Pilgrimage to Portland/Spring Quilt Market 2013, Pokey’s Predictions & a Patchwork Giveaway!

May 14, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering, Spring Quilt Market Tags: Spring 2013 Quilt Market 32 Comments

Please note: Quilt Market is a trade show only–it is not open to the general public.

What is so fantastic about taking your passion for stitching and turning it into a business? How about attending Quilt Market to preview (and pet) all of the new fabric lines; play with notions; plow through the latest and greatest in publications; prattle with fellow quilting friends in the biz, and parley in QUILT-SPEAK for three days straight! Yes, the Quilt Festivals are tons of fun, but Quilt Market–although entirely focused on the business of quilting–is incredibly energizing, too.

Pokey’s Predictions- Spring Fabric Trends

Every Market I am always on the hunt for new trends in quilting, most especially motifs in fabric lines.

In the past few years, there have been owls and elephants and birds (oh my!), polka dots and chevron patterns, cupcakes and mustaches, and textiles celebrating nostalgic modes of leisurely transport–notably bicycles, sailboats, and vintage campers. Last spring, Star Wars fabrics featuring vintage cast members were a force to be reckoned with, and I’m curious what other fiction-inspired fabrics will rally this spring. With the popularity of The Hunger Games–and a surging international interest in archery–I wouldn’t be surprised if we see quivers and quivers of arrow-themed fabrics take aim at the mass market. (Hey, and maybe mockingjay- and tracker jacker-themed fabrics will follow suit!)

Personally, thanks to George R. R. Martin and the special effects team at HBO for making Khaleesi’s dragons on Game of Thrones so lovable, I’d be thrilled to see fabrics with fierce–but cute–baby monster dragons breathing fire.

Whether in the quilt business or a quilt enthusiast, what predictions do you make for quilting this spring? Exercise your quilt soothsaying powers in the comments area, and I will randomly select someone to win a copy of the latest issue of Modern Patchwork.

More on Quilt Market from the show floor in Portland to follow…

Pokey

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering 2 Comments

This picture doesn’t have much to do with Mother’s Day. Except it’s spring-like and pretty, and if my mom were here in Houston on Mother’s Day, I would want to take her bike riding.

Earlier, I had ordered flowers for all the mothers in my life and saw my grandmother’s name in my online address book. It made me wistful and thankful for all the women through the years who have been there for me and who have mentored me–whether a mother, a mother-in-law, a teacher…a friend. Thank you.

Ironically, I am listening to this particular song as I write this:

To all the women out there–mothers and mentors–Happy Mother’s Day,

Pokey

Rallying Around Libby Lehman

May 9, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering Tags: Libby Lehman 4 Comments

I hate sharing this kind of thing, but if you have not heard the sad news, Libby Lehman has suffered from a brain aneurysm and is in intensive care in a hospital here in Houston. She remains in critical but stable condition. Having also suffered a stroke, she is in a sedated state, but according to Ricky Tims (who has been in close contact with her husband and subsequently posting timely updates on his Facebook page), the doctors are gradually stopping the sedatives in the hopes she will begin to slowly wake up in the next few days. No one knows exactly what possible damage there may be until Libby wakes up.

The next few days are extremely critical, and Libby could use all of our thoughts, prayers, and positive energy.

Libby and me a few months ago in Cleveland.

Libby made such an impression on me the first time I met her. About a decade ago I was invited to be a part of the Bernina Artisan program and that year there was a weekend retreat at the OESD headquarters in Oklahoma. That crew was comprised of so many famous and talented quilters, I was totally intimidated…but she was very kind to me, and made sure I felt a part of the group. And when I moved to Houston last year, she was the first one to call my office and leave a welcoming message, asking me to lunch.

All in the quilting world know she is extremely talented, but her kindness and generous spirit have had an equal–if not greater impact–on the quilting community.

According to Ricky, the family asks that no one sends flowers but rather cards–or better yet quilted cards–to:

Libby Lehman
617 Caroline
Houston, TX 77002

Wouldn’t it be fun for her to wake up and get heaps and heaps of cards?

Let’s do this.

A Very Maudlin-Free Monday, Indeed (& Fabric Giveaway!)

April 22, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering, Free Fabric, Maudlin-Free Monday Tags: Boston, Free fabric 110 Comments

UPDATE: Congratulations to Adele-loving Kathy Schermerhorn! You won the fabrics, and I will email you for your shipping address!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I sure did…starting Friday night when the Boston police caught Dzhokhar Tsarnaev in Watertown, MA. Alive. What happened in Boston is just surreal to me, I know this area very, very well, and to think of terror like this happening so close to home, I had that same awful pit in my stomach I had during 9/11 when there were two planes out of Logan. I don’t think I was alone in crying tears of joy and relief that it was over this past Friday night, and hopefully we can get some answers out of this guy for why he and his brother would intentionally cause such incredible hurt and angst on what was to be a celebratory day.

At any rate…it was a gorgeous, sunny weekend in Houston, and on Saturday afternoon I unpacked my supplies from the Cincinnati show and washed my monoprinted fabrics I had created in Open Studios.

They don’t look like much now, but I have some ideas for cutting them up into 4″ squares for hand stitching, much like Linda McLaughlin’s work that you can see here.

As it is Monday and the start of a new week that I know will be so much better than last week, I thought it was time to give some fabric away!
How about this little stack:

Just answer the following question and I will randomly select a winner in the next day or two.

Question: I am always on the hunt for new tunes to listen to while in my studio. What are you listening to now?

Me? I added a new tune to my playlist this weekend that I heard on satellite radio, and it feels pretty appropriate as we triumph over such a senseless act and take back the spirit of Boston and the marathon…

Love you, Boston!

The Spirit of the Marathon; We Will Keep Going

April 16, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering Tags: Boston College, Boston Marathon 13 Comments

I’m home from Cincinnati–a really great show! I do have a blog post with lots of pictures, but first things first: I, like many, am just sick and heartbroken over what happened in Boston yesterday, including the death of a precious eight-year-old boy.

I was out to lunch in Houston when the bombs went off, and thankfully, Rhianna Griffin, one of my coworkers texted me to let me know. I immediately called John to find out if all of the Boltons were ok, and it turns out my brother-in-law and nephew were downtown, catching the Red Sox game and the finish of the marathon. They heard the blast but were quickly escorted to Copley Plaza, which was secured and put into a state of lock down.

Patriot’s Day in Boston is incredibly special. As it is a state holiday in Massachusetts, it is a joyful day signifying the beginning of spring as the last of the snow has finally melted and the temps, at long last, rise. From Hopkinton and Heartbreak Hill to downtown…the streets are lined with thousands of people…with families, college students, and well-wishers, cheering the runners on with shouts of encouragement, live bands, water, orange wedges and high-fives. Simply put, it is a feel good day.

Coincidentally, I had planned a blog post later this week celebrating something that happened exactly 20 years ago: the first time I ran it.

April 19, 1993

In this above shot, I just finished the hardest leg (Heartbreak Hill), and I’m hearing the shouts of college friends as I pass my alma mater, Boston College. One of my roommates (on my right in this picture), Ann Boyle Nagel, spotted me at mile 19, and as the captain of the B.C. women’s crew team and an ROTC recruit (and hence in incredible shape), she ran the last seven miles by my side, encouraging me to keep going.

Five years later, John and I ran the Boston Marathon again, on behalf of Children’s Hospital to raise money. I was also a special needs teacher in Newton Public Schools, and this time when I ran up Heartbreak Hill (which is in Newton) many of my students were lined up on the side of the road, some in wheelchairs. My students had significant physical and mental disabilities, and as I passed them and their “Go Miss Pokey!” signs, I thought about the daily, lifelong struggles they face, and how running a mere 26.2 mile race wasn’t nearly as arduous a challenge. Thinking about that got me to the finish line. It kept me going.

My marathon days are long over, but I am eager to participate in the Boston Marathon again, next time as a spectator, encouraging others along.

I am simply sick about what happened yesterday…and to the numbskulls who did this, know this: you’ll never tamp the spirit of this incredible day. We, as runners and spectators, will keep cheering each other on. And we will keep going,

Quilt Festival Cincinnati Has Commenced!

April 11, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering, International Quilt Festival Tags: Quilt Festival Cincinnati 4 Comments

We are well into our first full day at Quilt Festival Cincinnati and I thought I’d share a few pictures of what’s happening in the heart of the Queen City…

Groups of friends are stylin’ for memorable photos in front of our colorful photo opportunity quilt by Scott Murkin.

Attendees have begun to drop off their Ohio Star quilt blocks at our Design Wall in our Special Exhibits area. We are experimenting with block placement, and at the end of the show, after all blocks have been received, we will quilt it, put it on display during next year’s Cincinnati show (April 3-5, 2014), and donate it to a Cincinnati-based charity.

“Reds-den Plate” by Janine Keeton of Liberty Township, Ohio. This quilt is part of the Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild exhibit, which challenged participants to reinterpret the Dresden plate. I adore this quilt (and the quilting in it)!

“Sunflower Exchange Project” by Barb Zapp. I thought this was pretty clever!

“Dance, Flowers, Dance!” by the very colorful (and color-loving) Frances Holliday Alford of Grafton, Vermont.

Uh oh, a cute pooch…with a guilty face. Be still my melting heart. Quilt is “Who, Me?” by Ruth Powers in our Celebrate Spring! exhibit.

“Tutti Fruitti Village” by Boston gal, Sue Bleiweiss. I love how she has clearly developed a signature style.

Sheila Frampton-Cooper created “In the Desert” inspired by the architecture of her favorite artist, Hundertwasser. (Hey Sheila, he’s my favorite artist, too!)

And here is yours truly in Open Studios last night. This was the first time I have worked with thickened dyes in three years. My smile kind of says it all; I am so happy I finally have cracked them out again.

More soon!

My Weekend in Pictures

April 8, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering Tags: Houston Heights, Quilt Festival 4 Comments

The weekend before I leave for one of our traveling shows, I try and cram in as much local activity as possible, and this past weekend before I leave for our Quilt Festival in Cincinnati was no exception!

I attended the Houston Heights Candlelight Dinner & Silent Auction, which showcased a lot of art by residents in my ‘hood.

And gave me a great reason to break out my Betsy Johnson shoes for their initial run!I also rode my bike to First Saturday Arts Market and met a very interesting artist from Brenham, Texas…

Frances Gerson

And I bought a piece of stitched art from her that I thought was hilarious.

I liked her wheels, too…

Frances Gerson’s art car.

I also attended a local gallery’s art reception and admired a Rembrandt.

And I also admired the first water lily of the season emerge from the depths of my fish pond.

I also worked in my kitchen-pantry-turned-dye studio, and soda-soaked some fabric to prepare for thickened dye work for my Open Studios spot in Cincinnati. This is the first time I have worked with my dye equipment since 2010. It feels very good to be doing this again.

I also turned my dining room table into a staging area for all my art supplies for Cincinnati.

And I tried to spend as much quality time with my fur children as possible…

Hope everyone had as nice a weekend as I did!

Season 12 of Quilting Arts TV Taping Has Commenced!

March 26, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering, Pokey Bolton, Quilting Ars TV Tags: Ana Buzzalino, Barbara Schneider, Luana Rubin, Pauline Salzman, Pokey Bolton, Quilting Arts TV, Vanessa Christenson 5 Comments

I actually can’t believe I wrote that subject line…Season 12 already!? According to my calculations, that means we have taped 143 episodes over the last 11 seasons. This number, ironically, means “I love you” in text speak. How appropriate…because I love my hosting job and watching guests get a chance to share their amazing talents with a greater audience.

For season 12, we have taped two days of guest segments so far, and not even the constant misting of snow or bone-chilling temps in spring could dampen the energy in the studio.

Some highlights so far:

Vanessa Christenson of V and Co. fame came to demonstrate several projects for us, and also shared her new fabric line debuting for Moda Fabrics at Spring Quilt Market. Stores are going to gobble this line up, it is simply striking!

Barbara Schneider braved driving from Chicago to Cleveland in a snow storm to tape several segments. I am a big fan of Barbara’s, and I’m hopeful that I have convinced her to be a featured artist in Open Studios at our Chicago Quilt Festival in June. She does spectacular surface design work, including creating vibrant, abstract fabric interpretations of her nature photographs.

See what I mean? She had yards and yards of this stuff on set.

Ana Buzzalino and her bright smile were back to dazzle with five segments for QATV this season. She is one of the kindest, most generous art quilters I have come across, and she told me on set that she is teaching for International Quilt Festival/Houston in the fall! Believe me, if you are coming to Festival, you will absolutely want to take one of her classes! She is extremely talented (and is a very patient teacher).

The quilt above is one of Ana’s and it was at one time totally white. She pieced, appliqued, and quilted it (all in white fabrics and threads), and then took the plunge into a dye bath and dyed the entire piece orange. She is a brave soul!

Pauline Salzman came to tape two segments, too, including one on how she created pet postcards for our Festival Pet Project (which will run for two more years). She is a pretty hilarious person, and pushes the envelope so to speak, so it was very, very hard for me to keep it together during her segments and not laugh the entire way through. (When you see the segment where she shares her quilt of a close up of Bruce Springsteen and what she actually said on camera about his anatomy, you will understand why.) She made MANY postcards for the taping, most of which will go towards our Festival Pet Project this fall!

She said she is addicted to making postcards now because of the project…

And lastly, Luana and Sophie Rubin from eQuilter came to tape. As seasoned guests, they were great on camera and shared many inspiring quilts and fabrics!

And Sophie was pretty charming when she explained different ikat fabrics from different cultures…

Two days down, and three to go. More soon!

A Quilter’s Cure for the Irish Flu…

March 18, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering Tags: Irish Flu, Juicing 6 Comments

In case you are unfamiliar with the term “Irish Flu,” it’s a sickness one experiences on March 18, after celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by imbibing one too many green beers. Fortunately for me, I do not have a case of the Irish Flu today (and no one else at Quilts Inc. does either), but since our staff is getting ready to embark on Quilt Show season with our first show about three weeks away, it’s time we build or strength and stamina, beginning with a healthy, vitamin- and antioxidant-filled juice drink!

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I made sure we focused on ingredients that would yield green juice…

Why do I personally like to juice? I am bad about remembering to eat my fruits and vegetables every day, so juicing gives me a leg up. There are also vegetables I don’t like to eat, but they taste pretty good in a blended juice. Plus, juicing is a great idea before embarking on a long machine quilting session at your sewing machine as it will keep you energized and sated for hours. Some of my favorite fruits and vegetables to juice include (and yes, I mix them all together):

Spinach

Kale

Ginger

Garlic

Carrots

Cucumbers

Tomatoes

Lemons

Oranges

Peppers

Apples

Pears

Parsley

Beets (But be warned, this will make your juice bright red!)

I use a Hurom Slow Juicer, which separates the pulp from the juice:

Before drinking, it’s a good idea to stir the juice with a spoon to make sure the fruits and vegetables are blended.

Bottom’s Up!

Happy Monday…

I found my heart (and my art) in San Francisco…

March 15, 2013 By pokeysponderings in A Pokey Pondering Tags: American Cupcake 8 Comments

Earlier this month, I did a crazy and spontaneous thing: I put down my needle and thread and took a last minute trip to my beloved hometown of San Francisco for the weekend.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Saturday, March 2

I stayed in my grandmother’s vacant apartment, which was bitter sweet. The last time I had been here was in 2010 when I hosted the SAQA board meeting, and since the apartment most likely will be going on the market soon since my grandmother has passed, I wanted to at least spend one more time in a place that has been a part of my life since I was a very small girl. The view aint half bad either…

I also got to have drinks on the wharf with my closest friend from high school who recently got engaged, and while pondering locales for her upcoming nuptials (Napa, Cindy, Napa!!!), we got to talking about other close high school friends with whom we’ve lost touch, namely our friend Devin who three years ago launched her own restaurant in San Francisco (and has been getting a ton of press).

Here’s a shot of Devin and me 24 years ago…

Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team
The Branson School
1989

So on Saturday I decided to pay her a surprise visit at American Cupcake on Union Street. I was worried that when I saw her she wouldn’t recognize me (it’s been at least 15 years), but nope, we squealed and squeaked like a couple of meerkats upon sight, frightening all of her customers.

It was the best visit; over freshly baked chocolate cupcakes and glasses of pinot, we caught up, gossiped, and talked about our love of creating, whether it be food or quilts.

I am so proud of Devin, and for those who love fried chicken, she has a very, very special dish…

I am so glad I took this last minute trip, because besides making pet postcards for our Festival Pet Project last fall, my quilt muse has been fairly absent over the past year. Yet just going on this brief excursion, I am energized to fire up my thermofax machine and stitch a quilt I have in mind that pays tribute to my hometown. So my upcoming weekend plans will be to hole up in my studio whilst listening to some Flogging Molly on St. Patrick’s Day.

To all my fellow Irish, Sláinte!

pokey's ponderings

Thoughts on stitch, surface design, and quilting

Category Archives: A Pokey Pondering