Last week I took a work trip to the Houston area. Prior to going I planned some sewing time in my hotel room and to visit a shop that would be on the way. Sounds perfect and it was. What I didn’t plan was what really happened and how great it turned out.
While running or working out I like to listen to podcasts. I downloaded a few of Pat Sloan’s American Patchwork & Quilting Radio podcasts to have ready for a LONG flight. So many great artists to choose from and I picked the one with Victoria Findlay Wolfe. I listened to the podcast during a long hike while away instead of the flight, which I slept through. Click here to listen to it.
A few years ago I was in New York and a NYCMQG meeting was happening on the same weekend I was in town. I popped in and the meeting was at Victoria’s lovely home. I thought it would be fun to hear more about her design process and about her in genera.
During the podcast Victoria and Pat discuss her quilt design methods. Focusing on things you like instead of what you don’t like really resonated with me. They also mentioned her current fabric line Mostly Manor. The fabric colors and prints were inspired by things from her grandmother’s home.
Okay stored in the info from the podcast away for when I got home…or so I thought. Sometimes you are in the right place at the right time and things just come together. I walked into Painted Pony & Quilts outside of Houston on Thursday afternoon. While admiring all of their gorgeous fabrics, I found a bolt that I was drawn to. What was this magical fabric and who is it by?
See who’s on the bolt? Victoria Findlay Wolfe. I basically walked right to this fabric. After listening to the podcast I felt inspired to try something new. The whole movement during May of supporting patterns designers got me thinking. This fabric in a shirt or something out of my comfort zone.
The purple is for contrast on the back. There will be enough left over to make a simple skirt with an elastic band at the top. As I dug around the store, I found this gem in the sale fabrics.
It will make a lovely tunic or dress. It’s still undecided at this point, but I’m open to suggestions if you leave them in the comments.
The whole experience was great. Friendly and knowledgeable staff that compliment a ridiculous selection of fabrics. Oh did I mention all the Happy Go Lucky I found? Remember folks your local quilt shop that is more traditional may still have these gems. They have some seriously good stuff in their shop. If my suitcase wasn’t already at the weight limit these would have come home with me. Forget the fabric budget. Speaking of, the fabrics bought for clothing do not count against my budget. Sure I’m going to have scraps from them in quilting, but this is about trying something new and growing a skill.
Planning over the weekend to start on the shirt. Leave your comments for the what to make with the coral floral print or links to patterns.