Well, turnips,

I’m off to Puyallup tomorrow morning on the wings of Continental!

If I don’t land in the Hudson, I’ll be having lunch in Washington tomorrow afternoon!   I got confirmation today that all of my quilts for the trunk show made it safe and sound. 

Natch, I filled my iTouch with 3 movies — I get so bored on a  short flight, let alone a 6+-hour trip.

I downloaded Brideshead Revisited

The Pink Panther

The Girl with the Pearl Earring

La Kindle

My Amazon Kindle arrived yesterday so I ordered several books for the ride, too!  

The Reader (Bernhard Schlink)

sTori Telling (Tori Spelling)

On Writing (Stephen King)

Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea! (Chelsea Handler)

Open Roads

Pickle Road finally opened again after huge trees fell during our last wind storm, knocking out power lines.  

Look at the size of the tree the fell — you can see the snapped tree trunk in the woods towards the middle right of the picture.

From Marcia

QH reader and fan , Marcia, from Rockport, Texas sent me these two books the other day.   I’ve been reading them and they are terrific.   Look, I’ll be straight with you.  I’d never pick these up in a bookstore, but I’m known to read a little of everything and really, really try to live outside of my “bubble.”   I liked these books – Everything  just is what it is.  It kind cuts the drama in a life.   

Marcia also sent me a needle book for my collection!    Thanks, kiddo!

New Books

The American Quilter’s Society sent me a few books for review and they did a terrific job (at least from the covers).  I haven’t cracked them yet, but I’m impressed!  They all look like something I’d buy.   I can’t wait to review them for Quilter’s Home, because you never know, dumpling. 

New Cross Stitch

I found this Silhouette cross stitch sampler in the NeedleworkShoppe.com catalog and had to order it.   Now you know and I know that I’ll never pick up a needle to work it up, but a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do!

Sneak Peek

Here’s a sneak peek at my next cover!

More when I get back!    Until then. . .    xoxom

Franklin, Massachusetts was a riot.   There were quilters waiting in line in front of both the front and back doors of Emma’s Quilt Cupboard before the store opened.  

Now, those who know me will get a kick out of what was right next door.   I had to be on my very best behavior!  You know, you can take the kid out of  the Catholic School . . .

The Drivers

When I pulled up in front of Emmas, it turned out that I backed into a Rhode Island quilter who came to see me while I was trying to parallel park (I’m not the best driver, but I’m fast)!  Now, she came out of the car hootin’ and hollerin’ but, for cripes sake, do you think she could have stayed in her own damn parking space instead of using a quater of mine? 

The Accent

I love that everybody  sounds like Norm from THIS OLD HOUSE and I never passed up the op to tease!  

“Naaaaam, paaaass me the ham-mah!” 

“Heeeeaave you heaaad ow-ah chow-dah?”  

The Shop and Staff

The shop was big and beautiful.  Only in the biz for about 4 years, the staff really had fun decorating the place for the crowd who came in for a visit.  The place was packed and I had the best time meeting with the local (and not so local) quilters.   

Here are a few quilters looking over my new blenders, ELEMENTS.  They were a hit (of course, what were the darlings  gonna say?  “Maaaaaak, they-ah butt ugly!” ?

This is Cyndi, the own-ah.  She’s adorable and while I lost the bet as to how many would show up (I said 20, she said 100 — and there were more than that.  I signed autographs for just about 3-full hours), the terms of our bet agreement stands (and is known only to a select few who were sworn to secrecy — but I want to video it).    She has great instincts and taste and it’s refreshing to see a store, in these economic times, really doing well!  As you can see below, I’m trying to get a little of her mojo to rub off on daddy!

Here’s a group of visitors with some staff .  One is nicer than the other!   They’re all so sweet up there! 

I want you to meet my buddy, Kathy Rich, who is also a part of this crew but whom I met when I taught in Henniker NH, last year!

Everytime I see her she showers me with snacks to enable my lard-ass!  This time it was 4 pieces of the most fabulous local pizza and my all time favorites, Nonna’s Anise Cookies (I don’t know where she finds them but they are fricking YUMMY), which I polished off just yesterday (private stock – no family mitts allowed in the cookie bag).

 Barb and me

Speaking of fat asses, Barb (me, not Barb), who works at the shop, crafted this giant cupcake for me to hide behind during photos!  LOL  You see, they weren’t planning to Photo-shop!      As a matter of fact, the whole theme  was “cupcakes.”   Kathy had a cupcake shirt she made, there were cupcake badges for me to sign and cupcakes being served. Barb made a cupcake apron.   Thus, I will continue to autograph “Quilt Naked, Cupcake!  xoxo”

Cyndi behind the counter!

This is Emily who made the award winning doll, Pearl (named after a bar and grill)

The lines for fabric, notions and Quilter’s Home were long (two giant boxes of krakow Fat Quarters and some whole bolts of the stuff sold out within hours)!  Notice me hiding behind Barb’s giant cupcake (above)! 

The Drive Home

On my drive home, I stopped at a nearby quilt shop, call Quilters Stash in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, whom I had heard sold my califon fabrics!   Imagine my surprise to see my Northcott sign in their window!

Here’s the best part — they’re right next to a Burger King!  

I have to ask. Wouldn’t this “king” have scared the shit out of you when you were a kid?  What was their marketing agency thinking?   He’s fricking scary!  I would choke on my Triple Whopper if I saw him turning the corner… not to mention a back alley!

Speaking of Burger King — look what was on their menu . . .

Oh, yeah, baby!   Sliders that might actually taste good!   Move over White Castle and pass daddy the BK Shots! (I loathe White Castle).

While I was at Quilter’s Stash, I noticed a lot of my califon being used, among other tasty have to have patterns.

I loved this califon quilt.  It’s from the pattern, Town Square by Four Paws Quilting.

This quilt beauty caught my eye, too.   It’s from the pattern Cinnamon and Ginger by Allison Quilt Designs.

These art blocks are done using some califon . . .

This pattern/idea came from the American Quilter magazine.     Now I have to tell you, based on the article I wouldn’t have tried the technique, but after seeing the results, it’s so worth a try!

This is me with the owner of the shop, Sue.  There wasn’t a giant cupcake to hide behind so I insisted that that photo be taken, “tits up” to avoid the shock, awe and  horror of my obesity(I really need to get this under control).

One More Stop

I tried to get to Quilter’s Crossing in West Nyack, New York to check out a shop there but they were closed!   Drat!   So I pressed my nose to the window and left a business card in their door.    Oh well  . .

My Next Trip . . .

I’m off to the Sewing Expo in Puyallup, Washington on Saturday.  

I’ll have my credit card in hand and an extra suitcase!   WhoooHOOOOO!   (Hell!  I am SO good for the economy — I stimulate myself!)  Now, stop your filthy mind! 

See you there, cupcakes!   xoxom

Come and Visit me on SATURDAY!

This Saturday, February 21, from 10 AM until 1 PM, I’ll be signing magazines, laughing, creating chaos and giving sneak previews of my upcoming fabric lines, prizes and autographs (of the banned issue) and my new krakow fabrics  at

Emma’s won the califon display contest and I’m driving up to thank them (they also won the complete line of my krakow fabrics).   Here are a couple of pics from their winning display.

So please stop to say ‘hi’ this weekend for a few laughs, hugs, stash shopping and fun!  xoxom

McCalls! 

I’m really happy to be in the new issue of McCall’s Quilting

First, two table runners pieced for me by Elaine, owner of The Quilter’s Nook Studio, in White Oak, PA, using my califon fabric line.  The Quilter’s Nook has kits available for these two table running projects so take a look.  You can call Elaine at 412-751-1356  

Then designer Penny Sturges of Quiltsillustrated has a sweet bag design using the B&W califon (but I LOVE LOVE LOVE how the McCall’s included a ton of bags recreating Penny’s design using a lot of different fabrics and hot designer combos).

Quiltmaker!

You know, chickens, I was in blogging hell and didn’t have the change to show you the cover quilt for the latest Quiltmaker, and a quilt they are featuring  using the califon fabrics.  Take a look.  It’s a fabulous quilt in person!   Kindred Quilts is offering this quilt as a kit.  You can call Kindred at 908-730-8896 

GLASS BUTTONS

I was working on a segment for Quilter’s Home at a local bead shop and saw these terrific glass buttons.  My buddy Toby (owner of Kindred Quilts) told me that there is a glass making class at this shop that teaches how to make these glass beads.  So Jeff, Toby, and I signed up!    Here’s an example of what they look like. 

  Fabulous, right?   Can’t wait!  

So, guess what?  Guess what showed up at the bead shop?   The owner, Linda, had a bag made from my Katmandu fabric!   The button on it is fused glass — the class we’re going to take.  Small world!  

 New Stuff

I am so honored that designer Tricia Cribbs added a califon fabric quilt in her new latest book, Turning Twenty Simply Sashed.  Now you know how I love a Turning Twenty, this is like icing on the cake for daddy!

 The califon quilt is on the upper left of the book jacket.  I love the quilt on the lower right!

Here’s the califon quilt in greater detail

Love this little book, Sip ‘n Sew,  by Diane Dhein for Krause Publications.

 There are a lot of cute projects and some yummy *hic* cocktail recipes in here!  Ahhh, a woman after my own heart!   But be careful.  Too many of these ‘magic’ drinkables and you might end up like that freakozoid Octo-mom!

If you’e not a big fabric buyer (you like FQs and smaller), you’ll love Loose Change by Claudia Plett and Le Ann Weaver.  I think it’s a very nicely done book, and while the quilts aren’t anything out of the ordinary (what do you expect from tiny pieces of fabric?),  they are worth a look and are inspiring!  

And, I wasn’t going to say anything, but what the hell….

Laura Pond

We know who you are and your little cats, too!

(more on that later)

xoxom

 Hello, Cupcakes! 

      My new line, Elements, just arrived!  I’m psyched and can’t wait to do something with them.    I love that they blend with all of my older lines, as well as the surprise line that I’m unveiling at the International Quilt Market in Pittsburgh this spring!  

As for Elements,  it will ship to the shops in March or early April.  Make sure that your shop carries it – ask for it! 

The following are the computer images of the design.  The fabric looks awesome and feels like silk!     xoxom   

 There is a darker tan that supposed to be here but I couldn’t get the darn thing to download and show up (sounds like when I was dating). 

Anyway, folks, I hope you like them!

Hey Cupcakes,

Boy, the wind is blowing on Pickle Road.  Yes, we’re getting the same high, damaging winds that have raced across the US this week.  As a matter of fact, I heard a tree fall in the back of the house and when I looked out the window, I could have sworn that I saw the struggling  wicked witch of the midwest, Fabrica, riding her spartan broom across the New Jersey sky.   

Batten the Hatches

Speaking of wind we lost several trees at Pickle Road today (not to mention that the electricitykeeps going off and on).  It’s not a big deal because the trees were in the woods, and didn’t crash through the house or pool but I hate to hear that snap.   Of course, we now have fireplace wood for next winter. 

But even with all of the wind, it’s nice that the snow has melted and we get to see the stream in the backyard when it trips and falls. 

Irish Quilting

Just a note that I’m in the new Irish Quilting magazine that’s about to hit the stands.  Its’ a new publication, written and published in Ireland — so you might want to take a look.   Besides my short interview (and very handsome photoshopped, thin-bodied and baby-assed-skin photo), is a pattern in two colorways designed  by Toby Preston using my krakow line.  Along with the address of an Irish quilt shop – that carries  the fabric (pretty neat)!   In the US of A you can order the fabric  for these quilts directly from Toby at www.kindredquilts.com  or check with your local quilt shop!

Lonni’s New Line

Speaking of fabric, I got the most beautiful fabric samples from Andover’s Lonni Rossi today.  The line is called Black & Tan.  They are spectacular (in a very Lonni way) with hits of sparkle and gold. Trust me when I tell you that the photos do them no justice!

 New Book

I also got a new book in the mail.  It’s called THE KITCHEN LINENS BOOK by EllynAnne Geisel, whom I met several times at various markets.  

I kinda like this book.  It has projects and even a vintage Butterick transfer in an attached envelope.  If you’re into this style of textile design or collecting then you should seriously take a look at it. 

Bit the Bullet

Shit and damn!  I just can’t stop spending money.  Even as the “D” word is being tossed around (depression), I’m doing my personal best to save the economy.

Yes, turtles, I bought the Amazon Kindle. 

Now I didn’t get it yet, but how could I resist (you know a boy and his toys)?  It’s the second generation of the Kindle- Kindle 2.  I love the Text to Speech function on this new one — it’ll read to you!  It will be released on February 24 but I think there’s a waiting list (so I’m not the only crazy one), so I may not get it for 6 or more weeks. 

DO NOT SCROLL DOWN IF YOU ARE SQUIMISH

I’m warning you!

I am appalled. 

 Believe it or not, I happened to find these very objectionable les objets d’art online while I was searching for a soda cooler of all things! I’m not kidding you and these are not a photoshop joke.   They are squirrel feet earrings and they came from an Etsy.com shop. 

Here’s the link to the most disgusting jewelry ever.  I’m not even sure it should be legal!  Ugh!  I’m really horrified, and revolted  by them.   Now, I’m sure my friend Amy would wear these.  But I, myself, would pass. 

Until next time, turnips!   xoxom