I am happy to invite you to the Wichita Modern Quilt Guild, which meets Tuesday,  April 19th at Material Girls Quilt Shoppe from 10 – 12.   I will be speaking about how to design fabric. 

I have been blessed to design a new line of fabric with Benartex Fabrics, “Boutique Chic” which will release in October, Fall Market 2011.  Each time we have seen design boards of this line, we scream out loud!  “Boutique Chic” is a bold step away from my niche in baby world, and I can’t wait to get started sewing with this fresh, grown-up, color-infused line!

Keep checking for updates on the line!

Saturday, the staff of Midwest Sewing & Vacuum was kind enough to invite me to visit

with their customers and answer questions about fabric and pattern design.

I would like to thank Jean & Judy for their hard work in setting up a

lovely refreshment area with a beautiful linen table cloth, crochet doily and pretty

floral china plates for guests to enjoy!   All very nice and well done!! 

They have so generously placed my display models made from my patterns and books in

Benartex fabrics right in the front window for several weeks now!

My sister, Tamara Gonzales came and took some pictures for me to share with you.

Jeff Gordon was on hand answering all the important, technical questions about the machines! 

I demonstrated on the Bernina machines with the ruffler attachment,  and also the BSR;

 Bernina Stich Regulator (the machine stitches when you move your quilt under the needle!) 

I wish everyone could have it on their machines when quilting.

I also showed decorative stitches & threads that I like to use on pockets and hems.

I want to thank everyone for all their help and kindness, and to the

guests who visited with  me about their sewing hobby.

I hope you had a happy weekend!

How exciting!  School House is a great opportunity to share with shop owners my new patterns and fabrics.  I have held several over the past few years, but this was an awesome turnout!  I am so honored that these hardworking shop owners found time to listen to some boutique tips I have picked up over the years in this industry.

We had the pleasure of working next to wonderful Benartex Fabrics.  Susan Neill and David Lochner and Susan .

We were so fortunate to get to airline to Market.   A wonderful sister pattern designer, Deborah Johnson, In the Dog House Designs who allowed us some space in her van with her booth this year.  Thank you Deb!

I don’t settle in until the booth is just so.. and every day we work in the booth, we learn something new about what works best, by the time the show is over, we have it “Right ,Right”.

My newest pattern, On the Go Trio was so perfect for market this year.. I was traveling with my staff and we all had our hip purses with the flower pins and the perfect colored scarves.. the three of us were the actual “on the go trio” ! We love this picture of the model.. we all want to be her!

This is the first time that my team and I (R to L: Jackie, Beverly, Stephanie) have all three traveled together to market.  I was so delighted to introduce everyone to our friends at Benartex and have the chance to sit with Susan face to face to look over the new line we are working on.  We squealed, we hoo-rha-ed, we drooled, (but only in the most professional way).

I always make a point to give shopowners a display idea they can recreate in their shop.  This corner “closet” made from a bi-fold hinged shutter, some cable ties and cafe rods to support and act as closet rods is something anyone can do.. and it looks so darn cute full of kids clothes!

My friend and fellow Prairie Quilt Guild member, Lesa joined us and helped in countless ways at our booth.  She and her sister, Lori showed us where to shop, where to eat and all the Houston tips.  Lori drove us to  The Container Store!  Lesa was the cable tie queen.  Thanks for all your help, ladies!

Midwest Sewing Center at 7348 W. 21st Wichita, Ks, 316-722-9737

graciously invited me to display a trunk show at their west store location.

 Midwest carries an unbelievable selection of sewing and embroidery machines, including

Bernina!  They offer an extensive list of sewing classes including quilting and embroidery classes.

I was sew excited to display my Baby Business fabrics in the front window!

On Saturday, November 13, from 10 a.m. to Noon, I will be at Midwest Sewing

to answer questions and discuss fabric and pattern design.  My patterns will be available for sale as well. 

I can’t wait to see you there!

It’s here!  I am sew excited to have my hands on these fabrics.  Tons of ideas for projects to sew on my new machine!  It’s so nice to see it on a bolt after working with strike-offs, you just can’t wait to see what it’s going to look like and feel like at the final stages!

Look at all the pretty colors!  They are delicious!

We love these beautiful fabrics!  Thank you so much Benartex!

I am anxious for 2010 Spring Market, just around the corner.  This darling top with fun flower pocket is so quick and easy – it’s my newest pattern, sewn up in my newest line of fabrics from Benartex.  I can’t wait to show you more!

I have been waiting for what seems like forever to announce some very exciting news.  I am preparing to travel to New York this week to begin designing my next line of fabrics with Benartex.  Until the contract was signed and the travel date set, I have kept this information to myself.. But now that I know it is actually coming to pass, I feel like I can share my news!

I have had the pleasure of visiting via phone and email with Mr. Lochner, the President of Benartex Fabrics and finally got the chance at Fall Market to quickly meet in person.  I am looking forward to meeting the staff and team I will be working with next week.  I am impressed with the products they offer for quilters and hope I can add to the variety of fabrics.

I have been designing this line in my head for the longest time and have so many ideas, my head is spinning.  My staff and I have been working to fine tune our wish list and I just hope I don’t scare the graphic artists at Benartex with the presentation!  I hope to share more about the design process in future posts.

Thank you to everyone who has given their support and to Mr. Lochner at Benartex for this exciting opportunity!

Between traveling and designing, I have had little time for sewing.  I did get the chance to make my sweet Ava a soft, fabric book for her birthday.  Her first birthday was on Halloween, it’s hard to believe a year has gone by already!

Angie made darling costumes for Ava and herself (baby witch & mommie witch) and decorated her house for the celebration.  It was such a nice party,  Angie worked very hard!  I love Ava’s hat Angie sewed onto a black headband.  She’s just worn out after all the fun and trick-or-treating!