
I realized recently that there is something about a quilt, that is entirely different from everything else that I sew, and not just how its made. But I regard a quilt as such a different event, it occupies my mind in a completely different way. I never know what I might be about to sew next, whether a skirt, or a bag, or a pillow, or fixing Nicolas's backpack as I did yesterday with seconds to spare for him to catch the bus. But with a quilt, I seem to hover on it mentally for a while before I begin. I compose internally for a good while before setting out to make. I always know which one is next. It is an event- making one- isn't it? Small or large its a save the date taped to the wall in your mental creative space. Flipping back through my iphoto events this morning I came across this little one Eleni started early last summer. I realize only now where my triangular love of late began. With my genius little pumpkin. I have the girls' quilts almost all planned now (imaginatively), and have now decided that Nicolas and Joseph each need one too, as I am about to work on their rooms this weekend. I haven't done that for them yet- make a quilt- not specifically for them anyway. Where the time will come from I am not sure, but in my head the quilts are really beautiful already.
I am chomping at the bit to publish my free pattern for Patchwork Prism (sponsored by Janome), but we are waiting to get the video for it entirely edited, loaded and ready too, which is any moment now, literally. Hopefully for sure by next week. Do I keep saying that? But once that's up, I will also share more about teaching that pattern in Sacramento- such a lovely day.
On the quilting horizon, I do have two for-sures to share with you, near and far, that I am beyond thrilled with:
* I will be in Spokane in two weeks to teach the Patchwork Prism class again. Lovely Carrie of the wonderful TopStitch shop invited me a few months ago, and I've been excited ever since to see that part of the country! Come see me there if you can! I'll be doing a talk on Friday the 9th and then we'll start the workshop that evening, and continue into Saturday. Visit their website for more info! What should I do on Saturday night in Spokane? Any good restaurants to recommend? I was hoping to get to Portland as well, however I need to get my rear back home and work on my book.
* And this is a ways off, but I am so honored to be speaking and teaching at the inaugural conference and show, QuiltCon, about this very time next year which is presented by the Modern Quilt Guild. I think this show is such a necessary and wonderful retreat for all those who make these days, and I can't tell you how excited I am about not just the idea, but everything that it promises to be. Clickety on those links for more info.
Have a great weekend pals, whats your next quilt (dress, bag, pillow, meal, movie)?
xo, Anna
Lovely triangles! But I'm loving the hexes in the background there, too. What's that?
ReplyDeletethat's the "for kicks patchowrk ball" from my first book, Seams to Me
ReplyDelete:) AM
sigh. I am about at far from Spokane as an American can get. Maybe you could just come over to my place and we could sew together, and then I could take you out to Boca Grande to the beaches and for an afternoon of shopping? Is that good for you? ... I wish. This week is birthday week for me. Layla will be two on the 5th, so I'm cramming in all of my handmade gifts to her. I'm finishing up her penguin backpack today, then working on her memory game and an apron. Sewing is so wonderful as is, but has such a sweeter feel when its being done for your little ones, don't you think? It makes me hopeful that Layla will cherish these little items I worked so hard on, and that she will be inspired to create as well. I'm so excited to see the Patchwork Prism quilt, and to see what you are doing for your growing kiddos. Savor those projects!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to meeting you at the Meet & Greet - Your work is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteDinner suggestions: Chaps for a delicious meal any time of day, Twigs for martinis, Sweet Frostings for cupcakes!
Travel safe!
Cami
I'm thrilled that you're going to be at QuiltCon! What an amazing event it will be. I'm planning on coming down from Vancouver, BC. Less than 365 days to go!
ReplyDeleteMy mother and I will be attending both days and we are so excited to meet you!
ReplyDeleteA few years ago, my husband and I celebrated an anniversary in Spokane and we ate at a resturant named Mizuna.(http://www.mizuna.com/
The menu is always fresh and locally grown. It was a beautiful meal.
Peaceful travels.
Martha
"..with a quilt, I seem to hover on it mentally for a while before I begin. I compose internally for a good while before setting out to make." I can completely identify with this! Its lovely to know someone else does this too. I call it letting the fabric talk to me. How clever you are to articulate it so clearly - and without sounding the least bit crazy :-) I didn't notice the hexagonal ball in the background until I read the first comment but the beautiful feathering and flower detailing of the rug caught my eye. It would make a great quilting stencil. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly. A quilt is definitely a more thought-out type of project than the rest of my on-the-fly projects.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about a planning a quilt for my son for quite some time and this weekend it's time to start executing it. Looking forward to it!
How fun that you will be doing an event at the TopStitch in Spokane! I personally haven't been there but I have a friend that said its an awesome little fabric store. I live in Kalispell, MT (about 4 hrs. east of Spokane) but have visited there quite often and I personally really love the food at a place called Clinkerdaggers (on the Spokane River). Hope you enjoy your time in the great northwest!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely in for QuiltCon!
ReplyDeleteIn Palm Springs you said you never make a quilt for yourself all from a single line of fabric. Would you say more about why that is, and how you think about mixing fabrics?
Ah, the mental hover... I feel like I savor the quilt planning as much as the making... all of which is like a the joy of reading a really long book. You become such good friends during the long time spent together.
ReplyDeleteAnd since you asked what I'm quilting next I'll share the blog post I did lately on the details of the planning process. http://www.simplyplainjane.blogspot.com/2012/02/whats-quiltin-biography-of-quilt.html
I am almost finished with the velveteen jacket that you helped me with in Palm Springs- can't wait to send you a pic ;-)
Carrie is wonderful, and I look forward to both working the event AND taking the workshop. (lucky me!) There is a lovely restaraunt fairly close to the shop, Downriver Grill, with delicious food, and across the street artisan pizzas at The Flying Goat. It is beautiful here in the Pacific Northwest, and we are so thrilled you are visiting!
ReplyDeleteThe fabrics are super cute and the different colors makes great new pattern! Love your style :) xo akiko
ReplyDeleteStyle Imported
holy crap! i live in austin where QuiltCon will be held. i am so lucky! hurry 2013, hurry!!
ReplyDeleteMy next project (well, after I bind the current wall hanging quilt languishing at present) will be an AMH art tote in AMH velveteen with AMH ribbon straps.
ReplyDeleteMovie? I've got too many lined up (adult movies - not as bad as it sounds), because my 9-yr-old usually has all my time, so right now, it's all Pokemon all the time.
Bon weekend!
I lived in Spokane for 15 years. My mom and many of my dearest friends still live there and I'm sure some of them will be at your workshop :)
ReplyDeleteYou will love the little city by the river. I hope the weather is good while you're there so you can walk around a little. All those recommendations above are great. I think Wild Sage is also a good option but you won't have any trouble finding good food.
Enjoy!
Hi! Long time stalker, errrr, adorer of your fabrics and patterns! And I have six kids, too AND my oldest is your oldest's age. So we are totally friends, right?
ReplyDeleteOh sure! You go to Spokane after I move! Any chance of you coming to Louisiana? Sigh. I wouldn't either. And there isn't a good fabric store to be found down here. Sigh.
My bff, Jennifer, is totally going to be at your class! I've asked her to have my picture taped to her sewing machine. I do hope that she will.
And I love Carrie! Her granddaughter? Adorable!
I've lived nine places and Spokane is my favorite! THE restaurant you MUST go to is Tomato Street grill. It's just down the street and around a corner from The Top Stitch. When there you must order the house creamy basil tomato soup. And a raspberry lemonade. Any anything on the menu. It's all good.
I'm so jealous! Have fun!
Just came back from Spokane and I visited TopStich to buy some fabrics. We went to WildSage for the first time and loved the appetizers, local and organic. Also mizuno is good for local vegetarian food. milford is the best seafood restaurant in Spokane area. Enjoy your stay.
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog:) great pics and so much inspiration..I wish you a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteLOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
(Sweden)
Oh, darn, I'm doing a sewing retreat the weekend you'll be in Spokane. It's a good/not so good thing. Looking forward to the Patchwork Prism pattern and just love reading about your family.
ReplyDeletei couldn't be more excited that the conference is in austin! so awesome.
ReplyDeleteps my husband's standing behind me reading "quilt con" as if he were announcing for a monster truck rally. hilarious!
I'm SO VERY EXCITED to attend your workshop at Top Stitch!!!! Thank you for coming to Spokane -- we're so lucky and honored! (doing a little dance!) Love, love Carrie and Top Stitch! A fabric store with personality-plus! For dinner, gotta do Clinkerdagger's with a window seat so you can see Spokane Falls! See you soon!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Top Stitch! Such a cute little store with such a great selection of lovely fabrics.
ReplyDeleteOur favorite restaurant in Spokane is Twigs - we love their house fries (with basil and other herbs) with gorgonzola dipping sauce. Plus their well mannered dirty martini is to die for (says the pregnant woman who hasn't been able to enjoy one for months!). Oh man, now I'm craving Twigs fries...
I am on the home stretch of a quilt that I started dreaming about this time last year. All I have to do is sew on the binding and I am taking my sweet time because I am secretly (not so secretly?) a little sad to be done. Finishing a quilt is sort of like graduating from high school- it seems like you should be all excited, but you really just wish you could keep going a little longer.
ReplyDeleteomg!!!!! I've been wanting so badly to attend one of your workshops. Spokane is only 2 hours from me ( across the Canadian border)...we go there all the time!!! *sniff sniff sniff* I just went and saw that it's sold out. I only knew today.....*sniff* Next time.....
ReplyDeletei think my next quilt will actually be one of your giant log cabin quilts! the log cabin is my favorite block and my sister gave me this amazingly beautiful fabric she got in africa... and it really needs to be framed in the middle! i'm also making my first doll for one of my little girls... it's been a blast... rainbow hair... vibrant clothes... so fun! love your work! thanks for the constant inspiration! -jenny
ReplyDeletehttp://phishybee.blogspot.com/
I tend to think, and make, two or more quilts at a time. So I'm sewing little squares for star centers as leaders/enders while I make giant Swoon blocks. And I have tons of squares cut to make some of those Granny Square blocks that are popping up all over blogs and flickr. In a month, I should have three quilt tops waiting for me to quilt them--and then, I get to think about what's next! (But I think it might be more stars!)
ReplyDeleteHi there
ReplyDeleteYOur quilt is starting off with some great colours and won't it be fun to see how it ends up. I'm like you too..I have to ponder and do some sketching and get myself inspired by quilts in magazines and then I'm finally ready to start my own. I'm always a bit nervous but then the ideas just grow don't they? You are going to be busy making 3 of them.
You should like you are going to be very busy PERIOD. Keep busy and happy too.
have a great day
Judi
Spokane.... since you're out "here," already, why don't you teach something in Portland, too? There are TONS of good restaurants here. Great people, plenty of rain, if you're into that sort of thing! Let us know if you need travel advice for that neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Spokane -- we go fairly often now that my daughter is in school there. We enjoyed a dinner at Scratch -- well, actually several. Other recommendations are good as well. Stay warm!
ReplyDeleteI haven't dared a quilt project yet.. My current project is a bright pink knitted bonnet for a baby. Next film: I plan on renting either The Help or the latest Almodovar film today. Next exciting cooking: remaking a plum Bakewell cake that went a bit wrong last weekend. I love your designs!
ReplyDeleteWhen we were packing to move the second time last year--out of the rental house where we'd lived after we sold out house, and into our *new* house--I came across piles of bits of Little Folks voile that I had no idea I even had. Some was cut into charm-size squares, other bits are end-of-bolt scraps with jagged edges, and others are yard-ish sized cuts of my favorite prints. I folded everything neatly and put it into a (very stuffed) gallon zippy bag, waiting until I could figure out what project best suited it and would work with so many odd sizes. And now I've had an epiphany: of COURSE it ought to be a triangle quilt. I've pinned a bunch, and it wasn't til right this minute that the two ideas came together. And now, I am super excited. Thanks for the photo and the inspiration, yo!
ReplyDeleteThat photo is very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteMy next quilt(s) are play tab quilts for the two youngest grandkiddos. I bought the material a long time ago,,,need to get my behind in gear and SEW them! :)
Your fabrics are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos too.
Happy Tuesday!
xoxo...Gloria
What lovely fabrics those triangles are. Did Eleni pick them out herself?
ReplyDeleteIf so, she has a great sense of color.
I would love to have a quilt made in those very fabrics!
Oh someday I shall attend one of your classes! Not too far off living in Western Montana. Sorry to say I can't suggest any activities in Spokane. Been trying to get there myself. I do suggest though if you ever get to Seattle to go up to Victoria British Colombia and take a stroll in the spring or summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently making a whole cloth baby quilt with your Loulouthi Framed Citron fabric. I'm hand quilting it, allowing the lines of the fabric pattern dictate. I calculated each square is taking approximately 50 minutes, which means I might be finished by August. I'm using Kona Snow for the backing, and completely uncertain about the binding. Most likely it will be something colorful, like the Hugs & Kisses fabric, maybe?
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to hear you are going to be in the Pacific NW, but so bummed that the workshop is sold out. I was ready to drop all and buzz up to Spokane from Portland! That would be wonderful if your tour could include Portland, I'm sure there would be plenty of us folks that could show you around (and by folks, I mean me, pick me! *wink, wink*)-Kari
ReplyDeleteAnna Marie, I think is a great article and I find it fascinating. I am happy to share it with my tweeps! I write about all things women, feel free to check out my own blog! www.katykelly.blog.com
ReplyDeleteHello Anne Marie
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed visiting you website very useful information that will come in handy...Thanks for all you do for the quilting community it is greatly appreciated. Great ideas!!!!! Love the triangles......
Zomg!! I was added to the class this morning!!! I cannot wait....this is so exciting for me.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to meet you, I can't believe you're coming to Spokane. There were lots of good restaurant suggestions. I think Chaps is so fun because it is filled with awesome vintage goodness and is decorated so cool. They have the best breakfast and they have a bakery too.
ReplyDeleteDownriver Grill is good too. Madeleine's is located downtown and is great for a little dessert and coffee.
Triangle fabric designs are look so beautiful.I really like this creative triangle pumpkin.
ReplyDeleteJust giddy to meet you! Loulouthi was my fav design of 2011---maybe of all time! Great recomends on places to eat so far. Many of those are downtown---and it looks like the weather is gonna be lovely (for winter in the NW) Our park on the river is great for walking with many paths and veiwpoints. The gondola over the falls is open 11-4pm on Sat and Sunday and the Famous, hand carved "looff" carousell is in the south east corner of the park---open till 5pm. I highly recomend them both---fun for all ages. we have great music venues too, so you could see what is in town saturday night. The symphony plays some weekends at the art-deco "fox" theatre and "the bing" is our ritzy smaller venue, for great live music. I love living in Spokane---hope you have a fun visit, and see you friday!
ReplyDeletei'm bonnie who took your tote class in sacramento. i'll take you someplace for dinner on friday night if you'd like. :D
ReplyDeleteTriangle fabric designs are look so beautiful.
ReplyDeletethank you for shairng.
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