tea Clutch Bag. The first one I call “She Wore Blue Velvet.” The velvet, inside and out, is from Mood Fabrics. Then I added a beaded ribbon.

She Wore Blue Velvet

The other is titled “Hidden Butterfly.” That’s because I randomly sewed two little metal butterflies to the front, along with an upcycled jewelry piece. I believe the fabric was from Britex Fabrics in San Francisco and has lovely textured suede flowers on ivory linen.

Hidden Butterfly

Next is a bag that was sold before it was even placed on the shelf–“Confetti Candy.” I’m showing both front and back to display a variety of fabrics and trims. On the front side I used a suede-like tangerine fabric from Mood. Added to the front was a pocket of Kaffe Fassett floral with colorful popcorn fringe and a sparkling pink broach from Trims on Wheels. The reverse side featured a magenta upholstery weight fabric from High Fashion, with a ribbon embellishment from Renaissance Ribbons. Surrounding the bag is multicolor confetti loop fringe from Cowgirls and Lace. The pattern is one of my favorites from Cindy Taylor Oates.

Confetti Candy

“Venetian Dream” is created from my original pattern, The Jenny Bag. The fabric, from Michael Levine in L.A., is embellished with a heavily beaded trim and an elegant tassel.

Venetian Dream

I wanted to try my hand at using new purse hardware, which is what attracted me to a purse kit and pattern by Penny Sturges and Darci Wright found at Quilt Festival last fall. It turned out well, and I learned to install a twist lock closure. The pattern is Mini Messenger, and I named the bag “Elizabeth.”

Elizabeth

Last year, after viewing gypsy bags on Pinterest, I was inspired to design a romantic creation. “Gypsy Rose” is fashioned from the magenta fabric used on Confetti Candy, a coordinating pink faux ostrich, and a leather flower from Michael Levine. It features a multicolor loop fringe from Cowgirls and Lace, a pocket of antique cut velvet, and a strap of vintage moss green velvet and leopard. I still have not parted with this purse.

Gypsy Rose

One of the most popular patterns I use is the Rachel Bag from Bag Boutique by Amy Barickman. I wish I could remember where I purchased the zebra–perhaps Interior Fabrics in Houston. The purse is accessed through a zipper down the backside and carried by a simple black bamboo handle. The back features an organdy ribbon attaching a rhinestone heart-shaped key, hence the name “Wild at Heart.” To create the front embellishment, I layered two buttons and looped over a silky black tassel.

Wild at Heart

By the Sea is a fun bag I created from scraps of thick tropical themed fabric from a local Galveston upholsterer, distressed denim from Indygo Junction, faux ostrich from Michael Levine, and a plush vintage velvet ribbon from Los Angeles Antiques. I sewed small beads on the eyes of the seahorses, and the crab and fish on the back. The pattern is from Kati Cupcake Pattern Company and has twelve pockets. Such a challenge it was, using grommets with heavy thick fabric. The problem is, the grommets are added at the very end, so you’re basically cutting large holes in your finished bag, and hoping that the grommets install properly. And it’s actually hard to cut with your fingers crossed! 🙂

By The Sea

Cowgirl Chic was fashioned from faux cowhide and leather from Cowgirls and Lace. The lush fringe was from Interior Fabrics in Houston. Not sure I can part with this bag, either.

Cowgirl Chic

The last two bags really are for me. They will accompany me on a Mediterranean Cruise this summer. I needed a hands-free, cross-body bag for shore excursions. Not large–just large enough for essentials. The perfect pattern for this is the Chattisham Clutch Bag from Charlie’s Aunt. Bright red faux crocodile is from Fabric Decor in Houston. I did not embellish it, as the fabric speaks for itself. The zebra bag’s flap is sewn from a vintage crushed velvet found on Etsy, and the ruby bauble is upcycled jewelry.

Tomorrow my granddaughter, Madison, arrives. She just earned her driver’s license, so when we’re not beaching, shopping, or creating, I’m sure she will be happy to chauffeur us anywhere we travel. And until next time, happy summer travels to you!

Love, Anny

Dec5

Hill Country Thanksgiving

Posted on December 5, 2015 by Anny

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Our Hill Country Thanksgiving started with cooking and feasting on a scrumptious meal at our daughter’s home in Austin. That is where we met George, our newest sweet grand-dog! He’s called a Goldendoodle.

Black Friday did involve a bit of shopping in Fredericksburg, Texas. Even though the weather was miserable, shoppers didn’t seem to care while they explored this historical quaint town. Our first stop was Carol Hicks Bolton, a huge, fabulous store featuring Bella Notte linens and French antiques. I scored a few French pharmacy items and financial documents from Paris, 1891. Greeting you were scenes like these:

Having worked up an appetite, we visited Vaudeville:

Where you can dine downstairs…

Then shop upstairs. 🙂

We returned to Austin by way of Johnson City to view the amazing Christmas lights! Behold!

The following day, I took time to visit one of my favorite fabric store, Cowgirls and Lace, in Dripping Springs. On the way, I spotted a quilt shop I’d never noticed before, and I’m so glad I stopped!

Colorful fabrics including many Kaffe Fassett, gifts, books, patterns, classes, and even refreshments!

But, alas, it was time to say good-bye to Austin and family. Aww, sad to go, Georgie:

One more stop for Granny and Gramps in beautiful San Antonio. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hotel Contessa on the Riverwalk. And capped off our trip with a riverboat tour of the holiday lights before returning to Galveston.

Never a dull moment. Time to pull out the costumes we wear to Galveston’s Dickens on the Strand. More about that later… Happy Holidays!

Nov9

PICTORAL REVIEW: INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL 2015

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Anny

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PICTORAL REVIEW: INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL 2015

My favorite time of year–International Quilt Festival! Come along with me as I give you the whirlwind tour. It is an annual tradition that my sister and I spend four days and three nights at the Hilton that is literally attached to the Quilt Festival by a walkway to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. Here are views from our room:

View from our Room

Nannette, and I love to fuel our excitement by viewing the entire show first from the fishbowl window on the second floor. Several quilters taking selfies inspired us. 🙂

Okay, now for the show…

As you enter Preview Night, Winners Row is front and foremost.

$10,000 Best of Show

The winner of the Founders Award gets $7,500, and airfare to, and accommodations for, the International Quilt Festival!

Peter Hayward from Spain wanted to take op art to a new level with graduated color and concentric lines. I wish you could see this quilt in person. Your eyes play tricks on you as the fabric appears to be in motion!

Ben’s Midnight Garden

Ben’s Midnight Garden is traditional applique inspired by a mid-nineteenth century wool rug.

In the Valley of Xingu

Reborn

One of my personal favorites among the winners was an original design by Joanne Baeth inspired by old fishing boats in a boatyard in Oregon where she was salmon fishing.

The End of the Line

This amazing quilt, “Tagged,” was dedicated to the nearly 30,000 Japanese internees who were children during the internment camps on the Pacific Coast after Pearl Harbor.

Tagged

Of course, equally fun as viewing the quilts is shopping in the row upon rows of booths selling fabric, trims, patterns and quilts, sometimes antique. Here are some of our favorites:

Gypsy South from Atlanta, Georgia.

Cat, owner of Gypsy South. Very talented lady! I bought gifts for myself and others. 🙂

There were booths playing games for prizes like thread and fabric!

At Pineapple Fabrics you could “spin to win” fabric. My sister and I each won a miniature charm pack!

Miss Rose Sister Violet always has exquisite items such as trims, patterns and clothing.

Miss Rose Sister Violet

I always visit, and stock up, at Trims on Wheels presented by a lovely couple, Edie and Luc Roelens, from Hillsdale, Wyoming.

Trims on Wheels

Quilts by the Bay had a beautiful booth as usual.

Quilts by the Bay, Friendswood, Texas

The Sampler (the-sampler.com) always has tons of luscious Kaffe Fassett fabric.

the-Sampler.com

I don’t know if you’ve been introduced to Adult Coloring yet (very soothing activity) but the craze is cheerfully spreading, with me on board! Appearing in various booths, including this one:

Here is a booth featuring authors who were autographing their books for customers:

And now for some rapid fire eye candy quilt pictures that I just snapped every time I saw a quilt that dazzled me:

The Floral Arrangement

Hydrangeas

Close-up of the tridimensional petals…

Tutti Frutti City Street

Rama Lama Ding Dong

Sprocket to Me

Triptych
The City: Past, Present, Utopia?

Close-up of the triptych.
Hand embroidered, hand embellished.

Persian Excursion

New York Lights

Harvest Celebration

Harvest Celebration close-up

Hip Hip Hooray

Yes, those are tiny little pieces. Here is the story from Bernadette Houghton, Columbia, South Carolina:

“I was going to try making a miniature quilt at a quilt camp, but ten days before I was to attend, I fell and broke my hip. After I got out of rehab, I decided to make a full-size quilt for my bed instead of the miniature, beginning with the half-square triangles I prepared for the camp. The quilt was completed one month after my hip was pronounced fully healed.”

And here is a close-up just to give you perspective:

Pennsylvanian Star of Bethlehem

Tropical Punch

Crazy Elegance

Parrotise

I didn’t get the name of the next quilt, but in the close-up you’ll notice hidden kitties…there were several.

At the Window

A Coastal Town

The Orange (near Rome)

Savanna by Yoshiko Miyamoto

If They Were in P.E.I.
Original Precision Applique

Judy
Technique: Photograph printed on fabric, thread-painted, free-motion quilted.

Who’s Laughing Now

Polka Dodo

Sunflower Serenade

Flowers and Stars

In addition to quilts, some displays featured costumes:

Celebration in the Night Garden

Three more fashions:

Fashion Flashback

And some displays featured dolls:

This is a display of food made of fabric:

Sunday Night Means Breakfast for Dinner

High Tea at Rosings Estate

And then there were dioramas:

Feed the Birds

Dioramas from a display called “In the Yarn Barn.” Animal lovers across the country knitted or stitched creatures to “live” within this fun exhibit. Each animal is quilted, knitted, crocheted, or stitched.

Of course, there are a variety of classes offered at Quilt Festival, some lasting a whole day and some hour-long lectures. This year, my sister and I chose a lecture by Kaffe Fassett featuring a color theme with comments and slides of his glorious quilts. His latest book depicts quilts presented at the show this year called Ancestral Gifts. The collection displayed the actual antique quilts that inspired him, side by side with his interpretation–a modern colorful quilt! P.S. He’s also back to creating knitting designs!

Kaffe Fassett

I also attended a lecture by Cheryl Kuczek, titled “Master Designer Handbag Making Techniques.” One of the featured bags was Xine Basket Bag for which I purchased the pattern.

Cheryl Kuczek

As usual, I peeked into other classrooms to snap a few pics for an idea of what else was cookin’. So inspiring!

The Craftsy Studio was there:

Did I mention that Quilt Festival usually falls during Halloween? I captured a few characters that showed up:

Now look closely at the next picture and you’ll notice that the gentleman on the left has a plunger through his head, and the lady to the right is sporting scissors through the head! 🙂 Yep–a howling good time at Quilt Festival on Oct. 31!

And what, may you ask, will become of the educational four days of fun? Behold the patterns and kits I purchased and plan to execute!

I loved the real life sample of this five layers of petals pillow offered in the Material Girl booth. Can’t wait to make it in my own colors and fabrics!

I chose this Mini Messenger pattern (with kit) to learn to make a bag with a twist lock. 🙂

Two other bag patterns I now own are made from wool, a clutch and a larger bag. Purchased from Heart to Hand. Awesome booth with excellent samples of their patterns.

Clutch with built in coin purse pocket. Appliqued boiled wool detailing. Title: Nest Egg

Larger bag featuring a cheesecloth white rose!

Not only is the Miss Rose Sister Violet booth beautiful, they now offer patterns of the following bags that are right up my alley!

Sunday Rose Shoulder Bag and The Weekender Travel Bag

One more bag pattern caught my eye at one of my favorite booths, Abbey Lane. Here is the Maxwell Bag:

For some reason, I have the urge to sew an item of clothing and bought three yards of batik to make a jacket. And now I also own the kits to make the following:

Faux Fur Infinity Scarves

And…

Faux Fur Wrap

So…tremendously inspired by blogging this review, I am ready to work on my projects! Until next time…Love, Anny

Nov2

PICTORIAL REVIEW: Quilt Market and Quilt Festival 2014

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Anny

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I know this is just a picture of a badge but I feel so privileged to be considered an “industry professional.” This year, in order to attend Quilt Market, you had to submit several items. In my case, it was proof of publishing two patterns, a tax I.D., and proof that I’ve been published in Haute Handbags magazine. In exchange, I received this badge to enter the International Quilt Market, an industry trade show at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. What a surprise to meet fellow bloggers in person!! Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness, right in front of me with her fabulous patterns! Thank you, Sara, for featuring Purse Palooza! And when I signed up for Mixed Media Miscellany, little did I know that Gilbert Muniz of Muniz Couture would be teaching me how to make tassels! Thank you, Gilbert! I’ve been practicing! (More to come on that item in future posts…)

So this post will be a “miscellany” of pics from both International Quilt Market and International Quilt Festival. Once again, my sister and I managed to score a room at the Hilton attached to the Convention Center. Do you realize just how difficult that is? When you check out of the hotel, after attending the show, you’re handed a letter telling you the exact date and time you are allowed to call to make a reservation for next year. At that time you will be competing with thousands of other ladies to book a room at that hotel during that time period. Whew! The stress of it all! 🙂

Nannette and I both took classes from Jo Packham (think creator of “Where Women Create,” and “Where Women Cook” and “Where Women Create in Business”) for great tips and secrets on organizing our sewing studios. Our favorite part was the segment with slides depicting sewing studios–Before and After. Don’t you just love those? Actual examples! I also learned a great deal about publishing patterns, self-publishing, editing, photography etc. from classes taught by Judith Montano and Meredith McManus.

Let’s take a look at the fabulous quilts! It was the 40th anniversary of the Quilt Show and the theme was Ruby Jubilee. As you entered the quilt arena, you were met with scenes like this:

But it wasn’t all “seeing red.” Take a look at these beauties and keep in mind, they’re fabric–not paintings…

And more, pure eye candy…

This is so cute: Anywhere We Hang Our Hat Is Home..

We loved the crazy quilts! Here you see the whole quilt…

And now, two close-ups of that same quilt to give you an idea of the intricate details…

Sewn by an Austin artist, this is called “Suburbs”

And, the ocean in fabric form…

Here is a close-up of the lower left-hand corner. I just wish you could see this in person, with all the texturing, layering, and dimensional qualities:

And now a peek at classes–literally. 🙂 I peek in the doors of some classrooms that I find interesting and bring them to you…

A Class on Dyeing

Gilbert Muniz Demo on Making Tasselsl

At the end of the day, when the crowds wane, is a great time to enjoy the Winning Quilts!

This quilt is called “On This Winter Day” by Nancy Prince and Linda French of Orlando, Florida. Over a seven year period, and approximately 2000 hours, this treasure was created using 75,000 yards of thread and over seven million stitches! All the lifelike designs were done in Free Motion Quilting. It was the $10,000 Handi Quilter Winner!

My personal favorite was the Superior Threads Master Award you see here…

The Pfaff Machine Artistry Award was earned by this quilt:

The World of Beauty $7,500 Award was earned by:

And another personal winner was our friend, Georgann Wrinkle’s, beautiful traditional applique quilt:

One of my all-time favorites was the featured quilt titled, Metamorphosis. If you could only see the texture and dimension in this quilt:

So when you’re not feasting your eyes on these beauties, there are hundreds of booths to visit and shop. Nannette was collecting items like velvet and satin, and buttons and trims, to start a fun crazy quilt! AND she found a steal on a gorgeous antique quilt! I purchased frames, patterns, trims (including some amazing buttons) and fabric, including vintage. Here are some of our favorite booths:

Amy Butler’s Booth

Booths selling antique quilts are particularly charming:

Here is a picture of Jennifer Patterson Designs, where we witnessed the most amazing technique of using a polymer to “quilt in clay!” To learn more about this jewelry technique visit www.quiltedinclay.com. Totally awesome!

Here is a booth that really captured my eye. Should have snapped up a card or brochure. You’ll understand why I fell in love with it!

And, Kaffe Fassett, well, how many superlatives can I use, right?

The adorable Tim Holtz had this wonderfully cozy booth!

Heather Bailey had a happy and inviting booth beckoning us:

Trisha Jane Patterns has been picked up by McCall and will shortly become a celeb! Isn’t this cute?

And speaking of celebs, of course, you’re liable to run into quilting celebrities like Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims:

I don’t know why I didn’t take a pic of Eleanor Burns as we watched her demo, but I can show you the fans that fans were carrying everywhere (and they came in handy, Eleanor–thanks!) This is one super sweet, talented lady:

And as we bid fond farewell to the George R. Brown for another year…

We enter our home away from home…

And say, “Cheers to another great year!” with a scrumptious peach margarita, right?! See ya next year! 🙂

Mar31

Flowers and Beyond!

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Anny

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Spring has sorta sprung here in Texas and my thoughts have turned to flowers–fabric flowers that is!

Fun to Wear Fabric Flowers by Elizabeth Helene Searle is a wonderful resource that guided me through crafting all the flowers above. A 96 page book with fabulous photos and examples.

Four of the five flowers you see above were sewn from kits I purchased at International Quilt Festival. The top left flower, though, was made from a pattern by Heather Bailey that’s attached to her purse pattern, “Marlo Bloom Handbag.” This decorative flower is easily constructed following her well-written instructions and adding a vintage button. Here is a closer look:

And here we have the same flower styled with laminated fabrics and a hand-painted button from Mood.

Sometimes, as with the Heather Bailey project, the flower is a bonus from a purse pattern. The same happy circumstance occurred with Carina Gardner’s “Dainty Blossoms Sling” which sports a lovely lush flower that I created for our Springer Spaniel, Kate, from laminated pink floral. She wears it proudly and everyone can see just how feminine she is! 🙂

For Kate

From that very sling pattern I actually fashioned a laminated bag with a casual vintage vibe that I titled “Welcome Back, June”! in honor of summer approaching and a nod to June Cleaver. 🙂 “Now, Ward, don’t you think you were a little hard on Beaver?” Oh, geez, showing my age again… But it does just channel the fifties, don’t you think?

Welcome Back, June!

In addition to my journey into flowers, I also sidestepped into headbands. And where did I find those patterns? Just Google “how to make a reversible headband” and YouTube, of course, will have you stitching headbands before you know it! Here are a few of about a dozen reversible headbands I created. Such fun! Easy and quick! Now at Tina’s!

During Spring Break, my adorable Gracie, The Fashionista, visited and here is a picture of her latest creation–a purse, and of course, it’s in animal print! Girl after my own heart!

My return to actual purse making came in the form of an Anny Clutch from a beautifully vibrant laminated Kaffe Fassett print. Behold “Cheshire Garden.”

Cheshire Garden

One of my favorite Etsy shops, Laminates, provided the fabric (Who’s That Girl? from Robert Kaufman) for this awesome Parisian bag which I deem “Shopping on the Seine.” And the genuine leather handle is from another favorite I’ve mentioned before, Cindy’s Button Company.

Shopping on the Seine

Wanting to experiment with laminated fabric using one of my favorite patterns by Cindy Taylor Oates, I stitched a bag with elements from the sixties. The flower child print is from Stella Dear Stella Designs which I discovered at an awesome Austin shop called Stitch Lab. Dripping with tassels, fringe, and a large leather flower, I coined a new word for this lovely bag– “Fringeship.” 🙂

Fringeship

In the spring/summer season, it’s too easy for me to get caught up in the laminates. (Although, that seems to be what the customers like.) AND I was ready for a pattern that was completely new and different to me. I chose a pattern called Laguna from The Quilter’s Dream. When I saw the sample ready-made at Quilt Festival, it was sewn from all cotton. Instead, I chose to fashion it from a teal floral heavy linen, then machine appliqued the large flower from a fuchsia chenille. I placed a purchased light pink fabric hibiscus in the center, then topped the rim with a sage green ball fringe. I’m delighted with the outcome and titled it “Floral Magic.”

Floral Magic

And now for the Anny Bags–all laminated. The first is a wild Brother/Sister Designs fabric, alternating with a Michael Miller polka dot, which I named “Psychedelic Gardens.”

Psychedelic Gardens

Then I reverted to my four ruffle Anny Bag pattern. I am continually tweaking (not twerking–although that would be exercise) my Anny Bag pattern, usually fiddling with dimensions. I always think, “Ah, this is perfect!” Then, I adjust it again. What’s that about?? Anyway, the following are three that I have delivered to Tina’s in the last week or so.

Black and White and Red All Over

Garden Party

Flirty Flowers

And there you have it, folks! The fruits of my labor! This week I plan to produce three more Anny Bags. Yikes! Actually, Tina’s on the Strand has chosen me to be the featured artist at Artwalk on June 6th, and fear of inadequate inventory drives me! I text pics of the completed bags to my daughter who last night inquired, “Do you ever leave your sewing room?!” Well, yes. I go to Curves, Bunko, Mah Jongg, Lunch with the teachers, friends, and family, mani/pedi, etc. But the REST of the time, I’m sewing. Happily Sew! 🙂

Nov12

S’MORES AND MORE!

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Anny

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We were in LaGrange this weekend and I had a chance to experience the Texas Quilt Museum once more. Quilt displays are changed every three months and the setting is a beautiful century old brick building. I highly recommend it if you’re visiting the Texas Hill Country near LaGrange. They don’t allow photographs but I asked permission to snap an overall shot to entice visitors to this lovely quilt haven.

Texas Quilt Museum
LaGrange, Texas

Right next door to the museum is a fabulous quilt/yarn shop, The Quilted Skein. Very inviting fabrics greet you (think Kaffe Fassett, etc.) and one whole side of the store is devoted to yarn and knitting. I could spend hours there. Since it’s finally cooler here in Texas I have the urge to knit and bought just enough yarn to make a scarf. Check out this warm and cozy scene:

The Quilted Skein
LaGrange, Texas

Late that afternoon Farmer Rick wanted to show me the property he’s working on, and I must say, it is quite lovely. Here is a photo down by the creek and another of sunset:

That evening we met my sister and her family at Bistro 108–the place in LaGrange for delectable meals (we had brunch the next day as well.) 🙂

Fantastic Food!

After dark my nephew built a huge fire and we all roasted marshmallows (giant size) for drippingly good s’mores. A choice of dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or Hersheys with almonds. Oh so good!! I had seconds. 😉

Our visit was topped off the next morning with sitting on the porch with our coffee while my sister finished binding a quilt and I knitted. Ah, heaven…

One more thing. Since it’s great soup weather, I’ll share a recipe made a few nights ago which came from another quilter friend (thanks, Beverly) that I’m sure you’ll find delicious, quick, and very easy.

Chicken Enchilada Soup
Um-Um-Good!

CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP

1 can Chicken Broth

l0 oz. can enchilada sauce with green chiles

10 oz. can medium enchilada sauce

Tortilla strips (I used “Crunchy Toppings for Salads” kind)

1 tsp. ground cumin

Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken Fajita Strips (I used about 1/2 of a 1.37 lb. bag)

1 cup half-n-half

1 medium diced tomato

1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese

sour cream

Combine both sauces and chicken broth in a large pot. Cook over medium heat until broth thickens somewhat. Add cumin, chicken strips (still frozen) and half-n-half. Toss in a few handfuls of tortilla strips (but save some for topping in the bowls.) Heat through until the chicken is thawed and hot. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with diced tomatoes, cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and another handful of tortilla strips. Yum!!

Nov3

QUILTERS’ PARADISE

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Anny

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It is back to reality for me. From Wednesday to Saturday Nannette and I were in P-A-R-A-D-I-S-E! 2013 International Quilt Festival, Houston, Texas. This gallery of pics will give you an idea of our many ventures. Let’s start here:

OPEN! OPEN! OPEN!
Quilters flocking to the door.

An overall view from the Window Up Above (Wasn’t that a Mickey Gilley song?)

Let’s go shopping:

Nannette and I with Kaffe Fassett and his new book,
QUILT GRANDEUR.

KAFFE FASSETT and LIZA PRIOR LUCY

If Kaffe Fassett doesn’t ring a bell with you, you are probably not a quilter and that’s okay. Just letting you know that he is the author of numerous quilting books and known all over the world for his brilliant color combinations and designs. I so love to use his fabric in my bags. And, oh my, he admired my bag. MY BAG! I can die happy now…

My new favorite booth: ADORNit. www.adornit.com These gals (mother and two daughters) have developed an amazingly strong presence in the fabric, pattern, and quilting world. You go, Ladies!

ADORNit.

Snazzy contemporary fabric and a pattern book (plus some charm squares) were scored at ADORNit. If you sew, plan to visit soon for inspiration.

You can always catch demos at the show. Check out this lady’s sewing machine…

Gelaskin for Sewing Machines?!

This next mother/daughter duo is a booth Nannette and I always take time to visit. Brilliant colors and designs are offered on a number of projects like chair covers, floor mats, travel mugs, mirrors, lamps, shades, clocks and clipboards. Did I say quilts? And more. Dianne Springer finds ways to artistically apply scraps on anything–even mailboxes! Don’t stand still too long–she may find a way to Scrap-o-Late you!!

www.quiltinacup.com

You’ve heard me mention FRAMES. Yes, I succumbed to one of my favorite booths, Mica’s Room. On Halloween, no less. My friends here entice me (doesn’t take much) to buy frames, patterns, clasps and fabric. This year I’m trying coin purses. They do have frames. But isn’t that a great way to practice?

My friends from Mica’s Room.

This year I purchased antique ribbons, lace, and vintage buttons and fabric at booths featuring embellishments. Many more booths featured bags, bag patterns and hardware this year. Right up my alley! You know I was crossing my fingers for colored denim and I hit the jackpot. Thanks to designer Amy Barickman, Crossroads Denim will allow me to fashion totes, slings, and clutches from a softly laundered denim in shades of orange, navy, blues, greens, and neutrals. I’m so excited!

Some ladies at the show try their hand at longarm quilting.

Longarm quilting booth.

It seems as though Nannette ran up a huge total at Quilts By The Bay.

Oops! Thankfully, that was just a mistake, but maybe it’s time to turn from shopping to quilts. Hello–it is a Quilt Show!

The Best of Show Winner is …

Close Up

Meet the Artist

There were contemporary, traditional, charitable, whimsical, biographical, autobiographical, military and art quilts. A sampling:

Sparkles covered all the flowers on this quilt.

Yes, Jack Nicholson. The artist said she was studying expression and emotions. 🙂

This year $102,800 cash awards were given (and the prizes also include airfare to and hotel accommodations for Quilt Festival.) See all the winning quilts at www.quilts.org.

There were classes offered at Craftsy:

Craftsy University

A Craftsy Class.

Many specialties were offered in the upstairs classrooms (Nannette and I enjoyed one) and even classes offered right on the main floor amongst the booths.

For breaks and a chance to catch a breeze in our fabulous fall weather, attendees are welcome to stroll on the balcony. When you’re in the midst of shopping and viewing, it seems the world is removed (happily so) but it’s occasionally beneficial to let your brain experience the connection of a view of downtown.

Often we run into old friends that we usually see at retreats. This year we had fun meeting old friends in the crowded aisles, trying to catch up on the run, waving, and signaling to meet up later. Fortunately, I noticed Jo Packham in the Food Court, having just had two classes with the Where Women Create panel, and she joined Nannette and I for a fun and relaxing late lunch. We solved most of the world’s problems and then it was back to shopping. 🙂

At the end of the day, we welcome this sight:

“Come into the light, Carol Ann…” It’s the corridor that links the George R. Brown Convention Center to the Hilton Hotel. Oh, yes. That walkway reminds us that Starbucks is not a food group. Without even depositing our treasures in our room, we head for the lovely restaurant where the food is actually quite good. After dinner, drinks, and dessert, we drag our loot up to the room and share our awesome treasures. We always vow to get plenty of sleep, but how do you do that when there is just so much to share?? And no sleeping in the next day because, hey, we need to find that fabric we glimpsed yesterday and hope it’s still there!

This year we took a class and it was titled, “Crafting an Ideal Day.” It basically involved time management and we learned a lot from the facilitator and the participants. Everyone seemed to have the same problem–not enough time to sew. We lamented this and brainstormed solutions. The main idea that Nannette and I took away from the class was this: Get 20 minutes in your sewing area everyday. This will lead to more, and if it doesn’t on any given day, at least you will have been twenty minutes productive. Naturally, we left the show this year pledging to gift ourselves those twenty minutes. And it may not happen everyday, but, well, it’s a start. So here I go… I’ll bet I could get a small purse cut out in the next twenty minutes. 🙂 How do you get YOUR twenty minutes in?

Jun7

These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Anny

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Oh, Happy Day! Imagine my surprise when I delivered a new bag to Tina’s on the Strand and Fiery Fiesta was part of the window display!

Fiery Fiesta is the large version of the pattern I designed and now sell in my Etsy shop, Its Sew Anny. It’s called “The Anny Bag Pattern” (a PDF pattern) and the idea originated with a glance at an apron from Pier 1 that had been cast upon the back of my sewing chair. I had been dreaming of a pattern with ruffles but everything I searched to buy had too small and tightly gathered ruffles. There was the perfect configuration in that ruffled apron, and thus, the birth of The Anny Bag. The summery Fiery Fiesta bag was made from Kaffe Fassett laminated cotton. The bag I delivered was Tropinkal Chic. Fashioned from hot pink and tropical laminated cotton, with a flirty pink polka dot lining, this bag is the medium size version of the Anny Bag Pattern.

Tropinkal Chic

Recently I created another one of my favorite patterns (CraftApple’s Knotted Bag–“Afternoon” size) that I call Paisley Polka. The laminated fabric is a Riley Blake design called Sugar & Spice by the Quilted Fish. And the whimsical turquoise polka dot bow and bib is from Michael Miller. Available in my Etsy shop.

That same pattern from CraftApple’s Knotted Bag also offers an “All Day” size which I styled from an Amy Butler fabric from her Alchemy Collection, called Sketchbook Rose. I named this bag Blue Skies and Roses. The quilted weight cotton lining had been in my closet for some time while I searched for the same print in a laminate. I finally discovered it at the online shop called Laminates–a very fun store with a huge selection of laminates, as well as quilted weight cottons. This bag is large enough to even carry a laptop! There is a generous pocket inside but a huge exterior section that they call a “magazine pocket.”

And now for something completely different, last night I went back to using non-laminated fabric and created a design by Sue Kim that she calls Hobo Chic. I call it Just Plain Mod! The fabric I chose is straight out of the sixties! It is a durable canvas weight and I lined it with yellow polka dot with two pockets. (This bag is also available in my Etsy Shop. ) As a finishing touch, I added a tan leather button right in the middle of one of the giant flowers. All you need to complete this look is a pair of GoGo Boots! Oh, I’m showing my age… These boots are made for walkin’, right Nancy? Well, that’s just what they’ll do–right up the stairs to my sewin’ room!

Jan27

Celebrate with Bags!

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Anny

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Galveston’s Mardi Gras celebration is the third largest in the country averaging more than 300,000 people each year. Lavish parades are held in the historic downtown and beachfront. What does this have to do with my bags? Since the boutique that sells the bags is right in the heart of all the merry-making and parading downtown, I try to add a little purple, green and gold to the bags I offer.

Three of the four bags completed this month have had just that color scheme. The most Mardi Gras of them all I call “French Quarter.”

French Quarter

This is a laminated Jenny style bag with velvety black straps, sparkling feather trim, and a black rose with tassels dangling.

Next is Beaded Bliss created in the original Anny Bag fashion. Of course it sports multiple pockets and a beautiful purple floral Kaffe Fassett lining. Don’t know if you can tell by the picture but the print on the laminate consists of a variety of strands of colorful beads. Mardi Gras–hello! I purchased a large lilac polka dot flower to which I added a big purple jewel in the middle and backed it with layers of lavender netting. It was fun doing the Anny Bag pattern again which had been on the back burner since warmer weather late last summer because I like to use it with laminates and softer cotton fabrics that drape well.

Beaded Bliss

Purpleicious was aptly named by my granddaughter, Gracie, who was visiting as I finished this bag. (She told me her sister said she was “really good at naming” and she was!) This elegant little clutch (pattern by Abbey Lane) has a feathery purchased purple flower centered on the Tencel pleats. I believe this was the first bag that I lined with the same fabric as the exterior. This time it just seemed perfect–not plain since I spiffed it up with three Kaffe Fassett floral pockets. Another neat item, new to me, that was very appropriate for this interior was a purple magnetic snap. I was surprised and happy to find these snaps in many colors at Joanne Fabrics. You’ll notice that the interior also has a hand-sewn black floral embroidered trim which I found at Trims on Wheels at the Quilt Show this year. I’d like to give a shout out to these folks. They have every trim you could imagine, including jewels, buckles, etc. Three visits to their booth at the show served me well in the embellishing department! Great booth for my sister, as well, since she’ll be sewing some crazy quilts this year, right Nannette?

Purpleicious Interior

Purpleicious

The latest addition to the inventory of bags at Tina’s is called Midnight Rose! It is fashioned from a fabulously chic textured floral on black. What fun it was to embellish this shoulder bag from a Cindy Taylor Oates pattern. Scarlet beading adorns the exterior pocket, a golden and black fringe trim outlines the entire body, and a hand-made zebra fabric button adds to the fun! The handle consists of two pieces tied together (hence adjustable) and they’re made of sumptuous black velvet on one side and a very soft, thick golden textured fabric on the other. I actually have a bag very similar to this and kept getting requests for it. I have used it for over a year now and it has certainly served me well–from New York, to Indiana, to L.A.– that bag has been through many airport security checks, wild open jeep rides, pedicabs, carriage rides, crowded subways, you name it, and that baby has held up so well. My favorite comment was from a Very Stylish gentleman rushing through the fashion district in SOHO who looked back and called, “Your Bag Rocks!” Ahhh, the supreme compliment!! I finally broke down and made one for Tina’s after I was paying for an item at their checkout counter and a customer really wanted my bag. I took her over to show her some of my other bags there and she said, “No, I want one black with flowers, just like yours.” And so it is. Midnight Rose.

Midnight Rose

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

Nov12

2012 Houston International Quilt Festival

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Anny

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Oh, YEAH! A three night stay at the Hilton connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center is JUST RIGHT for enjoying the largest quilt festival of all! My sister, Nannette, and I had plenty of oohing and ahhing to do as we perused the twenty aisles (we’re talking over nine football fields of shopping and quilts!) We ate at the Hilton and the Geo. R. Brown, which meant our cars never left the garage. First night is Preview from 7:00 to 10:00 and then the next two days we spent all day (10:00 -7:00) at the show. This is a seamstress and quilter’s dream come true. We watched demos of new products and Nannette bought the battery operated ripper (which I now regret not buying every time I rip.) One of our favorite demos was the foot and body massagers. While your feet are on the foot massager, the salesperson uses the shoulder and back massager on you! Ahh, heaven indeed! By late afternoon each day, we were definitely ready for a mini-massage to get us through until after show and dinner time back at the hotel. A little massage and a latte from the snack bar and we’re good to go again! 🙂

Nannette’s son’s fiance’s grandmother (did you follow that?) had a quilt and a wall hanging in the show! Very exciting and we took a pic of her with her lovely and entertaining quilt which you’ll see below. The quilts seem to be more and more amazing each year and there are a number of charitable organizations affiliated with the showings. From modern style (you could swear that some of the art quilts are photographs) to old style (the French Guild quilts were all antique repros and were pieced and quilted by hand), the assortment of techniques and designs was phenomenal and prize money this year totaled $94,250!

Speaking of antique quilts, let’s talk shopping! I bought my very first antique quilt (top only) which is a daisy chain done in the 1930’s. See pic below. It is hand pieced and one could spend hours just studying the variety and placement of fabrics used. Another first for me, I saw a demo, tried it myself, and purchased a lace painting kit. I plan to artistically decorate small romantic antique looking bags with these new paints and lace trims. Another purchase included several handles for my bags including some that are new to me so it will be fun experimenting. And so as not to completely exit from the garment game, I purchased fabric and pattern for a winter vest that has an embossed paisley design on soft green fur. I also found laminated fabric designs which work perfectly for the Anny Bag. Of course there was a gathering of trims–ribbons, buttons, charms, feathers, lace, appliques, fringe, etc.

Nannette and I both made our first purchase the new Kaffe Fassett autobiography, Dreaming in Color. We already own every book our guru has ever written. When you open one of his books, you can spend hours leisurely pouring over the exquisite array of quilts he offers. But the very best event to happen to Nannette and I occurred just before we started our Wednesday night Preview. We exited the Hilton and were waiting at the traffic light when we turned around and noticed Kaffe, himself, behind us!! We must have seemed like groupies as we tried to talk (stammering) to this international quilt celebrity, who, I might add, is very easy on the eyes–actually his are piercing blue. Since we went directly to the display where he autographed our books, we decided to concentrate on keeping our distance the rest of the night lest he deem us stalkers! 🙂

With dreams of next year’s festival, I bid you a fond farewell.

It's Sew Anny!

Do what makes your heart sing! A blog about Sewing and Traveling

Tag Archives: Kaffe Fassett

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These Boots Are Made for Walkin’

Celebrate with Bags!

2012 Houston International Quilt Festival

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