HELLOmynameisHeather

On my way...

...to Houston.

All right, it's crazy-late.  But, I couldn't leave town without posting a project (especially after my sick-leave last week).  Here's a froofy bolster with happy pink bows.  All freshcut and perched on a glorious tuffet.  I'm "lovin' on" gold these days.  Mmm-Mmm...Yes sir!  Makes me happy.  And that monstrous vintage button...

I'll keep my ears pricked and my camera handy at Quilt Market (though convention-center lighting may not cut the mustard - heehee).  If nothing else, I should at least be able to capture Anna Maria up to something.  I've convinced her to attend and be my roomie.  Fun fun.

I'll see what I can do about an Internet connection as well, to keep them presses running, so to speak.

Oh, and one more thing... Thanks for the feel-good input. I've put together some rockin' flyers for my class.  Four pages.  Isaac thinks I should post a PDF so we can all hand them out to our friends when they say, "Blog-what?"

Getting There

Yay!  We ordered the books last night.  It couldn't have been any more last-minute.  In fact, I've got my fingers crossed that the printer's shipping schedule is accurate.  Yikes.  As it is, everything's being shipped to my hotel, even the business cards.  Regardless of how seamless I'd like my business endeavors to come across, it's a bit insane wearing so many hats.

Today I'm going to learn how to run an LCD projector.  My husband bought a new Apple laptop a couple of weeks ago - it's fancy - and I became the new owner of his old "mistress" (my obnoxious name for his laptop).  She's pretty fancy too -- I can't complain.  He outfitted her with a slick orange case, cleared her off and synced her up to my iMac, so I'm all set.  I'm glad Isaac knows how to do that stuff.  I can find my way around the computer pretty well, but there are some things I really don't care to learn.  All she needs now is a new name. 

The projector is for a fifteen-minute Schoolhouse class I'm teaching on Friday at Quilt Market.  What's the class about, you say?  Well, it's about you guys :-) I'll be sharing my take on the internet craft community and encouraging folks, quilt-shop owners, designers, sewers, whoever attends to get online and get involved.  So many people have still never heard of a blog, lovely word it is.  And many who have, wish they'd discovered blogs sooner.  So, I'll see what I can do in fifteen minutes.  Perhaps a dictionary of terms is in order, along with a spotlight on resources and services -- good for a flyer.  The main point I'd like to get to is WHY:  Why pay attention?  Why join in?  Why is this so much fun? 

I'll be talking you guys up all weekend.  Easy to do.  I'd love to hear your take on the subject.  Thoughts?  Feelings?  Maybe I'll put together some quotes -- another flyer.  Hmmm.

Also, does anyone know a good resource for statistics on the blogosphere? 

Or articles discussing the subject?

Babble & Baubles

Boy, have I been M.I.A.! 

More like S.I.C.K.  I thought it was the flu, but after days of not being able to move, I finally dragged myself to the doctor's and found out I have Strep. With a few doses of antibiotics behind me, I'm now functioning on the sheer hope of feeling well.

Nevertheless, we had the most amazing photoshoot yesterday. Isaac took the day to do my bidding. I styled the shots and held the reflector, while Isaac manned the camera. Make me drool. If you think my photography's pretty, just wait till you see how great his photography turned out!  Let's just say I have a lot more to learn. We'll be designing a photo book this weekend and having a few copies rush-printed to bring with me to Market next week. Rush, rush, rush. 

I can't wait for you to see the photos... and all of the projects in the photos too, of course. Until then, here's a Heather-shot of some vintage strawberry baubles. I believe they were passed along to me from this woman's enviable collection of small, silly things. Every once in a while, I pull these out to admire. I let them drift around the studio for a few days, then tuck them back into their own little drawer to save for later. Each strawberry is only about one inch tall. They make me happy in the same way that doll furniture makes me happy. Someday, hopefully, I'll have a spot in this little exchange and get my girlish fix of teensy weensy. For today, it's beaded velvet strawberries.  If I were Lennie, these would be my mouse of choice.

Miss Amazing

Breaking news. This just in. The true identity of Miss Amazing, Domestic Superhero has been revealed… and she’s started a new, tell-all blog. 

Oh my goodness, I’m so excited to introduce you to Anna Maria. Not only does she make the coolest things and have a fab kitchen, but she’s also a fellow fabric designer and mother of five. Check out her incredible painting, “new mother peeling pears,” and this happy little car. Ooo, and the pillow! What a range, huh? We’ve been pretty chatty with the emails this week and I tell you, you’re going to love this girl.

So, go say “Hi” to Anna Maria. Word is, she lost a battle with a pencil today and had to visit the emergency room. Tough work, being a Domestic Superhero.

Progress

Two quilt tops done, all bundled up and on their way to The Threaded Pear to be quilted – Gina saves the day!  I’m lacking the necessary concentration to write though, so I’ll keep it simple... a photo here, a photo there, a reminder of where I was a couple of days ago, then back to work. 

Oh, and thanks for the support!  Really. When my mailbox dings, I go Pavlovian for a happy sewing break - so much kindness! 

The next few weeks are insane!  Isaac has eight weddings in the next seven weeks, Elijah is on school break, Charlotte’s occasional babysitter has gone back to school fulltime, and I’m wading through a steady stream of deadlines (many are self-imposed, I admit). 

But, great things are happening. I’ve just gotta keep this pace for three more weeks, then I’ll have myself a lovely, lazy week of pajama days, A.M. Smith, homemade bread, and… dentist appointments.  Yep, I scheduled two just yesterday, and I’m actually looking forward to going.  Perhaps it’s the idea of sitting still for a bit.

Tights Meet Dress

I’m happy to announce that the personal ad worked!  The striped tights have found a soulmate and much gambolling has ensued. 

You’ll recognize the bodice fabric from here, although the dress came first.  Or, at least, the plan for the dress came first.  I’m digging the shoulder flanges and the versatility of a jumper.  As the weather cools down, I’ll be on the lookout for a long-sleeved white tee to keep these new togs in rotation.

As for me, I’m still in mad-sewing mode.  I’m about done with my second quilt-top in two days.  I’ve also made one of these, one of these, several of these and I’m about done with two sets of these (still secret) -- all from my own fabric – fun, fun, fun! 

I’m finding it tricky to ration out my precious sample yardage though.  Project planning feels like a game of Sudoku… If I make an apron out of this fabric, then I won’t have enough to make that quilt.  But, if I make this other quilt instead, then I’ll certainly not be able to make that pillow… and so on.  (Hmmm.  I’m reminded of a certain dialogue from this movie –- Vizzini and the poisoned wine, remember?)

Anyhow, I’ve decided that my plotting is counter-productive.  Enough of that.  I have about two weeks to sew samples before I need to switch gears again and there’s certainly plenty of fabric to keep me busy for two weeks!  So, back to the cutting table I go, "Sew, Heather, sew!"