27th July, 2010 - Posted by cmwhitten - No Comments
First of all, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to my family and friends who helped me get ready for the show this past weekend – first unpacking all my stuff, only to pack it all up again at the show’s end! In case you did not get to the event, below is a photo of my booth on opening day.
CW Design Company - Int'l Quilt Festival Long Beach 2010 - Booth Display
What did I see this past weekend? Incredible quilts, wonderful friends and awesome customers — as always, your business is really appreciated!
San Diego Quilt Show is next up in September followed by Pacific International Quilt Festival in October – be sure to check my schedule for the exact dates and locations of these two shows.
My daughter and I are finally going to have enough time to bake our next batch of cupcakes tonight! A special thank you goes to VCVC Cupcakes of Melrose, Massachusetts who provided me with the Lemon Zester recipe. Check out my blog and Cupcakery section next Sunday for an updated report on how they turned out!
XXOO
19th July, 2010 - Posted by cmwhitten - No Comments
“Have you slowed down and taken a deep breath lately?” That’s what my family and friends have been asking me! But whenever I’m getting ready for a large show — like I am this week – it’s sometimes hard to keep everything in perspective. I look at all the tasks I’ve yet to complete; the fifty new bolts of fabric piled up and needing to be cut; or my latest design, received back from the quilter, still awaiting its cover photo and one final draft of the written pattern instructions.
But yesterday I did manage to take a step back from it all for a few precious hours. I turned out my studio light, closed the door, and went exploring with my family in downtown Huntington Beach !
The break was really what I needed to get refocused and I was surprised at the number of everyday sightings that inspired me. Inspiration can often come from unexpected sources, particularly if you allow yourself to keep an open mind. Here’s a few of the things that got my “creative juices” flowing yesterday while browsing Surf City ’s vintage beach boutiques:
A cool sign in a surf shop
A stop for refreshments
A folder in the “Back to School” section at a stationary store
My six-year-old son reading a book to me over lunch
Another cool sign that made me think of my BFF’s
I also received an unexpected parcel from my friend Fiona in England on Saturday. She had recently attended the most amazing Quilt exhibit at The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London. The exhibit showcases the V&A collection of patchwork and quilted covers that brings together over 300 years of British quilting history; from the 18th century to the creative reinvention of the quilt by contemporary artists.
I’ve said time and again that I would not be able to do what I do without a very patient, supportive and understanding husband and kids. I love you guys! Thank you for allowing Mommy the time she needs to do her “thing!”
4 days until The International Quilt Festival at Long Beach is officially open for business! Please be sure to stop by and see me at booth 1826/1828.
XXOO
11th July, 2010 - Posted by cmwhitten - No Comments
This past weekend we went to a wonderful Farmers Market – fruits, nuts, vegetables, homemade cakes, pastries and gelato, as well as potted plants and fresh cut flowers were among a wide variety of fresh produce on display.
Wonderful Fruit
Healthy Veggies
Fresh Flowers
Most of the vendors will let you sample their goods before you buy. And of course, we couldn’t leave empty-handed! Juicy strawberries, Rainier cherries and some exquisite avocados were among our notable finds. After whiling away a couple of hours drinking in the sights and smells of the market, we returned home to prepare a healthy feast!
Alisia & Norma of Nana’s Capo Beach Quilting were on-hand with their imported baskets. There were also a number of local artists selling, among other things, handmade jewelry, hats, purses, and numerous other trinkets and novelty items.
Irvine Farmers Market (the corner of Bridge and Campus and directly across from UCI) is featured three Saturdays each month and is well worth a visit if you’re local.
Enjoy the pics from our visit!
XXOO
6th July, 2010 - Posted by cmwhitten - No Comments
Boy, we really packed a lot into this weekend! A trip to Disneyland on Friday, a visit with friends who are vacationing in San Diego from Arizona on Saturday, hiking in El Moro/Crystal Cove State Park early on Sunday morning, followed by a picnic and fireworks in Aliso Viejo town center in the evening.
Today we recovered and I finally made time to work on a new wall hanging. It will debut at The International Quilt Festival (Long Beach) later this month. Take a sneak peek – at my original sketch and the work in progress. I hope to get it off to my fabulous Las Vegas quilter tomorrow! Please come and see me at the Festival if you can – my booth is 1826/1828.
The name of this latest design is “Peace” and it ties into this past 4th of July weekend. I am so grateful to those who have sacrificed so much to provide the independence and freedom we all cherish here in America today. To my family and friends, be thankful for what you have – health, happiness, a warm bed at night and food on the table each day.
XXOO
22nd June, 2010 - Posted by cmwhitten - No Comments
On Sunday my family and I, along with friends visiting from Arizona, celebrated my husband’s special day. We spent it doing all the things we love to do as a family. We started out with a “little” hike (8-10 miles) up and around the Laguna Beach Wilderness trails, gradually traversing uphill to the “Top of the World,” a scenic outlook high above Laguna Beach. What a view! It was well worth the extra mile to see the ocean from this vantage point.
Top of the World View of Laguna Beach
After a short break to take in the view and to recharge our batteries, we began to thread our way back down into the steep canyon toward home. Along the way we saw a small rattlesnake sunning itself on the trail and then about 10 minutes later, a beautiful fawn crossed our path! We just stood and watched her munch on a green shrub, slowly inching toward her to take pictures. She was so close and yet did not seem startled by our presence or attempt to run off into the surrounding brush.
Fawn in Aliso Woods
Next it was a hearty lunch at legendary Surfer’s eatery “Wahoo’s Fish Tacos” before heading down to the beach for a few well-earned hours of lounging. We were all so tired from the hike that we were content just to stare at the breaking waves while the kids frolicked in the surf and built sandcastles. With the sun beginning to set on the horizon, we finally packed up our things and headed for home, tired but happy from our epic day outdoors!
I have designed a new wall hanging called Peace & Love – I expect to finish the piecing this week. Please check back in the coming days for a sneak peek of my newest pattern that will debut at the Long Beach Quilt Festival next month on July 23! My booth number is 1826/1828 check out www.quilts.com for more show info.
Be sure to give hugs and kisses to your loved ones each and everyday!
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