Jun 3, 2010

Cover evolutions and market fashions

Quilt Market, Chapter Two

If you remember, the most recent cover of American Quilt Retailer shows a fabulous (at least I think it is fabulous!), vintage, red wicker purse. Inside the purse we have arranged a set of crisp folders labeled with different topics — topics of things to do, or look for, at Quilt Market. The ideas and themes for each AQR cover sort of evolve, and the inspiration for this cover was seeing a woman at Quilt Market many years ago with her briefcase set up in a similar fashion. Oh, to be so organized!

When I settled on this as a cover design, the next task was to find just the perfect (fabulous!) briefcase — but, of course, a traditional briefcase isn’t exactly “quilty” in style now is it? What would be more in keeping? I had recently seen some wicker purses some place — either in a local store, or it might have even been in an ad in The New York Times, which made me think it must be a new trend! So many vintage items are returning to the fashion forefront, so this is what our bag was destined to be.

Way back in high school, each year as we headed to Florida to visit grandparents over spring break, it was always fun to pull out my latest wicker bag and transfer all my necessary essentials. Do any of you love to “move into” a new purse as much as I do? Anyway, these fond memories set me on a search for the perfect cover bag! You know, we have a lot of fun around here in the guise of work!

Where to look for vintage (if you can’t go to “Hunt & Gather” in Minneapolis!)? Etsy and eBay — of course! A quick search on Etsy found a treasure trove. I’m certain the small, square-ish, navy blue wicker handbag belonged to my mother in 1966! It had to have been hers. I would have bought it for the fond memories, if nothing else! But, navy on the cover wasn’t going to be the right color this go round. I quickly found so many other handbags, it was hard to choose — so I just purchased five different wicker handbags. I sometimes have trouble making up my mind. 

As each arrived in the mail, Becky and I would exclaim “now, this is the perfect cover bag.” Then, the next would arrive and we’d change our minds. One arrived and Becky exclaimed “I want this one.” She’s now the proud owner of a narrow, sleek number with lovely brass handles. The next would arrive and I’d exclaimed “I want this one!” The final of the five arrived, and it was the fabulous, red wicker we actually featured, and “no” you cannot have it. It’s a work of art, in it’s own vintage-y way, and in pristine condition and I’m going to use it sometime — I just know I will. Is it time for a trip to Florida?

We then challenged our readers to organize their totes in the same fashion and some of you showed us at market. See the great photos below! I now wonder about all those we didn’t get to see. 

 Debbie Welch of Quilting Possibilities in Forked River, N.J., shows off her organized tote — and what a lovely tote it is!

Marti Cummins and Shirley Heim of Marti’s Patchwork Cottage in Black Mountain, N.C., whipped out this cool organizer from her tote bag. It’s from The Container Store (so you can own one too!) and she can hang it on the wall back in her office!

Lesley Gebbie of Acorn Quilts, Rockford, Ill., had a neat, pocket portfolio organizer. Look how pretty the back is!

Jerry Stube of Quilter’s Quarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, made her bag. Look at the zippers! (Zippers were really “big” at market.) 

Thanks for stopping by and sharing! Oh, and by the way — we still have two really cool vintage wicker handbags still unspoken for. One is a lovely “olive green” wicker briefcase, and the other is a wonderful cool-looking — I mean really distinctive — woven orange and white number — both are real classics! Let me know if you’re interested! Think shop display here! Think trendsetter!

Now the evolution of the next cover is taking place — what fun! Last Friday I changed my plan mid-stream (owner’s prerogative) and just had to head to the Montgomery Street Antique Mall in Fort Worth for the perfect prop — which I found by the entrance door after wandering around for a good hour. And, I only bought one this time! It’s purely 1950s, turquiose vinyl and sort of quilted!  You’ll just have to wait until early July to see it!

Happy day to all! Susan

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