Holly Blog

My Favorite Things...129...Pink, Pink and More Pink!

In blogs gone by, I've told you all how much I love BLUE, and this is not to the exclusion of PINK.  It's high on my list too.

Our NEW Little Lady collection is a "riot of colors", but with a emphasis on Pinks...Soft Baby, aka "Petal" Pinks...Cherry Pinks that are almost reds...Hot Pinks, Magentas, Corals (I can't say enough nice things about Coral, in any form...dark, light, you name it, if it's Coral, I LOVE IT!   

So what better way to use all of our LakeHouse Pinks than with the Little Lady collection?

Here's some quilt tops I designed that we introduced in our LakeHouse sales support booklet at Spring Market...You'll notice that I used similar design layouts with different fabric combinations...(To inspire you to make several versions of the same pattern?!)

Here's Pinwheels & Polka Dots again in Pink & Brights...

And Black & Brights...

Gonzo Gingham...in Pinks

Firecracker...in Black & Brights

And Pink & Brights...

I also have a third installment of new quilt designs to show and tell, so come back again next week and we'll be all caught up...(and ready to move on to our next collection of quilts and fabrics!)

Back in two shakes...H2  ;º)

 

My Favorite Things...124...Pretty Purses!

I'm interrupting my little SQM food-fest with some pictures just in from Elizabeth Scott of Late Bloomer fame, with she who we adore Pam Kitty Morning's  "A Little Purse"...made up in some of the fabrics from our new Little Lady collection...If I do say so myself, aren't they adorable?  I just LOVE them!

One of my favorites is "Party Dresses & Dancing Shoes"  shown here in Black below, check out the XOX  fabric used as a lining (kiss hug kiss, get it?)...

I 'm especially fond of the bags made with the focal point "Little Lady" fabric, the circles fit just inside a 1-1/2" square with just enough seam thickness room, so they are great to fussy cut.  I'll show you more about this later...

So much more to show and tell...it's a tough choice, food or fabrics?  Shall we take a vote?

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...122..."Renee Wear"

Before I get to the tater tots...I must show you the cutest lady who waltzed into our booth on Friday, the morning we opened the show.  She's Renee Savage of Renee's House of Quilting in Williamsburg Michigan...

She had on a jacket made out of a bunch of our Fall 2007 intro'd fabrics...the most prominent was the Cherry Squares fabric that had all been cut up and patched into different places on the body of her garment.

Love the little pocket detail above, below is a close up of the beautiful quilting...

Thanks Renee for coming by and showing us your handiwork, it's absolutely fabrilicious!

After the show that day, the ladies in black and I got together for dinner with Nancy Singh from American Patchwork & Quilting...She's definitely one of the most interesting people I've ever had dinner with in a long time, she had us in stitches (sorry).  The actual food, not so much...

Here's the story...one of my friends who lives in the Portland area recommended McMenamins Kennedy School Restaurant.  After going in the opposite direction (thanks to the concierge at our hotel), we arrived a good half hour late at a most charming old elementary school building (I'm guessing it was built in the 1920's)...This is a really clever restaurant idea...gone tragically wrong.  The minute my nose caught the knock-you-over smell of cigars just inside the front door, I knew that things were not as I'd hoped.  Call me a food snob, but any restaurant who let's people smoke cigars anywhere (and seemingly everywhere), isn't really serious about their food.  Turns out my instincts were right...the old building oozed charm and a "sense of place", but in addition to the cigar smell that seemed to follow us everywhere, the private dining room we'd reserved smelled like a musty old wardrobe.  Things got even more comical when I asked our waiter "What food do people come here for?" and she said without missing a beat..."the tater tots".  We all burst out laughing!  She was right though...the tater tots were the best thing on the menu.

Still more to tell, and the meals got LOTS better as the trip wore on, MKSR was our one and only "culinary bummer" (a nod to Top Chef fans out there)...  ;)

Back in two shakes...H2

 

My Favorite Things...121...More Quilt Market Pics

As promised, I've got lots more pics...

In addition to the "girl's in black"...Penny writing and Sandy (Penny's sister) on the right, the Ballet Slippers quilt on the top is by Cyndi Walker of Stitch Studios...The Mixing Bowl Beauty quilt on the bottom is from Gina & Stephanie at the Threaded Pear...

The cupcake quilt on the left called Holly's Bakery is by the laugh-a-minute Elizabeth Scott.

We mixed and matched some quilts made from our new Little Lady collection with the DayZ collections, to show how the past and present fabrics could merchandise together in a quilt shop.  I took great pains in crafting our Spring intros to make sure that all of the clean, intense pinks from our earlier bright collections went with our softer, peachy-pastel pinks that we have been working with lately...That's Diane Weber's bright and festive DayZ BloomZ on the left bench and on the right is Barbara Jone's (aka the Quilt Soup lady) Corner Flower Shop quilt that was on the cover of Quilts & More...

That's my Circle of Friends quilt (subtitled "Gypsy Rose") done in fabrics from La Belle Rose I,II & III...with some of Penny's (aka Madame Tote Bag) best selling totes.  My Pinwheels and Polka Dots is in the rear right, just peaking out from behind Michelle, an old friend of Penny's, who helped in the booth.

Still more pics and lots of laughs...the next chapter in our little Portland diary is called..."Tater Tots?"

Back in two shakes...H2

 

My Favorite Things...120...Puppy Love!

I promise to return to my "Quilt Market Tales" later this, week...but humor me dear reader, as I bring you a tail of a different sort...

Here she is in her new Maraschino Cherry bandanna I made for her this morning...Meet Sophia, the "puppy mill reject" aka LUCKY DOG, who was given up by her "captor" about a month ago at the age of three, because she couldn't produce enough puppies...She's the sweetest little thing on four paws!

Here's the back story: We were at our vet's office earlier this week, and she told us that she was the foster dog-mother for Sophia, who came to her as "Wendy the Westie" from puppymillrescue.com.  She said that it was Oprah's recent show on the atrocities at puppy mills, that got her energized.

I was so inspired by this that we here at LHDG are going to get involved too.  I started scheming up a plan today...I'll keep you posted.

More Portland "Pics & Quips", and stories of the "Great Northwest" coming soon...

 

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...117...Exploring Portland

If the neighborhoods weren't so darned adorable in Portland, I might have a lot to whine about it, as I was the designated driver...It seemed like everywhere we went in the first three days, we got lost.  Fortunately, there were oodles charming Victorian, Bungalow and Craftsman style homes built from the late 1800's to the 1940's...lush gardens, arbors, rickety picket fences, "true light" windows (the ones with the real window panes)...it was like being transported into the pages of Cottage Living magazine.

I only wish I had more time to take more pictures...

Meanwhile, for years Penny & I had been hearing about a "Fabric Mecca" in Portland called Fabric Depot. With directions from Marc Hickok over at our distributor EE Schenck (thanks for everything, Marc!), we set out...Fair warning to you, dear reader:  NO matter what your google maps say, and however many miles a road seems to go on indefinitely under the same name on your map...don't believe your eyes!  Streets, avenues and roads will stop on a whim and you will be doubling back, joggling left and right (and many times!) before you reach your final destination in Portland, so allow extra time and bring your camera...there are a lot of inspiring things to see.

Our Fabric Depot "story" is a funny one.  Penny and I arrive, and boom the minute you walk in it's like "QUILT FABRIC NIRVANA".  It seemed like every collection from every company who show at quilt market was represented at this store, or so I thought...We walked up and down the aisles marveling at the amount of fabrics, but wait, no LakeHouse  ;(   "quel horreur"  It got almost comical as we walked up and down and down and up the aisles..."Wee Wo, NO LakeHouse" (mild anxiety)...Then, when we got almost to the middle of the store (which took us a good ten minutes of looking), near the cash registers...to our surprise and delight, A SPECIAL LAKEHOUSE DISPLAY...Just in time for all of the out-of-towners making their pilgrimage to Spring Quilt Market.  Wee hoo!

Here's me checking out patterns made with our fabric that I never even knew existed...

The Fabric Depot display gals even got the Copperplate font right for our name.  That gave us a chuckle when we saw it...What a treat!  So in case you haven't guessed already, Fabric Depot should be put on your "must see" list whenever you get to Portland.  Big Hint:  It's not far from the airport!

There's still lots more to show and tell...

I'm going to make it up to you for the last 5 months if it breaks me!   ;)

Back in two shakes...H2

PS Our NEW LakeHouse Spring 2008 fabric introductions are now live on our site!

My Favorite Things...115...Little Doll Babies!

Hello Ladies,
There is so much to tell, yet so much to do after returning from Spring Quilt Market in Portland.  I have been almost the "Unknown Blogger" since flu season kicked in for us here in January, so we've got a lot of catching up to do. 

Here's a few topics of what is to come in the days ahead...
1. The Portland "Show & Tell"...including the culinary highlights
2. Tons of LakeHouse booth pictures..."and now for something completely different"
3. My post-market trip with Penny Sturges "the Charm Party Lady" of Quilts Illustrated...Seattle and the Channel Islands in British Columbia.
4. Quilts, Quilts and more Quilts!

But first, a little doll baby came our way on the last day of Spring Quilt market...It was a if I had art directed this little dumpling to color coordinate with our booth.  Isn't she a little slice of heaven with her blue eyes, soft creamy skin and peachy pink head-to-toe ensemble? Sorry, but I lost my notes on their names...if you know them, let me know!

Still unpacking and doing the laundry, so I'll be...

Back in two shakes...H2

111...My Favorite Things...Young Fabric Lovers!

I received something intriguing in the mail a couple of days ago, and just had to share it with you all...
This is the handiwork of Genevieve Nitzsche who is the young daughter of Kathleen Nitzsche who helps with some of our show and magazine quilts. Kathleen made the Emma's Garden quilt  that just came out in the 2008 April McCall's Quilting Magazine.

It's a book report on the back of a hand puppet made by Gen...

Isn't it a de-light?   You go girl!

On another note, some of you have written (Bren, Elizabeth & Pam Kitty for starters)...you've noticed that I haven't been posting as much as I usually do...That's because after a really long search...(that started well over a year ago)...We found some new space...WE-HOO...We'll have room for a huge fabric library...(think bolts) and a huge reference library...(as in almost everything I have ever bought at flea markets, from fabric & quilt dealers, etc. in the last 30 years), a graphics studio, a photography studio and our support offices.  We have begun (and only just begun) the arduous task of moving "the stuff".  I will keep my art, sewing and quilting things here at the house for nights and weekends.  I will blog about that little space (my favorite room in the house) as soon as I get it set up.

That's all for now.

Back in two shakes...H2

 

 

My Favorite Things...108...A Little Cutie Pie!

Drum roll please...
So here she is, my little muse for my favorite new quilt...none other than the Fat Quarter Shop's "little-girl-in-residence":  Emma Jolly.  Check out the little gingham-covered toy basket...it does my heart proud!

On that note...have a relaxing weekend.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...107...A Quilt for Emma

Once again...Some of you will remember the Sneak Peek of a darling baby quilt (yes, I will say so myself) that I mentioned right before Fall Quilt Market  on Holly Blog...if not, click here.

My friends with subscriptions are writing to say that they have just received the new McCall's Quilting April 2008 today, we have another quilt to share with you.

As most of you know by now, I don't get out much...(and oddly I don't have any magazine subscriptions either!*) So you guessed it:  I haven't seen it.

So here's my design sketch...Sorry gals, but I just couldn't help myself...

"Prairie Points again" (said with a very whiny voice!)  I am just smitten with this little sampler quilt. The kits are available from Fat Quarter Shop. I want an adult sized one for myself! I am on such a pink and pastel jag...and I don't know why!

Oh, and under the category "don't believe everything you read", let me make a special point of correcting the misinformation in the magazine:  our "always-quilting-ever-faithful-friend-of-LakeHouse" aka Kathleen Nitzsche is actually the gal who pieced the top and folded prairie points for us...(and in a huge hurry right before market, I might add.)  Our Cheryl did do the quilting...It was pretty much the most precious baby-bunny themed quilting I've ever seen.  Glad to put that in print here and now, so that credit is given where it is due. We've had issues like this before with other projects in magazines, and people really do get upset about it.

As long as we are on the subject, in case you've ever wondered...people who design quilt patterns and fabrics for a living MUST have people to help them out.  I don't know if you all have thought about the timing on these projects, but almost every editor I have ever had the pleasure of working with, "needed it yesterday". They are under more time constraints and pressure than I am...(and I am a total slave to this entire ball of wax:  blogging, fabric design, quilts, ya da, ya da, ya da...I really do I look forward to designing every morning...but I can't possibly make every quilt that we need to support the all of the fabric lines I design.

Meantime, my muse for the Emma quilt?  More on the little "pink-cheeked-doll-baby" who inspired me quilt coming soon...

Back in two shakes...H2

*But don't feel too sorry for me.  Manhattan has some of the best magazine stands and shops that you could ever imagine...I have been known to spend hours at a time picking out irresistible magazines from all over the globe.

My Favorite Things...107...Raising Arizona

Ladies,

It's been a l-o-n-g time since my last post.  So much to do and tell, but so little time to do it in...

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite pics from my recent Arizona trip...

Here's Cindy Taylor Oates at her lovely home, in front of her display cabinets.  We both have an affinity for "old stuff", like  group photos, unusual sewing machines, neat things with original typography and the like...my mouth watered at some of her juicy tidbits...

Loved her little pink chairs too, oh-so girly!

Cindy had Precious Penny and I over for a delicious lunch...yummy southwestern style chicken soup, avocado and orange salad, a delicious sweet corn souffle, and some ab fab smoked ribs made by her sweetie-pie husband William. I've asked CTO to post some of her recipes...but haven't had the time to go blog reading in weeks...So we must all make sure to check in and see what's she's put up on her new blog.

Here's a couple of close-ups of Cindy's vignettes...

Simply Cindy!

Alas, I spent 3 days and 3 of the most comfortable nights in recent memory (on the world's best bed ever!) with Precious Penny & her also-sweetie-pie husband, Bob while I was in Arizona.  We also went model house hunting with Jill, who is Penny's wonderful friend & sister-in-law.  My favorite models were at Fulton Ranch in Chandler, AZ...right up until I realized that the neighborhood that these almost million dollar houses (don't believe the prices on their website!) were back-to-back with the loading dock of the local Loew's!  That really bothered me...am I nuts, or what?
It was great to spend time with them, soaking up the sunshine and the local color.  I was so happy, well fed, relaxed and "at home" with B&P&J that I completely forgot that I needed to document my trip...the shameless-blogger-in-me forgot to take pictures! I will tell you this, Penny has her house decorated in a cozy & comfy way.  Lots of quilts, yummy paint colors on the walls, really nice overstuffed furniture and an adorable new kitchen that the also-very-handy-Bob just remodeled for her.

I took a little side trip to visit of my favorite quilters down Tucson way...Brenda the "big nut" from Little Acorns and her now famous side kick Bailey...

I've got two words to describe Mr B:  "love monster".

Thanks so much to everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules (and bustling pattern businesses) when I came-a-calling in AZ...

Lots more exciting news when I return (finger's crossed)...meantime, this lil' pardner is back on the "designing ranch", what with Spring Quilt Market right around the corner!

Back in two shakes...

H2

 

My Favorite Things...103...Warm Toes!

I know how I have been talking alot about how giving is better than receiving.  And most of the time, it is.  Except if the "Talented Mrs. Winslow" makes you a pair of spiffy new socks...Of course the minute I saw what Cheryl was working on in her studio, I knew they were "blog-worthy"...Seinfeld watchers, you get the concept.

The shorter ones were made for Cheryl's daughter, Robin.  The long skinny pair on the left were made for my size 10's.  By the looks of the pointy toes, you'd think that they'd be all bunchy at the front of your feet...right?  Actually, the fronts (and the whole sock) are smooth and warm and "pretty much heaven" on my feet.

The set-in heal is a really comfy detail too. CW is a human knitting machine...Like her sewing, it's precise and consistent.

In the spirit of "Hand Made Things for the Holidays"  (thanks Lizzy!)...How about a little game of show and tell?  Include your email address in your comment and I'll get back to you with my email address...if you want me to post a picture.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...102...Happy Endings!

We chose Maria Fareri Children's Hospital to receive the "12 Bears for Christmas". To find out more about this amazing facility, click here .

Su Bashir, our LHDG "queen of allocations", came along to help out.  Her beautiful daughter Aliya was born at this hospital complex.

The day we delivered the bears, also happened to be the day that 5 little girls who had received liver transplants at MFCH all returned for a visit and a photo op...Here they all are...their transplant doctor is holding one of the littlest girls...who was born at the hospital and lived there until recently, when she received her transplant.  When I saw those little girl's faces, I really had to hold back the big alligator tears....I imagine that all of the adults in the room had lumps in their throats.

Each of the girls received a bear to take home...and the others were given to the events coordinator, so that they could be given out...Although this hospital looks like it has some pretty wealthy benefactors, they tell me that many of the children are from under privileged backgrounds. So I'm sure that the bears will all find happy and deserving homes.

It's true what they say...'Tis better to give than receive.

Happy "Holly-Daze" to all of you.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...101...Two for the Load!

Some of you may have noticed that Cheryl Winslow posted a comment that "you should have a 13th bear"...Alas, it's less than a week before Christmas, and "the bears have left the building"...as in, the bears have left Target ("Tar-Jaay").  But wait, what about our wee tiny bears Boo & Honey?  Some of you will remember them from front & center at our FQM booth, if not look here...Well, they are ba-ack, and better than ever thanks to Cheryl...Here's a few pics of their antics...

Cheryl nick named them Bear Claw and Bear Paw...Here they are giving each other a "tiny-bear-hug", on their wee Navajo inspired quilts...

Monkey see, Monkey do...

Wherever you'll be, what ever you do, as long as we'll be there together...

Hands are for Holding...

Alas, here they are all ready to go to good homes...Cheryl made her quilts into little sleeping bags...she said "so that the bears will travel well"...

I told her if she kept going, before long she'd have an entire mobile home made of fabric, and that she'd better stop now (while she still could)!

Here's a closer look at Cheryl's two mini-mini quilts...

Tomorrow, we'll announce the new home(s) for all of our new furry friends...
Stay there "12 Bears" fans, 'Tis the season, and I guarantee you, it truly is better to give than receive...

Back in two shakes...H2

 

My Favorite Things...100...Please, Just one more hug?

It's my 100th blog...(call me "Aunt Blabby").  And we are on our 12th bear, little Bandit...here she is waiting for her hug, in a new bib by "fairy-god-seamstress"  Cheryl Winslow, and another loverly quilt made just for "Pooh" in an encore presentation by the "big nut" at Little Acorns...Brenda Riddle, of course!

Brenda said she had lots of scraps leftover from the adorable quilts that she made for our booth at market...If you haven't seen them yet, (hello, where have you been?)...take a peak here, for goodness sakes!

Love the fabric combination again...thanks Brenda, for making LHDG look so good!

Now for the biggest teaser of all...tomorrow, we have a late entry...a surprise to be sure, but I promise you, it will not disappoint!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...99...Give me a Kiss!

Madamoiselle "X" (X is for Kisses, get it?) is none other than Pudge...she's all dressed up and ready to celebrate!  Her bib is also made by our fabric mistress Cheryl Winslow, and her charming little pink and yellow quilt is made by one of my favorite people: Pretty Penny (Sturges) of QuiltsIllustrated, our queen of tote bags (and our queen of hearts...awwwe!)

Here's another look at Penny's wee quilt:  so simple, yet so endearing...just my cup of tea!

So that's a one hug bear, and one kiss bear...(in case you're counting!)

Back in two shakes...H2

 

My Favorite Things...98...Give me a Hug!

Bearlina is here with a new bib, made just for this "Bearly-Blogging" event! (O is for Hug's, get it?) It's made by none other than our favorite quilting & fabric diva Cheryl Winslow .  And beneath B is the cutest little star quilt ever, made by none other than our favorite blogging-quilter... You guessed it, Pam Kitty!

I was tickled pink when I first saw Pam's little quilt...It shows how beautifully the "old" La Belle Rose fabrics (in the stores now) blended with the "new" Cherry Baby fabrics  (starting to hit the stores in late January 2008)...I just LOVE how PK put everything together in this quilt...it's as if she read my mind...and aren't star quilts just wonderful?...LOVE IT!

Oh, and I just LOVE PINK with ANYTHING, and I especially love this little darlin'...Am I crazy, or could you see this as a bigger bed sized quilt on a beautiful old white iron bed?  Along with the White on White dot as a dust ruffle & shams, and this little kitten would want to stay in her basket all day long!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...97...Give me and "E"

Emmie is outfitted by Elizabeth Scott of Late Bloomer fame...Isn't she smashing in this sporty coordinate?

The red dotted fabric is from our best selling Antique Dots pattern, it has a subtle, mottled texture in the background, and it looks good with almost any type of modern or traditional fabric palette. It's very striking in this jaunty little quilt, don't you think?

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...95...Uma Furbear?

Uma is just as snug as a bug in her quilt and bib made by Vivian Love.

Vivian has made several whole cloth quilts with our Hydrangeas & Raspberries fabric...

Who says that a little Pooh bear from Target  (or as we like to say "Tarr-Jay") can't be a "sophisticate"?

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...94 Give me an "O"

Oona is especially proud today...That's because her "fairy godmother" is none other than Cindy Taylor Oates, designer of "all things fabric", pattern maker extrordinaire and NEW blogger...Welcome Cindy !

I must say, there are a lot of beautiful little quilts in this little "Bear & Bib" extravaganza, but this one is just darling, don't you think? Here's a closer look...those bears in the heart are out of Cindy's logo...don't you know?

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite...93...Give me an "H"

This is Heidi...She's the H in LakeHouse.  You can't really tell with all of the fur, but she is smiling from ear to ear. Why, you ask?  Because I actually made time to piece a quilt...(a wee & tiny quilt to be sure, but hey, I's a busy gal)  A BIG BEAR HUG and many thanks as always to Cheryl for squeezing this little project into her always tight long arm schedule.

Twinkle Twinkle, little quilt...

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...92...Give me an "E"

Cherri House made the adorable bib & quilt for Erin Bear.  She also was the quilter who inspired me to start this little "Bear & Bib Blog-a-thon". You see it was  Cherri who made the first little quilt to go along with the bib that she made for her bear.  After market (when the dust finally settled!) the light bulb went on for me too, when I realized that the bears would be awfully cold & lonely in the storage cottage this winter.  So I formulated a plan...we needed to have 12 bears adopted, and just in time for the holidays...

I just love it when there are left overs from a project.  The quilt is the perfect size for a little bear, don't you think?  Here's a front and back view of Cherri's Itty Bitty Bear Quilt...

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...91..."K" is for Kara Bear

Our next little bear Kara, is outfitted by another one of my favorite quilters...Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilt & Gift Company.  Isn't it funny how different the faces of these little bears are?  They all have their own unique personality, that's for sure...(And all look like they've enjoyed a few good meals, too), it was a problem getting their bibs to lay straight for their pictures, with their fat little tum-tums.

A closer look at Brenda's handiwork...Like Olga Korbut on the balance beam, she makes it look so easy!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...89...For A Good Cause!

As promised, we are starting off our little charity* Show & Tell:  "12 Bears For Christmas" with one of my favorite designers, and a cute little bunny herself...Miss Anne Sutton.

Here's Anne's bear "Lenya" with a little-bear-sized 2 piece Bib & Quilt ensemble...

Below is a closer look at Anne's precious little quilt...

We've got oodles of beguiling bears, scads of guest quilters (with their little creations), lots more tricks up our sleeves...and we'll go all the way 'til the 24th...so join us as we celebrate the holiday spirit, won't you? 

Back in two shakes...H2

*Details announced on Christmas Eve!

My Favorite Things...88...Cherries Jubilee

Remember my Cherry Baby quilt from Fall '07 market?  Some people like shoes (think Imelda), some people collect cars (like Paton, whose motto "he who dies with the most race cars & trophies wins") me, I am besot with sewing notions, or as most of you know by now...covered buttons & ric rac to be specific.  (Besot, you say?...I don't know why I like this word so much...I guess it's from being a junkie for those Word-A-Day Calenders...) 

I could have sold that quilt over and over again...I'd committed to our distributors to have the pattern for Cherry Baby available, so when Beth Hayes from McCall's came by our booth and went "coo coo" over that quilt, I had to reinvent it for her...I might like this version even better...

The working name for this quilt is "Black Cherry", it's a similar idea, but actually very different.  The thing I really love about this quilt (besides the curved front buttons that make up the cherries) is the way so many of the 2007 LakeHouse fabrics (both old and new) go together...I used little vines, lattices, dots and even little rosebuds (which look like cherries on a quilt!)in the background areas. I am crazy for using plaids and dots and stripes on the leaves, and the cherries too, but those of your who know me already know that.

Here's a sneak peak of the quilt that is scheduled to be in the McCall's Quilting June 2008 edition...

Now if I only had a clean room to put this in here at "Sawdust-Central",  :0)

It's official, "12 Bears for Christmas" starts on Tuesday...Have your kidlets and grandkidlets watch along with you!

Back in two Shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...87...Bearly There!

This is a bit of a shaggy dog story about a bunch of little bears.  The story really started out as a kitty story...Some of you will remember my post..."Who Wants to Lick the Beaters?"...you know, "Noodle Pudding" and "Vickie Dixie", who wore the little cat-sized bibs?  That little incident turned into a display idea, for the LakeHouse booth at Fall Quilt Market in Houston.  Which in turn prompted a discussion at our bloggers dinner.  Brenda said that I should take the bear around market and go visiting ...my first thought after that was "photo ops with quilt luminaries"! And my next thought after that was to share those pictures with all of you, "my little bloggettes"...Our first stop was at Elizabeth Scott's booth.  She had the most precious & sentimental decorations, I just had to take Bearlina's picture...She looks so cute, and right at home, don't you think?  Oh and BTW, we were both absolutely smitten with Elizabeth's Hen & Egg Basket quilt, called Petaluma...perfect name, BTW!  But I digress...

So all over market, Bearlina and I, we frolicked...got lots of great snaphots with some of our favorite people.  That's what prompted the new flickr album on the side column (lots more Bearlina pics there!)...(more on this later!) After spending so much time with B(earlina), I got to thinking how sad it was that she really didn't have a good home to go to after market, what with the construction and the other critters at our house.  And not only B, but we had 11 other bears that needed good homes in time for the "HollyDaze"... This brings our little saga to an end (for today), as I announce "12 Bears for Christmas"...Starting soon, we'll be having another "Dazzling Dozen Delightful"...this time with some surprise guests and lots of holiday cheer. So stay tuned, it's going to be a lot of fun here at HollyBlog in the weeks to come.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...84...Tiny Bears All in a Row & Kitty Cats All Aglow?

In case I haven't mentioned it, things have been absolutely nuts around "The LakeHouse" here since market.  I came into my studio this morning, and the bears were all waiting to see me.  They wanted to remind me to tell you about a "Bearly There Special Event" that we have planned for Xmas.  I will be covering this fun new project in HOLLYBLOG really soon.  But I'm not quite ready to tell you the details yet, so you'll all just have to stay tuned...and keep a watchful eye  ;)

It the midst of all of the excitement here with the bears, Di & Shirley & Jackie found the new Feb 2008 McCall's magazine...

Not one of you mentioned seeing the quilt that I designed that was supposed to be in there too...and since I have yet to actually lay eyes on the magazine, I am wondering if it's even in this issue?...

Meanwhile Sandy Kitty, part of Pam Kitty's posse in the Bay area photoshopped her way into the fray...I am guessing this was originally part of an internet ad (for naughty behavior?...LOL), but I have talking bears in my office, so who am I to judge?

So much more to show and tell, I can hardly contain myself!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...83...Kitty Cats and other Furry Friends!

Here's the (in)famous Pam Vieira-McGinnis of you know who...

I guess she's found the article and sees that her blog Pam Kitty Morning is the first one I mentioned in the McCall's article...

Here's Pam's great-nephew Compton Scott checking things out...Oh, and notice the Terrier-esque black nose and scruffy chin in the upper right hand corner?  That's Rosie, who I am told  "pig-sits"...

Compton's "grand-mama" is none other than Elizabeth Scott  who sends us these adorable pictures...

Since Elizabeth and Pam can probably "bench press their weight" in LakeHouse fabrics, I am extending the prize give-away to two more of you out there in bloggie-land...a photo of you and the magazine, wins you a Charm Square packet from our recent show...

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...80...Little Acorns!

While I anxiously await delivery of my new McCall's Quilting magazine, I thought I'd add a bit of "Willy Wonka" to our wait...First person who spots a McCall's February 2008 Quilting magazine and sends me a picture of themselves holding it, wins a prize!

In the meantime, let's get back to more pictures from FQM, shall we?  I just can't say enough nice things about Brenda...or as I like to say, "the big ideas behind Little Acorns"...Here's a few pictures of the utterly delicious new quilts she did for our booth.

Next to her Cuddle's quilt on the end, is Brenda's Baby Picnic Quilt. The blue and white hydrangea quilt called Piccadilly is made out of the NEW LH 03007:  Heron ...

Dover Gardens is the name of the pink & green rose quilt in the middle, made with our NEW LH 06052:  Pearl fabric...These pictures just don't do her quilts any justice.  The huge stadium lighting overhead made the quilts and the fabrics look a lot more washed out in these photos than they looked in real life...

That's Brenda's adult sized Picnic quilt on the bench, made with a whole cloth in the middle and a combination of our best-selling blue and yellow Hydrangea LH 03007:  Heather fabric that has been freshened up with a pretty new assortment of new Hydrangea coordinates and some new Library fabrics too...isn't that the cutest border ever? 

The darker pink & green quilt on the right is called Notting Hill.  Peeking out on the right is a new version of Brenda's adorable Emma quilt that uses the NEW Petal Cherry Baby collection.

Oh, and if you haven't heard by now, all of these quilts will be in Brenda's new book "Simple Things & Small Joys" which is due out in December.

I still have LOTS more pictures from market and some really fun new Xmas projects are coming too.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...77...Pretty Pictures!

So many pictures, so little time! 
Post-market continues to be as demanding as pre-market.

First, our LakeHouse Dry Goods  website is now displaying the new Fall 2007 fabric swatches, whoopee!  We are still tweaking the small details (this has been A PAIN with every new project), because on my MAC screen, I see something completely different than my PC based web designer.  So if you see things that are out of wack...we're working on it!  Sharon, get your paper & pencil ready!

And, before the scent of market runs cold, here are a few more pictures...

That's Tammy Tadd's  "To Market,To Market Apron" on the Left, the Threaded Pear's Bull's Eye Quilt in Pink and Yellow, My Cherry Squares (Hint:  that's one piece of the LH 07005: Robin colored fabric in the center an inner & outer border, a few covered buttons & some ric rac).  The bags are from Penny, Pam Kitty & Tammy.  The tiered apron is by Jan Lutz "The Apron Lady" of Threaded Pear.  The bears Lenya, Alex and Kara are bringing you the letters L, A & K!

Tammy's Girlie Girl bag again, with Penny's bags, little Boo & Honey Bear in the blue chairs, that darn "Alphabet Soup" quilt again and Erin, Heidi, Oona & Uma bringing you the letters E, H, O & U...

Sugar & Emmie round out the right end of the display with S & E, oh and that's Pudge on the lower left, with more bags by Penny, Tammy & Pam Kitty. The pillowcase was made for Penny's granddaughter Camille. My Cherry Quilt made with JUMBO covered buttons (so easy to make!) was pretty much the hit of the show for us... seriously, we got more compliments on that quilt than anything else.  I could have sold it to several different magazines too...We had great luck with some of the "Quilt World's" most tasty magazines...much more on that later.  On the right is Elizabeth Scott's Simple Spring Rosebuds quilt, another version of Tammy's new apron, and another cute child's apron done in the new LH 07015: Petal fabric from Jan Lutz!

We've just scratched the surface of my Fall 2007 Quilt Market Photo Album, so come back soon, y'all!

Tomorrow's my day to visit all of the quilt blogs I love and return my correspondence...Thanks so much for all of the kind thoughts and compliments on the booth...most of you know by now that it's the most fun thing I do of all of the tasks at hand here at LHDG!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...76...Let the Show Begin!

And without further ado...Our first baby line.  I'm not sure what was more fun, the fabric or the reactions to it!  It seemed that something about this line touched the little girl in all of us.

With all of the comings & goings, packing & unpacking, I managed to misplace the little kitty bibs that I made for Kammie and Vickie...(you remember..."who wants to lick the beaters?") that was going to be my little inside joke with all of you. Thankfully, M2 loaned us her lightweight Janome, and Penny (yep! those are all her tote bags) helped me stitch up some new bibs for our two little mascots...Boo & Honey.  The little E-M-M-A garland was made for Kimberly Jolly's little girl...The Alphabet Soup quilt was pieced by Patchwork Maven Martha Hall and quilted by Cheryl Winslow...they were a huge help to me getting ready for market...thanks girls!

Here's a view of the booth taken from the left...too bad about the patriotic color scheme at the George Brown Convention Center, eh?  Also, the color in these photos is more "washed out" than the colors are in reality...I'll make sure to show you some fabric swatches sometime soon that gives you a much better representation...(Meanwhile, if anyone out there has better pictures...do not hesitate...I seem to go through this every market!)

And another view from the right...

The kitties in bibs inspired the Bears...they spelled out L-A-K-E-H-O-U-S-E

I invited some of my favorite designers to make a bib...more on them and the Bears & Bibs project next time.

Still napping every day trying to catch up on lost sleep....lots of pictures & lots more to tell!
Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...75...Talented Designers & Beautiful Quilts

We're back from Fall Quilt Market, and things went very well...(more on this soon) We're waiting for booth photos from our photographer, Gregory Case  (hurry please!)... In the meanwhile, some photos that I took at some of my favorite designer's booths...

Here's Barbara Jones of Quilt Soup with just about the most adorable applique quilt I've ever seen...made up in our La Belle Rose fabrics from Spring Quilt Market...(forgive me Barbara, your eyes were shut in all of my photos!)

Here are some close ups...so clean, so clever, so Quilt Soup!

I just love her use of fabrics in this quilt...the daffodils, the pink & black stripe for the flower pots, inner border & bindings, the thin stripes for the leaves...(I could go on and on)

Thank you so much Barbara for thinking "outside the box" and coming up with this really joyful, pretty quilt!

More soon...just getting my feet back on the ground.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...74...Precious Details!

Ladies, I just got this back from Cheryl, and I just couldn't resist a little sneak peak..  The quilting on this little thing is so cute it hurts!  The block with the pink bunny fabric has a little rabbit quilted into it.

The rest of this quilt is equally adorable.  It's a sort of sampler style quilt...with a bunch of different types of quilted motifs in the different "controlled scrappy" blocks. 

I can't wait to show you more after market...Wish me luck!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...73...New Quilt Designs!

Today went like this...Up at 8...big deal, you say? (got to sleep at about 3)...I am from a long line of "big sleepers", so 5 hours just doesn't cut it...unlike Martha Stewart who sleeps 2 to 4 hours a night...people who sleep that little, that would be something called "mania" right?, I'm just saying...

I waited for traffic to clear and then it was off to the printer to proof the project booklet (it supports the salesman sample cards at market).  I got finished there at around 1 or so.  Then, since I was closer to civilization (it doesn't take much since we live on what I like to call "Lake Budweiser")...I treated myself to lunch at Bean Curd...tofu & vegetables with black bean sauce...the Hot and Sour soup was so freaking HOT (as in overly spicy) I could barely eat it...(and I am from a family of "clean-plate-club-types", so you know it was H-O-T).  After that I was in a bit of a holding pattern, because I needed to return to the printers at 4 pm to pick up some things before returning to the studio...so I then I went for a manicure and a pedicure...(this is ultra-decadence for me)...one must not have ragged fingers and toes at market, right?

On the east coast where I live, nail salons are ubiquitous. This particular one I've been going to since I met Paton, has the chairs with magic hands that kneads you from your neck all the way down your legs...(I'm probably all bruised now, it really worked me over!)

After that I checked back in with my printer, dropped off the necessary things at FEDEX and avoided rush hour traffic on the way home, by stopping at Short Hills Mall. I made the grand tour, scouring for interesting new things...I saw a few quirky accessories (like a large round cherry bark mirror)...the longer "CASA GOD AWFUL" takes to finish, the more I get the itch to decorate!

I picked up a couple of large bowls of that delicious Broccoli & Cheddar soup for dinner (it's the most heavenly nectar) and some chewy, buttery oatmeal cookies (for Paton) at Au Bon Pain...(it doesn't take much to make my day!)

Here's a little sneak peak at a design sketch (a la Photoshop) for my new Alphabet quilt...Some of you will remember the Alphabet quilt that I did for the Spring 2006 quilt show in Minneapolis...this one is a variation on that theme, only made with "SURPRISE" a new alphabet...

Those of you who know me, know how much I am fascinated with typography and fonts...this new fabric is 4 " high letters in a 6" block...The background of the letters is a combination of different fabric designs from existing and new LakeHouse fabrics...The quilt is already on it's way to FQM in our crates, so I will show you pics of the real thing upon my return...it is just precious (if I do say so myself)!  Can't wait to show you some close ups of the work...Martha and Cheryl did an amazing job on it.

Now to bed, hopefully for a longer night's sleep.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...72...All Dressed Up!

What a couple of days it's been (so much creativity!), Shannon Martin wrote to show me an outfit she made for her daughter with the La Belle Rose fabrics that have been out in the stores for a couple of months now.

Take a peak, her adorable little girl looks as pleased as punch with her new ensemble.

Thought that I'd also give you another little peak at another of Penny's new creations, called the "Desk Deli"...

It's sized so that a lean cuisine can fit in the bag...it's a perfect size to take your lunch to work in.  Penny suggests that you make a different cloth napkin for each day of the week!

More soon, as time permits.
Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...71...Penny Bags!

Ladies...I am working fast and furious on a variety of FQM related projects...and like a mother hen, I'm just "bursting with pride" over some of the projects that are being sent in to me for our sales booklet...Penny Sturges of Quilts Illustrated made this with one of our new Charm Packs...Some of you will remember the label from the "Little and Lovely" grouping...if not click here.

This is a new variation on Penny's "Weekender Bag" that has been so popular,isn't it adorable?  I think that it would make the cutest little quickie quilt too, don't you?

I'll try to show you a few more juicy tidbits before we go off to market...as time permits.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...68...Scalloped edges!

I must say, am having so much fun with the graphics for Fall Quilt Market...
This is a sticker that I am having printed up for the bags that we will use at Sample Spree...

What's Sample Spree you say? For those of you who haven't been to FQM...Here's my description:
1.  It takes place in a HUGE ball room somewhere in the convention center, on the night before the show opens.
2.  I'd estimate that about 100 different vendors are selling everything from...a  20 lb boxes of antique buttons  (I'll take two please!)...to  threads and a whole host of sewing accessories and gadgets...or  books, patterns & kits...as well as fat quarter bundles, charm squares,antique fabric swatches...(kimonos, etc) and last but not least...all sorts of enticing introductory specials...
3.  There is fabric "madness" in the air...

What makes this event so special?
1.  prices are wholesale OR BETTER!
2.  many of the items are being introduced at that market, so it's a chance to get something before it's actually in the stores.

I haven't actually made it to all of the Sample Sprees...not because I am any less of a fabri-holic than anyone else, but because I am usually still back at our booth putting the final touches on our displays...

(The security guards usually kick our sorry butts out of the building at around 10 pm.)

We are having a table at Sample Spree this market to promote the new fabric lines...As I think I might have mentioned before, we'll be offering Charm Square packs...so if you (or any shop owners you know) are coming to market, make sure and come by and say hello.  If you tell them to mention that they've been referred by someone who reads HollyBlog, and  I'll have a little something for them...(till I run out!)

So that's all for now girlfriends...that Fall Market clock is a "tick-tocking"!

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...66...Pups Wearing Neckerchiefs

I got a memo from our fair Kitty's "representative"...it seems that some of you think that she is a BOY...when in fact she is a TOMBOY. It would also appear that she was bribed by someone in our shameless promotion department, to appear "in costume"...

The black spot signifies the front end...

She wants to make sure that you all can see her new neckerchief...pink bunnies and all...even more reason for a victory lap...

But one can never can never have enough beauty rest...

Back in two shakes...H2

65...My Favorite Things...The Devil Wears a Fur Suit

Some of you will remember my little deaf dog, Kitty when she was a puppy...Here is a picture of her as she looks today.

Today, all 26 pounds of her spotted a black bear.  A 6 foot tall black bear to be more precise...

Picture this:
One small tree with a giant bear trying to hide himself behind it...
(while the bear turns his head from one side of the tree the other) to get a better look at my little pooch...Kitty (who we call "Geeter" aka "the devil in a fur suit") is barking her fool head off at the bear.

Paton who just happens to be outside at the time, spots this and runs over to Stephan (our carpenter, who happens to be about 6 foot 6 inches tall) for an assist.  By the time the two of them get back to the scene, the bear has high tailed it back into the woods, and Geets was then doing a victory lap around the property...(all the while barking her fool head off...she makes a lot of noise for a deaf dog).

I am hoping that this bear will remember to not come back here again.

We were all laughing today at our little minx, and her bravado.  It could have turned out so differently.  Thankfully, the black bears around here (without their cubs) are known to be pretty gentle.

But one swipe of a bear's paw at Geets and I'd be writing her obit.

That's all from camp Boulders today.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...64...More Pretty Packages

I just couldn't resist showing you another label...they just tickle me...(the label is the square on point, the fabric square is behind it)

This one reminds me of so many of you like Bren, Anne & Cyndi.

Back in two shakes...H2

My Favorite Things...63...Pretty Packages

Some of you will remember a new label I showed you a week or so ago, if not click here.

Here's the next one in the series, I designed it yesterday...I just never seem to get tired of scalloped edges, gingham and  _________  (insert your choice here!).

I'll post the new labels as I get them done, just thought you'd like to see our FQM progress.

Counting down till then...

Back in two shakes...H2

Oh, and HZ, this color combo makes me think of you, dahlink.

 

My Favorite Things...60b...It's got polka dots!

Day 13 of 13 A Dazzling Dozen Delicious Desserts -- Part Two

At long last, I pie that has been in the repertoire for decades, it will not disappoint...

Plenty of Polka Dots, and Three Layers of Pie to Dive Into!

Coincidently, Someone's having a birthday, (like Megan's family, we like a "Birthday Pie" too)...And that "Special Someone" is my "Mom-a-Loo"...So let's all sing Happy Birthday to my mom Joann, who is celebrating her 86th birthday today...HOORAY!

So here's a pie that's Light & Creamy, Smooth & Chiffon-y, It's Subtly Chocolate-y, and Oh-Oh-Oh-So- Good!

Polka Dot Pie

Pie Crust
10”  pie shell regular crust or chocolate cookie crust or graham cracker crust
If you don't have a 10" pie tin, use what you have and layer the extra fillings into individual sized glass bowls...they are just as yummy.

First Layer
(a mocha cheesecake)
8 oz cream cheese @ room temp
3/4 c sugar
6 T butter @ room temp
2 T unsweetened cocoa
1 t instant coffee
1 t vanilla

Second Layer
(a light chiffon)
1T unflavored gelatin
1/3 c orange juice  (shake juice container before measuring, to insure full flavor)
1 1/4 c whipping cream
3 egg yolks @ room temp
2 eggs @ room temp
1/3 c sugar
1T unsweetened cocoa
1 t vanilla

Third Layer
(whipped cream)
Pink tint:  red food coloring
Whipped cream  (whip the remainder of 1 qt of whipping cream),
3-4 T sugar
chocolate chips

1.  Make Pie crust

2.  Make First Layer 
Blend cream cheese, sugar, butter, cocoa, coffee & vanilla until smooth and you can see that a little air is whipped into this mixture.  Spread into pie crust.

3.  Make Second Layer
Sprinkle gelatin over OJ in small bowl set in pan of simmering water.  Stir until dissolved.  Allow to cool off.
Beat cream to soft peaks in med bowl.
Beat yolks, eggs, sugar, cocoa and vanilla in another bowl until smooth
Stir in gelatin mixture, then gently fold in whipped cream, until thoroughly mixed.
Refrigerate approx 15 minutes until gelatin thickens & just begins to set.
Spoon over pie
Refrigerate until well chilled

4.  Before serving:
put a layer of pink whipped cream on top
Sprinkle chocolate chips in a polka dotted pattern

Pie can be prepared 3 days ahead, but whip the cream topping at the last minute and top pie just before you serve it.

E  N  J  O  Y  !

More FQM projects, more give-aways  & "a dessert making deserter" returns from quilt camp (in a good way!) tomorrow...

Back In Two Shakes...H2

Leave a comment, and win a "now famous"  LHDG Cherry Baby Kitty bib...we'll draw for the winner next week. Please specify blue bib or pink bib drawing!  Your favorite feline can be the "Cat's Meow" too!