The Value of Color Forecasting

Pantones Color of the Year for 2010 was 15-5519 TCX Turquoise. Has it had any effect on products and color choices? If you don't think color forecasting is valuable. Think again . . . here is a pin board I've put together in a couple of hours (CLICK) . . . even I am amazed, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. (Of course not everything on the pin board was manufactured in 2010, but it does show the current popularity of the color)

Just in case you are wondering about Pantone's color for 2011 it's 18-2120 Honeysuckle. Let's watch what happens with this color in the next year . . .

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

We get you sewing at PatternSpot.com - Sewing, Quilting, Garment Patterns, Projects, Ideas, Tutorials, Videos

We get you sewing at PatternSpot.com - Sewing, Quilting, Garment Patterns, Projects, Ideas, Tutorials, Videos

"Super" Fabric Collection by Gudrun Erla for Red Rooster Fabrics!

You can't help but be in a cheery mood when sewing with this fabric collection.

The Diamond Shoulder Bag Pattern from Scrap-bags™

Cheery and bright is definitely the style of Gudrun Erla's newest fabric collection "Super" for Red Rooster fabrics! 

Watch for it in your local quilt shop in July 2011.

View the entire "Super" collection here at the Red Rooster web site.

Did you know there is a secret pocket in the front of this bag, perfect for eyeglasses?

This bag opens wide and has an optional zipper pocket in the back on the inside.

I also used Gudrun's new "Super" line to create my Double Envelope Scrap-bag™.

Scrap-bags™ Double Envelope Shoulder Bag - side view

Scrap-bags™ Double Envelope Shoulder Bag - back view

Scrap-bags™ Double Envelope Shoulder Bag - front envelope open

Scrap-bags™ Double Envelope Shoulder Bag - back envelope open

Scrap-bags™ Double Envelope Shoulder Bag - front view

There they both are in the "Super Booth" at International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, UT

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Visit my online shop! Jamie Kalvestran

Don't Look Now or "Stopped Dead in My Tracks"

There are a few times in my life when I can say I "stopped dead in my tracks". And recently Kellie Wulfsohn's booth at International Quilt Market made me do just that! Kellie is from Heidelber, VIC Australia and her work is a show stopper! Here is the link to her blog, her work and her patterns! 

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

Beancounter Quilts new "Grow UP Tall Giraffe" Baby Quilt Pattern

I just returned from International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. I'd like to share just a few of the fabulous new finds that you will be seeing in your local quilt shops soon.

Lorrie Franz the talented designer who created this darling quilt!

I am not kidding . . . you just want to hug this quilt!

Pattern Cover for "Grow UP Tall Giraffe"

 To learn more about this quilt pattern please visit Beancounter Quilts Website.

"Love what you create! Let my patterns be the canvas for your creativity." Jamie Kalvestran

A tribute to Mother's of all kinds!

This probably looks like an ordinary kitchen window, right? Look closer . . . Tucked between the orchid and the rosemary.

Ma Ma and baby.

I watched this Mother sit on this nest in my window box while the snow flew around her and covered the ground. I never saw her leave the nest at all. I guess Papa bird fed her, he must have. 

This morning while I was making coffee, Ma Ma bird 'cooed' at me and I looked up. And there next to her was her baby. She seemed rather proud. She and I have been watching each other for a long time now, friends of sorts.

Really happy to see that mother nature creates mothers that never leave the nest, even through a spring blizzard. My mother is like that too. I am so grateful to have been raised by a mother who stood by her little ones. Thank you to my mom! Yup, that's my Mom below, (love you Mom).
FYI - notice that she's in a quilt shop, like every good Mom should be!    ;-)

Design • Portfolio • Philosophy • Process

I recently accepted the opportunity to examine and define my design philosophy.  To do this I revisited the design work I've done over the years. This portfolio is a tiny slice of 25+ years of product and surface design. Have a look if you are so inclined. I am curious to know what you think, and I hope you'll leave me a comment or two.

Recommendations:

Johannes Gaston, Multiple Positions, Tonka Toys (colleague)

“Jamie's approach to toy design always had an appealing storytelling component.... She made you curious and want to know more. Her work was very reflective of her character - thoughtful and intelligent.... topped off with a bit of mischief. A great person to work with!” May 2, 2011

Peter Hart (client)  Wildkin, Inc. (Licensed Artwork)

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Creative

“Jamie created several designs for me when I owned Wildkin. She is a tremendously creative and talented artist and her designs were very popular with our customers. She was a pleasure to work with, delivering design ideas very quickly and always providing the artwork to the required specifications. I have no hesitation in recommending her work.” May 2, 2011

Noriyuki Nakagami,  Founder, President & CEO, DENKI-MIRAI Co., Ltd. (business partner)(Licensed Artwork)

“Jamie is an excellent designer. Since I first came across her art at Surtex 2008 in New York, I've been a big fan of hers. Her designs, in particular, surface pattern designs inspired by nature things - such as flower, plant, animal, bird, fish, butterfly - are so beautiful and telling how outstanding her ideas are. I highly recommend Jamie.” May 10, 2011