While taking my break at work this morning, I sat and read my favorite blogs. As I usually do. One of them being Jaybird Quilts. Julie is an amazing woman. She has no clue who I am, but I am a faithful reader of her blog.
Yeah, so I was reading her post about her pattern development process...and, let me tell you, I was very impressed. Like her, I have received many patterns over the years that have left a lot to be desired. It surprised me not at all that she has very high standards. I got to the part where she mentioned her 'pattern testers' and instantly thought, "ohhhh, I wanna do that!". Not actually for her (well, I would if asked, but I'm being realistic), but to do that for someone...how fun would that be?
Okay, so my break was over. Then, work was done. Bye everyone! Made a few stops on the way home and then decided to stop at my lqs to pick up a piece of fabric I need to finish a baby quilt. Gloria (owner) and I chatted...and I looked at the new fabrics she's been getting in...Habitat, Sunkissed and Dilly Dally to name a few. Gloria's daughter, Jennifer, was there and they had a discussion about a sample quilt Jennifer had made, and also about the 1/2 yard cuts she had taken of the Habitat fabrics to make a quilt with.
When her daughter left, I said to Gloria, "Would you please adopt me (gloria is actually younger than I am) so I have access to lots of fabric?" Gloria told me that Jennifer was going to make a sample quilt for the shop with the Habitat fabrics. How fun is that! Can't wait to see it!
Then...and THEN she said, "would you like to make a sample quilt for the shop, Jacque?" Ohmygosh, I about passed out! Me!? Make a sample quilt for a shop!? Heck, yeah! (I've taken several of my finished quilts in to show off her, so she knows my work...case you're wondering.)
We talked about it a bit and Gloria sent me home with some patterns and pattern books to decide what quilt I wanted to make. And, guess what fabric I get to use???? SUNKISSED! YAY!!! She doesn't have the entire collection, but certainly enough of them to be awesomely fun!!!
I will have a say in what pattern I want to use. But, as the owner of the shop, she has the final say. So, I'll browse the patterns/books and choose a few that I really would like to work on and fly them by her.
Ohmygosh. Can you believe that?
So, if she's happy with my work, I'll have the opportunity to sew more sample quilts. Not all right now, but over time. You know. How fun is that...to play with awesome fabric! With no guilt over the expense!
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And, just to make the day even better, my 'snow days' pattern arrived...ohmygosh! It will be amazing! More on this later.
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10
