This Little Piggy went to Market

Well, I had an amazing time at Market.  Freshcut’s off and running, as are many new and exciting friendships.  Anna Maria is every bit as delightful in person as she is to read.  (Even though she did tell on us. Twice.)  What a charmer too.  And funny.  And kind.  I could go on and on here.

Robyn Pandolph is kind and generous (and excited about her new little grandbaby, though she doesn’t seem old enough to be a grandmother).  Did you know that Robyn has a roller-cutter wound that severed four tendons in her hand?  Be careful with those cutters, gals!  So sad.  It’s healed now, but what a nightmare. 

Went shopping with Heather Ross.  Smart, smart, smart.  (Have you seen her pajama line?)  She zeroed in on this cool antique necklace with an acorn pendant.  When you twisted the top, a pencil lead projected from the bottom.  What a find.  I don’t know if she bought it or not.  Dang, I should have paid better attention!

Jane Sassaman is a sweetheart.  She’s designed some powerful new quilts that go together quickly.  Her husband’s the big collector in their family.  And I mean big.  He even had a collection of barber’s chairs at some point.  Where do you put such a collection?  Didn’t get to chat with her quite enough. 

It took 32 hours for these charming gals just to get to Houston (from Sydney, Australia).  Bright and energetic.  (And they sported fabulous clothing and shoes too.)  I didn’t get to say goodbye.  Kath, Kirsten, sorry about that.  Missing you. 

And, because you are undoubtedly fans, you must know that Amy and Denyse are intelligent and warm.  Did I mention intelligent?  Amy’s working with her husband on another amazing book. Those two!  I can’t wait to see it experience it.  And, Denyse has just pinned down a name for her next fabric collection, “Katie Jumprope,” (though I don’t know which spelling of “Katie” she’s going to use).  Great name, huh?  Love it.

I met droves of neat folks:  artists, editors, shop owners, sales reps, distributors, and more.  So much to take in.  So little time.

My schoolhouse class worked out well, though I could have held an all-day seminar on the subject (the internet sewing/crafting community and whatnot). Ambitious for a 15-minute class.  But, I think I got across the main gist (and my flyers covered the rest).  Can you believe there’s already a podcast review of my class on SimpleArts (about 1/3 of the way into the interview)?  That’s some quick reporting!

Before I wrap it up, I’d like to send a huge thanks out to Sandi for whipping up some delightful children’s clothes for the photo book.  Here's just one of the fab outfits she did.  Sandi designs one-of-a-kind clothing for PortabelloPixie and is talented and generous.  Thanks Sandi!

And, another big hug out to Gina and Stephanie at The Threaded Pear for quilting my samples so beautifully.  Boy did those two get the scoop on Quilt Market.  They were everywhere.  I’m sure you’ll be hearing all about it on QuiltersBuzz.

All in all, it was a marvelous weekend at Market. I packed my bags late Monday night, changed back into jeans and a tee, and flew wee-wee-wee-wee all the way home!

It’s nice to be back.

(From left to right, Anna Maria, me & Donna Wilder of Free Spirit)

Oh, and see what I mean about Isaac's photography?  He took those top ones.

Comments

[ccat]

She is so sweet.

[Malin]

What a great weekend you had! Love those photos. Is that Isaac using magic or something?

[amanda]

It looks like you had a fabulous time!! is it okay to be a bit jealous? ;)

[Sarah]

Glad the Market was both fun and a success. Also glad to have you back "here." Hope that your busy schedule has abated somewhat now that the Market is over and that they'll be more to read from you.

[erin]

Wow! Sounds like it was loads of fun in Houston.

[Jennifer]

Wow, gorgeous fabrics and photos! And thanks for the update - plus the fab links! Sounds like you had a great time.

Jennifer

[Carrie S.]

What a fun and fabulous time it sounds like you had! I just attended my first L.A. Textile Show this week, and can only imagine the incrdible inspiration that abounds at the Quilt Show! That's next on the list! Beautiful photos, as always! XO

[evy]

Lovely everything!

[Sarah]

Man, all these women I admire so much, in one place, in my home town, and I didn't get to take advantage of it! I'm so sad! Glad you had a great trip, welcome home!

[Mia]

Just wish I had been there. So fun and so much inspiration in one place. Maybe next time.
Mia

[Mia]

Please let me use one of the photos of the little girl with that gorgeous flower in her hair on my site. Love it a lot, gorgeous. Of course I will link to you and reference it properly.
Mia

[Anna Maria]

I miss you Heather!!! Now get to work, there is much to be accomplished young woman!
xo,AM

[Pam]

It was great meeting you!

[Sandi]

Heather-

Thank you so much for putting my design on your blog! It has been so much fun getting to know you and sewing with your amazing fabrics. I can't wait to get a stash of my own. Call on me anytime!

Sandi

[Leah]

Glad you had a good time at the market. I love the flower hair clip. Any chance of a pattern/instructions for one? And yes, the photographs are beautiful.

[Laurie]

Heather,
I just found your wonderful, inspirational site! I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your beautiful creations. I feel like I already know you! In fact, I went to the same high school as some of your inlaws (George, Laura, Maureen, etc)! Small world! My brother used to play in the band with George, and come over to the Bailey's house next to the high school! Anyhow, your new line of Freshcut is so lush!

[gyl]

Goodness me!! What fun! What fun!!

I think I would go broke going to that show!! But MAN would THAT be FUN!! Worth every lost penny, I bet!!

[gyl]

I forgot to mention - looks like a cute outfit Sandi!! Can't wait to see the rest of it! :)

[Alison]

Well that does it. I am going to have to go next year. I can't imagine anything more inspiring and heavenly. Thanks for telling us about it. And I can't wait to get your fabrics in my shop!

[Leanne]

I wasn't able to go to market this year, as we opened the new store on the 1st, but truly missed it! Jim Casey was here on the 3rd to show me all the wonderful things I missed out on from Free Spirit. But, I had already ordered your complete Freshcut collection from him a month ago anyway! But this time I got to feel the samples and really soak them in. YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB!! I love this fabric line! And the gals from down under -- lovely, just lovely! Sounds like you had a marvelous trip and now have lots of fun memories to inspire you as well!

[josie chou]

How lovely the little girl is!!I like her colourful clothes,and the flower on her hair..@>_<@

[Mary]

Heather, I've been waiting and waiting to see your things on Freespirit web page. When will they be there and your patterns, too?

[Maryam in Marrakesh]

What beautiful photos and a big hello to you from me in Marrakesh.