day 4—spring quilt market

Can fairy tales come true for grown-ups? My trip to Minneapolis was definitely a whirlwind of wonder.

Another remarkable group of folks I met is in the publishing industry. This framed photo of me was taken by my new friends at Martingale—a book publishing company. I also met an Editor-in Chief and an Editorial Director of two major media groups. And lots of authors. And bloggers.

We all have ideas and stories to share!

day 3—spring quilt market

Quilters are very generous and patient people. And, so it seems, are the pros in the industry.

In the last three days I have met CEOs, presidents, VPs, and creative directors of fabric manufacturers who have listened to the Patomi story and looked over our collections. Happily, the overall response has been exciting and encouraging.

day 2—spring quilt market

Today I collected feedback on Patomi’s three fabric collections. Between informal focus groups at the espresso stand and talking with manufacturers on the show floor, I’ve received honest and thoughtful insights.

Younger retailers, especially online ones, liked the non-matching Origamee Collection. Established store owners preferred the Edo Rising Collection, especially the Sumi colorway in charcoal and citron yellow.

day 1—spring quilt market

Schoolhouse Series is like speed dating quilting pros. The day-long event had 15 sessions, each with 20 choices of presentations. The following six speakers represent only 2% of this year’s Schoolhouse!
Who can resist a dad with four kids who designs lifestyle fabrics? FreeSpirit veteran Joel Dewberry charmed us with his Modern Meadow fabric collection inspired by his new home in Utah.
Direct from Australia, designer Leesa Chandler showed her business side with great tips for cultural marketing. She knows how to add energy and education to the retail experience.
I was thrilled to see Debra Lunn and Michael Wrowka again. Their video presentation transported us to Java to see the production of the Robert Kaufman batik line.
FreeSpirit designer Verna Mosquera of The Vintage Spool is a genius. The Noel quilt made with her Heavenly Peace line uses her fabrics in remarkably detailed blocks.
Margo Krager of Blue Hill Fabrics showed Little Pink Stars, a quilt featuring 432 star blocks made with fabrics from the 1840s to 1890s. The antique fabrics have been faithfully reproduced in Margo’s newest line of mostly double pinks.
Scatter Joy by Kathy Davis is the culmination of a life of learning and sharing. Kathy endeared us with her story of becoming a recognized painter and lettering artist—first in the greeting card industry and now with fabrics for FreeSpirit.

for a graduating senior

Passport, 2010, 52" x 88"

This quilt has been patched together over a two-year period. An upcoming deadline finally got it to the finish line.

The recipient will be an innovative young man who always thinks outside the box. The African bug print at the top is a detail he’ll enjoy.

The global fabrics—from Africa, Japan, Southeast Asia and America— are from Maurine Noble’s stash. Nothing new there. Thank you Maurine!

fabric crush

Now in the Wallingford Center, Fabric Crush is the brightest fabric store I have ever been in. The designer fabrics–the lighting–the white-walled space with big windows–all combine to make a perfect shop for modern quilters.

The owner is Sarah Stine, a member of Plymouth Church and our Piecemakers group. Sarah has taken her vision and brought it to life. Go Girl!

cabin gallery

At the top of the stairs at our log cabin is a set of pole railings. While I’m here, I hang a series of small quilts over the railings. Then I put the quilts away when I’m gone so they don’t get sun damaged.

This quilt is a gift from Maurine Noble who wrote the book Basic Quiltmaking Techniques for Machine Applique. Maurine made the quaint quilt to use in her applique classes that she taught around the world.