Piecemakers Guild in Lebanon is a small evening guild, and we like things really laid back and kind of casual. Most of these members have not yet retired, so no one wants more rules and restrictions after being at work all day! We don’t often bring in a celebrity, but on Thursday night we were treated to a delightful evening with Anna Maria Horner as our Guest Speaker!
Anna Maria is very well known as a fabric designer for Free Spirit, but if you are not familiar with her work, you really should go HERE to her website to see some of her wonderful fabrics and patterns! She is just an amazing designer!!! Her fabrics are full of life and unexpected color combinations. The designs are fun and lively and fresh!
 |
| *** Picture taken from AnnaMariaHorner.com website *** |
She began the evening by sharing some of her history with us, beginning with her fledgling efforts at about 8-10 years old when she began to make clothes for her Barbie Doll. She got frustrated when she couldn't get the results she wanted with a needle and thread, so she talked her mom into letting her use the machine and learn by trial and error -- even though she put the needle through her finger more than a few times! (Her mom must have been a much braver and calmer woman than I was when my children were growing up!)
Like many of us, she graduated to sewing all her own clothes as a teen, and even made her own prom dresses. I won’t go into all the details of her rise from young mother of six children to famous fabric designer, but her story is very interesting, and if you ever have the chance to hear her talk, GO!!!
These are some of the gorgeous quilts she displayed at the meeting. I don't remember the names of each one - I know, BAD job of reporting!!! I was taking these pictures from the other side of the room too, so some of them are not the best shots.
 |
| These feathers are all fabrics from her newest line - Field Study |
 |
| Just LOVED this one!!! |
 |
| Look at the circles for a really cute border treatment! |
She showed one really cute quilt that she named Log Mansion, which was one big Log Cabin block - “Because,” she said, “who has time to make a lot of little cabins?” She was a real hoot! And make a note - It is a free pattern on her website! Sorry, my picture was really blurry, but take my word for it - it was cute :*)
Anna Maria also has a line of ribbons that are just gorgeous, as well as ready-made bias bindings from some of her more popular fabric designs. Imagine buying the fabrics and then having the option of buying a binding already made and ready for you out of that same fabric!!!
She also has bag and clothing patterns, in addition to her quilt patterns. And she recently introduced a new line of needle arts projects. One of her new fabrics has cross-stitch designs stamped on the fabric so you can stitch the designs in your favorite colors for purses or blouse bodices – really cute! She has two new tapestry pillow projects coming out very soon. I didn't want to put too many pictures from her website here, so you can go HERE to see these little lovelies for yourself :*)
I purchased the most wonderful set of perle cotton embroidery threads from her collection!
Then these are the fabrics I came home with…
Yes indeed – STASH ENHANCEMENT!!!! But only 6 fat quarters – 1-1/2 yards. I do think I did very well considering the yummy fabrics there for the taking, don’t you? :*)
That's it for additions this week. No finishes – as usual. That’s beginning to sound like a broken record, right? LOL!!!
Used this week: 0 yards
Used YTD 2012: 83.25 yards
Added this week: 1.50 yards
Added YTD 2012: 161.00 yards
Net Used for 2012: -77.75 yards
I’d love to hear about your stash adventures! I'm linking up with Judy at Patchwork Times.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs & Blessings,
Teresa
=^..^=
It sounds like it was an interesting lecture. Her work is gorgeous. I loved those feathers.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the quilts and your goodies.
Beautiful quilts! I think you were entitled to your purchases! : ) Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteNice reporting job Teresa. I do love her colors in her fabric lines. Will have to watch for it at the shops. You did good considering all you showed. Thanks for taking pics.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job reporting. When you are excited about something it is hard to hold the camera steady! : )
ReplyDeleteAlso, you showed great restraint in the purchase department. Was it the fear of your approaching enhancement report?
Very nice only 1.5 yards enhancement, don't think I could have done that well. Sounds like a great time by all.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as usual. These other people must be really appreciative of your free advertising! LOL Or they should be if they are not.
ReplyDeleteThat had to be fun to meet her and it looks like you came home with some beautiful things!
ReplyDelete