Sewing Tales at Fall 2013 Quilt Market: Recap and Recovery

Hello hello hello. I've been home from the rush and thrill of Quilt Market, for two days now and am finally feeling my energy level increase ever so slightly. Oh wait, maybe that's just all the halloween candy and the massive sugar rush? At this point who knows for sure. I'm certainly not going to fight it anymore, bring it on.

This was my second Quilt Market and first in Houston, Texas (my first was in May 2011). It was so exciting to be back in my home state, yet bittersweet to not have my family here with me to celebrate all the happenings. I toted a copy of my book around QM like the baby that it is, and took pics of it with as many of the fabric designers I could find (whose fabrics I used in the book). Of course I had to get a pic with Heather, since she also wrote the foreword for my book. Sorry to be covering up the amazing paper pieced butterfly in her booth, but you can see it on her blog soon, I'm sure. She even won the best booth award.

Some of you may have seen these pics on my Instagram feed, so I'm only reposting a few of them. If you didn't see them yet, and want to see more, head on over to my kidgiddy IG feed for all the others.

These two guys are from Andover Fabrics. My mom emails me (urgently) that I need to get her one of the bags they were handing out on the first day of schoolhouse, and I got the email too late. Then she says further down the email, that sample spree is tonight - and I HAVE to get her some of the Downton Abbey fabric because she LOVES LOVES LOVES that show. She's one lucky lady - with an amazing daughter that hooked her up. I paid just like everyone else - but walked out of there a proud daughter....thinking, man, my mom is going to love me! And she does. Now I have to ship it to her!

I spent much of the show demo'ing in the Sizzix booth, showing everyone how you can make some really cool things with your triangle, strips, and other basic geometric dies! (Like the Buoys & Hot-Air Balloon basket from my Sewing Tales book)

I met Amanda Herring from the Quilted Fish. She's such a sweetheart and when I met her earlier in the Sizzix booth, I didn't put her first name and her face together with the awesome fabric I used on the Row Boat project in my book!

Say Hi to Meaghan Finnerty - the best Digital Marketing Manager at F+W Media! I feel like I've known her forever. She's been so great to work with and wish she stayed in Texas longer! Next time I'm in NY - guess who's getting a visit?!

These little gnome girls, their mice friends, and the mushrooms got lots of attention in the Sizzix booth while I was there!

This was the scene of my Dritz demo and book signing. Look at all those excited folks - waiting so patiently for the fun to begin. Thank you for all the love everyone!

Had a little chat time with Amy before the show and during. She's so sweet. They all are. I love the community that exists in the 'fabric' community. It's just so down to earth and refreshing.

Tula Pink is in the house (and so was her brother, who is to thank for taking the awesome up high angled pic). I was trying really hard to keep my blinders on in everyones' booths, so I wouldn't get all giddy about their new fabric lines, but that didn't work so well. I love them all, and my Christmas wish list just got longer.

I could not go to Quilt Market or CHA and not get a pic of me with Anna Griffin. While in her booth I saw the dog bone pillow I designed for her in some adorable new doggy fabric. I love that my patterns live on.

I got to go out to dinner with this lovely lady and her sweet baby. I can't imagine going to quilt market way back when my girls were tiny babies and bringing one with me. It's exhausting as it is, but she pulled it off and looked beautiful doing it. Love her kindred spirit, and Heather's for that matter. I also had fun with Heather and her husband at the Goode Co. for a BBQ dinner and had a blast. 

Even after the weekend was over, the Sizzix folks still liked me! LOL! No matter where we were and what we were doing, it was all fun and laughter. They are seriously such a great group of people to work with.

Promptly at 4pm, the announcer came on and said "All good things must come to an end". Seconds later, the echos of paper, boxes and crates filled the air. The shoes came off and everyone else but me changed into "comfy clothes". If you look closely,  you can play ispy and find Heather Bailey and her husband Isaac. I had just said goodbye to them, but couldn't see them in the pic until I saw it on my large computer screen.

As sad as I was to leave Quilt Market, coming home to my awesome husband and amazing daughters was a much happier moment for me. Now I sit at home and contemplate a booth for Spring 2014. Should I do it? I'd have to have some new patterns to release. I'd have to get a UPC code account. Register and all that other stuff. It scares the daylights out of me, but we are meant to learn and grow when we leap in faith, right?!

Until then, I will go day by day, and week by week. I'm so excited for next week and hope you will join me and all of the 20 bloggers for the Sewing Tales Book Blog Hop (Nov 4th - 8th). I will be sharing some fun little extra projects on my blog each day of the hop, and hosting an awesome giveaway for the week. The response to my book at quilt market was amazing! If you haven't gotten your copy yet...get it now on Amazon: Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love (no they don't give me an extra cut of profits), and get your sewing done early for the holidays.

Thanks for stopping by. If you haven't already, please click that link below and sign up to receive my newsletters, which I hope to start in Jan next year, maybe sooner?! Have a great, happy weekend.

Busy Monday: CHA 2012 Show Photos

This was my second year at the Craft and Hobby convention. Last year it was in LA, CA. and this year they returned back to Anaheim, CA. It was quite a show.

I have said this to many people, and I'll say it here: If you are an artist or crafter and want to make a living doing what you love to do, then you need to attend the CHA show! No kidding! Ask me all the questions you want!

OK - so I know you just want to see all the photos that I have been formatting and uploading all day right?! (in between this and that and the other thing!) Well - here goes!

I'll start with the best news of all...I won the Designer Press Kit award. It's a really big deal, and I'm extremely grateful to have won! There are so many other talented designers out there, so I wasn't sure if all my hard work would pay off. But it did. Thank you to all the judges! (The Gnome girl was not included and not there. But it was her backpack and the contents that won them over....I guess!

Here I am before accepting my award, with Sarah Conrad-Ferm of November Oak (my associate for the show and my best friend since 3rd Grade! - yep - not many people can say that! She rocks!) and the after with my award in hand. Still doesn't feel real! It's just so exciting!

Here are some pictures of my travels to get to Anaheim and then once I was there. It's just so beautiful, I couldn't help but photograph the area! The colors are so amazing and inspiring!

I was one of many CHA Designer Members that took part in a Designer Display of Ornaments to benefit many charities (mine was for the Portable Playhouse), as well as participating in the awesome Flash Mob, all thanks to Charity Wings! If you don't know much about Charity Wings, please check them out!

(the flash mob Charity Wings pics are missing from my list...I'll add them in the morning - sorry)

Then of course there were all the beautiful things in the booths! And trust me folks - there was no shortage of spectacular this year - I just wasn't allowed to capture it all. Nor did I have that much time to capture it all!

The always lovely Anna Griffin (which by the way - have you entered the Anna Griffin Sewing Patterns and Fabric giveaway yet? it ends on Wed night! HURRY!). I love that I get to go into her booth and get big hugs from her. She really is just the sweetest person. I love working with her! Then I found a fun friend roaming around, the Cricut himself! I knew my girls would get a kick out of him! And all the little baby cricuts too...they are coming to get me! I tried to get one...or two - but they wouldn't give them to me so early in the show. I might have to call them now to get one!

 And then of course the really awesome - oh so exciting T-Shirt Remix Contest I was privileged to be a part of!...And yes - I was a total dork and rocked out with the "air guitar" Westcott Scissors! Those things are awesome and I'm still waiting for them to mail them to me. From what I understand though...I'd have to ship them back after a certain amount of time. To the which I could not agree on!

And last but not least....the giveaway. We get so much stuff at shows. I have so many bags, I don't know what to do with them all. I usually give them to my mom and sister, but they have tons now too! So I'm doing a little giveaway of my CHA 2012 swag! The bags are awesome - the Make and Takes book is sweet! (my girls are much older than these projects - but it's really awesome for younger kids!!!) The Sizzix cards are actually a different project on each card! Fun tags and pins, a mouse pad, and scissor holster that I made in the Westcott booth! Have at it!

As I was going through all my photos, I thought I wasn't going to have that many...and last year I did one post for each day. So maybe I has less than last year? I don't know...but for as many as I have shared here...I hope you enjoyed it! And next year, I hope you'll attend too! Thanks for stopping by and again don't forget to enter for your chance to win the swag...and enter the Anna Griffin Sewing Patterns and Fabric giveaway!

UPDATED 2/16: This Giveaway is closed. The Winner was selected using Random.org and is #2 (LensCap). Congrats!!!

Details of the Giveaway:
This giveaway will be open to US, Canadian, and European residents. (I'm not charging for the shipping fees - so I can't go crazy on that cost - sorry)
This Giveaway will be open from today, Monday February 6, 2012 10:00pm EST until Saturday Feb 11, 2012 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email on the following Monday. You will have 24 hours to respond with the info so I can ship out your prize, or a new winner will be chosen.

If you win:
The winner will have to supply me (in a personal email after you have been notified as the winner) with your Full Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number & Email Address.


To Enter:
If you want a chance to win - you MUST leave A comment below (WITH your email address. Please understand that I really don't have time to go hunting for a way to contact you) If you forget and leave another comment with only your email address, in the hopes that will count as two -  only your first comment will count).


For additional chances to win:

• You can tweet about it with a link - you must include my twitter handle "@kidgiddy" (leave a comment here so it counts that you did)
• You can visit my Kid Giddy Pinterest page and re-pin anyone of my Kid Giddy Designs Pins. Only the Kid Giddy Design Pins will be counted. (leave a comment here for it to count)

One last thing before you go...be sure to check out all of the other Designer Crafts Connection blog hop members to see more eye candy from the 2012 CHA Winter show! Good night!

[ DC Connection ]

[ hop back ] [ hop forward ]

Busy Monday: CHA Celebration Giveaway - Anna Griffin Fabrics & Sewing Patterns

The Craft and Hobby convention is just days away! I've been scrambling to get things ready and spending much needed time with my girls and having a date night with my hubby! It's been a great weekend, but now it's crunch time and....time for a giveaway!

Last year I went to the Craft and Hobby convention for the first time ever, and to celebrate all that I have accomplished in the past year...I'm giving away some Anna Griffin fabric and one of each of the patterns that I designed for her. These patterns debuted at the May International Quilt Market and I went to her booth and soaked up every bit of the sweat and tears that I poured into them! It was such a wonderful experience and I have truly grown from the opportunity! Thank you Anna!

So who's ready? who wants to win?...here's what you need to do for your chance to win a prize!

The Anna Griffin Decorative Fabric and Sewing Patterns GIVEAWAY!

 
PLEASE READ ALL THE "RULES" BEFORE LEAVING YOUR COMMENT! thx!

Here's what you can win*+:
1) 1- Carmen FQ pack - each set includes 11 FQ pieces from the Carmen Anna Griffin Decorative Fabric collection (2 WINNERS)
2) 1 - Francesca FQ pack - includes 6 FQ pieces from the Francesa Anna Griffin Decorative Fabric collection (1 WINNER)
3) 1 - Willow pack - includes 3 patterns from the Willow Anna Griffin Decorative Fabric collection, 1 yard of each (1 WINNER)
4) 1 - Sunflower Pillow Pattern (1 WINNER)
5) 1 - Peony Pillow Pattern (1 WINNER)
6) 1 - Scotty Dog Stuffie Pattern (1 WINNER)
7) 1 - Bone Pillow Pattern (1 WINNER)
8) 1 - Butterfly Pattern (1 WINNER)

All patterns include the instructions and the printed pattern pieces. All materials needed to complete the project are not included, but are listed on the packaging. 

*Chances of winning are based on the number of entries. I will allow a person to win a maximum of 2 prizes each. Winners will be chosen at random using random.org

+Please include your top 3 choices if you win. I cannot guarantee you will get a prize from your top 3, but it just might help me in the random selection process. Thank you for understanding.

If you win:
The winner will have to supply me (in a personal email after you have been notified as the winner) with your Full Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number & Email Address.

Details of the Giveaway:
This giveaway will be open to US, Canadian, and European residents. (I'm not charging for the shipping fees - so I can't go crazy on that cost - sorry)
This Giveaway will be open from today, Monday January 23, 2012 12:00pm EST until Wednesday Feb 8, 2012 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email. You will have 24 hours to respond with the info so I can ship out your prize, or a new winner will be chosen.

To Enter:
If you want a chance to win - you MUST leave A comment below (WITH your email address. Please understand that I really don't have time to go hunting for a way to contact you) If you forget and leave another comment with only your email address, in the hopes that will count as two -  only your first comment will count). 


For additional chances to win:

• You can tweet about it with a link - you must include my twitter handle "@kidgiddy" (leave a comment here so it counts that you did)
• You can blog about it (leave a comment here with a link)
• You can visit my Kid Giddy Pinterest page and re-pin anyone of my Kid Giddy Designs Pins. Only the Kid Giddy Design Pins will be counted. (leave a comment here for it to count)
• And click on the Kid Giddy Facebook update that mentions this giveaway and "share" it with your followers. It will show up as "1 person shared this" (or how ever many share it). Be sure to leave a message back here saying that you shared it and leave your facebook initials here for verification.

So are you ready??? Go!

Thanks for stopping by and entering my giveaway! If you have any questions about the giveaway you can click the contact me button up top and fire away! After you do make any one of these Anna Griffin patterns that I designed, please feel free to share your creations, by uploading a couple of my pics to my Kid Giddy Flickr Group! I just recently started the group, so I still need more company! If you've made something using one of my designs, or tutorials, please post it to the group! Good Luck and have a great week! Be sure to check back (click that follow button over there, or subscribe to my RSS feed) to keep up to date on all my happenings!

UPDATED 2/16: This Giveaway is closed. Sorry for the delay in choosing and notifiying the winners! The Winners have been selected using Random.org and are as follows:


  #1 Sarah - the Carmen FQ Pack
#27 Java Diva - Carmen FQ Pack
#29 Beth - Francesca FQ Pack
#32 Jodi - Willow Yards pack
  #5 SimplyGreenerThings - Pattern
#19 Anne N. - Butterfly Pattern
#24 Karen Elton - Pattern
#15 Sherb56 - Pattern
#38 Debra Lee - Pattern


CONGRATS everyone & Thank you for entering. There will be more goodies on the horizon - be on the look out and check back often! I PROMISE!!!!

It's not a destination, it's a journey!

Almost 3 years ago (in late August) I began taking karate classes. I can't recall exactly when I had this strong desire to begin such a daunting sport in my early 30's, but I had wanted to learn some form of martial arts for as long as I can remember and the desire was only getting stronger! When I started I thought it would just be enough to have a Black Belt and then move on. As I have traveled this road however, I have quickly found (and been repeatedly reminded in class), that "karate is not a destination it is a journey". And so a black belt in the end, won't be enough. I'll keep going. I'll get as many stripes on my future black belt as I can.

I've pondered on this thought for a couple years now, applied this concept to my life. From all aspects of my life as a mommy, my spiritual life, and my business as well...it is all a journey. Since beginning on this path of being an inventor and entrepreneur, my business has seen many alterations. I've ripped my business apart at the seams and re-sewn it. I've changed a straight line to a curve and it will continue to change.

Recently I have thought of all the changes my little "kid giddy" company has gone through. Not knowing where kid giddy will be in 5 or 10 years, it will be interesting to see this list of where I've been, where I am now...and where I'd like to go in comparison!

Initially - Manufacture my Invention and sell only Wholesale:
I had this grand idea that I could single handedly, get my Tuck 'n' Go into some major retail stores with 'some' effort. As I progressed along the manufacturing path, it became increasingly difficult and dollar signs were lingering in my eyes, even when closed. The fear of losing money like I did trying to sell Mary Kay makeup years before, paralyzed me. I also knew i didn't want to manufacture in China or anywhere overseas! Looking back is always 20/20! I certainly had not yet learned of all that I "didn't know then, but I know now". I'm glad I didn't go that route. It may work for some, including you, but luckily I was guided as I prayed and saved thousands of dollars!

 Evolved - Self Manufacture Unique Goods and sell only Retail:
After letting go of the idea to sell to all the 'major retail stores' dream...I decided to find a way to get my goods online and sell them on a more personal level. That's when I discovered Etsy. I felt like I had missed the boat on Etsy (everyone was already selling) - but it was only getting bigger - so I figured I'd play the catch up game. Luckily it worked. It would've been great to say I've sold out of my Tuck 'n' Go's, but that is not the case. Surprisingly instead, I've sold over 200 of my thumb guards, and hope more of my other goods will become just as popular. But self manufacturing is hard. You have to commit to the time it takes to make each item. You will have inventory when some things don't sell and you have to stay fresh and current. I think for now it is something I will continue to do, so long as it doesn't interfere with new opportunities and my family.

Currently - Designing Sewing Patterns:
I love this part the most - maybe because it's the most current adventure - who knows?! About this time last year, I was looking online for pattern drafting books that taught something other than apparel - they were hard to come by. I was so afraid I was going to write up my patterns the wrong way or miss something because I am self taught and lack the education of a seamstress. I quickly threw the fear aside, feeling this was a challenge I was willing to overcome. After all, I am in this for the journey. In a sense - that means I am here to learn and grow and keep going. And so I will.

Future - The Journey:
I know what I'm working on next...(but can't say)...and I do know that I want to write a book and share many many more of my sewing patterns, and even children's books that are brewing in my head, but that is all in the future (the very near future)! Regardless, that journey will be written another day. For now I will enjoy this journey. I will find joy in each day. Otherwise - what is the point of it all? I have come this far and will keep going.

(it's still me - I cut my hair again to donate!) & both of my girls are Green w/ Brown Stripe too!

As I celebrate my new 2nd Degree Brown belt, I will continue that journey as I work towards my 1st Degree Brown belt and then my Black Belt. It won't stop there. I've only just begun. And so too, I will celebrate my Kid Giddy accomplishments (Crafts 'n things publications, and working with Anna Griffin) and continue on this journey as well. I'm looking forward to seeing where I will go and walking through all the doors Heavenly Father is willing to help me open. So where have you been? where are you now? and where is your journey taking you?