Tangletown Tote Bag Available in Six Different Kits! Ricky Tims Fabric!

Did you know you can purchase kits (6 different ones) for my Tangletown Tote Bag? The kits should be available in your local quilt shop in a few weeks. If you are interested in one, check with your local quilt retailer and see if they are getting them in. They can special order a single kit for you if they have not already ordered! Once again, don't be shy . . . ask them. This Tote features: Easy tote construction with fusible applique' leaves plus a column stitch stem detail.

CLICK PATTERN COVERS FOR A LARGER VIEW

NOTE: TO QUILT SHOP OWNERS -

This is a low risk offer with a MINIMUM ORDER of ONE!

Delivery is set for March.

How to order WHOLESALE -

#1 - You can order these kits from me via email or phone and I will forward the order to Red Rooster Fabrics.

#2 - You can order direct from Red Rooster online at their Website. They have a form that makes ordering this way very easy!

#3 - You can order from your Red Rooster Rep.

#4 - You could also check with the distributors that carry Red Rooster Fabrics. (However, I am not sure which ones are carrying the kits)

Forget-Me-Not Quilt Kit Available

Did you know you can purchase a kit for my paper pieced Forget-Me-Not Quilt? The lap sized quilt kits should be available in your local quilt shop in a few weeks. If you are interested in one, check with your local quilt retailer and see if they are getting them in. They can special order a single kit for you if they have not already ordered! Don't be shy . . . ask them.

NOTE: TO QUILT SHOP OWNERS -

This is a low risk offer with a MINIMUM ORDER of ONE!

Delivery is set for March.

How to order WHOLESALE -

#1 - You can order these kits from me via email or phone and I will forward the order to Red Rooster Fabrics.

#2 - You can order direct from Red Rooster online at their Website. They have a form that makes ordering this way very easy!

#3 - You can order from your Red Rooster Rep.

#4 - You could also check with the distributors that carry Red Rooster Fabrics. (However, I am not sure which ones are carrying the kits)

Color Trend Forecasts Video

Ever wonder how colors are forcasted? Here's video from Pantone that will give you some insight!

Helena Hernmarck Presentation to Fiber Arts Group

Winnie Johnson (a member of my local fiber arts group) recently flew to Sweden to participate in a workshop with world renowned Swedish tapestry artist Helen Hernmarck. Yesterday we were treated to a presentation and slide show of her experience.


Here Winnie gives us a real life, real time demonstration of Helena's tapestry techniques.

A quick snap shot of a few members of our local group! Many of them are weavers and quilters.

We were also introduced to Fika. Fikas are happy afternoon gatherings between friends. Similar to our US version of a coffee break. Below is a photo of the lovely Swedish Fika we all enjoyed at Winnie's!

Links to more info about Helena Hernmarck.

Weaving a Story (There's an awesome video included with this link - don't miss it)

The Glimpse Wool and linen; weft-faced with discontinuous weft patterning
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Mitt lilla hus - This blog is written in Swedish but has some great photos of Helena's work.

Helena Hernmarcks book at Amazon.com

Do you belong to a fiber arts group? Tell us about your group in the comments section below. If you don't have a group you might want to start one of your own. It's amazing the talent and camaraderie you will find in your own back yard!

Note - Winnie Johnson owns and operates Woodland Cottage a Textile and Craft Retreat Center.

Don't Worry BE HAPPY

I like to say, "Enjoy your life". Here's a video with tips on how to become a happier person. I like some of these simple and free ideas. What's your secret to happiness? I hope you'll share them with me and my readers in the comments section.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here's the link to the happiness study that she refers to - Happiness Study

Developing Skill

Thanks to a facebook post by Roseann Meehan Kermes I found this inspiring site:

makeandmeaning.com

"Acts of making are important – whether they involve yarn and knitting needles, wood and tools, pots and pans, brushes and canvas or anything else.

When we make things, time and worry fall away. We’re more aware, engaged, and excited – and we find it easier to connect with others. In truth, making connects us to our best selves." Direct Quote from the Make & Meaning Blog

These two loaves of Danish Rye bread are examples of experimenting (I combined two recipes into one) and allowing myself to make mistakes. (I accidentally used twice as many seeds as the recipe called for, Oooppps). Both experimenting and allowing yourself to make mistakes are essential to skill building.

Developing skill takes time and practice.

And some skills take practice, practice and more practice!

So allow yourself time to learn and explore. Enjoy your life. Create something unexpected!

I hope you will follow this link to makeandmeaning.com where there's a beautifully written article on developing skills.

How about you? Do you have skill building stories to share? Do tell, in the comments section.

Misplaced work ethic?

Just spent a few days at Cool Breeze Cottage on a quilting retreat with a whole slew of Minnesota Quilt Designers. I sewed and sewed and sewed and snoozed and ate and laughed and told stories. Had an awesome massage and a chocolate martini. Today was my first day back in my studio and it seems I've misplaced my work ethic. Perhaps I left it in Waconia?

So what did I do today instead of work? I Baked rugbrød (Danish Rye bread) and in 24 hours I will get to taste it!

So how about you? How do you maintain a good work ethic?

Spice Up the Winter

Want to spice up a cold grey winter day?

A hot apple cider could do it . . .

HOT SPICED APPLE CIDER
1/2 gallon apple cider
12 cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 c. orange juice
1/2 c. lemon juice

Heat apple cider. Add all the other ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for half hour or more. Serve in mugs.

Serves 12.

Or you could pull out some blue and grey fabrics from your stash (in honor of the chilly weather) then add a dash of orange, red and green to spice it up. And SEW SOMETHING!!!

And of course you could always do BOTH! Call it "Sip & Sew".

Create something unexpected!

Enjoy your life!

Win a Quilting Studio

Click the logo above for the AQS link and details about this awesome Quilting Studio 'GiveAway'!

Happy New Year! And today's favorite thing . . .

It is with deep gratitude that I wish you and yours a very Happy NEW Year! I thank you for the support and positive feedback that I have received from you over the past year. Sales were up from the previous year and I am excited to continue designing both print patterns and sewing patterns for you!

All my best . . . here's to the new year! CHEERS!

Yup, that little shadow in the photo is me taking the picture from the bridge. My favorite thing today was the sound of very cold 'squeeky snow' as you walk across it! See you next year!

So tell me . . . what's your favorite thing?

Looking for Inspiration? Take A Hike!

Join me on my walk in the woods. I found inspiration there . . . will you?

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

I am so happy to share this photo I took a few winters ago.
This ICE ANGEL was magically formed by water dripping
off the eaves of our house and down the vines.

I still think she is amazing and a wonderful
example of the magic of the holiday season. Believe!

My best to you and yours! With Love and Gratitude.


Jamie Kalvestran



Photo ©Kalvestran Inc. 2007

Enjoy a bowl of Yo............Yo's!

Are your holiday preps running you ragged?
Need a way to relax at the end of the day?
Here's my suggestion . . .

1) Pour your self an eggnog, hot chocolate, apple cider, beer, glass of wine, or cup of coffee. You get the idea.
2) Sit down in front of the fire or TV or both if you are that fortunate.
3) Make YoYo's!!! Hand stitching something simple that doesn't take a lot of thought can be very relaxing and restorative.

Peace and Love, Enjoy!

Art Quilt by Lorrie Franz

My friend Lorrie Franz of beancounter Quilts sent me this art quilt that she made using one of my gelatin prints (grey center piece). Way to go Lorrie! I love your fabric choices.

If you are interested in making one of your own, there are still a few gelatin prints available at Artful Drygoods.

Antique Singer Sewing Machine

Are you a sewing machine collector? Check out this vintage machine (it happens to be looking for a new home) at my friend Linda's blog.

Antique Sewing Machine on Designs by Linda Thiltgen

Fear less, hope more . . .

I may have a Danish heritage but I liked this Swedish Proverb.

Fear less, hope more,
eat less, chew more,
whine less, breathe more,
talk less, say more,
hate less, love more,
and all good things will be yours.



(Above) Hand Quilted work in progress ©

Scrap-bags Double Envelope Kit available at Fun With Stitches in Belleville, Ontario

Check out this version of the Double Envelope bag.

Available from Fun With Stitches | 110 North Front Street | Belleville, Ontario | 613-966-4715

Double Envelope Purse KIT

Finished Size 9.5"x7"

includes magnetic purse snaps

$34.95

To purchase this kit visit their website at Funwithstitiches.com

Braided Bucket bag in the Japanese Taupes by Daiwabo

Check out this version of the Braided Bucket bag in the Japanese Taupes by Daiwabo.

Available from Calla Lily Quilt Shop in Blaine, MN. Contact Calla Lily direct with this link.

Paula Scher: The Geography of Design

I think this is a great example of a designers process. (aka - where ideas come from)

Discharge Dyed Handbags

Do you remember the discharge dying tutorial in an earlier post?
LINK to Tutorial

Well, I actually got the bags finished and here they are! Made from my Fat-Quarter Scrap-bags™ pattern. Ta Da!





For more photos of these bags or to purchase one of these bags for yourself or as a gift please visit: Artful Drygoods

Thread Work Unraveled by Sarah Ann Smith

I just love this book!

While developing my "Tangletown Tote" pattern which has a fusible applique' leaf and meandering vine that is created with a satin (column) stitch. I quickly learned that not all needles and threads work well to make a beautiful satin stitch. Wish I'd had the book back then because it was trial and error for me. But now I am the proud owner of this fantastic reference book!

I was also honored with a visit to my booth at fall Quilt Market by the Author, Sarah Ann Smith. You can reach Sarah Ann via her Website:www.sarahannsmith.com  or her blog:www.sarahannsmith.com/weblog/

Gelatin Printing

Gelatin printing was the most fun I have had in a long time! I spent the day with my friend Lucy Senstad and her sister Joannie. Lucy showed us how to gelatin print. I have included a video from YouTube below if you want to see the process, there are many more videos available too, so have a look and then give this a try . . . I loved it!!!

To see some of Lucy's and my print work please visit - Artful Drygoods.

Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial - Happy Thanksgiving!

You can celebrate Thanksgiving with these delightful fabric pumpkins by Danielle Thompson! View the tutorial on her site, Thompson Family - Life. Click Here.  (Photos used with permission)

Artist Studio Tour - Elk River Minnesota

Today my friends and neighbors had open houses at their art studios.

I thought you might be inspired by their work spaces.

Here is the pottery studio of Chad Briggs and his wife Terry (a painter).

Click on any image to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

Then it's just a short walk to Sue Seegers Studio.

Sue's a metal scupltor and jewelry maker!

 

And I am lucky enough to work just down the

street from these three amazing artists!

Surround yourself with creative people they will rub off on you.

Now, back to work for me . . .

(Let me know if you enjoy seeing this sort of post.)

Tangletown Tote Bag Kits Available!

 

Here are two Tangletown Tote bag samples that are at Aunt Annie's Quilts and Silks in Avon, MN.

Lucy has them kitted up and ready to ship so contact her directly if you want one. I think she did an awesome job with her fabric choices!   Click on any photo for a larger version.

Below- Example of satin stitch with solid (left) or variegated (right) threads. Leaves are fused.

 

Here is the contact info 

for Aunt Annies!

Wild West Shop Hop

Tomorrow I will be at Aunt Annies Quilts & Silks in Avon for the Wild West Shop Hop.

I will be doing a demo on using Shiva Paintstiks. Below are a few photos of the process and finished Scrap-bag™ project using my Fat-Quarter Scrap-bag™ pattern.

Here is the link to the Shop Hop Website: Wild West Shop Hop

I hope to see you there!  Cheers and happy hopping.

Shiva Paintstik Rubbings on batik fabric over

my original hand cut rubber stamp designs.

 

Bag giveaway winner is . . .

Bag giveaway winner is . . .

Rafael's Mum said...

Lovely bag! Thanks for the chance to win it. I always enjoy your posts!

October 27, 2009 11:12 AM

Please email me your shipping address and Congratulations! Thanks for following and commenting!

Yin-Yang Scrap-bag™ in Blues & Browns from StudioE Fabrics.

Yin-Yang Bag #1

Fabrics used:

Nature-ology (brown) by StudioE Fabrics with

Deja Brew (blue) by Audrey Jeanne Roberts for StudioE Fabrics.

Hand and machine quilted to accent the fabric design.

_____________________________________________

 

Yin-Yang Bag #2

Fabrics used:

Deja Brew (brown) by Audrey Jeanne Roberts for StudioE Fabrics with

Deja Brew (blue) by Audrey Jeanne Roberts for StudioE Fabrics.

Only machine quilting detail on this one! Simple, yet elegant.

To have a kit cut and shipped to you for either of these bags:

(NOTE:You might want to order extra fabric if you are

ordering the fabric for bag #1 because you may

have to fussy cut if you want the exact image

with the bird as shown.)

Contact Judy or Betsy

at

Texas Quiltworks

212 East Rusk

Rockwall, TX

www.texasquiltworks.com

Email Texas Quiltworks

Designer Lonni Rossi - FALL 2009 Quilt Market Schoolhouse

Welcome to Lonni Rossi's Fall 2009 Quilt Market Schoolhouse presentation.

(FYI - Quilt Market is a trade show where Quilt shop owners go to find new products for their shops)

  

In this presentation Lonni shows my newest bag pattern"Tangletown Tote Bag" (above) in her Elegant Universe fabric collection. As well as, the "Original Scrap-bag" and my "Braided Bucket bag".  Oh, and I make my debut as a fashion model in one of these . . . eyeyiyi.   ;-) 
Check it out!!!

International Quilt Market - Spring 2009 Designer Lonni Rossi

Have you ever wonders what goes on at a Quilt Market Schoolhouse? Well have a look at Lonni Rossi's Spring presentation. (FYI - Quilt Market is a trade show where Quilt shop owners go to find new products for their shops)

In this presentation Lonni shows my "Big Easy Tote Bag" (above) in one of her fabric collections.

Bag Give Away

Bag Close Up

Today's Give Away is this "On the Breeze" Bag Model/Sample. It is made from Lonni Rossi Fabrics by Andover.

To qualify for the drawing please do the following three things:

#1 - Sign up as a "follower" see right hand column: "Follow with Google Friend Connect"
#2 - Leave a comment on this post, including your 'follower id/name'.
#3 - Check back on Nov 1st to see if you've won. If you are the winner you will have one week to contact me via email with your shipping address. If I don't hear from you by November 8th the bag will go to the runner up. 


The winner will be selected on Sunday November 1st.  Good luck!

PS. The bag isn't really crooked, it's just the photo.

Stash Organized - Before and After

Here are a few of the boxes containing my fabric stash.

Here is the shelving system I like to use. This

has been assembled and reassembled into

may configurations for fit a variety of spaces.

And here is the finish stash re-organization!

And Yes, I used this fabric folding method, its easy!

raw edges - shay alkalay and yael mer: 'wall to wall' for established and sons

You'll be floored with this quilt!

raw edges - shay alkalay and yael mer: 'wall to wall' for established and sons

Forget Me Not Quilt Pattern - NEW from Scrap-bags™

Here is my newest quilt pattern, "Forget Me Not". Paper piecing is the technique used for the blocks in this quilt. And the results are striking. The pattern includes a table runner, a lap quilt as well as a twin size quilt. If you love to paper piece give this quilt a try!

Once again Red Rooster Fabrics is offering kits wholesale to Quilt and Fabric Shops,  (in the fabrics shown by Ricky Tims) so look for it or ask your favorite shop to special order it for you!

Introducing the Tangletown Tote Bag Pattern from Scrap-bags™!!!

"She's a beauty", if I do say so myself and I am very pleased and excited to bring this new tote bag pattern to you! The simple bag construction allows time for using your fusible applique and hand or machine quilting skills. Tote this bag around town and you'll have people stopping in their tracks, you'll be pleased!

The bags shown below are made from Ricky Tims Collections by Red Rooster. Red Rooster will be selling kits wholesale of this pattern along with the coordinating fabrics. This means that quilt and fabric shops will have kits available for you retail in the near future, so ask your favorite shop owner about it!

Lonni Rossi's Elegant Universe Collection

I have always been a big fan of Lonni Rossi's work and so I am always delighted when she sends me fabric from her latest collections to work with. This time it's her "Elegant Universe" collection and it's outstanding!!!

If you are attending the

Fall International Quilt Market in Houston

please make time to see

Lonni's Schoolhouse

 Friday, Oct. 9 at 3:10 PM in Room 352 D & E

I will be modeling the garment above with the bag below. 

Ooohh La La!

It's a little out of my comfort zone but I'll do it for Lonni!

www.lonnirossi.com

Lonni Rossi Fabrics
70 Rittenhouse Place
Ardmore, PA 19003

610-896-0500 P

Scrap-bags Patterns + Kingyo + Yo Yo's = THIS!

Remember my post of Monday, September 21, 2009  Kingyo & Yo Yo's, the one where I was unleashing my creativity with the Kingyo Collection from Red Rooster Fabrics?

WELL . . . here's the result!

Scrap-bags Patterns used include:

Knotty But Nice

Yin-Yang

Easy Zip Wallet

Checkbook Cover

Fat-Quarter Scrap-bag

I made the Big Easy!! Talk about BIG and EASY!! Scrap-bags™ Big Easy Tote Bag Pattern

I just received a lovely email with photo from Carolyn Napper of Superior Stitches hear is what she said:

Hi Jamie, I made the Big Easy!! Talk about BIG and EASY!! I added Decor Bond 809 to my handles for some added stability.
I'm going to make my next bag - just for ME out of  Eva by Moda.
I've got it on the calendar at The Quilted Cactus for a class this fall. Thanks for sending me your pattern.
I love your patterns! Gotta run, the wallet is on my list to get done this week!!
 Quiltingly,
Carolyn M. Napper

Superior Stitches
             Longarm Quilting & Retreats                                    www.shequilts.com

Because NICE Matters

Visit Carolyn's Website - Superior Stitches

Photo and comments published with Carolyn's permission.

Oil Cloth Tote - Scrap-bags™ Big Easy Tote Bag

Are you wondering what to do with the new oil cloth that is showing up in the quilt shops and fabric stores? Well, here is an idea for you! Cathy from The Noble Quilter stitched up my Big Easy Tote bag with these fabulous black and white oil cloth fabrics from Moda. This would make a great beach bag or diaper bag. Water resistant!

Contact The Noble Quilter if you want them to put a kit together for you! (Pattern was adapted slightly)

Sitting on the top of the shelf is the same Big Easy Tote bag pattern using the 1.5" strip option.

Note:  ****  I have not used oil cloth myself but I did a google search and found a sight that might be helpful to you if you decide you like this idea. Visit Oilcloth Addict  

Sample Production Time

Sample Production Time!
This is the new Scrap-bags™ Tangletown Tote Bag.

The pattern will be ready within a week and a few days!

Sign up for our email notices if you don't want to miss it's introduction.

Fabric Yo Yo's - Learn How!

Make Yo Yo's the classic way by visiting this site for instructions.
How to Sew a Basic Fabric Yo-Yo.

or watch this YouTube Video and see Pat Sloan demo the new Clover Yo Yo maker.

Kingyo & Yo Yo's

I am so inspired by these fabrics, courtesy of Red Rooster Fabrics.

Collection: Kingyo

This is the kind of day that designers dream of

. . . yardage to play with

. . . and a little time set aside

. . . I'm unleashing my creativity

 . . . and I can't wait to see what manifests!

Visit Red Roosters Website to see more of this collection.

The value of an Art Education BFA/MFA | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

Midmorning speaks with the new president of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (my alma mater) about the value of an MFA, the importance of arts education, and how artists can help solve real-world problems.

New MCAD president hopes to expand school's reach | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ

Jay Coogan looks at the value of an Art Education BFA/MFA.  Jay Coogan: is the incoming president of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He was formerly the provost of Rhode Island School of Design.

Visit MCAD's Website

How to Paper Piece - Helpful Resources

Click here for Tutorial and Free Pattern  
"How to Paper Piece"
from www.youcanquiltthis.com 
Or
Click here for Christine Thresh's Paper Piecing Primer
 Or
Watch the video below 

Swatch of the Week . . . Swatchbook from Powerhouse Museum in Austrailia

"About Swatchbooks

Swatches or small samples of fabric have been collected and compiled in the form of swatchbooks for at least 300 years. The Powerhouse Museum has several volumes containing thousands of bright, unfaded samples of fashionable fabric designs, braids and laces ranging from the 1830s to the 1990s. This site contains samples from the 1890s through to the 1920s."

Visit the Electronic Swatchbook from Powerhouse Museum for some visual stimulation.

Easy Zip Wallet Class

How fun is it to walk into a quilt shop and see a teacher and students sewing one of your patterns? I can tell you from experience that it's awesome! Here are some photos from yesterdays Easy Zip Wallet Class taught by Cathy Johnson at the Noble Quilter in Elk River.

Fun Filled Days of Pattern Testing

Who said pattern testing is a chore? Not us! 

We had a blast sewing laughing and telling stories. 

My volunteer for today and yesterday was 

Yvonne Curran aka President Elect of the Minnesota Quilters! 

 Minnesota Quilters Inc.

And of course thanks again to Angie Roberts owner of The Noble Quilter in Elk River, MN for letting us test in her classroom!

You two are the best! Thanks so much for a day-o-fun! And here's to the design, development and testing of many more quilting and sewing patterns! Cheers!

Most Popular Handbag, Wallet & Tote

A quick review of recent sales tells me that these are your favorite patterns! You are awesome, thanks for purchasing these and my other Scrap-bags™ patterns!

Yin-Yang Scrap-bag™

Scrap-bags™ Easy Zip Wallet

Scrap-bags™ Big Easy Tote Bag

Scrap-bags™ Yin-Yang bag makes it to the Georgia Dome

Yesterday, I received this lovely photo and email (below) from Donna Gober. She has kindly given me permission to share it with you. Donna, thanks so much for sharing your creation!

From: Donna Gober
Subject: RE: Yin-yang pattern is a hit
Date: September 3, 2009 5:26:19 PM CDT

Jamie,

I used your pattern earlier this year for a lovely birthday gift,
but the bag in this photo is what I will carry to the Georgia Dome Saturday
evening for the Alabama vs Virginia Tech game. In the South it's all about
football. I found a great bubble print to contrast with the Alabama
trademark fabric.

My biggest issue with this pattern is having to position the light/
dark components and ensuring that both light/dark pair are approximately
the same size. I need to drop a dotted line down through the center of the
handle opening, I think.

I enjoyed the Blog Hop back in mid-Summer and I await the next one.

Thank you,
Donna Gober
Gardendale, Alabama

TIP: Donna, I place the light/dark units on my cutting mat and use the grid lines to help me line them up. Then I pin them together before I sew. Happy Sewing!

Donna will receive a free Scrap-bags™ pattern for having her submission selected for publication on this blog.

Thank Heaven for Pattern Testers.

Meet Lynn Gennrich a new pattern test volunteer! Thank you Lynn for your participation in this most important step in pattern development. And thanks to Angie at The Noble Quilter in Elk River, MN for allowing us to work in the classroom.