Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Dear Readers.....

Hi Debbie and Gislaine,



Thank you for your comments. Yes, the houses are inspired by Yoko Saito’s book Houses, Houses, Houses. I bought the book years ago in Holland in the French version, long before Yoko Saito was known in the USA. Every time I see a Lecien sales person, I’m asking for translations of her book and patterns into English. So far it hasn’t happened!

The book is in America available in Japanese or French…but the pictures are pretty clear and it really isn’t that hard.

An online class in houses? O my God, no way! Do you know how long it takes me to do a few blocks? About 3 weeks at least per block, at least. I have limited time (and energy) and it’s done by hand. But doesn’t every quilter run short in time? It’s part of the hobby! Thank goodness I don’t have to do it fast and if I never finish it, no one will say anything…..

Carly

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Carly's secret houses...





So...you all think that Carly spends her time at shows? Planning and packing and driving and unpacking...
Not!!! here's a little insight into her hobby...with some scraps of the gorgeous LeCien fabrics (mostly Yoko Saito) here are some of her fantastic handmade houses...I can't wait to see them all finished. It should be a terrific piece!

What do YOU do with YOUR scraps??

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Carly's off and running again!

What a whirlwind! hehehe

Dear customers,



Even though I have plenty of tasks on my plate, it seems that writing something for BoltTalk may sometimes be easier for me. So Kerry and I are going to run it together!



I’m running around at shows! Last weekend was the Mid-Atlantic Quilt show in Hampton VA and this upcoming weekend, Webfabrics will attend the quilt show in Somerset NJ. This was kind of a last minute decision as it seems to be easy to do with the big car still being more or less packed. The Hampton show was a wonderful event with many nice customers, gorgeous quilts and yes, also great sales!

What I don’t like about the Hampton show? The rain on Sundays! Somehow it always has to rain when we have to load our vans again and this year was no exception. Cold and wet, we (that is my Mom and I) left Hampton at 7 pm. After a few miles the weather changed dramatically and we were in the middle of a heavy snowstorm. Cars slipping to the right and to the left, spinning around…it was dangerous. We managed to get in 5 hours with a speed of 15 miles per hours to Charlottesville, VA and felt grateful for a safe room with a warm bed.



On Monday we finished our way back home..and by noon we joined Cathy who was all alone in the shop as other employees were unable to drive to work! The snow held most customers away, except for some real die-hards! I hope we’re done with the snow for the rest of the year!



In Hampton, the Fusions, Dimples and Kaffe fabrics had really been “attacked” by the customers, so we cut as many as possible. There’s no way we can replenish in 2 days what usually takes 2 months, but all colors will be there at least for a little! Thank goodness we carry so many basics and have all those fat quarters precut!



I did the laundry and packed my suit case again. Come by and say Hi at booth 620!



Carly