My 2 cents (that's about all I can afford!) ;-)

As expected, Quilt Market in Houston was wonderful. What came as a complete surprise was how well we did with my patterns. I’ve never exhibited solo at market. I’ve always been there with Indygo Junction, or Timeless Treasures selling my patterns or fabrics with those companies. And, although it was always very busy back then, I guess I wondered if the current state of the economy would keep the purse strings tight. I really wasn’t counting on the numbers of patterns we sold but I have to say I’m very happy and that it was inspiration to get back home and work on finishing up the newest ones in order to get them to you faster!

I have 8 new patterns that we displayed samples of at market and told shop owners that they would be available sometime after the first of the year. But I was so motivated by their response to the new ones that I had to get them done as soon as possible. So I buckled down and put a couple of other things on hold and for the most part, 5 of the new patterns are done and in stages of going to print. They should all be shipping by November 24th. If you’d like to take a look at the new designs, Click here.

I have my own belief about the state of our industry in these times. And from what I witnessed at market, I’m not out of line. Yes, the economy sucks right now in so many different ways to so many different socioeconomic groups. But in times like these, people aren’t willing to give up all of their creature comforts. We’ll still spend money to entertain ourselves especially when times are tough and we need an escape. But it’s easier to let go of those dollars when we’re not only entertained but when we also have something to show for it in the end. To us, quilting and crafting is entertainment that we don’t have to feel guilty about. Those hours we spend making ourselves happy with our favorite pastime yield a wonderful and useful finished product also. And, at this time of year, our creativity and ingenuity also come in handy when it seems like the list of gifts we’d like to give is out of our reach, financially.

So, when you take a look at my new patterns or any of the wonderful things our industry’s designers are still cranking out, keep in mind how quickly you can make a set of placemats or a table runner or a door banner for a friend or family member this holiday season. And those kinds of gifts are heartfelt and remembered and useful long after something like a cashmere sweater or the latest and “greatest” piece of electronics becomes obsolete.

On that note, I hope you’re enjoying the “gearing up” to the Holidays as much as I am. I hope that’s obvious in all of my new holiday/winter designs.

Happy quilting to all and thanks for looking in on me :-)