Friday, November 7, 2008

Festival Textiles and Friends


With all the big news this week, I have had a left-sided headache for my right-sided self (have compassion on me, please!). With all that along with preparation for the upcoming holiday craft shows I am in this month, I'm afraid I'm beginning to push out the details of the quilt fest already. I'm going to finish all my show and tell today in one post. Be sure to read to the end for the you-know-what.


I dropped a bundle at the show. I tried to be careful, but it was all so tempting. I had promised myself, though, that I would stick to purchasing only items that I couldn't easily find on the internet or at home stores. Thus, the purchase of all the hand-dyed trim I showed yesterday, as she only sells at shows.

I was very happy to find some Japanese prints. I was hoping to see the new Kokka line and all those cute little prints, but they were only at market and had already gone for the festival. I did find one booth full of cuties and spent a good while choosing these few pieces.
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fabrics

I was suprised to make a vintage find, too. In the first row of the show, a gal had a booth full of vintage textiles. All sorts of kitchen linens and curtains.



I wasn't planning to fall for anything right away, as this was the first day, first row of booths, but when I saw this pretty pink, dogwood tablecloth perfect for my kitchen, I knew I had to grab it up. Dogwood trees, especially pink ones, are my favorite. This was the first purchase of the day for me.

Next we found Julie from the Quilter's Barn in Australia. We had a big time talking with her, and she has some beautiful fabrics and patterns.

quilters barn

A number of these fabrics were printed in Japan, but these definitely had the feel of English/American shabby chic-vintage. I spotted these florals pretty quick but was also enchanted by the vintage, American, baseball themed piece.

Back in the spring of this year, I participated in a quilt swap and received this little beauty:

Four Seasons Quilt Swap - From Paula

It was made by Paula from A Latte Quilts. She lives in Houston, and I got to meet her at the festival, too.


We only spent a short time together, but I felt I already knew her from her pretty blog and great descriptions of her family life and quilting passion. She lived up to her blog reputation, and I wish we could have spent more time together.

Okay, I have one final story to tell. As Beth and I strolled up to a corner booth, I spotted the new "Where Women Create" magazine. As I began to reach out and touch it, I looked up, and who did I see but Sandra Evertson and Jenny Doh! I was so surprised to be looking at two ladies who I felt I knew but couldn't place. However, it all quickly came together when I realized that the magazine was a Somerset magazine.

somerset 103008

I started dropping names again; you know, I do that! Anyway, first I mentioned to Beth - "You know those little papier mache clown heads your mom made? The idea comes from Sandra's book." (see below)


Then, I said to Jenny, "You know, this is my friend, Beth, and her mother is ..." Right. (See my previous post for details.) They loved that and got all excited! Poor Beth. She really didn't see all this attention coming her way because of her mom's reputation! Jenny put our picture on her blog, too, here, just scroll to the end of it.
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Somerset was having a promotion for the new magazine, so Beth and I each signed up for a subscription and received the tote bag above and some goodies inside, including the first issue of "Where Women Create" and a MaryJane Farms magazine. I always love those, too.
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Alrighty, then. That was the bulk of my walk down the Festival Memory Lane. You are good blog friend to have read so far! Now for my little treat to one of you who could not attend. I made a few purchases with a gift for you in mind.
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100_7850
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This gift hurts, though. The star is easy to send you because I bought one of each color (as at the top of the post) for me and an extra red for one of you. The trim and Japanese fabric, however..... well, this is a true gift because I really want to keep it all for me! At the last minute, I found this pattern, too. I was surprised to see all the Americana crafts and patterns at the fair. I love it, but lately that hasn't seemed to be what is popular. I think it's coming back, though. Anyway, I'll draw a name Monday morning from those who post a comment here. Be sure to leave an e-mail address if your comment name doesn't create a link, otherwise, I'll go for a second commenter.
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I just want to say here how grateful I am for the opportunity to have been part of this blog world over the past year and to have learned so much from everyone. The chance to go to Houston and meet some of you or at least have shared in the same event and same memories has been really exciting. I'm looking forward to another year and seeing what happens next!

17 comments:

Just Me said...

Ooh, looks like you had fun and those fabrics are DELICIOUS! I want!

trash said...

So glad you had a great time. Isn't this little corner og the blogaverse a lovely place?

greetingarts said...

And I'm grateful for you, too, Michele! Your account of the show makes me want to go more than ever, though I think I'd have to leave my credit cards at home for sure. Thanks for taking the time to write about your impressions, and getting and posting all those photos - even the illegal ones, which were my favorite!

BarbaraG said...

I am so jealous - really - I'm so glad you had the opportunity.

Nanette Merrill said...

Oh Michele you got some lovely things. I'm so jealous. It looks all so fun.

Monica Wilkinson said...

Hi Michele - thanks for your e-mail! Looks like you had a great time! And, your giveaway is delicious looking! Have a great weekend ~ Monica

Unknown said...

Eveything is so delicious. Look at the treats you got for yourself and what kindness that you want to share. You don't have to enter me- I have already been so lucky to win once before and what a fantastic package you sent me!!!! Your generosity, kindness and good taste will be well known!

What fun to meet so many people you know too!
~Emily xxx

Anonymous said...

I would love to go shopping with you......I could carry all the goodies.....to my car!!! So glad that you had a great time>
Hugs, B

Anonymous said...

Oh,the fabrics are so cute! I have come to appreciate the Japanese prints. They are so cute and am excited you are offering. Very sweet. It looks like you had a wonderful time.

The Vintage Rose said...

Ooh! How delightful. I just bought some rose fabrics last week as I want to get into a little more handmade. Of course a lot of our quilting fabrics in Australia come from the US. I must post some photos of the fabrics and yes some trims would have been a good idea. I only got some ribbon remnants. I have to get busy as I do not want to be up to 2am++ on Christmas eve as I did once, many years ago and regreted the lack of sleep for days and kind of shied away from homemade, but of course there is vintage: yard sales, thrift shops etc. I found an old gameboy colour for a nephew who collects them with a few games, so I've started and a friend gave me a 'vintage' rose mug to give away as a gift - How beautiful was that! I have asked my husband to make me some selves for the bottom of My china cabinet - so I can organise it better. One side is stuffed full (where you must be careful touching anything or you have an avalanche) and one side stacked precariously. I do rave on...

Paula said...

Sounds like you had a really good time, Michele. Glad it was such a fun trip for you! I really like those fabrics you showed from the Australian designer. Now I've got to go look for "Where Women Create" ~
(I've finally posted your super-cute reindeer pillow and crows. Sorry it took me so long) )0;

Abby and Stephanie said...

Well you've introduced me to some magazines I'm not familiar with. I love magazines but the racks at Barnes and Noble are so overwhelming. What a generous giveaway. I'm in love with the darling house fabric.

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a great time you had. I love all your finds. Exciting. Thanks for sharing

Nan said...

I am SO glad you enjoyed your self at the show! Even if you did spend more then you had intended to!

OK, some nannybird humor here, I went to post my comment, and guess what my word verification is?

flaten, reminded me of you and your ironing! LOL

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm so glad you had a nice time! I hope you feel better!

Erna said...

that sounds like you had a very good time!and those japanese fabrics...cute!!!!

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to stop by and let you know you were the winner for the sticker drawing on my blog Friday!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend...

SweetStickerExpress should be getting in touch with you shortly.
;)

Janell