Hugs from Helen

Travelling teacher news….

right after market we hit the airport and travelled across the US to Minneapolis. Then it was a three hour drive north to Duluth arriving at about 3am – the joys of being a travelling teacher.

Hosted by the lovely Kelly (who I had met on last year’s cruise to Alaska) we had two lovely days sightseeing and taking in some sunshine at her lake front home..

It was truly serene, looking out over this each morning…

We visited the sites of Duluth including the very interesting Glensheen house

Which was full of design inspiration!

A visit to the Karen McTavish studio – I had a quilt published in one of Karens very first books –the Art of McTavishing and had met her several times so it was great to see her latest venture…and have a bit of fun…a few of these were managed also to lighten the day and recover from market..next stop was about an hour away to Hayward Wisconsin, where I was to teach two classes and a trunk show for the Hayward quilt guild.

I was obviously so busy teaching I didn’t have time to take photos but here is a pic stolen from Norma Riehm (who I also met on last years cruise) and her almost finished project from day 1 class where the ladies learnt how easy it is to needleturn applique with applique paper.

I did spot Norma’s finished project from the cruise last year – a delightfully embroidered chatelaine set being well used.Now Norma was telling me about all of their wild animals so I was on a mission to spot a bear, a moose and a racoon… unfortunately this was the closest I got!

Thankyou to the wonderful Kelly, Michele and all at the Hayward quilt guild for inviting me and for such a lovely time given to Susan and myself… of course flying out through Minneapolis Kellie also treated us to a day at the Mall of America, just to completely fill our suitcases..

If you have a guild who may be interested in me coming to visit when Im over for Spring or Fall market, please enquire, it may just be possible one day..

hugs for today

Helen

Market inspiration and trends

I don’t get out much at market to drool and be inspired as I'm pretty tied to my booth and doing what I'm there for, but on a few runs down the aisles I snapped what took my attention. I thought you’d like to see some of the wonderful things I managed to snap….

		Spring quilt market 2016 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The International Quilt market is a trade only show held twice a year – Spring rotates to different cities around the USA whilst Fall is always in Houston and is followed up by Festival – which is for all to attend as most of you would know about. This year we were in Salt lake City Utah.

All manner of exhibitors attend to show their wares and the latest and greatest products, trends, notions, tools, patterns and trims….anything that can be sold to a business in the quilt and soft craft industry.  It can even include things like accounting programs, websites, anything you can think of really…

I make the trip normally once a year to sell my wares, show my designs, put my heart on my sleeve and hope that someone in the quilting world will like and want it.

For other market trend reports visit these sites who had much more time for a good look.

Diary of  a Quilter

Moda cutting table

And Quilts Inc Quiltmarket FB page has lots of pics too

 

hugs for today

Helen

home again home again jiggety jig..

Yes I have been home a couple of weeks but you know – there’s lots to be done when you arrive home – especially when 2 children have been minding house on their own…. and the pantry is empty and the dust – well, you know…. they did good, no complaints here but lots to catch up on.

So, some market and US trip reports to come…..  I’ve so much to tell you and catch up on… and of course lots of yummy new things to show you too.

So first…. I travelled with the most wonderful Sue – who just came along for the ride – and I couldn’t have done it without her. Sue used to own a quilt shop in SA and her knowledge plus her friendly country charm was just perfect for a travelling partner and a helper in my booth..

We arrived the day before setup and to stay awake I was able to show Sue a few sights (since it was my 4th visit to Salt Lake City) – downtown and the Tabernacle precinct is always just so pretty and peaceful…

Then of course it all started! we started with this  

(and yes Sue was busy sewing on bindings any spare minute she had for me)

I was so fortunate to have a local friend to help me too. The lovely Kari of Fresh Cut Quilts was my savior – even Ethan was called in to assist – and a visit to raid her lovely home of props just rounded out our day…

 

So with Kari and Sues’ help we managed to turn that empty square of concrete into this.

For this market a group of us Aussie designers banded together to form the Aussie Aisle for a bit of fun… We had bunting, tim tams, vegemite tastings and photos with our un named mascot – she was the subject of many cuddles and a guess my name competition… with the lovely winner gaining this amazing basket of goodies from us all.

now apart from going to market to do business, the most fun is had catching up with new and old designer friends and others in the industry…. being a total failure at selfies, Sue again popped in as photographer extraordinaire…

so that’s enough for now, I’ll be back with a few more installments!

hugs for today

Helen

Who’s coming to Salt Lake City?

With only four sleeps until I leave and a very long list of to dos still I shouldn’t be here, but yet again its been so long and just in case any of you are coming I wanted to let you know of some of my movements so we can say hi if its possible.

So, Spring Quilt market – the International Quilt trade show (trade customers only this time sorry) is on next week at the Salt Lake City Convention centre downtown SLC. Sue and I fly out Monday to start the long journey and then the long setup ready to open next Friday.

 

of course I have three schoolhouse sessions first on Thursday as follows:

Have Much More FUN with
COSMO! – Im doing this one for Lecien

                                  Room 253a 1.20-1.50pm

Want Cash to Walk In Your Door
Monthly? We’ll Tell You How!  Room 250e 3:30 - 4:00

 

Calling All Hexie Addicts! EPP the
EasyWay                              Room 250e 4.05-4.35

 

 

Then I have two Take & Teach Classes again for you to join in and learn to take back to your students and stores:

Friday 8.00-9.30am

310. SIMPLY REDWORK EMBROIDERY—THE HUGS ‘N KISSES WAY $10

Simple embroidery stitches are ever popular! Introduce them to your students and expand your range of embroidery skills and inventory with simple stitcheries, red work, and more. Make the first block in the Razz-a-Dazzle BOM quilt. (*; 6in embroidery hoop)

411. FROM HEXIES TO CLAMSHELLS— EPP THE HUGS ‘N KISSES IRON-ON WAY $10

Using the new EPP Iron-ons™ extend your knowledge of English Paper Piecing beyond hexagons. Clamshells are the next big thing! Make this super cute purse/cushion and take it back to wow your customers. (*; Sewline fabric glue pen or similar)

I will also be doing demos on demand in my booth daily showing the Easy English paper piecing method using iron on, leave in papers that is going crazy.And 4pm on Saturday I’ll be demoing and book signing on the Landauer Booth #1243  on my Gluestick applique method..

Phew, Im tired just thinking about this…

But wait! there’s more… This year a group of your favourite Aussie designers are grouping together to form the Aussie Aisle!

We’ll all be there in aisle #1800 – right inside the entrance doors next to the quilt exhibit!  You’ll see our aussie bunting for sure… we have some exciting things in store for you….

Each designer will be doing their demos of what they do best!

We have a gorgeous Koala coming with us all the way from Australia – she is very excited, and also very friendly and would love to have her photo taken with you all.  Then you can try and guess her name and go in a draw to win a fabulous basket of goodies from us all.AND

we are having free vegemite tastings too!

Come join all the action in aisle #1800  but before that join our new group – Aussie Designers on Facebook, you’ll see what each of us are doing now and into the future and have us on hand to answer questions etc ongoing.

 

of course, after market brings more excitement as I rush to the airport to travel to Minnesota to teach for the Hayward Quilt guild.. maybe I’ll see you there – there might be just 1 or 2 spots left if you are close by….

 

okay, back to my list now…

hugs for today

Helen

Next up – AQC!

Im madly trying to get some things finished for AQC next week!!!! eeeekkkk along with a book, a fabric range and a café to open…. they do say ask a busy person if you want something done – but pleeeease don’t ask me for anything until about June!

So, this is just a quick note to remind you that, yes, I will be at AQC this year – stand #8 – same place as normal – enter – go to the crossroads and turn left – we are at the end.. (yep, on the way to the ladies room).

Judy has been cutting and packing kits all year, we have some brand new goodies, some old favourites and lots of bundles and offers to tempt you. Jo has been printing, folding and getting me organised and they will both be on stand to answer all your needs and questions.

I am doing a make & take each day 1pm in area #1 – limited to 15 students/kits per day – so yes, do that early morning dash through the doors to get your place – we cannot hold places, its first in each morning. here’s a peek at my project

Yes you’ll get to learn the finer points of clamshells- the Hugs ‘n Kisses way.

 

I’ll also be doing a presentation each day at 12noon in Room 1 – all things EPP – easy English Paper piecing… if you want to pop in and show me some love

 

So, who’s coming? do come and say hi…

hugs for today and back to finishing this new quilt in time!

Helen

 

Travelling teacher……

I’ve had a busy couple of weeks, but it has been wonderful to feel some sun on my shoulders and meet and stitch with some lovely ladies from around the country..

First it was up to the lovely Sunshine coast for Sew, Stitch, Sea

with Lynette Anderson

at the Marcoola Ramada resort…

A room full of excited ladies busting at the seams to get in the door…

We each setup shop – mine from a suitcase, Lynette's from her store just across the street (oh and what a delight her little store is – you have to visit!)

Each of us had a new project – they did both turn out to be little bags (we should have talked) but they were very different and both were very well received. I can only show peeks as Im using this project for a couple more days yet and my ladies love a surprise…

a few days home and then it was back on a plane to Victoria and a lovely drive to Port Campbell- wow what a beautiful place-  how have I This time it was for Linda of Gum Valley Patchwork Stitch in Spring. This time I was teaching with Gail Pan.

now Linda does these days well, that’s why they book out in 2 hours – two days full of stitching women…

Its all her special touches..

everyone got a spcial hand made bag using my fabric which was special to see… 132 of them! Linda do you sleep?

with handmade flower vases on each table and lots of other goodies in their bags.

The venue was amazing

who wouldn’t be happy stitching with this view?

Linda luckily had managed to secure both my new fabric range Fancywork Box and Gails new range of fabric just in time in an advance shipment for the occasion…and she made it all look so pretty

The ladies received two projects each from Gail & I so had plenty of choice… some progress above – and the finished mug rugs – which were sitting safely on my ironing board at home to be packed – woops!

It was so lovely to revisit with old friends and meet up with those who have been ‘stalking’ (sorry Miriam, online friends) for many years… she made me a little cupcake – how lucky am I?

 

On my quick drive back to the airport I had to take a little detour to see where Gum Valley Patchwork normally lives… how cute is this?  so many memories of my childhood in the country not that far away….

and now its home and back to work!!!! no travels for a few weeks for me now…. but plenty to keep me busy

hugs for today – and watch this space for the new mug rug patterns coming in the next week or so….

Helen

A stitching Affair 2015

They came……

they oohed…..

they eeeeeked……

they ahhhed…..

they stitched….

they chatted….

they learnt…..

they persisted….

they made a mess……

they laughed….

they achieved…..

they kept on keeping on…..

they played……

and they vowed to return next year….

hugs to all

Helen

The real Buffalo wing…

after the craziness of market I hit the skies for a quick night flight to Buffalo New York. Helen (my loyal friend and Patchwork Garden stitcher) filled me in on some facts about Buffalo which included:

The Buffalo wing was created here in Buffalo – duh!  why hadn't I ever thought of that. So of course I had to try some

and I must say I think they were the best I’ve tasted…

but my real reason for the trip was of course to teach and share with many many lovely women, all with the common addiction of stitching!

My hosts were the ever lovely Joan and Bev of The Patchwork Garden. 

First stop was a jam-packed trunk show at the shop

My venue was the best you could ever imagine…. a purpose built barn on 18 acres of woodland, yes squirrels, geese with their babies and more… my little B&B abode upstairs with a quick commute to class each day (16 steps I think). What more could I wish for..

We did three days of classes and the ladies were so productive – first day was Colourque by popular request.. it never ceases to excite me seeing everyone's colour choices and how well they come out in the finished product

		Belconnen Beauty Colourque class East Amherst NY VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

On the second day my aim was to have 20 new Gluestick applique converts…. I did my best…and then hexies and embroidery… so much was learnt over the three days

		more workshops in Buffalo… VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

of course I couldn't be so close to an international phenomenon and not go see Niagara Falls – and Bev and Joan gladly took me on the little tourist drive…. but oh! not to spoil it for anyone else but it was just not what I had pictured – but very powerful just the same..

I did take heed of the warning signs….

This was my last night before the long flight home the next morning… whilst it is so lovely to travel and teach and share and meet so many wonderful people around the world, boy its nice to be home….

hugs for today, as I hug my girls….

Helen

to market to market

Next stop after our wonderful relaxing cruise was the not so relaxing but much fun International Quilt Market. This year it was back in Minneapolis – I think my favourite venue…

I had the help of some very special long time Facebook friends and loyal Hugs ‘n Kisses stitcher's Joan and Susan..

of course we arrived to this…..

in a huge hall that looked like this

and spent two days empyting my suitcases and turning it into something like this

With the release of my new fabric range ‘Fancy work Box’ which includes pretty apple greens the look was very soft and pretty this year – with that touch of spring freshness and vibrancy.Old favourites – red,white, redwork and embroidery were still favourites of the show.Of course the best part about market is meeting up with old friends- both designers – Jacquelynne Jost Stevesand shop owners – great to catch up with Jacqueline and Sandra from the Log Cabin in Germany where I stayed and taught a few years ago..

New friends were also made with fun times had by all…

and its always great to catch up with fellow Aussie designers – even if we have to go to the other side of the world to meet.

even those who live down the road!

once again, I couldn't have done it without these great friends..Joan and Susan….

What a wonderful place the internet is to be able to meet friends like these around the world… I wore them out – but hopefully they enjoyed it!!!

 

til the next instalment- yes there’s more… then of course I have so many new goodies to show you all.

hugs for today

Helen

home again home again…..

Well it has been awhile and I have just so much to show and tell you from my travels, so one step at a time…

my first stop was Seattle –to board the wonderful Ruby Princess…

and we cruised North to Alaska with a wonderful group of Quilters…

The most wonderful scenery you’ll ever see – and actually not so cold… Glaciers, icebergs, whales and morepicturesque ports…..Of course wonderful food, taste delights and Alaskan fare..not to mention delicious desserts.. (yes I have a few more kilos to lose)Some interesting Alaskan history – below is a quilt made from duck necks – yes duck feathers cut from the neck of various species of duck..OF course we did stitch! it’s always so inspiring to get a new hexie addict!and found some wonderful quilt stores in each Portwell worth searching out if you ever do an Alaskan Cruise

and wonderful new friends…who shared the experiences with me…

I am so lucky in my job to get these life experiences included…. I do hope I give enough back to deserve this…

hugs for today, lots more to show you of my adventures but we’ll leave that for tomorrow

Helen