PA Guild Fine Craft Fair

Happy Wednesday everyone! Can you believe its August...TOMORROW! Please somebody tell me, where did the summer go??

Anyway, I had a pretty fun and productive weekend! I got the privilege to help/assist my wonderfully talented friend Nicolette Absil at the 7th Annual Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair!

She was 1 of over 190 craftsman from around the US that exhibited. Pretty awesome, right?! I am so proud of her! This was her second show ever and she did such an amazing job!  

If you're local and you'd like to get your hands on some of Nicolette's beautiful handmade jewelry you can see her at the next Pennsylvania Guild Fine Craft Fair on October 11-13 at Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia.

I got a pair of thank you earrings that I just love! I wish I worked in an office so I could wear them everyday, but I do try to wear them every chance I get. Thanks Nicolette!!!!

I did get to sneak away for a bit to check out the rest of the show. There were tons of exhibitors and demonstrations. It was really something!

 After walking around a bit I found quilters!! I had no idea quilting was considered Fine Craft! I'm sure there was more, but I came across 2 textile artists that had some pretty outstanding work.

The first was Fulton Design Studio. I just loved their booth! Wife and husband duo Jan and Gary Fulton make amazing art quilts and table linens inspired by nature. 

They use mostly batiks which I think lends to the vibrancy of their work. I got to talk with Jan for a bit and she gave me some great ideas on technique and process! For more information about Fulton Design Studio visit their website here!

Next was Lorac Designs. Quilt artist Carol Heisler creates beautiful one of a kind quilts using great imagination and color theory. 

As her website states she has developed an innovative style that blends precise realism with abstract expressionism, which I totally agree! She has been featured in numerous magazines and galleries across the US. Most outstanding of Carol's booth was Carol herself! 

She had such a great personality and warmth about her I could have stayed and chatted all day! For more information about Lorac Designs visit their website here!

All in all it was a pretty good time. I hope I can help Nicolette at the next show! I really love getting to see/meet all the amazing craftsman and artists. It makes me hopeful that people continue to appreciate art and the importance of handmade work. Maybe one day I'll be the one exhibiting! But until then I'll be happy just supporting!

Around here

Its been summer lazy days around here. With how hot it has been, I come home from work and all I want to do is flop on the couch and sleep. Luckily though, I have managed to muster up enough energy to get considerably far with my latest project.

I started this way back! I actually bought the fabric for it over 2 years ago! Its Aviary 2 in granite by Joel Dewberry. I so love this fabric! Its absolutely gorgeous! For the background I used my staple Kona in black and medium grey. I think they work well together.

When I saw Heather Mulder Peterson's pattern Spanish Tiles in her Living Large 2 book, I knew it would be the perfect choice. I just love this pattern! It is so sophisticated just a perfect compliment to Joel's fabric.

I'd have to say I really enjoyed this pattern. There were a lot of pieces and bias edges on the sashing parts, but somehow it all managed to come out square and happy!

At this point it was a breeze. All the pieces just flew together!

Caught me!!! Thank you to my fearless companion for keeping me company while I sewed this puppy together last night. You're the best honey!

And we're done! Well not quite yet. I still have to add borders, but I just had to share my progress! I really wasn't sure how this was going to turn out but now that I see it all together I am really happy with it.

More to come soon! But if you just can't wait, you can follow me on Instagram for the latest on this and many many many other projects and adventures! :D Have a great Thursday!

Bloglovin

Okay so I swear I'm still alive. Just a quick post to claim my blog on bloglovin. Sorry guys. 

 <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5223001/?claim=vwuxaet67rw">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

I promise I'll post again soon. I want to share some progress on my current project just haven't gotten the energy to write about it. Those lazy summer days...... :D

Enjoy some cats in a suit case!

New York Getaway

I know its been a while since I last posted, but that's because I've been on vacation!

Kind of funny that my sewing bag is just as big as my duffel bag!

I finally took some time off from work and just got away for a bit.

We stayed at Watkins Glen State Park which is near the Finger Lakes in up state NY. We always seem to have great luck at state parks. The facilities are well kept and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They even have security patrolling so its very safe.

The first day we walked down to The Gorge, which is one of the main features of the park. It was really beautiful.

We then took a stroll down to Seneca Lake.

 
When we travel I always look for local quilt shops and I found the most darling shop right down the street from the park!

O'Sushannah's Quilts and Gifts, nestled right in downtown Watkins Glen, is what I dream a quilt shop to be. Don't get me wrong I love my shops at home. But something about this place made it so much more.

For starters the place was huge! Everywhere I turned there was more amazing fabric!

Do you see the Swoon!

They also have retreats and classes in the upstairs portion of the shop.

I loved all the adorable samples!

 

The owner, Sue, was telling me that they will be featured in the Fall issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine with this quilt. And they were also voted a top 10 shop! Way to go girls!

And I couldn't leave without some goodies. After two trips to the shop I had a happy bag full of these beauties.

I can't wait to cut into these!

The next day we made a quick trip to the Corning Glass Museum.

This quilt like mosaic is all glass! Amazing!

And then since we knew we wouldn't be this close again in the near future we decided to go to Niagara Falls.....in the rain.

But the 2+ hour drive gave me some time to stitch some hexies!

Even in the rain it is still so amazing.

We got completely soaked. But I did manage to get a delicious local treat!

And since we were sooooo close we skipped on over to Buffalo for some authentic Buffalo at Nine Eleven Tavern. I normally don't eat chicken, but I kind of had to. It was seriously the best buffalo I've ever eaten.

And on our last day we made our way back to the harbor for a delicious meal at the Village Marina.

Tired, but happy camper!

The Sea Serpent! So yummy!

All in all we had an amazing trip and I especially had a good time de-stressing.  Although roughing it camping can be a little work, especially in the rain, its better then any day at work. I can't wait to get out there again!