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Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Spring Quilt Market Buzz...

So glad you stopped by our blog hop, and scrapbook prize giveaway!

I can hardly contain my excitement!!!  Quilt Market is being held right here in our backyard this Spring...not literally the yard behind my house...but just a 30 minute ride up the freeway in Salt Lake City. This is a rare opportunity that only comes here every 4 years. I just attended my first Quilt Market in Houston this Fall, where Riley Blake released my second line of fabric: Enchanted Garden. While in Houston, I was overwhelmed with excitement over the visual smorgasbord of beautiful designs and creations. I think I started to fall in love with the fabric industry this Fall...

This was kind of a big deal to me...because if you must know...I 've always been a little intimidated by fabric, and quite frankly, if you had asked me 5 years ago...I didn't think that feeling affection toward fabric was even possible for me. Any of you who are intimidated by fabric will appreciate this story.


This fabric phobia was my own fault, I'm sure. I connect my fear directly to my first experience with sewing 12 years ago--just a few years after I got married. You veteran married ladies may remember those first 5 years of marriage where you wanted to try everything you watched your own mother do when growing up...well, my mother was quite a seamstress and quilter. So when my husband and I bought our first home, I decided to go through the process to "domesticate" myself, by purchasing a sewing machine. After all, that's what perfect homemakers do, right? They buy a machine, and they sew for their kids, make their own dresses out of curtains, and join a ladies quilting club. Right? Maybe in TV land on Nick at night... 

I truly thought I would love sewing because of it's creative nature. For my first project, I decided to sew a blouse. This is where the whole sewing experience blew up in my face. I bought some really fine silk weight satin...it was really slippery. Then, I found a gorgeous blouse pattern--complete with a tailored collar, buttonholes, placards, cuffs, and lots of other fancy stuff like darts, interesting pleats, and a faux pocket. I bet you can see where this is going...  

That project was so hard! 

I shed many tears over it, only to get it done, and not be able to enjoy it. Somehow, the sleeves ended up about 4 inches too long, and it never fit quite right in the other places either. It was one of those shirts that when you wear it people ask, "oh, did you make it yourself?" and when they say it, they don't mean that as a compliment...they mean it as, "oh dear, she made that herself..." I know...because I tried to wear it once.

All that work, all those nights trying to figure out how to interpret the pattern, then not being able to enjoy the fruit of my efforts in the end...I was done.  Sewing was not for me...

BUT...

Since I'm not a quitter.... I gave it one more go.  

A week later I sewed myself a rayon dress...but I cut the neck hole too wide and put the sleeves on backwards...oh, so that's what those v notches are for...

Now... I was really done. 

So my computerized Babylock machine with 120 stitches, and a monogram alphabet sat in a corner collecting dust until I put it to light work on my paper crafts, and occasional mending projects. It was a darn good thing that I bought a used machine. I was so embarrassed at my feeble sewing skills, that the thought of sewing anything from then on, just seemed like an insurmountable task.

Fast forward to now... 

These days, fabric seems to be finding its way into my home with each new fabric collection I create. Slowly, I have been trying my hand at small projects, and building on the sewing skill-set I am starting to acquire. I've now sewn two dresses, 2 skirts, 4 quilts, and a few other projects...but I was smart, and I didn't start with collars and placards this time--just straight stitch patchwork until I was ready to try something a little more advanced. There are some things that I have become quite confident in...other things still wig me out. 

So when Amanda Herring, from The Quilted Fish, contacted me this January and asked if I would like to participate in a fun promotional effort of local designers who are showing their wares at Quilt Market this Spring, and would I like to contribute a block to a group quilt...butterflies started to swarm in my stomach. I feared that my new skills may not be up to par with the other participating quilt designers, clothing pattern designers, and other fabric designers.  However, I was not going to sit out of this fantastic opportunity that Amanda had organized. The theme she chose for the promo-event is: All Dolled Up.  Each designer was given a pattern of a blank doll to use in her block. We were told that we could dress her up, and style her hair any way we chose, and to use fabric from one of the following Riley Blake collections: Lovebirds, Quite Contrary, Penny Lane, Sweet Divinity which all coordinate beautifully.  
I looked at that e-mail several times, and memorized the "complete by" date...only to know how long I could post-pone and procrastinate getting started. You see...I've never done applique or made a fancy quilt block before. I had ideas for how I would like to dress my doll...I had dreams of dark blowy hair, and a skirt you could peek under...but I could not for the life of me get going on the project.  I was scared to death of my ideas...my fabric phobia had come back strong, and was preventing me from even cutting out the pattern. Not to mention that my block would have to look semi-decent considering the other blocks that would be in the "neighborhood." 
4 days before the deadline...I decided that I would just go ahead and jump in with both feet...and you know what...It was fun!  The fear started to melt, and I was able to draw, and more importantly, sew her hair just like I had envisioned. I was also able to engineer a gathered skirt with a ruffle that you could lift to reveal her lacy bloomers. I was able to hand embroider her face (Thank goodness for Mrs. Quitner's 7th grade home-ec class.) I also created a little dog partially out of buttons, which was something I dreamed up as I went along. She went together much easier than I had anticipated, and in the end, I was mad at myself for not starting on her sooner.  I am so pleased with the result!

Now I bet you are wondering what's going to become of 30 designer's quilt blocks?  We are making two quilts, which will be given away at quilt market. Now you may ask... how can you become the lucky winner of one of these quilts?  Well...you need to come to Market this May in Salt Lake, and visit each of the designers who created a block. You will have a card where you can collect a stamp from each of the designers, and once you have the full collection of stamps, you can then turn your completed card into the drawing for one of the quilts. We are so excited to give these quilts away...they are going to be beyond fantastic!

With this project completed, I am so excited to start my next project...it's actually another block of this same doll using my fabrics from Riley blake. I'm going to make a pillow for my daughter. I can part with this doll, only if I know I can replicate one for myself. I think she's cute. I think that I can now say that not only have I fallen in love with the fabric industry, but fabric as well, since my phobia is being stomped out by my new found obsession with it!

66 comments:

  1. Your doll made of fabric so cute and the those beautiful details. You definetly need to make more your daughter will treasure it!

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  2. Oh I love your applique!! I worked in an AWESOME quilt shop for about 5 years and have an amazing 'stash' of fabrics. The fabrics are so hard to put down....love them!!

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  3. WOW!! This is somethine I would love to learn to do. Sewing is and has always been a BIG challenge for me. TFS.

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  4. The fabric doll is just so lovely! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Samantha, this is absolutely amazing!!! So gorgeous!!!!! I love her!!!!

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  6. I am NOT a sewer, but I do envy the ones that can sew! I read your adventure, and the beginning sounds like me! The difference-I DID quit!! Your doll and dog are so adorable!! The skirt and the pantaloons! You did a SUPERB job! So glad you did not give up! BEAUTIFUL job!!!!!

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  7. This makes me want to quilt...I am in the process of makingf a rag quilt though. Baby steps! Excited to do your blog hop- it is my first btw- Julie Bonner twisted my arm!

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  8. OMG! That is adorable!
    http://comopark1886.blogspot.com/

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  9. This was my first blog hop and I loved it. Thanks for getting me familiar with your products and so many talented people!

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  10. Your applique is adorable! Thank you for such a lovely giveaway too!
    butler83ataoldotcom

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  11. So enjoyed your sewing story. I too have a sewing story quite simular, but now LOVE sewing and quilting. Now I have also added paper crafting and LOVE,love your Cowboy 2 collection!!!

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  12. fantastic -- the doll is amazing.

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  13. What a amazing applique! I have never seen anything quite like it.

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  14. Anonymous7:26 AM MST

    This is amazing Samantha! I love all of the detail. Wow...I want to learn how to do this!

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  15. Oh my gosh!!!! Your block is sooooo pretty!!!! I love her little bloomers too :) I have a love/hate relationship with my sewing machine and it currently sits, broken (jammed?) and waiting for me to take it to the repair shop. Can't wait to see the rest of the DTs projects today!

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  16. Oh my GOSH!!! This is AMAZING!!! It's so you! I love the happy design! I think this needs to be framed for sure! Adorable stitching and gorgeous elements!! Sure glad you didn't give up on sewing and now look at you, you are creating fabric!!

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  17. Wow! Your quilted doll is gorgeous! I hadn't seen your work before. You can be sure that I'm putting you in my feed! Thanks also for a chance to win!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

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  18. You rocked the quilt block.....
    Going to check out the Creative team!
    would love to win some papers!

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  19. I love everything about your design! The colors are beautiful and your whole design is just to adorable!!!!!

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  20. That appliqué is adorable! I have all the desire in the world to sew, but when it comes down to it I can never bring myself to cut the fabric. There's no going back, you know? One day I'll get the nerve :)

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  21. Your doll is fabulous!!!!Working with fabric is something I love to do but I am always leary that I will mess it up I have a problem just diving in:)Thanks

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  22. Valerie Gee8:37 AM MST

    I love the button dog! So cute! I've never done applique, maybe I should try it! TFS!

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  23. Never doubt yourself again! She is adorable and you are an amazing, talented woman! The detail....nuff said :)

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  24. Ohh, I'd love to win. By the way, the little girl is adorable. I LOVE how you even added the undies underneath!

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  25. wow she is just stunning. So inspiring to make. love it!

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  26. That is adorable!

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  27. Samantha she is darling!! You go girl, you can fly!

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  28. Fabulous work! I have wanted to learn to sew for ages but has been a huge challenge mainly myself ~ no confidence in my own ability.
    I found your blog through Pinky @ Much Ado About Nothing love the wanna be paper she used in her project!

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  29. Adorable! Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  30. LOVED the doll. I wish I was that talented. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  31. She turned out so lovely!! I LOVE her! You continue to amaze me. I let my fears get in the way too much. I want to be like you when I grow up (even though we are about the same age). :)

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  32. I love your doll! The scottie! It's so you Samantha!! :)

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  33. Oh, my goodness, she's GORGEOUS! I love how you can see her bloomers.

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  34. this is such a fun idea for a group project! Beautiful inspiration! thanks!

    Sarah

    superrosesmom at gmail dot com

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  35. This is fabulous! I love your papers and what your DT created with them. Thanks for the chance to win!! :)
    Suzy
    suzyq28024@gmail.com

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  36. So very delightful - I have raggedy ann dolls sprinkled throughout my craft room - they just inspire me! Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us!

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  37. I love her beautiful, blowing hair!! You did an amazing job... I have a hard time believing you're not a professional applique-er! (Is that a word?)

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  38. Never even sewed a button so this is incredible! She is so sweet <3

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  39. This is just amazing, Samantha! I just love that you can peek under her skirt - Such a cute touch! :)

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  40. Your quilt square is amazing....I have no ability when it comes to sewing but I can appreciate talent. Thanks for the chance to win the prize...I LOVE blog hopping.

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  41. LOVE your quilt applique--love her skirt and bloomers underneath.

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  42. LOVE LOVE LOVE this doll! So fun!

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  43. She is beautiful:) Your daughter will love and treasure her for years to come!!!

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  44. Very VERY cute!!! Love your work!

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  45. The doll is perfect! Ilove her!

    lg
    elke

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  46. OMG, this is simply adorable. I am a quilter and just recently bought a small sewing machine for my craft room. I love applique.

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  47. How lovely!!!! Thanks for sharing

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  48. That is the most adorable thing EVER!!!! I LOVE the peek-a-boo skirt! TOOOO Stinkin cute!!!!! I can relate to jitters...but girl..you are AWESOME~~!!!!! LOVE your design!!!

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  49. Your quilting block turned out gorgeous.... I love her hair! I can't even touch a sewing machine for my papercrafts without something going wrong, lol! You do very beautiful work!

    Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    ~Ola
    okj83 at live dot com
    zloe.blogspot.com

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  50. that is adorable - I love all the details & colors

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  51. Samantha Walker U ROCK!!! I can completely relate to your fabric phobia....My Mom was a seamstress and my sister can do ANYTHING crafty!!!! But I am the only one that can make paper rock....! I am so drawn to the beautiful fabric world....I know it's just a matter of time..... :) because you make such BEAUTIUFL fabric!

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  52. What a sweet idea! Thanks for the chance to win! scrapguild at yahoo.com

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  53. I love your quilt doll, going to send this to my sisters that make quilts!

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  54. I love it. Sweet details.

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  55. omgoodness Samantha, Im not buying that you dont know how to sew! GF, your block is AWESOME! Thanks for a chance to win the matching paper yumminess!especially since I was at Joanns this past weekend looking for it without any luck, whaaa :-)

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  56. Vanessa, thanks for looking for it. You won't find it at JoAnne's or Hancock or any of the big box stores...this is fabric you will find in your quilt boutique stores, and specialty fabric shops. You can also find several sources online.

    Also...thanks all for the compliments and taking the time to stop by...I do appreciate it!

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  58. That is so adorable!! I'm glad you've conquered your sewing phobia, even if it's just a little bit. I hope this blog has made it clear that you really can do anything, because you certainly did a bang up job on her!! That skirt is fabulous!! I love the entire thing!! I hope you show the pillow you make for your daughter, since there are bound to be differences - even if just in fabric choices.

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  59. OK that is freaking GORGEOUS!!!!!!! I want to make one. I cannot believe you started out sewing 1) a blouse 2) with silky fabric!!!!!! I have sewn for years and I avoid silky fabric like the plague! I make mistakes almost every time I sew too so don't worry, it's not just you. :)

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  60. No way you were afraid of fabric if you can whip that together. She's so cute. I wish I could do something so cute.

    Angel Hawks
    www.MakeSomethingCute.com

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  61. Thanks for the great hop and prize.

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  62. How sweet your doll and those bloomers are too cute.

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  63. I absolutely love this applique! Just too darned cute... What a great give away too!

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  64. I have seen many of the dolled up girls..yours is my fav hands down...when you get back..love to have you as a guest at stash manicure...we will sew embrace you..

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  65. and yes still interested in having you as a guest...mdm samm

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  66. My daughter wants me to make her a quilt like this. I am an experienced seamstress and quilter, but, alas! I need a pattern! Please make one and sell it to me quickly!

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