Back into the groove of things......

Well, we are back into the groove of things around here. Liv had her third birthday on Thursday. She was so excited. This was the first year that she got it......fun to watch her open presents and have fun with her friends at daycare. We are having a party for her on Sunday - lots of adults and a few kids.....we don't know a lot of kids her age. Should be fun....it will be a hot day so we are going to have three kiddy pools out for everyone to enjoy along with beer and sangria's, bubbles and lots of laughing.......

So, I have to report that I have had a recent e-mail of someone giving up on my blog because of my grammar......I was a bit offended but I realize (and Ross continues to tell me) that it is one person. I am here to share what I do - my studio, my work and of course my family. My family is a huge part of my work so it will become a part of my blog. I feel like I need to apologize for my grammar....I am not writing this blog to show my skills in writing but to share who I am. OK that is off my chest and if you don't want to read my blog because of the way I write just look at the pictures..........
Enough about that......how about some photos from our trip to Burney, California......

This is Burney Falls, absolutely beautiful....Liv loves waterfalls, she was so excited!

Manzanita berries..... I have never noticed berries on the Manzanita bush around here - I guess I didn't look hard enough.

This is Clark Creek, nestled just below the cabin where we stayed.......

Very cool leaf in Clark Creek.

I have always been very inspired when we come to the cabin. I will take my paints and paper and just have fun painting. Liv joined me one morning. What a great moment for me to have my daughter paint with me.

Every year we have stayed at the cabin - we have been there 5 times now - we put the camera on the hood of the car and take a photo on th front porch. I love seeing the transition of just Ross and I to now. It makes me smile......
Have a great day!
Valori

More Quilt Show......

I hope you are not getting bored with these posts on the show......It has been such a busy time around here it is all I can do at night to get some  photos sized to get on line......Vi's birthday, My birthday - 35 on Saturday July 26, I am now out of my early 30's - where I still felt like a kid and into the "mid" 30's and shit I have two kids and a husband and a career - but I digress........Ross's birthday is a week away and we are leaving for California to a friends cabin on Saturday for a week......Liv's birthday is the middle of August and then it is Ross and I's 5th wedding anniversary - WHEW!.....a big party here at the Kennedy's for July and August!! I am tired thinking just about it......anyway, I did get some more photos for you of the show....don't you feel like the show is going on, and on, and on?

This is my brother, Jason, he really liked these quilts from Japan.

I love how this one is transparent and you can see the pine trees through it.

My brother was concerned that the quilt on the end would not be sell because the tag was too high. SO he had some help from my husband...........

Then they got a bit on the silly side......

I love seeing my family being silly.....my loving husband has brought a lot of silliness into my life and has brought out some of my brother's. I love my family......anyway, on with the quilts.......on to the teacher tent!

this quilt and the next two quilts are by Janet Fogg, she is from Portland area....amazing quilter!!!

I love this one!!! I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike......(Queen song gets in my head when I think of

Our quilt block contest - sponsered by Westminster......

Well that is all I have for the show...there is one more batch to come....this week I promise as we go on vacation on Saturday....

So I will end with my birthday.....my husband made it so special - we went for a hike as a family and then he had all of my friends together for a party (beer and food -well wine for me but you know what I mean nice and casual) He spoiled me all day....it was great!!!
Here are the girls and I on our hike at Tumalo Falls.

When I am not taking the photos we don't get nearly as many photos.....but here is one that my friend Julie took of Ross and I.......

It was a great day and I felt very special and very pretty! It is always nice to feel that way...you know!
Alright more to come again.......
Have a great day!!!
Valori

OliveRose Free Pattern

I am posting the free pattern again because I didn't realize that the last one I put on was set for tabloid size paper.....this one will fit legal. Thanks for all the great response to the pattern...... Download OliveRose.pdfI am patienly waiting for Grandma Jo to come over so I can go work out.....Then we are having Customer Appreciation days at the shop. Carolyn and I have a book signing and then I am just going to hang out and help cutomers. Should be a nice day! Although after 17 months period free......I am now experiencing cramps again and remembering the "joy" of being a woman!!! UUGGHHH!!! Sometimes I really think that guys should get some of this.... Yesterday I didn't feel like working out and my husband couldn't understand why - he thought it would make me feel better.....I asked him how he would feel running while bleeding and cramping.....I was a bit cranky! Anyway...a bit better today!
Have a great day!
Val

Olive Rose free pattern.....

So do you remember this image........

It is the new collection of Olive Rose and the quilt that I made as a free pattern....As I promised here is the Download OliveRoseFreePatt-Web.pdf for the pattern.... please let me know if you cannot download this pattern. Hope you like it... I think it is one of my favorite quilts that I have done.  I took this photo of it out with one of the sole chairs to and the mountains......

Pretty cool- if I do say so myself......it was a beautiful day but very, very, cold!!!
    So on another note here is my latest knitting project.....

This is a bag from Louisa Harding (one of my FAVORITE knitters) she has a great book out Knitting Little Luxuries....the bag is made out of Cinnabar. It took me a while but I love the results. I even tested it out on a date with my husband before I put it in the shop......Holds a wallet, cell phone, small sketch book and little travel watercolors.....I can't help myself to take those things with me when we go out. Luckily my husband is very understanding..... Anyway....off to Portland!!
Have a great day!
Valori

Time....

Well, Vi is starting to sleep better.....patience is not one of my strong points with these things but surprisingly she is doing really well. She slept until 5am...going to bed at 7:30 pm. What is really funny is how tired I am getting uninterrupted sleep. Go figure! Maybe my body will get back on track one of these days.
On Tuesday I gave a lecture to a guild based in Sunriver - great group of ladies - Since Ross has the day off and has the girls they came with me. We had a fun adventure - it snowed that morning so we had an hour and half drive in the snow and slush.....AAAHHH spring in Central Oregon. The lecture went great and I am so proud of my girls they were so good - especially Liv. She was quiet while I talked and only came up to me once to ask if I would hang out with her...... If I was in any other industry I don't think that the audience would be so understanding.....all of the mom's and grandma's were great with them. We went out to lunch after the lecture and I found myself smiling as I was feeding Violette and opening my mouth as she would take the spoonful of carrots.  Isn't it funny how we do that when we try to get them to eat. Quite the sight......
I am off to painting......I will leave you with a poppy photo that I took a few years ago....

Have a great day!!
Valori

sleeping?....

UUGGGHHH....Violette still isn't sleeping through the night.....granted last week she had a cold and couldn't breath very well so I know why she was up. Now we are trying to re-train her - remind her that she really doesn't need to eat in the middle of the night. Last night we decided that we would let her cry it out.....well, she showed us - after over an hour of crying we gave in and gave her a bottle. It was 4 a.m......I don't know when the last time I had a full night sleep....then once I am awake my brain turns on and it is all over....think, think, think, thinking......work,work, work, work.........Anyone have any other suggestions besides letting her cry it out....I think she might be too stubborn for that....HELP?!?!?!
Have a great day!
Valori

Sunday.....

A blue sky Sunday morning.....the mountains are covered with fresh snow - I think we still might get some more snow before we actually get to spring but for today it is absolutely beautiful.  The girls are playing with Ross and I have a few minutes to get some work done..... I finished designing all of the covers for the patterns this morning. That feels good!!! YEAH!!! This week we go to print.....I am hoping to clean my studio today - it is a TOTAL mess and I can't even think in there any more!
I have to share these totally cute photos that we got of the girls.....we went to a great studio in Bend, Focus Pocus. It is so hard to take photos of us so I thought it would be fun to go to someone else to take them. Liv was just a pill that day and I was sure we wouldn't get any good photos but I was wrong we got some great ones.......


These are defiantly my  girls....too cute! Miss Vi has decided that she doesn't want to nurse anymore.... it makes me so sad......I wanted to nurse at least a couple more months but she is just too distracted and doesn't want to work at it. She loves to hold the bottle and she spins it while she drinks. It is very cute and I should embrace getting my body back....I am just sad to be done. Liv stopped nursing at 8 months also.....they are sisters.
Well, I'm being beckoned.....
Have a Great Day!
Valori

Behind the Seams

Back in December Violette and I flew to Clevland to tape an internet program called Behind the Seams, with the great host Sara....she was so easy to work with and very cool chick all around. Anyway, my webisode is on now.....go check it out!!! Very cool to see the internet becoming a source for instructional video for our industy like the tv is. I know Alex Anderson and Ricky Timms are also doing some web progams. Mom was on one last year I think. Alex and Ricky have asked me to come do a taping in September....should be fun.
Well the pattern writing and creating is coming to an end and next week we will proof and send to print!! YEAH!!!! I am so excited......I thought I would give you a sneak preview of the free pattern that I did for Olive Rose.

As soon as the pattern is proofed and off to print I will get it into a PDF and put it on the blog..... I really love how this quilt came out. I think that it is one of my favorite quilts that I have done recently.
Well, a few more things to take care of......as I sit in my studio, there is a blizzard outside. For crying out loud isn't it spring!??!! I think we have about 3" on the ground. UUGGGHHH!!! I guess it is a good day to be in the studio and it is beautiful! I think that I am just ready for a little warm....
Have a great day!
Valori

Snow in Spring.....

Go figure the first day of Spring and we get snow....and then today the second day of Spring we get 2" of snow......Central Oregon! And I am just itching to get the beds ready so that Liv and I can plant some veggies......Not that I don't have a lot of things to get done but when you get those bits of blue sky and 60 degree weather you think maybe....just maybe we can think of planting. We have  such a short growing season here you have to take advantage of any day you can.

I have been shotting photos for the patterns and other fun stuff....I got this photo of Miss Sophie as she was getting ready to jump up and attack me.....while I was on the stool!!! I just thought this was too cute she is the perfect color to go with the chair and my photographs......I just love how the brown roses turned out - this is a home decorator weight fabric that we covered the chair with.....I want it in my studio but it has to go to the store for a while.....anyway, have to get back to work!!!!
Have a Great DAY!!!
Val

Spring?!

We had a beautiful weekend - around 60 - wow maybe spring is coming after all!!! AAHHH just a teaser I am sure! That is how March is around here. Things are busy, busy, busy around the shop and the studio.... although I have decided that it is always busy in my life......but at least I am not bored! The girls make sure of that...Violette was trying to crawl to a toy the other day. I am not sure I am ready for her to be mobile - that means I really have to watch my studio and the scraps of fabric on the floor. She likes to taste test everything.......at least it's fiber? Right? Speaking of Two CUTE girls.....here they are......
As I am burning the midnight oil - ok I am only up until 10 or 11 - making prototypes for my patterns out of  OliveRose I have heard that the fabric should be arriving in April/May.....we are doing pre-orders at the shop.
It is very exciting when the designs come to life and then are out there for everyone to see. I am a little tired these days as I am a perfectionist and I like to do the initial work on the projects - but there are 8 new patterns on the way......I hope to be taking photos for the cover over the next week and I will give you a sneak preview. Well back to the gridstone....I am at the shop today - different hat to wear - but it keeps me on my toes!! Have a great day! Valori

Sophie cat.....

I love cats....not matter what I am doing my cats always seem to want to be in on it - Past kitties and present....Sophie (the present kitty) - our 1 year old is fasinated with fabric and yarn and string and plastic - not sure where the plastic obsession came about, she is always chewing on plastic and searching out plastic but I digress......I have been in the studio a lot lately working with the sample yardage - I have one quilt up on the design wall not quite done and taking a bit of thinking time when I was inspired......

I had to resort to designing another quilt on the floor - you can't fight creativity when it strikes!! I love it! So Miss Sophie decided that since she couldn't get the fabric off the wall - she tried let me tell you - she would jump around on the quilt on the floor......I happened to capture her when she decided to take a rest from torturing me with her kitty chaos and lay down......

Even though she can drive me crazy I couldn't imagine my life and studio without a puscat to hang out with and keep me on my toes......
Happy creating.........
Val

Flu Fog......

I am finally coming out of the stomach flu fog....UUUGGGHHHH!!! I really dislike being sick and I sure seem to get sick more often with the two little ones.....poor Vi had to deal with me unlatching quickly to throw up and run to the bathroom....she was quite confused. Luckily Ross had Tuesday off and took Wednesday off to help me out. I am not sure how I would of done it other wise I was pretty useless. I don't remember the last time I was that sick! WIth Vi sucking out all of my immunities and Liv in daycare I can win for losing this winter.......does it get better? Somehow Ross doesn't get sick - I am determined he doesn't kiss the girls enough - or because he works at an athletic club and trains people he is so exposed to germs he is immune one way or another I still don't think it is fair!!! Alright enough complaining.......
I have to share in this CUTE changing pad that was sent to me by the sweet Ana from cu cu yo deisgns in California......

  It is a changing pad that has cozy flannel on the inside folds up into this nice travel size and has a zipper pocket for a couple diapers and wipes - they have used some of my dots from the Fleurish flannel (unfortunally not avialable anymore) and were wondering when I might have some more flannel coming out........(next fall there will be a new flannel line - I will keep you updated I promise it to be yummy!) Anyway, I raved about how cute the changing pad was and Ana sent me one....so cool!!! Well today when Vi and I were in town I had it with me and had to give her a quick change......

Isn't it too cute!! very cozy with a little pillow on the top - Vi wasn't too happy about her change she wanted to eat but better to be clean first!  Anyway just had to show off this cool baby accesssory!
Have a great day!!!!
Valori

WOW!!!

Oh my gosh! I received so many nice compliments on the fabric and the book that I couldn't just do 5 books so I took the first 10 that e-mailed me....Thank you so much!!! Sometimes you never know if anyone is really reading the blog - or am I just writing into cyber space - nice to know that you are out there!!!! I am off to do a new display with Carolyn at the shop...we are re-doing the front of the store with a LifeStyle look - lots of sewing and home decorator fabric, patterns books....we have a lot of fun doing display's.........Take care and thanks again for the response.....
Valori

Sample yardage...new book.....

Wow it has been busy around here....I just got my sample yardage for OliveRose coming soon to a local quilt shop near you.... well in May or June. Miss Vi has been helping me in the studio...when she is not in the Johnny Jump Up she is starting to sit up..... I was quick enough to catch this photo of her before tumbling over.....she does think it is fun. I am so excited about the new fabric....just getting it all in front of you is so rewarding. Now the sewing will begin. Carolyn and I planned projects out of our new book, LifeStyle for market with the OliveRose fabric. The book should be hitting stores in the next couple of weeks......but for those lucky few I have some author copies that I would like to give out. The first 5 people that e-mail me I will send you a copy.
We just got some Alexander Henry home decorator fabric in the shop and I had to make the diaper bag out of the Leo fabric TOO CUTE!!!!
Well, Vi is sick of the Johnny Jump Up and its time to get to work......
Happy Valentine's to all!!!!
Valori

Studio Saturday.....

This was the view out of my studio yesterday as I worked on new fabric drawings and prototypes for new patterns. It is a view of Grey Butte and Smith Rocks - and awesome place to rock climb, mountain bike and hike....at least those are the things that I like to do there. Amazingly when it is cloudy here there seems to be a bit of sunlight peaking through exposing the area!
Anyway.......the studio is a mess with fabric everywhere...I am not very good at putting fabric away when I am in the middle of creating. I always find myself doing a cleaning later. I envy those who can keep their space clean while working. I have now made three different types of quilted lap top cases - trying to find the best design for my pattern. I want something stylish yet easy to make and functional. After the third one I decided to let them sit for awhile and work on fabric designs. That is the beauty of having multiple projects going on - always something else to take your mind of what you are stuck on. My drawing table sits in front of the windows that look out over the canyon and in the distance you can see Smith Rocks. I love the view! I did accomplish two finished drawings yesterday...... I am finding as I work on these designs that I have more ideas than I want to put in one collection - that is a nice problem......I decided to just keep going with the ideas and put them in the "drawer".
On another note - Friday, Carolyn and I did this display at the shop with new chairs that we covered in the Sole' Home Decorator fabric - It turned out very good. We kept it simple so that as we get in new spring product - yarn and gifts that we can add to it. We are thinking of doing a few more chairs out of the new OliveRose Home Decorator fabric (out this spring) - and use them around a coffee table for our open knit that we do every Wednesday.
Well off to a Family Sunday.....we are heading to Bend -the big city in our neck of the woods - grocery shopping, errands and the Children's Museum then dinner at Mimi's and Papa's........
Have a great day!
Valori

Zen moment.....

The girls are taking a nap - a quiet moment. They both have ear infections and I have a cold.....whew! I do love to spend time with them but I am enjoying this moment. It is important to treasure the few minutes of alone time - where one can quiet the mind and just be.

AHHh distracted by the cry of a 6 month old.....I love it when she smiles at me so big that her nose wrinkles and the binky falls out of her mouth......TOO CUTE! We are still helping her learn to put herself to sleep and the only thing that works is to let her cry a bit, come in every 5 min, then 10 min, then 15 min - soothe her and leave. She is getting it but she does like it when we come in and say hi. Naps are easier than bed time - she really like to hang out with Ross and I at night after Liv goes to bed.

What has been going on in the studio......I have been working on prototypes for the new patterns......finally sent off the paintings for the 2008 Quilt Show fabric . That was a BIG check on the list. It is nice to get something off the list rather than keep adding. Carolyn and I received our advanced copy of LifeStyle, a new book that we collaborated on - it should be hitting a local Quilt Shop near you in February. We are very excited about it.........I am still working on my fabric designs for next spring - it is a slow go because pattern projects are higher on the priority list. The drawing table always has a design in progress in case I get stuck with one of the other projects. I do bounce back a forth sometimes. The studio is in dire need of a cubby hole type of shelf to put projects in - like all the paper and fabric that is cut up or half way done, etc, etc, etc. I do love the creative buzz that I get when I am doing all of these things. Mom is coming over tomorrow to watch Baby Vi so that I can have some uninterrupted time in the studio.......I can't wait!!!!
Oh, my good friend Amy Butler has some new fabric coming out in this spring......SO pretty!!! I know we are going to get it in the store - I will keep you posted.......All this talk about the studio makes me want to go do something........while the sleeping beauties are at rest. Enjoy your day.....take a Zen Moment for yourself...it is very rejuvenating!

Valori

Sunday....

I love Sunday's.....I seem to be really productive on Sunday's. I finish painting the Quilt Show fabric for this year. It consists of two panels with borders....here is a sneak preview.......

I am happy to have it done. It is always nice to complete something off your list. It seems like I have been adding a lot of things to the list and not marking much off - this feels good. Now I can get back to some of the other things that were started months ago.

I took a break to nurse the babes while Ross and Olivia took a nap. Vilotte and I had a bath and since she was so cute all naked I took some photos of her. At 5 months she is so cute and trying to put everything in her mouth. What a fun thing to do......now I just need to print and frame them......

I just love Sunday's all of this done and it is only 2:00.......since I am on such a roll I am going to continue in the studio.....Have a great day!!!
Valori

PS If you are at my web site and try to e-mail me from the address provided it is going to bounce.......the e-mail address should be valori@valoriwells.com

NEW WEB SITE.......

I am so excited to announce my new web siteis done.......I have been working with the awesome company here in Sisters, Brand Navigation They have officially branded me and set up the site. They are so creative and easy to work with....Yeah!!!! Since we just went live I had to take some Pizza and Beer in thanks over to the office. Well, back to work in the studio - I just wanted to let everyone know......
Have a great day!!!
Valori

Happy Holidays......

Merry Christmas.....Happy Holidays!!!!! I hope everyone had a great holiday - weather you celebrate Christmas or not it is a great time to be with family. That is my FAVORITE part of this time of year. We spent the weekend in Portland - driving over the pass with the fresh snow....it was so beautiful - I had to do drive by shoting......

We had a wonderful time being with family.....then we did Christmas Eve dinner with my mom - she had made a table cloth out of my new fabric

She says its the "new" red.....looks pretty good.......
Christmas day was fun with Livvy starting to get the whole idea but she did get a bit overwhelmed and we did have a Christmas breakdown.....someone always has to have a break down on Christmas.

We did Christmas Dinner at our house.....I love cooking for the family. My aunt and my friend that is interning with us came for dinner along with Mom and John (my step-dad)....... My great aunt passed down her china from when she got married to Ross and I - it is from the 40's and very cool.....fits right into our house......

I couldn't of asked for a better Christmas - spending time with my family - I am very blessed. Happy Holidays to all and a very Happy New Year!!!

The studio is a buzz with new Quilt Show fabric....projects for new patterns......new fabric........I will be sharing soon.....
With Love and Blessings!
Valori

Sole Home Decorator

My new home decorator weight fabric has arrived in our shop and just in time for our Cyber Monday where everything is 20% off when you shop on line...... a shameless plug for the shop I know. But 20% off is great!!! Anyway, I wanted to share the throw pattern that I made out of the blue palette of the home dec line..... It is a simple piece that can be translated using any fabric..... here is the pattern.Download SoleHomeDecPromo.pdf
Hope everyone had a great holiday....
Valori