Post Market Normal

The chaos of preparing for market is over and we're done unloading the cars. The computer is limping along even though the monitor is shutting down of it's own accord so we're still working thru that little issue with loads of patterns to print and new KT Stash Society patterns going out this week. Tech support is coming this afternoon, so I'm trying to keep the faith.

Congratulations to MoeWest - you're the winner of the Harvest Moon fat 1/8's! Enjoy.

 This week, we'll give away another bundle of Holiday Medley scraps. The fabric is arriving in shops now so it's the perfect time to pick a project and buy the extra yardage needed. I hope to be back on a Tuesday timetable again, so watch for your name next week.

There's always something wonderful happening at market and this year is no exception. My friend and fellow designer Pam Buda's (Heartspun Quilts) new fabric line for Marcus Brothers was very well received and Connie Huddleson's (Starry Pines Designs) The Red Chair BOM was a hit. Their support and encouragement over the years has kept me going and I treasure their friendships. We were able to celebrate Connie's birthday Saturday night at Jack's Stack BBQ in KC with several other friends. So much good food and fun!

As for KT, we were once again named one of the top 3 best-sellers in fabric shops for the 6th year in a row according to Fab Shop magazine. Laurie Harsh of Fab Shop Network publishes a magazine for retailers to help them keep up with all the newest trends and does a survey each year of hundreds of quilt shop owners. Top-ranked again were batiks, then the Dr. Suess collection, then KT. I am humbled and honored to be among some of the top names in the industry. Makes the madness all worthwhile. To celebrate, we're offering a FREE Twinkly Stars charm pattern (retail value $6.50) to anyone who sends a stamped (65 cents), self-addressed, 5x7 envelope before June 1st. Wahoo! Holiday Medley charm packs and fabric are in your local quilt shop now.

Robert took a few pictures at market of the booth that will provide a little peek at what's coming up with Harvest Moon, Stash Society and the new Loose Change book. From the left, Spell It Out mini table treats, Loose Change (Harvest Moon hanging; 6 projects on the drying rack), Pickets & Petals, Scrap Baskets and Squared (previous Stash patterns now available to everyone), charm patterns New Moon and Twinkly Stars, Seasons of the Moon changeable wall quilt with 4 quilted center squares, Harvest Moon and Pinwheels mini table treats, Holiday Ties July Stash project, A Wave to Old Glory June Stash, 25 Yard Dash August Stash and Harvest Moon lap quilt. Over the glider is our Merry, Wish, Joy Christmas star quilt.

I've learned over the years to include some comfy seating in my booth since we live there for 3 days. My "new" red glider was just right. A glow from the fireplace and a string of porch lights offered warm ambiance for a fall themed setting. The floor cloth is several years old but still in great shape. Beach Garden Quilts made it for me with my own fabric - I love it!

Moda always requests a picture of the designers - one serious and one for fun. This year, our creative leader, Lissa Alexander, had us wear a mustache (my stash) as a marketing promo. Hilarious!

That's me, second from the left, between Leisl of Olivier & S and Jesse Jung of Lauren & Jesse Jung designs who are brand new designers for Moda and won a best booth award - congrats to mother and daughter. Pat Sloan, also new to Moda, is next to Jesse and Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings is behind me. What good sports! It's so much fun to catch up with everyone and see what's new.

Have a great holiday weekend. We'll talk next week. Lynne