I had to bring you a smile with this photo....Teague has discovered how to zerbert!!
Although it would be better to think that he was offering me a big SMOOCH but no just a big zerbert!
Love babies!!!
XO
Valori
Mama's helpers....
Today was a great day....just love days where you feel good - physically, mentally, all of it coming together in harmony. As corny as it sounds...
This morning I had some time to sew...along came my helpers. Liv, first, comes to help me trim threads then Vi joins in.....well, because her sisters was there. She just likes to put the presser foot up and down. At one point I left the machine to iron and when I came back the presser foot was up and I just didn't understand why I would leave it up. She looks at me innocently and says, "I did it mama." It was so matter of fact I had to laugh. Then there was the arrival of the little man at the side of my chair....I can sew with one hand....go figure. Mom was in the studio helping me out with some step-outs for a Quilting Arts TV program that we are taping early September. She looked at us and said no wonder you get so much done.....just keep working. I love that they enjoy being in the studio and that it isn't a bad place or a place that takes me away from them.
My mother is awesome....she watched the kids for me for an hour, so that I could go for a run. I am finally taking my body back. The cycle of pregnant or not pregnant is over, the not pregnant option for me. Thank you very much!!! Anyway, I have 20ish pounds that I would like to lose to get back to my before baby size. Granted I am sure some things will never be the same. I can at least lose the extra "baby Love" that I have. For the past couple of weeks I have been working out like a mad woman...and eating very healthy and just watching my calorie intake. I had a great run today because it finally felt like my body was kicking in....running doesn't hurt as bad as it did two weeks ago, it feels more effortless.
I wake up in the morning with the I don't want to work out conversation...but the other side reminds me that I am not going to reach my goal if I don't work hard. I am a strong woman I can do this. So, off I go....running down the street to the trails....I love to run the trails in Sisters. They are awesome.... Peterson Ridge Trail (aka PRT)...it is a Mt.Bike trail also so it has lots of fun movement to it.
I only go about 4 miles on the trails and then back to mom's house. It was wonderful......Felt good and wow it was nice to just be by myself in my own head.....does that make sense? The kids and I had a great afternoon while Daddy-O was out golfing with his brother. There was just something about today everyone was in a good mood....and just enjoying what ever we were doing. ...I love these Sundays!
Now, I must show a rare photo of our deck....
With the beginning of summer I had these grandiose ideas for our deck - create something so we could have a table and chairs with a little cover from the sun. Living on the canyon we get a lot of wind and it is also summer in Central Oregon....we get wind. My idea was inspired by an article in Sunset Magazine - west coasters will know the magazine, it is regional. Anyway, they had a backyard that used pots and bamboo poles and canvas with table underneath and chairs. Well, I thought it would be awesome to have something like that on our deck. I got the pots planted and used wood poles that I stained a bluish green color then painted the canvas. Oh, I can't tell you how excited I was to put this up and sit outside with a glass of wine and shelter from the sun while the kids play in the back yard (just of to the left of the photo).
It was a great day when I went to put it up....no wind....at least that is what I thought! Wow, just a little wind and my pots were almost toppled. I had successfully made a giant kite. I pouted for quite a few weeks....Quilt Show came and went, along with most of July before I tried again. A friend of mine, Rob Appell, suggested that I cut holes in it to create flaps so that the air could move through it.....Brilliant!!! Just before the big Birthday party for Andrea, Vi and Myself was to start I decided to put it up and see what would happen. OH, YEAH, YEAH, YEAH it worked....I did a serious happy dance.....unfortunately it only lasted for 15 or 20 min when the wind picked up. I did get to enjoy every second that it was up...I sat in my chair with a sangria and smiled...... Next year I am getting bigger pots to put the posts in and I think I might take cable between the posts diagonally then put those little circles on the canvas to run the cable through....I really want to be able to make this work....some day. Just not this month with the deadlines that I have.....Well off to bed for me.....
Good night.....
XOXOX
Valori
Apologies...and more
Ok, so I just heard the other day that it is proper etiquette to respond to every comment on my blog. I so didn't know that....now I wonder what other things I don't know about blogging and now twitter....is there some sort of book to tell you?!?! Anyway, if I have offended anyone PLEASE accept my apologies....
Now, I have been meaning to fill you all in on the article in American Patchwork and Quilting... I am sure a lot of you already have seen the magazine with our studios in it...my studio, mom's our friend Tonye Belinda Phillips and Betsy Rickles.....well I just got the link to their web site with more photos....
So, cool to see more of the photos. Teague was only a month or so old when they came and photographed the studio. I have been dying to show you some photos that we got while they were here. You know when the professionals come with their lights and all I took advantage of everything being set up and shot some with my camera....
I have a couple of fabric scrap drawers for the kids to play in....well, they REALLY got into it.....looks like fun huh???
Here are a couple from APQ site....
It is crazy to see how little Teague is and how young the girls look...wow does time fly!!!
I just loved getting to share my studio...I only wish it was always that clean. I need a cleaning fairy....one that would come in at night and clean....or I just need to get over myself and get better organized. There are so many projects in the works right now...I had to pin up pieces of paper with each project in a different color on my design wall so that I can see everything I have to do rather than just think about it.
Well, as my anxiety level builds just talking about it I must get to work...
Have an awesome day!!!
XO
Valori
Flannel and such...
Back to reality... We have had such a great vacation but I am a little tired after chasing the family for a week. You just forget how nice it is to have a little quiet... I guess I take it for granted sometimes. We did have fun and I enjoyed every minute!!!!
My new flannel collection Bliss is here in the studio just waiting for me to work with it....now I just have to figure out what I'm going to make....hhhmmmm so many possibilities.
I'm trying not to get overwhelmed with my list of to do's.... I had better get back to it.
Have a great day!!!
XO
Valori
Quilt Show take two....
We are in Ashland, Oregon on our way to the cabin for a week - with no phone, internet or tv...it will be perfect. But as I just can't control myself...I must put a post in for the next images of the Quilt Show. There is so much going on in our lives that I just don't have a lot of time to blog. So, here I am posting photos on vacation.....ENJOY!!!
I will begin with some quilts from Ricky and Alex....
These next quilts are by our featured quilter...
Now on with the show.....
My girlfriend Carolyn's youngest.....in his Quilt Show onesie that mom had made for the boys...
Nun at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show....in her habit (is that how you spell that?)
Couple of mom's quilts...
Here is the building after the firemen have left....middle of the day.
I had to walk to mom's house during the day and came across this house that was in the spirit of the show....I thought it was pretty cool!!!
Snow cones on a hot day how can you go wrong?
Taking a walk in the afternoon...
Part of the Quilt Rescue Team....they have too much fun!
This quilt was all salvages....I was actually inspired by this...wasn't too keen on the salvage quilts before but this is really beautiful.
Local kids and their music....the girl in the middle was really good and we bought her cd....some crazy talent in our little town. (not that they all weren't awesome...but she had a cd)
Drawing chalk blocks at the kid area....it was really fun.
Teague even did a block...
Love this quilt it was in the lawn next to the shop and I kept seeing it and just had to take a photo of it.
Grandma's and the kids....I will end with this tonight as I need to edit some more photos. I have the teacher tent to show you....
Have a great week.....
XOXOXOX
Valori
Beautiful Night...
It is amazing tonight... Cool breeze with air smelling like thunder storms in Central Oregon. The light is soft, grey but full of life. Looking at the canyon from the deck, Grey Butte in the distance... It is so peaceful, with the sound of the wind as it blows in waves.
I haven't enjoyed an evening like this in a long time. I think that a few more nights on the deck would be better for me than working....
We are getting ready to head out for vacation at a friends cabin in Northern California. It will be out 6th year at this cabin, the first week in August. We don't know the cabin in any other way. I wonder sometimes what it would be like in the winter with all the snow....how beautiful and full of life it is in the spring as all the vegetation comes into bloom, and the fall extravaganza of color as the leaves change. It is a very spiritual place that I connect to in a way that I have never experienced before.
For Ross and I it was the place we went to on our first trip when, freshly dating, where we spent the first few days of married life, where we took our oldest child on her first road trip, and our second, and now our third baby! Makes me smile to have those memories!
Well, feeling all sentimental.... Have a great night!!
XOXOXOXOXO
Valori
Happy Birthday to me & my bro!
Today is my 37th birthday & my brothers 41st birthday! It was a good day I finally got my Violette tattoo! Love it! It was done by my friend Ashley Reed at Outlaw Tattoo! She is amazing!
XOXO
Valori
Quilt Show morning....
HELLO....I have some Quilt Show photos for you....I have been editing and have around 50 photos to share today...maybe I will break it up into two posts. And there are more to come....it was a great show this year.
But first I must share a photo from our Birthday Bash last night....Miss Violette Grace turned 3 on Wednesday, my birthday is tomorrow - 37- and my girlfriend Andrea is having her birthday on Tuesday so we (Andrea and I) threw ourselves a party....we did have a bit of help from the fam. She just had her baby 3 weeks ago so it was a great time for her to get out and drink some sangria!!
I made us Daisy crowns for the evening....there was fun had by all....there were lots of babies and kids it was just perfect! Now onto the show.....
As with every year I start with the fireman. How can you not they are a great beginning to the day.
They even take photos of themselves on Quilt Show day.
Then off to work hanging quilts.
Our quilt challenge this year was "inspired by Jean"....I did not get a quilt done this year. But we had great quilts from the gals at the shop....
Some more of the early morning helpers...
First thing in the morning - 7:30 am - the streets are pretty quite as the quilts go up all over town.
I loved this quilt hanging off the top of the railing...
The local "taxi" that took people to the Art Works building where there were lots of quilts and art. I don't think I ever made it there on Saturday. Next year.
LOVE this intersection of Cascade and Elm mom always hand picks a quilt for the wagon and goes down first thing in the morning and places it.
I love this quilt....
He doesn't look too happy at this time, I hope his day got better!
As you can see work in progress....or someone forgot the ladder.
Our wonderful worker/volunteer bees......We are so lucky to have them.
Those of you who don't know mom places every quilt. She looks at each one and make sure it has a special place. I think that is part of what makes our show so unique.
These are a series of basket quilts from a challenge - mom wanted to make sure they were all together.
A bit of a different basket quilt....love the contemporary fabric used.
This quilt my mom and aunt made together and this is the woman who bought it....she was SO excited when we walked by and she was able to get a photo with mom.
I thought this was a very interesting quilt it reminded me of a painting rather than a quilt.
This is a series of Log Cabins from our dear friend Katie Pasquini Masoupust and her family. Katie has come and taught for us at Quilter's Affair numerous times.
There were a couple of them that were made for Katie's niece that was pregnant - she didn't know about it until they took her to the building where they were displayed. Very cool.....
I will end this post with these amazing quilts by Joanne Myers - she was our inspirational instructor this year.
More tomorrow......
Have a great night!!!
Val
PS I have been meaning to tell you that I am now on Twitter....if you would like to follow me @valoriwells
One of these days I will figure out how to get the little icon on my blog so you can just click on it....
Picnic in the Park...
I have finally had a few minutes to edit some of the photos that I took on Friday night - aaahhh two weeks ago July 9....it has been a long couple of weeks. Recovery from Quilt Show, traveling to Mom's Hall of Fame and now birthday's. Vi had her third birthday yesterday. She was awfully cute about it....they did a big party for her at daycare and then we did a picnic in the back yard for dinner...with presents of course! I am hoping that three is a little easier than two. New trials and tribulations I am sure but my hope is that she will get better at explaining herself and understanding us. It is always an adventure with kids....right?!?!
Now back to Friday Night....our annual Picnic in the Park. With 800 picnickers (is that even a word) and lots of others around the park to see our employee challenge quilts and the retrospective that was MC'd by our good friend Alex Anderson.
I can't seem to do a blog without some cute photos of the fam.....
She was throwing fabric into the air and catching it....new way to play with fabric. It looked like fun!
Vivi taking a rest on Grandma Jo.....we are so very thankful for Grandma Jo (Ross' mom) during this week she is a life saver....maybe a mommy sanity saver!
Ross knew when he married me that he would be a part of Quilt Show - a big part. He helps out so much and is always happy to do it. I am very lucky!!!
Mom, Liv and Frank...he is one of our awesome locals. I love that the locals come and enjoy the events and don't always run and hide for the week.....
The one and only Bari J. I so enjoyed getting to know Bari and I am looking forward to working with her again....
A couple of our teachers knitting....love the connection of knitting and quilting.
Part of the crowd!
Ricky Timms and Alex Anderson....and now for some quilts....
One of Alex's quilts out of my fabric....
LOVE this one of Smith Rock state park....in our back yard!
Well, that is all I have for now....I hope to get the Quilt Show day photos done tomorrow...at least some of them.
XO
Valori
Good Morning...
Olivia, John, my brother, nephew and I are heading to Indianapolis to see mom being inducted into the Quilter's Hall of Fame. Should be fun.... Had to include an early morning (5am) shot of the mountains and a quilt in progress of mom' s....
Have a Great Day!!!
XO
Val
Check this out...
I just got an email about the show... Our local paper The Nugget has a great video of the show www.nuggetnews.com. Check it out it will give you a great idea of the show... Just makes me smile!!
XO
Val
Quilt Show Day...
This is a photo that I tried to post on "the day" but for some weird technical reason nothing showed up even though it said it published.... Anyhow, slowly recovering and I hope to get my photos downloaded today.
I have a sick little man not sure what is going on...I know he has another tooth coming in but the fever and his lack of eating along with icky diapers makes me think there is something else going on. Not to mention he hasn't slept longer than an hour in the past 24 hours. I just feel so bad for the little guy.
Well, off to tackle the day!!!
XO
Val
Sample yardage...
My sample yardage for the new Bliss fleece arrived today. The girls are having a blast playing with it.
Now I have to make something.....hhhmmmm What to do??
XO
Val
Had to add a cute photo of the boy!
Getting ready...
We are gearing up for Quilt Show next week. This Saturday starts with the Fiber Arts Stroll, then Monday is the first day of classes. Seems like it has come up so fast!
Ross was out of town all last week for a class and I had the kids. We really had a great week. Teague started crawling... My life has changed forever!! Good thing he is still slow. The girls were so helpful and good for me we went and saw Toy Story 3 last night. Girls night out! We had fun!!
Well off to the day!!! Lots to do before the crazy fun week!
XO
Valori
Beach trip...
Enjoying a little sunshine on the Oregon Coast in our favorite little town, Manzanita. The whole family is here, we are staying in these awesome condos just across the road from the beach. It has been so nice to take a little break and spend some time together... I love watching the kids play in the sand and the cold, cold ocean! I even have had a little time to draw on some rocks!!! What a great day!
XO
Valori
35th Anniversary......
As promised some new projects that are in the works for the 35th Anniversary of the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and the Stitchin' Post......
This week I finished up the photos and we went to print on a calendar for the shop...here are a couple of shots.....
It has been fun but a lot of work, quickly.....sometimes we have so many ideas and way too much to do that projects get put on the back burner until it is time to turn it in. AHA such is life!
On Tuesday July 7 we are having a Birthday Gala for the Quilt Show......there will be an art auction - among other things - this is the painting I did for the auction...
There is the unveiling of the DVD.....
Oh, this is going to be so cool! Can't wait to see all the footage put together.....Kara Jensen is the videographer....I think that is the proper term....anyway, she is awesome and I am totally excited to have the opportunity to work with her.
The last fun project.......BEER!!! (ok, fun to me and fun that I got to design the label)
Three Creeks Brewing is our own local brewing company and they were totally up for the idea of making a special summer brew for our show!!! Just have to get the quilters to drink more beer and less wine....At least I know we will have some in our fridge!
For now those are the projects that I have been intimately involved in....not that there are not other great events occurring during our week of festivities. But for me I can't seem to get my finger into everything....there would have to be 3 or 4 of me to do that. Should be a great year.....
XOXO
Valori
More Nest.....
I have been meaning to show you the new patterns that we did out of Nest for spring.....life has been crazy as summer begins here in Sisters. We are gearing up for Quilt Show and Quilter's Affair...this year being the 35th year there are so many extra projects.... I will share some sneak peaks of a couple of fun projects soon. First, how about the patterns....
Annie - inspired by Teague's baby quilt...which is included in the pattern.
Nested bags....they are too fun. I use my small prototype for my make-up....one of the best aspects of these bags are how easy and quick they are to make. As you all know - need the quick, satisfying projects in my house.
My Sweet Girls.....in their skirts. Which the pattern included the formula to make a skirt for any size girl....mine will be done once I have a few hours for me - ha! Too bad I need sleep otherwise I would have lots of time for me....
I love these place mats...over the holiday season I made mom a bunch of place mats and napkins out of my fabric that I had silk screened and embroidered on.....
So there you go...the newest patterns to come out of the studio. Oh, the studio so neglected these days! Soon my friend I will be there again....painting, sewing, creating....rather than walking by dreaming of time in my favorite space.....
XOXO
Valori
Nest has arrived......
Wow, it has been crazy busy since market....I thought that I would slow down a bit after market but it seems like there is have more to do. The only good thing about having so much work is that it has been raining all week. The garden is going to be green, not that there is much planted right now - potentially we will have frost again......summer.....aaahhhh I can't wait for you to arrive.
The good news NEST has arrived in the shop....yeah!! We are still waiting for the cotton voile and corduroy but I expect them soon. Carolyn did an awesome display of the fabric and quilts.....if I can just remember to bring in my camera I can get a photo of it. For now here are the free patterns for three of the quilts. The shop is going to be doing kits of the free patterns, I will let you know when they are available.....
NEST.....
Nest uses a lot of the fabric in the collection in a very simple quilt, the great thing about this it is that the fabric makes it look interesting and more complex than it is.
WILLOW....
Willow uses the panel of birds and strips of a variety of fabrics all sewn together to make a non-traditional sashing.
ROBIN....
Robin take one large design and some solid to create a very contemporary quilt. Again it is simple but a very satisfying quilt to make. I really love being able to make a quilt in a day that is pretty cool.
Ok, that is it for now kiddos.....I have to get some deadlines done and out of my hair. Quilt Show is fast approaching and I have to get out of this studio and into the shop.....
Have a great day!!
XOXO Valori
Sneak peak...
A long day but good all the same... Here is a little peak at the booth. The photo was taken on my iPhone so it isn't the best light. I sure do wish that my iPhone had a flash! Anyway, I had a great schoolhouse lecture...it was packed there wasn't an empty chair. It was really good for my ego... I had been feeling a bit insecure. A typical feeling for me at market... Something that I am working on..
XOXO Valori
Opps...
Ok so posting on the iPhone while walking the baby in the stroller I had a bit of typo.... Sorry - I meant to say I'm going to miss Carolyn....