Monday, June 23, 2008

They call it "work"

Very few of you out there in the blog reading world post a comment on my ramblings. That sometimes makes me feel like I’m writing to myself. I recieve lots of comments in person, so I know you are out there, you’re just very quiet. When I don’t post for awhile all I hear is “Why haven’t you kept up with the blog”? The funny part is that when I ask someone why they didn’t post their comment they almost always respond that they don’t want the rest of the world reading what they have to say. Funny. Here I am yacking to the world and you don’t want anyone to know that you think I’m nuts? I think Freud would say that one of us has a complex. …. No wait, Freud would say BOTH of us have a complex … or is it our mothers fault?

What I have been doing – instead of blogging - is “work”. Yes, it IS work. I’ll admit that it is the best kind of job I can imagine, but none the less, the IRS acknowledges that it is my job, so therefore, I’ve been working.

Last week I “slaved” over the 208 four patch blocks for this scrap quilt that will be part of a club program here in the store this fall. The pattern had an option for inserting a solid square, the 4 patches (the option I chose) or mini 9 patch blocks. Can you imagine? Two hundred and eight 9 patch blocks using 1” squares – that WOULD be work!

The program is all about scrap quilts. It includes 12 patterns designed to help you use, organize and make beautiful quilts from your fabric stash. How many scraps did I use in the construction of this quilt? ….. That’s right, none. Zip. Nada. Zero. Every piece of it was cut directly off a bolt. Oh, I have PLENTY of batik scraps. I could probably make something to rival the size of Rhode Island if I dipped into my batik stash. But those are my FAVORITES, I don’t want to USE them, because then they will be GONE. …… now who needs psychiatric help?

Don’t worry, I’ve got “crazy” covered. I spent a few days catching up on our Crazy Patch Block of the Month too. We are just past the mid point in this 9 month program and I needed to finish up a few of the older blocks. That might be a revelation for those of you that are in the program. No, I don’t always assemble all of the pieces right away. I normally go right from filming the video to editing (because I’m usually right up against the deadline and have to upload the video the next day) and all of those “parts” get swept into a big clear storage box until I have time to sit down and sew. Now I’m not only caught up, I’m ahead! Ahh, the pleasure of calling your husband and saying “Honey, order a pizza for dinner, I have to work late” only to return to your sewing machine and a pile of ribbon, lace and a pile of beautiful fabrics!

Ok, it isn’t ALL fun and games. I spent the better part of yesterday, a gorgeous, sunny, perfect temperature Sunday, sequestered in my office here at the shop. I was pretty much chained to the color printer, scanner and work table trying to prepare the artwork for my next fabric line. I’m flying to New York tomorrow to work with the art department at Timeless on my next two fabric lines and the merchandising ideas for Quilt Market in Houston.

Early yesterday morning I had more than a dozen good ideas for where I want to go next with my fabric line. Unfortunately the ideas don’t work together. Two of the ideas are pieces for a killer floral graphic line. Four pieces are for a way-out-in-left-field graphic collage looking line. Three or four others would make great fabric prints, but don’t necessarily work with the other ideas. One of those ideas is based on a Fimo clay project that I made with Lindsay another is a bandana style print. What I really want to do is a tone-on-tone graphic print collection. After 9+ hours yesterday I’ve managed to clean up the art and loosely organize it into possible collections. Tomorrow I will sit down with the Art Department, Sales Manager, Advertising Manager, Owner and we will look over everything they have in the works and decide which ideas should move forward. Then the real work begins. I’ll keep you posted.

Karen

9 comments:

Sweet P said...

I'm not afraid to leave comments on blogs. However, I feel that shop owners and designers with blogs are so busy that they may not have the time to deal with comments.

Your scrap quilt club sounds wonderful. Too bad I don't live in PA. Is it a club you could offer through your website?

I love the rainbow affect of your quilt so far.

Anonymous said...

Ok - so I am one of those loyal readers who do not post :) I work full time with two kids 10 and 13. I guess after working all day, and errands in the evening, I feel like I am all out of responses and I just enjoy reading! I do enjoy your blog and seeing what you are working on. I particularly enjoyed your portrate wall hanging of Katherine. So much that I bought the Complexion Collection FQs and upgraded my version of EQ - now to actually start the projecct!

Anonymous said...

The scrappy four patch (of non-scraps LOL) is gorgeous. I enjoy reading what you are up to. Thanks for taking the time to let us enjoy, be inspired and wowed!

Anonymous said...

Karen ~ I check my e-mail daily to see if you've updated your blog. I do post comments from time to time but I don't have the "flair" with the pen (or keyboard in this instance) as you do ... your wit and view of everyday life rivals the beautiful fabric lines you come out with. Keep up the good work. You have a HUGE silent following out here.....

Anonymous said...

Karen, Ok I admit I look fro the blog weekly to keep up with your hectic schedule, because currenlty my schedule is hectic also. I can say that living just a few miles down the road, it saves me a phone call, or maybe makes me a kinky kinda voyeur type person, but hey, after knowing me lots of years, ( no numbers, this is a blog!) you know i'm out there. Keep the creative juices flowing... when I come to live in your garage, as I've threatened many times, I want heat and running water!

Anonymous said...

I read your blog regularly and always figured you were too busy to read comments.
I like reading about the news and whats going on since i can't get to the store as often as i like to.

Enjoyed the happy hour last night and thank you for showing us the easy table runner and bargello. I always feel good learning something new AND easy.

PG Wagner said...

Ok, so I know we have similar training....so what say we trade careers? Wanna design great, big houses for awhile whilst I design fabrics? Sigh, I didn't think so. Well, I wanna be you when I grow up, then! The scrap quilt is very cool! :)

Anonymous said...

I too am part of the silent readers only. Your writing is so creative yet so very practical with your every day stresses that I can relate. It is a joy to read. Keep it up. The scrap quilt is beautiful.

BrendaLou said...

Karen, I read your blog with great regularlity....MY current scrap quilt has a bazillion flying geese. hmmmm....maybe we could trade or something.....