Mar 31, 2010
Ah — vacations! Jim and I recently returned from a nine-day vacation to northern California celebrating our 30th anniversary. As we drove, passing highway signs I kept saying “we have a subscriber here,” and “oh, we have a subscriber here, too!” Even though we now (thankfully!) have a mailing house printing addresses and mailing each issue of American Quilt Retailer, after many years of putting labels on each copy, everyone in my family became familiar with all your shop names and locations. So, as this was a vacation get-a-way, and we could not stop and visit each one of your shops in northern California, I did think of so many of you as we toured this beautiful state.
We started in San Francisco, drove to Yosemite, back to San Francisco, then down the incredible Hwy. 1 to Carmel and Big Sur. Anyone who has traveled this road, knows the scenery is totally awe-inspiring in its grandeur. I took the last 400 of the 1,100 photos documenting our trip on just this one day.
Upon learning of our planned Hwy. 1 drive, three different people during our journey said we must have lunch at Nepenthe, a restaurant perched on a cliff high above the gleaming blue Pacific. Nepenthe means “no sorrow,” and in a total state of vacation nirvana, this was just the right place to stop. Just north of Big Sur, nestled up some stairs and surrounded by trees and flowering plants, the outdoor eating area was colorful and inviting. Ever seen outdoor stadium seating like this set-up? The patio area had a large, raised outdoor fire pit. The open-air interior had a large raised indoor fire pit. Accent tables were covered with inlaid mosaics of colorful bits of tile and glass. Created by God and embellished by man, every detail of the environment was to promote joy, peace and relaxation. It worked, too! The food was great and the view from our table equally as spectacular as the entire day had been. Both Jim and I could have stayed right there forever.
Bill and Lolly Fassett moved their five children to the site of Nepenthe in 1947. They dreamed of an open-air pavillion with good food and dancing under the stars — a place where people could forget their cares. The structure was designed by the Fassetts and a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Creative and free — what a life, what a place to be a child growing up!
We continued our drive that day and ended up at Point Lobos State Reserve. By late afternoon, and towards the end of the day’s 400 photos, I began to laugh at myself as I was now even photographing the rocks. I have always had sort of a thing for rocks, and just look! These rock formations were fascinating — ancient “quilt” patterns, repetitious, yet varied — totally original. These four photos were taken on the same beach within 30 feet of each other.
It wasn’t until the next day as we were reading some more material about Nepenthe that I discovered one of Bill and Lolly Fassett’s children was Kaffe Fassett! You know — the Kaffe Fassett — the amazing, ultra-creative person who knits, quilts, needlepoints, designs patterns and fabrics, and writes books! He did the colorful mosaics on the restaurant’s tables. He was one of these lucky children who got to grow up surrounded by all this beauty and wonder! I pondered if, as a child, he’d glanced at the same rock formations I saw on Point Lobos and also found inspiration for knitting, quilting and mosaic patterns. I wasn’t so silly to be photographing rocks after all! Could my mind actually work anything like Kaffe Fassett’s?
Back here at home, I visited Kaffe’s Web site and appropriately there was a short video promoting his new quilt book Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts (STC Craft/A Melanie Falick Book, 2010). The video tells how he travels and sees inspiring patterns wherever he goes. He said while traveling “living in non-familiar surroundings, you look more intensely — see things on a different level.” This sensitivity must be what happens when you grow up in “nepenthe,” and what happens when you get to take relaxing vacations.
I wish you all the same sense of peace! I’m so refreshed back here at work on the next American Quilt Retailer (it’s looking to be a good one!). Plan a vacation now, make it for more than one week. It really takes a while to totally clear your mind. And, if you should find yourself driving down Hwy. 1 in sunny California, think of me and my husband Jim, and Kaffe Fassett. Then bask in the glory and have “no sorrow.”
Susan
Aside: Kent Couch, husband of my dear friend, are you reading this?
Mar 29, 2010
Take a minute to check out these two stories.
You must read it! Did you know truckers are taking up quilting and knitting in the downtime between runs? Read this article from today’s Wall Street Journal. Not yet done openly in the nation’s truck stops, it’s something of a closet activity for the mostly male trucker demographic, while sequestered in their cabs between runs. This reminds me of sailors years ago knitting, knot tying and creating intricate shell art for sweethearts back home. And, why not? Or — it’s about time!
Is there some marketing potential here? Billboard placement, by the nearest truck stop, perhaps? Small project kits to be done in small spaces? Something to look into, and expend some creative thought on. Who knows where this might lead?
The second article from Bloomberg.com talks about how consumer spending is up and it’s not just a blip. So much emphasis has been on the 10 percent unemployment rate, but as this article points out 90 percent of Americans who wish to be employed, are employed. These folks held off on spending because of economic uncertainty. Now as consumers are gaining confidence, there is a “large reservoir of pent-up consumer demand” and things seem to be on the upswing. Whew!
Mar 11, 2010
It was with a song in my heart that I read this morning’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Of course, it helps that the sun is shining, the birds are singing, spring is on the way down here in Texas (I’m sure it shall be coming your way soon, too!) and we’re leaving on vacation next week.
For the last 30 years, this coming weekend has been one of my favorite weekends all year. It’s the weekend of the Quilter’s Guild of Dallas Quilt Celebration and Dolly Johnson’s Antique & Art Show. Oh, how to decide when to go and how much time to spend at each!
My love of quilting is actually rooted in my love of antiques. Unlike many of you, my mother and grandmothers didn’t quilt, they knitted, crocheted and did many other 60s crafts which are now becoming more popular again. However, one grandmother did own an antique store. She lived in a then 100-year-old log cabin in a small town in southern Michigan and she had what my image of a good antique shop should be. To this day if I walk in an antique shop and the rare one smells like Nanas, I know it’s a good one.
When Jim and I were first married, 30 years ago, I opened my own antique shop. It was here that I began to buy, collect and sell antique quilts. As I watched the prices rise in the mere two years I owned the shop and being a long-time sewer, I learned to quilt — then you can sort of say the rest was destiny.
Dolly Johnson started Dolly Johnson’s Antique & Art Show show nearly 50 years ago, and I knew it was a real compliment that she invited me to exhibit my first year in business. It was a pretty exclusive group back then. Dolly passed away many years ago and her daughter has been running the show, just like it had been for years past. But last year, as reported in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram this morning, former Presbyterian minister Jan Orr-Harter purchased the show from Dolly’s daughter.
The Star-Telegram article by John Austn detailed some of the changes taking place. With more diverse dealers, moving away from strictly Americana, they have relocated the show to a larger venue, including a cash bar Happy Hour on Friday evening. There will be live music and celebrity bloggers during set-up to build excitment. I find these moves interesting. Many industries or entities are looking for ways to attract a new younger audience — symphonies, churches, quilting and now, even antiquing.
Dolly’s Johnson’s is letting its hair down. The look will be something more of an eclectic mix from the pages of Dwell magazine. Orr-Harter said in the Star-Telegram article “I’ve got great people coming. This is very cutting edge. Every 47 years or so things need to evolve. I think anyone who comes to this show, and isn’t 80 or 90, will find it invigorating.” That’s because, Orr-Harter continues, “this is what the Pottery Barn copies. We have the originals.” I love this line!
Jennifer Brock, a dealer from Houston, said she has had a great January and February. Andrew Church a dealer from San Antonio said he has had a wonderful winter. “People are not going to stop making themselves happy,” he said in the article. (Another great line!) Shelley Weidner, a Bulverde, Texas, dealer, said she thinks people will be in awe at the changes and merchandise. She is selling a group of industrial tubes used in silk screening at the now-closed Mission Valley Textile mill (remember them?). “Our whole industry needs a breath of fresh air,” Weidner said. Okay, does this sounds familiar?
The Star-Telegram also emphasizes “going green with antiques.” Quilting and antiquing — two original recycling efforts! Read the entire article at www.star-telegram.com. I hope these thoughts inspire you to keep shaking things up at your place.
Along these same lines have you all seen new magazines called Flea Market Style from Country Decorating Ideas (Harris Publications, Inc.) and Cottage Style from Meredith Corporation (on newstands now)? Both are beautiful special interest issues using antiques and flea market finds in contemporary ways. Remember your customers are reading these, and you should be too. If nothing else, there are a lot of display ideas in these pages, and you can have fun searching for props while you are perking up your shop.
Now where should I go first — Dolly Johnson Antique & Art Show or Dallas Quilt Celebration? Oh, the decisions!
Just a note: I am getting the hang of this blogging thing. There are so many ideas that occur to me in between each bi-monthly issue of American Quilt Retailer. “Missing Pieces” is just the place to share them with you. Be sure to sign up at the top, right of the page to receive a notice whenever I have a new posting.
Mar 8, 2010
It seems only natural that after owls, mushrooms couldn’t be too far behind. Just like in the peace-seeking 60s and 70s, longing for a return to nature is well in keeping with today’s “green” movement. When I first saw some owls used as decorative motifs, I thought — “Owls, you’re kidding?” But now I have to admit, as I see more and more, I really think they are pretty cute and — they are everywhere! So now, as I’m seeing mushrooms sprouting up, I’m going to go ahead and embrace them in all their quaint cuteness. Mind-bending potential aside, red and white polka dot mushrooms are fat, friendly and colorful, and whether they remind you of the 60s or not, they do make you smile.
“Button Mushrooms,” the FREE-to-use pattern in this issue of American Quilt Retailer has lots of marketing potential. As you’ll see reading the pattern and our “how-to-use” section, “Button Mushrooms” can be made with cotton, wool, polka dot fabric, appliqued, fused or felted. You could even sew small white buttons on for the dots and if you don’t wanted dotted mushrooms, various prints look great too.
If you type in “mushrooms” on Etsy, you’ll find all kinds of vintage mushrooms and ready-made projects. Some of these might make good props for a mushroom display. Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics and even Target have lots of garden-theme items that will make more good props. And, all of these locations have mushrooms, gnomes and fairy garden statuary — again great for props. The “happy” red and white polka dot mushroom that has lulled “Magic” our office cat to sleep (it doesn’t take much to do this!) was purchased earlier this year from JoAnn’s for $6.99. Not bad for an eye-catching prop! You could use garden tools (they come in bright colors now) and even a fake plastic grass doormat as a base in the display.
If you don’t want to make a full sample of “Button Mushrooms,” applique one mushroom on a cotton dish towel or placemat and go with a cooking theme. Again on Etsy, there are dozens of vintage mushroom salt and pepper shakers (these must have been on everyone’s table in the 60s!). A set of these with your “mushroom” towel or mat, a mixing bowl and spoon might be all that is needed. Don’t forget a recipe card and maybe even a small fairy figurine. Fill the bowl with charm square packs, buttons or wool roving.
Speaking of buttons, don’t you just love the “Button Flowers” on our cover? I had so much fun going through my collection, matching pairs and making them up. Even my husband has commented several times on how neat my button bouquet is (keep in mind there are lots of things around the house that I’ve made, but these have elicited more comments than most). There are about 90 flowers in this bouquet. My daughter, Anne, who you know has been crafting since she came to Quilt Market last fall (see AQR, Vol. 15, Issue 90) made some of her own buttons flowers. When she was little, every time we went to the fabic store, I let her pick out a card of buttons to keep her entertained while I shopped. So she has a good collection to work with. She made about 40 flowers and as you can see even a small number of flowers looks really interesting in a tall vase. 
In choosing a vase the key is to select one with a narrow opening. This holds them upright and then you can gently curve the stems in a “sprightly” manner. The vase on the cover is a $10 sale bottle from Hobby Lobby. Anne’s vase was purchased from the Crate and Barrel several years ago.
Place even a small bouquet of flowers (remember, you can shorten the stems) in a glass bottle on your counter or cutting table and they are bound to attract attention. Make them all out of the same color, in a color scheme (i.e. red, white and blue) and as the pattern suggests add felt petals if you like. Fill other wider mouth-jars or bowls with buttons, sorted by color or not, and place them near your bouquet. Add spools of thread, rick rack or other ribbons and trims nearby.
You could even make small button corsages for your employees. Take three or five button flowers and shorten the stems to about 6 or 8 inches. Fold the stems up in a loop to the flower base. The wire stems facing downwards might snag clothing. Tie the bunch together with a pretty ribbon or rick rack and add a pin back. These are sure to call attention to the project. Give the pattern away with every button or fabric sale.
I had seen these flowers in various stores, and then found a project on a PBS children’s Web site. They make great projects to get little ones interested in our arts. Like Anne did years ago, children love to sort and count buttons. Of course, be careful of the age group here. Buttons can look sort of “tasty” to really small children.
Feel free to e-mail pictures using our “Button Mushrooms” and “Button Flowers” patterns (becky@americanquiltretailer.com). We love to see what creative things you all do with them!
Just a note: So far the plan for the May 2010 AQR FREE-to-use pattern is for a large, pieced quilt project. I try to rotate large and small, pieced and applique and it’s time for a larger one.
I am trying to blog more frequently and unless it’s right before deadline, this plan is working. Yet, if I’m blogging, I really want to make sure someone out there is reading the postings. Be sure to sign up at the top, right of the page to receive a notice whenever I have a new blog. I’ll also going to try to make them worthwhile, so you won’t want to miss any.
Enjoy the patterns! Susan
Mar 8, 2010
“Holy Snowballs” the AQR FREE-to-use pattern in Issue 90, November 2009 was a big hit! Rosemary Cromer of Harper’s Fabric and Quilt Co. in Overland Park, Kansas, sent in the photo below. For the background she has used Kaffe Fassett “shot cotton.” It’s very pretty — love the color selection, and “thank you” Rosemary, for sending this.
Then check this out: Roni Gerhardt of The Quilt Shop in Danbury, Conn., hosted a ”Snowball Retreat” last January which was inspired by our “Holy Snowballs” pattern. The day started with a breakfast at the diner across the street from the shop. The guests then sewed and played games all day long. One game included giving everyone a roll of toilet paper and they wrapped, and turned each other into snowmen (snow women!). (See photo below.) Roni filled balloons with confetti and a special sale coupon. She explained they would go into the classroom saying, “Oh, no! There’s is a blizzard coming over at Mary’s house.” Then Mary would pop the balloon, making the blizzard with confetti flying everywhere. The participants also made fabric babushka’s to keep their heads warm during the blizzard! Who would have thought a mere pattern could lead to so much creative fun! Glad to brighten your winter way up north, and thank you, Roni, for sharing your fun-filled ideas!
Mar 2, 2010
Okay, I love Beth Ferrier! In each issue of American Quilt Retailer, Beth writes a column called “Off-Grain” and that’s what it is — totally off-grain! As I mentioned in my previous post, I give all the AQR contributors some editorial guidance — that is everyone except Beth. I want Beth to write whatever she is inspired to write! So — Beth’s columns are always a big surprise when they come my way for publication and she never fails to entertain.
Two weeks ago, Beth was in a car wreck. Her right wrist (she’s right-handed) is a confirmed break, and in a cast. The other wrist may be broken along with some other peripheral body damage. In her usual style, Beth’s blog today is most entertaining (she’s very bored!). Want to wish Beth well? Give it a read and send some good wishes her way!
Mar 2, 2010
It’s that time again. The months keep flying by and, alas, the new, newest version of American Quilt Retailer is almost ready to mail. The printer is delivering it to the mailing house today and it will hopefully go off in tomorrow’s mail. You know, I don’t do this all by myself. We have 12 knowledgeable contributors who work hard to present practical ideas and thoughts to help you improve your business. During production, I have some general ideas and plans for each issue which I discuss with each writer. Then, it gets very exciting as the articles start to come in and I see each issue coming together with all sorts of information that I think you will just love! This issue is no different. We have a gardening theme going on, with events and project ideas to help you “grow business.” We even have two FREE-to-use patterns in this issue — “Button Flowers” (more craft-oriented) and “Button Mushrooms” (fabric appliqued in two sizes, with a variety of options). Mailing day is always a good day — mission accomplished. But there’s no grass growing underfoot here, I’ve already begun the next issue! The challenge is always to make the next one better than the last. You’ll have to wait and be the judge of that. Enjoy! Susan
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It wasn’t until the next day as we were reading some more material about Nepenthe that I discovered one of Bill and Lolly Fassett’s children was Kaffe Fassett! You know — the Kaffe Fassett — the amazing, ultra-creative person who knits, quilts, needlepoints, designs patterns and fabrics, and writes books! He did the colorful mosaics on the restaurant’s tables. He was one of these lucky children who got to grow up surrounded by all this beauty and wonder! I pondered if, as a child, he’d glanced at the same rock formations I saw on Point Lobos and also found inspiration for knitting, quilting and mosaic patterns. I wasn’t so silly to be photographing rocks after all! Could my mind actually work anything like Kaffe Fassett’s?
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