Grand Revival Designs

I Love Martha

OK, enough of that un-crafty stuff from the last post!! But before we get onto other things, may I just say, I LOVE YOU!!!! you totally wonderful people who wrote such lovely supportive things in the last post!! That silliness hurt my feelings so I'm just grateful to you who commented for throwing some love my way when I needed it.

With that behind us, this will probably be my last post for a little while cause I'm moving in 4 days!!! Can not wait. Trying to learn French, pack, finish re-working strikeoffs for my next collection, it's crazy here but very happy. Next time I'll be blogging from BELGIUM!!!!! So excited for this next chapter.

Got the July Martha Stewart Living in the mail this week and got to see our Practical Bag Pattern right there in the pages of the magazine (in the Briefing section, pg. 30)  I've been reading since it began all those years ago. Amazing, amazing feeling to see that because, ya know, I love Martha. She's an icon, I grew up with her, I've learned from her, and I have enormous respect for what she's done as a business woman.

Fat Quarter Shop tells me they are having trouble keeping the Practical Bag in stock as they are the resource listed in the article. Such is the power of of Martha I guess...

I will talk to you soon!!!

love,
t

Apologies to Lucinda

Today Lucinda posted this in response to my election eve post (please read the post to get the context):

"Gee, does that mean you voted for that usurper who is not qualified to be President? And now that he illegitimately sits in that office he is selling us all down the river. Hope you're enjoying The Change. And now we'll all watch as our country goes down for good."

After trying to respond to her via email (it bounced back three times) I ended up deleting the comment which I have never done before.

This was her response to the deletion of her comment:

"Oh, so you only publish comments favorable to you. You delete anything that disagrees with your views. I'll be sure to avoid buying your wares."

And:

"Well, you are on the ball, at least when it comes to erasing any negative comments. Be sure I'll spread the word in my quilt groups."

I want to sincerely apologize to Lucinda. Deleting the post was the wrong thing to do. I felt frustrated that I wasn't able email her and because I felt she must have fundamentally misunderstood the post I didn't feel comfortable with what I perceived to be a negative comment.

But I'd like to respond. I'm not at all sure why Lucinda assumed she knew my beliefs. I am private about these things, I think there's a good reason for the secret ballot. I think and hope that my comment did not give any clue at all to which side I come down on politically. I don't talk about politics here and don't talk about it in general because I have found that it can so often lead to negative feelings that impact relationships that I care about. What I was honestly and truly trying to say is that no matter what our political beliefs or who we vote for we usually have much more important things in common then we do differences. We love our families and we care about our communities, at least every one I know whether they are right, left, Republican or Democrat cares about these things. I KNOW this to be true because I have friends and relatives on all sides of the political spectrum who I LOVE and who love me, people who I know I could count on and people who I would help if they needed it. Basically, I was trying to say we are all Americans. Sorry, that's just what I believe and I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone with that thought.

I'm sorry, but I just can't and won't be angry with people who might have different beliefs then me. I'd spend alot of time being angry and I'd rather spend my time loving and caring for friends and family and neighbors (sometimes being angry at them but usually about petty stuff which is more fun to be angry about).

Hope I haven't offended anyone and I feel great respect for anyone who has passionate beliefs, I have them myself and I act on them privately in the voting booth.

Take good care.

Love,
Tanya

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PS Lucinda, again, I don't mean to offend you by saying this and I'm sorry if I had a negative impact on your mood today, cause honestly I get alot more joy out of having a positive impact on people but...you really cannot assume you know my politics because I have not told you what they are and you don't know me. What you can assume and what I will share with you is that I have utter and complete confidence in my country and in what I consider the nearly perfect system of checks and balances set forth in our beautiful constitution by our founding fathers. I'm a geek and I sometimes read the constitution for fun. Was just reading it the other night as a matter of fact. Maybe that's why I don't get too upset about politics. I believe that our system of government as laid out in the constitution ultimately protects us from bad governence or at least checks it at some point and that elections are part of that. The only thing you can assume about my political beliefs is that I truly love my country, our constitution and the ideals it stands for.

Life Style Designer, yeah, that's the ticket...

Sew News recently did this article about the "hottest new lifestyle designers". I was thrilled to be included among my incredibly talented colleagues, Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Anna Maria Horner, Tina Givens, and Valori Wells. It's funny though, "lifestyle designer" sounds so deliberate...I mean, I just design what I love, ok, I do picture the fabrics I design in a lifestyle context, that is to say, a white, bead board sun drenched room (usually this is what I'm thinking about) so I guess that's a lifestyle. I don't know though, what my fabrics (fabric in general really) give to me and what I hope they give to those who like what I design is sort of an opportunity to make my environment feel lovely and comfortable for me. I really feel like I could be happy anywhere as long as I have a sunny bare bones room, and a few yards of fabric, oh and some thread, oh yeah, some batting is also very useful, and I guess I could use a needle. I move alot, always have (haven't lived in the same place for more then 3 years since I was 18), and no matter where I go,  so long as I have the tools, which for me is some pretty fabric I love, I always know I can make a home. So I guess that's sort of a lifestyle, maybe it's the lifestyle of a frugal gypsy? Hey, maybe a name for my next collection, LOL...

talk to you soon,
t

Decision Made! Thank you!!

 

Well, you all helped me sooo much. I just finished up Darla Too!!! Thanks to you I decided to design Darla Too which will come out fall 09' and then follow it up with a more romantic collection called Petal to be released spring 10'. That way I didn't have to choose between the two impulses. I just couldn't get Darla out of my system, and it seems many of you agreed (thank you so much you sweet, sweet people!) so I used and reworked some of the patterns from Darla One and added fresh patterns that evoke the same feeling. Changed my mind while putting it together like a thousand times but it's done and I'm thrilled.

Now I can concentrate on making pretties and samples with French Hatbox which is coming out at Spring Market in May. I don't love these pictures of it, just haven't been able to get any pics I love of it, I'll keep workin on it... The collection does have a sort of un-abashedly feminine feel that brought to mind Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. I could and have watched that movie with the sound off, it's so incredibly beautiful.

Next I'll be fixing up all the little things that need it as we begin the process of showing our house to potential renters. I'm just wondering how I'm gonna be able to keep this place in show worthy condition from now until we rent it. Ugh!

Ok, now for the important part, The winner of the pattern giveaway is Rachael!!!

I usually pick at random using one of those number generator thingys and I loved and took to heart every single comment and am grateful to all of you who left me something sweet to think about, but this time I just really loved what Rachael said, it painted a picture and I could relate to it. Fabric always tells me a story, and this is what I try to do with my collections I love the story my fabrics told her. This is what she said:

Living in a big city and being surrounded by chaos and noise on a regular basis I'd find myself craving a quiet spot and a stack of magazines featuring countryside cottages and seashore homes. In my teens I could spend an afternoon in the walk in closet in my bedroom that I'd papered to look like it was sprung from the pages of one of those magazines. The clothes were soon kicked out of this little closet and I brought in a small bookcase and a reading chair. I'd spend hours at a time looking at photos of antiqued bedframes bedecked with softly colored linens and pillows bursting out of floral pillowcases... completely immersing myself so the noise from the street didn't even register in my head. When I first saw Barefoot Roses it took me back to those afternoons in my chic closet dreaming of country life and beauty everywhere- my initial response was THAT IS IT-- those are the colors, the patterns, the complete embodiment of the style and design I've been craving. It's been almost 10 years since I've sat in that closet- 10 years of commutes, noise, chaos, and promises to do something nice for myself to encourage a little relaxing "me" time. Barefoot Roses gave me the inspiration to create a bedroom and bathroom inspiried by the magazines I craved (and still do). I wake up every morning to soft but bright colors, clean lines, meandering florals, and sweet dots. It brings me back to my center and inspires me to take a little time to remember what I love in life instead of plowing through it.

Rachael, please email Linda at ljanewhelan@gmail.com as she handles the patterns.

Thanks again all!

love,

Tanya

Indecision! help please, a bribe is involved

Did I spell that blog post title right? Is it indecision or in-decision? I'm a terrible speller (is that even a word) but I almost never spell check things, not sure what my problem is...OK, anyway, for goodness sake, I'm just having the toughest time deciding where to take my next collection. I've never struggled like this before but maybe that's because all I had to go on before was instinct and now after 4 collections (one you haven't fully seen yet) I'm worried about letting you down. So, I'm asking you, which of my collections have you liked the best. Barefoot Roses, Ava Rose, or Darla (they're over there on the right and on my website which is on the left) if you want to refresh your memory. I think I know the answer but tell me what you like, what has just "gotten" to you when you first saw it. I think this will really help me decide although you never know, I could end up going in a totally different direction and surprising you and myself for that matter. But still, I'd love to hear from you all if you have a moment, help an indecisive girl out...

Oh, and above there, those are some super lovely things I saw on the Flickr group today. I so love these!!! This girl has a beautiful blog, it's in another language (is it Finnish?) which I guess could be problematic, not for me luckily since I'm more of a picture person.

Oh yeah, the bribe, I'll be sending out one each of all my patterns to one winner. So give me your favorite of those 3 collections, maybe you'll win. Giant thank you in advance for your time and help in this totally not urgent matter!

love,
t

French Hatbox, playing with swatches

Well, I've been having a lovely Sunday playing with swatches of French Hatbox, and going to Starbucks for hot chocolate, and taking a walk with my crazy family, it's always an adventure with them truly.

Trying to get ideas for samples to make for market with FH. I think it would be fun to make a little crazy patchwork dress, maybe for a little one. Won't be getting any real yardage for a while but like to just play to start getting ideas.

Have to tell you I'm always a little nervous about putting up a new collection, I mean you all are so incredibly supportive and just plain nice but there's always the chance that someone won't like it and will say so, which would be ok, but, ya know, I want you to like it!

Obviously this collection is super fem, the colors do remind me of the Sophia Coppola film, Marie Antoinette, all sherbet and candy. It's allllll girl, sort of like a sugar cookie with pink icing and those cool silver sprinkle things on top, and I can't wait to make some pretty things for Ava's bed with it...

By the way, I am a total Facebook convert. It is way fun to be able to keep up with people in real time that way. After I got over the initial weirdness of it (if you join it's likely you'll run into people you haven't seen or heard from since kindergarten) I really got into being able to just check in with what my friends and creative peeps are doing in real time. It's just fun, like a real conversation that you can participate in but don't have to.

I even started a group there called Proud to be a Haus-Frau. I put it up as kind of a joke between me and my best girl but apparently it resonated because we already have 44 members. Here's the description I put on Facebook:

 For all women who are so busy schlepping kids around that they find themselves make-up less at kids soccer games, the supermarket, work, etc. on a regular basis. You know who you are, women who haven't had quite enough "mirror time" since their first baby! But are strangely happy that life is so full even if it means they don't always get a daily shower in! Haus-fraus unite! Let the world know about "Haus-Frau Chic."

This group was inspired by my best friend who, when given the eye by a cute guy on the street, exclaimed "don't look at me, I'm a haus -frau." This cracked me up and ever since then I take every opportunity that presents itself to describe myself as a (very proud) Haus-frau.

Come join if you are indeed a Haus-Frau!

Hope all you wonderful people had a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday!!!

Love,
t

Lateeda and Big Shout Out To Hancocks of Paducah!!

Just wanted to give a big, giant shout out to Hancock's of Paducah. They have supported my collections from the very beginning and continue to carry my fabric lines and my patterns. Not only that but they also happen to carry a huge variety of other fantastic fabrics. I have a special respect for them because they're a family business. You can always recognize the Hancock brothers at market, they all look quite alike, a tall, very American looking bunch they are and I can only imagine the pride that the Hancock family must have by continuing such a wonderful legacy. They've been distributing they're amazing variety of fabrics nationally since way before there even was an internet through they're fantastic catalog which I was just recently leafing through. I'm very grateful to them and hope you will check them out for my lines as well as many other great collections. Thank you Hancocks of Paducah!!!!!

Now, La Tee Da !! Debbie recently sent me these incredible pictures. Nothing makes me happier then seeing what beautiful things people do with my fabrics. And these are beautiful photographs, I kinda can't stand how cute these girls are. Ugh, those sweet faces...Anyway, check out her store for more adorableness. La Tee Da Kids

Learnin Facebook! and a confession

Well, I've had quite and adventure with Face Book the past couple of days. It was interesting and fun but a little surreal to reconnect with people from elementary school! It wasn't feeling quite natural to combine the old friend connecting thing with people I know through my work so I decided the page will be only for connecting to others who know me through the blog or are in the fabric design or related fields, and for connecting with others who are interested in fabric, sewing, quilting, crafting. interior design, architecture and photography.

I mean, to be honest, if we haven't talked for 20 years, we probably don't have much to say, right? Just my little take on it. (I'm with you on this thing Monica).

I am finding it a really great way to communicate with people really quickly though, something I'm not great at, mostly because I'm disorganized, and that I hope to get better at (that's the confession, I want to get better at it!).

So, if you know me through the blog and want to friend me there, that would be peechy keen. And if there are any interesting craft or related groups that you belong to on facebook and think are great please let me know.

French Hatbox next post!!

I Got Nothin

Ok, I really got nothin. Ava broke my camera by jumping on my arm while I was trying to take her picture so this is just a somewhat random picture of me meant to symbolize how I got nothin pretty to post.

New camera's coming this week but it's been so long and I just wanted to say hi! So hi!

Here's a random list of what I'm doing/thinking about:

Thanks for all the new pretty pics of Darla on the Flickr group. I LOVE!!!! seeing them and am grateful that anyone takes the time to do it...

I've been organizing and fixing up my home office, I should not of waited so long because it feels really good.

I, me myself, alone installed a wood floor in our powder room which we are giving a facelift to in anticipation of renting our house (because of the Belgium move, if we like it there we might sell our house and buy there, there seems to be no shortage of gorgeous old houses there which is my 4th favorite thing in life). Yeah baby, I am woman, here me roar (or here me yell and curse because of all the annoying cuts I had to make around the toilet pipe). It felt good though.

You Look Nice Today A Journal of Emotional Hygiene is my absolute favorite thing (podcast) in the world (thank you thoughtful husband for introducing me to it). It has made me cry laughing at least three times in the past couple of weeks.

I sincerely hate the way the Housewives of Orange County treated that nice new wife (the dark haired one) and I am sincerely sad, sort of, to admit I watch the Real Housewives.

I can't stop looking at Apartment Therapy lately!!! 5 times a day at least.

I found out that at least 2 pictures of me from junior high and high school have surfaced on facebook which sort of creeps me out. We didn't even have pcs back then (just Atari) so naturally I wouldn't expect some hideous picture of me to surface years later in such a public place.

I then joined facebook, encouraged by my best friend since junior high, but am not sure why I did.

What's your experience with face book? Please tell me...Was it good to get in contact with people you haven't seen in years or not so good? trying to decide if I should take my profile down.

I saw a picture in Domino of a house and immediately new it was in Belgium without reading the text (because I can't stop perrusing immo web the Belgian real estate site). The fact that I knew that made me strangely happy.

What do you think about these crazy new regulations regarding sales of children's products that could really effect home businesses? I'm not so hot on them.

The kids are taking French after school and I found myself jealous (and proud) that they will certainly be fluent much more quickly then me and will have to translate for me in Belgium. " Oui Mama, the television news person said that it is the law in Belgium that all children must be allowed to stay up till 10pm."

Country Home magazine closed its doors after 30 years, damn this recession!!! I hold out hope that it will come back one day.

This girl is awesome!!!New, young, fresh fabric designer. Excited to see what she does next.

Fantasy house in Belgium (one of them)

Be back with pictures of French Hatbox soon!!!!

Love,

Tanya

Darla Giveaway and Where to Buy if You're not the Lucky Winner

Well, Darla's shipping out already and I'm thrilled that a few  wonderful crafters have actually made things with her already! Amazing! But wanted to let you know about this giveaway  of Darla fat quarters over at  Quilt Taffy
She asked people to say what they'd make with Darla and I have to admit I'm having too much fun reading the comments. I've been thinking that Darla really represents hominess and domesticity to me and apparently she is for others as well as aprons, kitchen stuff and table cloths seem to be coming up alot! Just what I want to make from Darla...

But, in case you don't win, here are some stores that already have Darla in stock.

Hancocks of Paducah (they carry my fabrics and patterns and so many more!!!)

Fat Quarter Shop

Sew Mama Sew

Fabritopia (thank you Jona!)

Quilt Taffy

Shabby Fabrics

Lanie Jane

Jamie's Cozy Cottage

Allegro Fabrics

Pink Polka Dot Studio

The Quilted Castle

Phat Fabrics

Sew Love Fabrics

I also have to make a couple of movie suggestions for anyone who's gonna have just a tinsy bit of time to kick back and watch a movie over the holiday break. I've been taken it real easy just lately, I needed it and thanks to a great friend who helped me to realize that, it really is ok to take it easy! (you know who you are, thank you, thank you!!) I've been kickin back and enjoying the moment a bit more.

Part of taking it easy has meant watching Netflix movies while folding laundry, very slowly. Usually I barely fold and just try to get clean laundry into the drawers as quickly as possible. So, I watched 2 Days in Paris with my husband and we both loved it!! It reminded me of the Woody Allen films I grew up watching and loving, my husband does not share my love of Woody Allen movies but he really liked this film. Funny, sweet, authentic movie about relationships and about being an American in a foreign land.

The other movie I really liked was A Good Year

Not exactly a great movie but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't know but I just think Ridley Scott has such a gift for achieving the look of a movie and setting a mood. It's really beautiful, set in a Provencal chateau, I pretty much could have watched it with the sound off.

Anyway, I don't want to get all Oprah on you but, I forget to enjoy the little moments that make life so sweet, been doing more of it lately and it just feels really good. Who knows, maybe I'll even knit a scarf.

Wishing you a sweet moment of your own! and a Merry Christmas!

Love,
Tanya

Christmas Muse

Hello all. Just wanted to tell you about some Christmasy stuff, like the adorable stockings above made by my very own mother and available through her Etsy store, Xmas Muse. I think it's just the cutest thing ever that she has an Etsy store and her stockings made from bits of vintage quilting piecework are so fantastic I think. My mother has an amazing eye for detail and I just love these so if you're looking for a last minute gift take a look at her store.

Below that are some little gift tags I made while procrastinating when I should have been doing real work. You can download them here and print them out on card stock if you like.

If you happen to be in the vicinity of Connecticut on Friday I highly recommend stopping by Jen's beautiful house for tea, cookies, a big dose of Christmas cheer and of course her beautiful handmade, one of a kind, Sis Boom, Christmas goods which will be on sale. Oh how I wish I could go.

And, one more thing, if you're looking for something super duper cute to make and give as a gift check out Monica's tutorial for these adorable banners

 

Vintage Christmas

Are you getting that holiday feeling yet? I'm just starting to, having just put a bunch of work behind me including a new collection called Lulu and Delilah. I now feel that I can fully embrace and enjoy this wonderful time of year.

A nice way to start it out was to see this whilst in the supermarket checkout line over the weekend. Jennifer had told me she saw it but I hadn't gotten my subscription copy. I wanted to tell the lady in back of me, hey look there's my fabric on the cover of Country Home, but I decided to hold back and avoid an uncomfortable moment. Matthew Mead styled up a beautiful, crisp, red and green holiday 6 page pictorial spread of my fabrics made into all manner of Christmasy craft goodness. That color green on the walls is just killing me, I love it!! We had originally discussed doing the shoot at my house but it didn't happen for various reasons and I was kind of relieved and there's no way the final result could have been any prettier then this so I'm very happy. Matthew's a genius designer, stylist, author and photographer so of course I knew the story would be great but oh how beautiful it turned out to be.

Check out more Matthew goodness here and his blog. And check out the Country Home website where I think there are more pics from the story but they weren't coming up when I looked at it. There's so much other great Christmas inspiration in this issue so it's well worth picking it up.

And if you're looking for a great gift idea here's one

It will definitely be under the tree of some of my loved ones. Available here

Book Description:

In Entertaining Simple, lifestyle and entertaining guru Matthew Mead shows you how to say goodbye to party jitters and say hello to stylish, easygoing gatherings. He gives you everything you need for parties that are wonderfully simple--and simply wonderful.

Packed with beautiful color photographs, this great guide gives you innovative ideas, tasty recipes, and complete game plans for all kinds of get-togethers. To demonstrate how to put his simple entertaining ideas into practice, Matthew gives you complete plans for eight fabulous get-togethers and he provides creative serving ideas and tempting menus for each party.

Oh and I found out that one of my Christmas projects from last year will be featured on HGTV on a show called 25 Great Holiday Ideas airing Friday November 28^th at 9pm. I think just a photo will be shown but still thought it was neat.

Talk to you soon. Happy almost Thanksgiving!

Love,
Tanya

Election Day

Election day is almost here. There is so much passion on both sides, we Americans are a passionate people. I just felt the need to say that I have friends who I quite literally love and would trust whole heartedly in any kind of emergency, with my children, etc. who I completely disagree with on political matters. It helps for me personally to remember that when politics starts to get my Irish up. So, just wanted to say that we are all Americans tonight and will remain so on Wednesday no matter the outcome of the election, and that is a beautiful thing. If your candidate loses take comfort that almost half the country is in agreement with your choice and the side who won are by and large decent people who love their families and their country like you do. And there's always next time...

Wishing you peace and love!!!

Now, everyone go and vote your conscious on Tuesday!!!!!

And if your man loses just look at this little deer, it's gotta cheer you up a little...

Love,

Tanya

Houston Quilt Market

 

 

So, I've sewin up a storm. All the goodies will be shipped off to Houston for Fall Quilt Market. If you're there and you have a chance go checkout Darla at the Free Spirit booth. I mean I'd hate to have sewn up all this stuff and not have anyone see it...The patchwork baby blankets were especially fun to make and quick!

Did you happen to notice the bed in the top picture. You might remember this bed drama. I ended up giving in and actually buying a brand new old style iron bed. We're moving in the spring so I had to be realistic and get something for Ava that wouldn't break during the move. The other one is sitting in my garage, poor thing. I'll probably drop it back off at Alvin's so somebody else might take it home and give it the love it deserves.

Oh, got a great review over at Sew Mama Sew blog for the Ella Carry All (they carry all our patterns, yeah, thanks Kristin!). Always makes me breath a sigh of relief because although my mother and I edit and re-edit and check a million time for mistakes, it's just good to have someone else confirm that the pattern works and is easy to understand.

More market prep to go, just wanted to say hi...

xoxo

Tanya

Long Time No Post.....

Well, I've been busy...that's for sure. Like everyone else in the world I guess, I mean I don't know anybody who isn't ridiculously busy these days. Was it always this way? Been having some fun in the midst of the craziness (patterns shipping, Darla samples to sew, 2 other collections to finish by the deadline) though. Just got my sample yardage of Darla so I've been sewin up a storm. It really is my favorite part of this thing. It's weird though because when I first take the fabric out of the box I always think, "oh no, I've made a huge mistake...this, this and this should be different". But as soon as start sewing I start falling in love. It happened again, I love my girl Darla. Taking pics of Ava decked out in Darla today was so fun and reminded why the really busy pace right now is worth it. I mean, it feels weird to admit, but fabric makes me just stupidly happy.

Patterns have been selling incredibly well so thank you so much to everyone who's bought them for themselves or their store. I just really mean thank you from my heart as it means the hard work is paying off and hopefully the things I design are making other people happy.

I've missed blogging, haven't even been reading my favorite blogs which I really miss but I have been seriously bogged down. So busy in fact that I had to turn down an incredibly exciting and flattering opportunity, a book. I never thought I would turn down such a thing, I mean jeez a book with my name on it, crazy. But it wasn't the exact right project at the exact right time so I had to be mature (no easy feat for me) and turn it down. Hopefully, the right book project at the right time will present itself because I'd love to do it.

But I am excited about some other upcoming things. Got to work with Matthew Mead, the amazing, incredibly talented stylist and author for a Christmas shoot in Country Home. Matthew is a complete genius in my opinion and also a completely lovely person. I'll post pics of it as soon as I get the magazine.

Anyway, I'll be back soon, really!!!! No, I mean it, soon....

xoxo
Tanya

Patterns are shipping, finally!!!!

Oh goodness, I miss posting, it's been so long!!Truth is I just didn't feel right about blogging till all my ducks were in a row in terms of getting the new patterns out the door. Lots of lessons learned about being too optimistic regarding how long things actually take but finally the patterns have actually started shipping. Fat Quarter Shop has all 5 patterns available now (scroll down the linked page to see the patterns)for those of you who have been asking me for months only to receive my lame response of soon, really soon... I think. Also, they made up super cute kits for the Flea Market Bag and 2 fabrics from the Ava Rose collection. I'll put up a more complete list when we get this initial batch out but just wanted you to know that FQS has them in stock. Thank you for your patience and I hope your summer has been fabulous, and I seriously miss you all!!! Oh, and there's the Ella Carry-All up there. Showed her at Quilt Market but hadn't posted any pics of her yet. Back soon....

love,
tanya

Happy Girl Style

picnics

1930s/40s

shiny red convertibles

freshly laundered sheets hung on a clothes line

begonias on a kitchen window sill

tree swings

green grass

sweet iced tea

apple crisp with real whipped cream

clear blue skies, the kind you get just a few times a year where the air is so crystal clear and the sky that shade of blue that kind of makes your heart ache (in a happy way)

These are the things that inspired this collection, I hope you like it...

And thank you to the girl who posted a while back and said "I love your happy girl style". I think this expresses this collection, Darla, perfectly!!!!!

And yes!!! It's Belgium!!! You clever world travelers got it right away! I can't wait...Anyone who happens to know a realtor who handles rentals in and around Brussels please let me know....

Happy weekend all!!

Tanya

I'm Moving!!!! Somewhere....

So, I'm incredibly excited!!!!!! that I'm moving to someplace probably around next spring. It's going to be a wonderful adventure for all of us, especially the kids and I can hardly wait. But, can you guess where? OK, the introducing a topic or piece of information by asking the person to guess is a weird habit of mine that I recently realized. For instance, I'll see something interesting on TV and be like, "honey, guess what I just saw on TV" ...It's very 6th grade, I realize, but I am very much like a 6th grader in many ways so, oh well. Indulge me, just guess where I'm moving...please, just guess. I'd give more hints besides the pictures but you'd guess in like a second if I gave any real hints....

Broken Legs Are No Fun and Some Prettiness

Well, you just never know what's gonna happen. My husband broke his leg last weekend at the beach of all places. Son number two calls me to say, in a calm but urgent way, "Mom, you have to come pick us up at the beach, Dad broke his leg and is going in an ambulance to the hospital". What?!? Huh?! I assume they are playing a joke on me, but no, he had indeed broken his leg while body surfing. Husband is doing well, considering it was a fairly serious break. Kids were a little shaken to see this happen to their Dad, but everyone is fine now. Things have come to a screeching halt here though and patterns will be delayed by another week. Keeping the giveaway from the post below going until I have actual patterns to give away.

But wanted to show you some things that have amazed and inspired me today. I can't believe how fast the makers of these gorgeous outfits are! I mean Ava Rose has just been released. It's difficult to express just how gratifying it is to see the amazingly beautiful things people make with my fabric. I feel very grateful to these talented women and just wanted to share some of their wonderful designs.

The first three pictures are from the amazing and prolific Jona. I met her at Quilt Market and she's just so lovely. Fabritopia is her shop and that fantastic ballerina twirl outfit is on Ebay now. She makes the most amazing children's clothing.

The next four pictures are from the incredibly talented designer, Linda Edson, behind Lily and Ebony and Allegro Fabrics. And the outfit is also up on Ebay. What gorgeous photography!

Finally, this incredible outfit in my one of my favorite prints from Ava Rose is by Amazing Gracie
also an Ebay auction. I just love the combination she used and the hat and the coat, I don't know, just so beautiful!!!

Be back soon.....

YEAH FOR SUMMER CAMP!!!!!! and giveaway!!!

Ok, whoever thought up the concept of summer camp is a real genius. Don't get me wrong, my kids are my world, I love them infinitely, but I haven't been able to get anything done since school ended! Seriously, almost nothing!! And I have a lot of stuff that needs doing so it's been a bit of a problem. But today the clouds opened up, the sun came out, the angels sang, there was even a rainbow, ok, not really but it just seemed like that because camp started today and I could actually get things done!! Work that can literally take a week when they're home I got done in one day today. And the cherry on top is that they actually had fun at camp. So, I had seven hours of kid free time and bonus!! it was guilt free cause they were happy!

So, I'm in a crazy good mood. What feels better then really being able to check things off your list that have been sitting there for weeks? So, yeah the patterns that I've been talking about for months, here are the covers! all ready for the printer, they should, if the stars line up right, be shipping out to shops in about two weeks. I shouldn't be so relieved cause I'm not quite there but the almost there feels too good not to celebrate sooooo I'm giving away one each of the new patterns above and one of the fatquarter stacks of the winner's choice from the post below from the Fat Quarter Shop. So, leave a comment and celebrate the beauty that is summer camp with me!!!!

***NOTE*** Thank you to you wonderful people who pointed out the spelling errors!! Corrections made...

Fat Quarter Shop!!

I just love how the Fat Quarter Shop does their graphics! And their pictures of all the fabrics they carry are so well done and accurate. They have the full Ava Rose collection up right now I'm excited to say. Stores are just starting to get it this week. Also, they have an interview with me on their blog but for anyone whose read my blog lately there's not too much new there. But go and check out the interview right before me with my friend Erin McMorris whose new collection Park Slope is causing such a buzz, if you have chance. I loved reading about her design process and inspiration. Usually, we're too busy laughing to talk about design so it was fun to read about it.

Have a wonderful, safe and very happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flickr Friends

I'm so inspired by the beautiful things people make with my fabric. Inspired and honored really. Just some of the pretties people have been nice enough to post on the Barefoot Roses Flickr group. Thank you so much for taking the time to post them!!! You can't imagine how happy it makes me to see them and how much I truly appreciate it...

Flirty Skirts

 

Been wanting to tell you about the Quilts and More summer issue featuring "Flirty Skirts". Almost the same as the ruffled skirts but I actually sized them up and down a couple of sizes to fit bigger and littler girls. I love that picture, that little cupcake on her tippy toes, sweetness. I almost forgot about the article it until I came upon this site last night. I love the idea that this girl in Finland might be making some Flirty Skirts for her little one.  Also, found this today which I also thought was cool. I don't know, seeing my stuff up on the Coats (parent company to Westminster, which is the parent company to Free Spirit, the company that manufactures my fabric) Spain site just seems exotic. And Sew Simple has an article on my "beach balls" made up in Barefoot Roses. They have a couple of super cute bag patterns in that issue as well. Back to work, finishing up patterns and working on French Hatbox strikeoffs, not easy with 3 kids at home. I can't wait for day camp to start....Happy summer all!!!

Summer Sewing

Just a little weekend sewing. I did decide to get a new machine, WHY DID I WAIT?!?! I know why, cause I'm cheap...but I am soooo happy with the new machine. No more is my thread breaking every two minutes for no apparent reason, maybe because the new thread holder thingy lies on it's side, it doesn't get caught under the spool anymore? Don't know, but I am happy as can be with my new gadget. I'm converting all Ava's outgrown jeans into skirts for summer, a totally satisfying thing for me. Save money and make something pretty, yippee. I think the little halter top I made for A came out really cute, maybe I'll put a pattern up in the next couple of weeks. Thanks all for the birthday love, I spent it sewing and watching DVD's, that's all I did all day, which couldn't have made me happier.

Wanted to answer a question I've been getting about the Ava Rose collection. I think it's supposed to start shipping in late June/early July to retailers (not 100% sure cause I just design it and the sales team at Free Spirit/Westminster handles the rest). But the best thing to do is call your local store and ask them if they've ordered it and when they're expecting it. I'll try to get a more definitive answer up in the side bar soon. And the new patterns will start to ship in about 3 weeks and I'll have a list of stores up when that happens. Sorry for more slow pokedness in answering these. Talk to ya soon....

Stuff I'm Thinkin About

I'm thinkin....

I really like that picture up there that I recently took of myself. My birthday is coming up on Friday and it dawned on me that it ain't gonna get any better from here on in so I might as well take some pictures.

I really don't like any of the pictures taken of me at Quilt Market and is it possible that the migrane I was having during the whole thing actually temporarily melted the bones in my face or did it just feel like it, and, apparently, look like it?

oatmeal and guitar make for a delicious breakfast, thanks honey.

on a related topic, seeing my girl sing an Oasis song while my husband plays guitar is a really nice sight to wake up to, thanks again honey.

maybe I take too many pictures of pillows, do I have a pillow addiction or a pillow picture addiction?

I am so bummed that my old sewing machine finally broke and I don't know if I should get a new one or have it fixed.

the bath I took whilst listening to Van Morrison and drinking a good German beer was possibly the nicest thing I've done for myself in 2 years.

that I might have to learn French before next summer.

that the perfect Memorial Day is sitting on the porch watching kids play in the sprinkler whilst drinking Kosher Coke (because it has sugar instead of corn syrup like it used to be when I was a kid), eating popcorn and smelling the sweet, sweet scent of jasmine in the air.

that I'm feelin very grateful and happy just about now.....

More Quilt Market!!

Well, there's just too much to recount from Quilt Market so I'm gonna try to give a very edited version as I still haven't quite caught up on sleep (can't wait for Saturday!!). Basically it was a lot of work but it was worth every minute of tiredness. Mostly because I got to see friends, childhood friends, and new friends who I love. But also because I got to meet so many people I "know" through blogs which is a weird but incredibly nice experience. It was so funny because there was a lot of worrying about being a stalker at market. People were afraid I would think they were stalking me, I was afraid people thought I was stalking them, it was really funny. I think when you kind of know someone through a blog, you know what they look like sort of, but they don't know you as a reader, it's a funny thing. Anyway, I was like, please, stalk me, I'd love the company as there were plenty of times I was just standing around in my pretty little box by myself.

I couldn't have done any of it without my mother and business partner Linda Whelan. I am so incredibly lucky to have this generous, loving and talented woman for my mother and I only hope I can be as supportive to my children in helping them achieve their goals. She's the adorable woman with the glasses on the bottom there. I also couldn't have done it with out my childhood friend and college roommate, Sonia. She saved me about 100 times during market, the girl can think on her toes. Despite her adorableness in that cowboy hat, she's not a cowgirl, she's an attorney, so if you get into trouble in Portland, let me know and I'll forward her info. And, there's the beautiful, gracious, insanely talented Jennifer Paganelli up there (her new collection, Bell Bottoms, is well GORGEOUS!! I finally got to see it in person and it just blew me away!!!), my idol and my great and true friend, it's weird to be friends with your idol but there it is. We got to spend a bunch of quality time together which was my favorite part of market, just seeing her makes me happy. I couldn't have gotten through my schoolhouse without her as she quite literally saved me when I lost the 4th page of my notes right in the middle of the thing she jumped right in, just having her there gave me the courage to actually go through with it. Also got to spend time with my great friend Erin McMorris (new collection is so, so pretty and happy, the yellows and pinks were makin me nuts), she cracks me up constantly, and I always relate to her and can't wait to talk to her to ask her if I'm being crazy about one thing or another. Verna Mosquera was so helpful to me, taking the time, and trust me the girl is busy, to give me the rundown on how exactly to have a booth at market (her new collection is coming in fall and is sure to be as beautiful her current collection). She's just a great and busy!! person.

Knew this was gonna get too long fast, boy can I go on or what? I think I'll have to break this thing into 3 parts so I'll finish up in the next post....

Quilt Market!!!

Hi all!!!!! I've been away for too long but Quilt Market sort of absorbed every bit of my being for the past few weeks. Sorry for so many repetitive pictures of the tradeshow booth but it was the first time I've done this and honestly I was pretty happy that all the sewing, planning, shipping, carrying! resulted in this booth. I'll have more to blab about my adventures at Market soon but wanted to put up the pics. Had to leave all the funiture in Portland because it just didn't pay to ship it back which made me a little sad but it went to a friend of a friend so it'll go to good use and at least I have the pictures. Be back soon....
 

Ava Rose

Ok, so here she is, well some of her anyway, my girl, Ava Rose. Not my actual girl but you know what I mean. There's more but the day went fast and I couldn't get pics of the red colorway which I'm really excited about. Just want to say some slightly corny, drippy, sentimental stuff about the inspiration for this collection.

This really was inspired one of the three loves and lights of my life. My baby who's no longer a baby, my third and probably last child, my precious, sweet, funny, happy, quirky, amazing girl child Ava Rose. I love my precious, smart, funny, quirky, talented and kind older boys just as much but, as a designer, I'm basically all girl. Luckily, they couldn't care less that I haven't named a fabric collection for them.

I named the collection for her because in a lot of ways she is my muse. At age seven she has actual style and opinions about the way things look and what she wants to wear that reflect her own mind and not popular kid culture. She chimes in often to give me actual ideas that I often use in creative projects. But what really inspired me for this collection is simply her age. She's seven, the age where she still loves me in the infinite sort of way children love their parents before they develop their independent personalities and start to see our flaws. So different from the baby way they love you because you simply are their whole world. They now know they're separate from you and now they see you as the person they want to be like when they grow up. An amazing privilege. She wants to be with me, to be my best girlfriend, to hang out, to paint our nails together and to draw with me and cuddle at night. I know, having two older children that this won't last forever, that though their love doesn't diminish, it does change and maybe, bit by bit, it becomes more realistic. This is a good and beautiful thing but of course a poignant thing for a mother as you watch the baby that was a part of you slowly become their own person.

So, I wanted to capture the innocence, loveliness, happiness, vibrancy of my girl, my sweet, sweet girl, at age seven. Every morning when I wake my kids up for school, I take a minute to just look at them, in all their sweetness as they sleep. Often, their sheets and pillow cases are half on, half off and usually the bedding is all white because I learned a long time ago that it's wonderful to just be able to bleach out the dirt of a blanket that's been dragged around the house for some game or another. But I long to see my girl slumbering peacefully in something really pretty. It's a silly thing I know, but wrapping a child in something beautiful just feels good, like a little bit of love manifest or something. Oh sooo corny, I totally know, but it's true for me. So this is collection that I will actually make bedding out of for her and though it reflects my own tastes more then hers, it is also a reflection of my love for my girl, Ava Rose at age seven.

OK, I'm grossing myself out a little with the sappiness, but hey, once in a while the occasion calls for it. So I nervously await your thoughts about the collection which, by the way, I also think will be fab for big girl aprons, bags, porch pillows, tablcloths, etc.

Sweet Funky Vintage

How cute are these girls?!!! Wow, that's a beautiful picture, the fact that those sweet little things are decked out in those beautiful outfits made with Barefoot Roses is nice too. Missy let me know about her fantastic webstores Sweet Funky Vintage, and I Want Fabric. Fabulous stuff! I'll also have to start checking out her blog, http://www.fabricofmylife.blogspot.com
   
Ava Rose has arrived, yeah!! Leaving me a full month to make samples, very nice. I'm gonna try to take some pics today to give a sneek peak, though I must admit to being a little nervous. I mean what if you don't like it? I love it but, you know, designerly insecurity I guess. I'll try to get over myself...

Design On My Mind

These lovely pictures are courtesy of I Love Surface Design. A great new blog which is already packed full of beautiful surface design, rooms, furniture, etc. I love these rooms, simple, unpretentious but with personal style. The one on the upper left reminds me of my kitchen in the apartment we lived in in Italy when we were first married.

Anyway, been indulging in design mags and blogs recently. Needed to take a visual break from my own design work. I've been working on a fall collection called Darla. Hopefully it'll be in before the deadline but lots going on right now so I'm just  crossing my fingers that everything will fall into place. Between taxes, getting everything ready for the Quilt Market booth, finishing the new patterns, finalizing Ava Rose, working on French Hatbox, and developing this new fabric line, and oh yeah,  attempting to be a decent wife and mother, well it's a bit busy. Not as bad as I'm makin it sound though, things have been fairly well spaced and only now am I starting to panic, but just a little. It's been mostly a happy kind of busy and has forced me to be organized in ways I rarely am. I'm a "one thing at a time" kind of girl, definitely not a natural multi-tasker. I guess I'm a little bit simple minded in this respect which is why I was the world's worst waitress through high school and college. I still have nightmares when I'm stressed in my life that I just got slammed with 10 tables and forgot to bring all of their drink orders.

I'll be getting my sample yardage this week and I can't wait to see it and start sewing market samples. I'll take lots of pictures to show. Talk to you soon....

Happy Easter!!!!!

Pretty But Not Quite

Thought I'd show you some of the colorways that won't be making it into the Ava Rose collection. I think they're all pretty but they didn't quite fit into the collection in the way I wanted. Still though, maybe I'll make a reject quilt with them.

Introducing the Ava Bag

Helloooooooooo!!!!! It's been a while. It did turn out to be the flu. All five us got a visit from the flu fairy despite going through a gallon of Purell in an effort to prevent the spread. It left me feeling a bit tired and devoid of creative energy for quite a while but maybe that's a good thing. After lots of taking it easy, the creative juices started flowing again and I came up with the Ava Bag pattern. I am really loving this bag. Really easy and totally reversible which I always love and with two different handle options. This pattern will be introduced at Spring Quilt Market to coincide with the Ava Rose fabric collection. Can't wait to make this bag with Ava Rose fabrics (though I am so lovin that 2nd version made with that killer Amy Butler print from the Lotus collection). My collection won't be ready till just a couple weeks before the show which means lots of last minute sewing.

Speaking of Quilt Market, I'm gonna be doing a schoolhouse for it which is a fifteen minute talk to store owners. My topic will be about the new wave of sewing, sort of the Project Runway generation of sewers, who started sewing as adults and really look for quickish projects, especially bags, kids clothes, aprons, etc. as well as all the wonderful home sewing and design businesses, often started by moms, on etsy and ebay.

If anyone has any ideas along these lines to pass along to store owners, examples of this trend, or your own personal story I'd love to see your comment. Also, anyone who has advice about public speaking please, please share it with me, I'll be eternally grateful as, though I did it last Quilt Market, it scares me to death and I want to try to be a bit calmer, less nervous and less geeky this time though less geeky is probably asking too much, I mean I can't really change my whole personality in two months!