Designing Away

I have my design wall filled with fabric, circles and ric rac... trying to get an idea that popped into my head, went down on my sketch pad as a very loose design, to turn into a quilt from fabric!
Easier said then done.  First the circles had to get cut using my Accuquilt GO, then the fabric auditioned.  Then more fabric auditioned because the green I had beside the pink was just not working.
And of course, then more circles had to be recut as they suddenly didn't match the green and pink.

Then I took a pic of that and went to EQ7 and started again. Here is one of my rejects, it just doesn't work for me.

It might be the colours, but I did audition a whole bunch, I think it may be the different widths in the rectangles as I tried to create my own version of a log cabin block.  Either way, it hit the rejection bin=)

So what do you do when you have reject after reject?   Okay, maybe you don't have that happen, but I sure do.

I go and find some inspiration. This video is so great for making me feel like giving up is not a great option. The caption is 'The only person standing in your way is YOU. Find something in your life worth fighting for and discover a FIRE within you.' 

How amazing is that for a quote?

Or how about 6 ideas to inspire your work routine. Love the creative ideas in this one!

One of my favourite blogs is a new one 'Find Your Lula'.  Now I will admit I have been to the retreat twice and this blog is a spinoff from it... and simply put, you can find what you need for growth and inspiration and organic thought here. Another disclaimer I do write for the blog as well. 

Tell me, what do you do for getting the creative juices flowing?

Back at It

I cleaned up my sewing room and in doing so, realized I needed another thread holder. My awesome husband listened to my idea and made me this.

It is a thread holder out of my grandparents barn, one of the boards that had come off. Now I have a piece in my sewing room. It brings me so much happiness!

Remember I went to Lula 2014 retreat a few weeks ago?   I had the opportunity to write a post up. If you would like a good laugh and give it some thought about going there yourself, check it out here. One of the benefits of going to the Lula 2014 is a brand new headshot by a super amazing photographer.

Just to keep you up to speed on holiday planning, check out some great quilt gift ideas that I wrote about on Craftsy.

This is what I am working on at the moment. I had made the leaves in the summer and didn't know what to do with them.

I finally put fusing on the back and laid them out on a white background in this design. What do you think?

Back from Lula 2014

I have returned from a week long trip to Utah.  What a trip it was, I had the thrill of being part of the staff that put on Find Your Lula by Amanda Herring of The Quilted Fish.

If you ever want a retreat to learn Adobe Illustrator, find your creative mojo, eat amazing food and laugh till you cry, this trip is for you.  It is simply amazing. Amanda only allows 8 guests so it is very intimate with tons of hands on learning and inspiration and help available.  

This is the bracelet I received upon arriving.   Do you see that it says 'just breathe'... that is so freaking accurate as I do tend to worry, so now I just strap this on and off I go!

This book was also a gift and even though I am only on p. 26 it is simply amazing if you don't know how to find creative time.  I love it. 

Those are my toes... don't mind them at the bottom, instead look at all the heavenly fabric I came home with.  I adore Riley Blake Fabrics.  All those chevrons and polka dots and even some of Amanda's Lula Magnolia in there to boot!

Last up to show you is my adorable bracelet my friend Missy made for me. Don't you just love it?

Pieces of measuring tape cut up and mixed with resin and special little charms hanging off of it.

I have a special project in the works and can't wait to show it to you!

What are you working on?

Back From Utah (picture heavy)

I think I am almost caught up on sleep.   I was gone all last week to Park City Utah to help my super awesome fabric designer friend Amanda Herring with her Lula retreat.

 First stop is the amazing house that the retreat was held at.   It was called 'The Grand Love Shack' and had 11 bedrooms!  

Now these next few pictures may make you a little lightheaded.  One of the rooms was designated as a 'candy room' with about 15 glass jars filled with all types of candy.   If you are wondering, I will put your mind at ease, this is where you could find me most morning, afternoons, and evenings.

These adorable felt flowers were given out to each of the guests and had pins and clips on the back so could be worn or clipped onto something.

Here are a few of us clowning around in the kitchen when we should be doing something much more productive.   Notice the fancy aprons Amanda and I made?

This next picture is a huge one stroked off my bucket list - the headquarters of Riley Blake Fabrics!   And it gets better.....

Yep, there I am with the gang from Riley Blake!   On the left is dear sweet Julia who always sends me awesome fabric to play with.   Then next to me is Cindy the super generous owner of RB Fabrics, and on the far right is Jina the second in command who is so sincere and lovely.

I could barely speak I was so overwhelmed to actually be standing there with them at headquarters in the room they tape their tutorials!

Of course it wouldn't be me if I didn't clown around a bit.

I brought one suitcase inside of another, so I could bring all of this home!

Life is good!   Thanks Lula!