Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Quilt Market Update... one week to go!

One week from right now I'll be in SLC setting up my booth!
If you are coming be sure to visit me in Booth #2644

People keep asking if I'm ready?
...my answer is I'm as ready as I'm going to be!

I'm one of those SUPER organized list people.  I made a spreadsheet in google docs a while back and little by little I've been crossing things off the list.  At this point here is what I have left to do...
1. Sew my 3rd booth curtain.  I'm not sure why I made 2 curtains a few weeks ago and didn't finish the 3rd... but I did!
2. Finish the binding on six quilts.
3. Pack patterns, quilts & everything else.
4. Pick up my order forms at FedEx.
5. Put together giveaways for my schoolhouse - "Lazy Angle: Strip Cut Pieces for Perfect Points" with Joan Hawley & Julie Herman at 3:10 - 3:40.
6. Figure out what clothes to pack.
7. Make a new "market" bag.
8. Make a Kyoko Dress to rock at market.

Considering my original list is 60 lines long I think I'm in pretty good shape!... although I'm sure I'm also forgetting something!


This was my floor on Friday after I took all my nicely folded quilts out to take photos of the backs for my Swatch & Stitch post about quilt backs.  Carrying 10 quilts, one DSLR camera, an extra lens and a few other random things at one time is not suggested!
Don't worry... the quilts didn't stay like this for long.


Here is a sneak peek at my next pattern.
The fabric is Terrain by Kate Spain.
I'll show you the entire quilt next week.





I don't do this alone
Jaybird Quilts has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 4 months and I want to take a moment to thank some of the people that have helped me get to this point.  They are listed in alphabetical order since they all played a huge part and no one person is more important than the next!! ....and I'm sure I haven't included everyone that helped me get here... so if I forgot you please know that I love you.  I also want to thank YOU, my readers, for your support.  I started my blog two years ago with a simple goal. "One girl on a mission to make life better with fabric."

Angela - My amazing quilter who brings my designs to the next level.  Thank you for quilting almost every single quilt in my booth!

Candi - Thank you for the hours & hours of sewing you have done.  I can honestly say I don't think anyone knows my patterns better than you do.  Thank you in advance for coming to quilt market with me.

Dad - Thank you for pushing me, supporting me, teaching me & giving me the business skills to spread my wings with Jaybird Quilts.

Joan - Thank you for designing the Lazy Angle Ruler & for becoming an amazing mentor and friend.

Kari - Thank you for your support over the last two years and for your help with my booth.

KarrieLyne - Thank you for testing my patterns, making sample blocks & sample quilts.

Lizzy - Thank you for designing my logo & being my design sound board.

Mom - Thank you for everything.  From sewing bindings to bagging patterns to running to the post office... I never would get it all done without you.

Rachel - My quilt mirror.  Thank you for letting me bounce ideas off of you from the fantastic to the crazy.

Tricia - Thank you for sewing, listening, reading patterns & supporting me.

Vanessa - Thank you for listening to me ramble & helping me next week!

I'm very lucky to have such a supportive team around me.  Jaybird Quilts might be a one woman business but none of it would be possible without the team above.  I owe them more thank yous than I could ever say!

*Edit*
I knew I'd forget someone.  I forgot to thank my brother. {sorry!}  Not only has my brother taught me a ton about photography he has been since day #1 my number one cheerleader.  If you go back and read my first post from two years ago you'll see that he was the first person to comment on my blog.  Sometimes I get these crazy ideas and most people will tell me it isn't possible... by brother on the other hand says "go for it" & helps me figure out how.  I love you Brad!!





© Blog post written by Julie Herman
For more information visit http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/

30 comments:

Cathy said...

In just a short time, it seems you have taken quilting from hobby to career. Congratulations and all the best to you, at Market and in the future.

I want to see your finished Kyoto dress - really cute on the pattern. I bet it would also look good made a little shorter and worn with leggings.

Donna said...

And - #9: Breath! Just thought I would help you add to your list.

It was so refreshing to read your "thank you" list to those who help you. Have fun at market.

Sherri said...

My list is getting shorter, too...finished binding 3 quilts this week...actually now I just have a label to make, market bag(s) to sew...and packing to do! See you next week!

PS Just finished Hugs and Kisses...fun quilt!

Quiet Quilter said...

#10: Enjoy yourself while you are there!

Unknown said...

Thank you..for having to courage to start this endeavor and for seeing it through! Awesome quilts...

rachel griffith said...

i heart you.

after your mom, dad & brother - i'm your #1 fan. and i'm ubber proud of you.

<3

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

We all need helpers Juli; no matter what our endeavours may be. You are very lucky to have them, and them you...You're a smart cookie; or it wouldn't be working out for you at all. Have a fun time at the market....I am still pushing to get your patterns in my area....you never know.

dolores said...

Yes, don't forget your brother...he agreed with me that your feather needed to be blue!;)

My boss and asst manager will be there and plan on checking out your booth...wish I could come too!:)

Have the best time ever...soak it ALLLL in!

Anonymous said...

You are an amazing person and I'm in awe of you!

OrangeRoom said...

I can't believe how much has happened with you since we met at that printmaking workshop, lol! Congratulations, you work hard and you deserve it all. I don't know when you find time to sleep, but somehow you pull it off. And you have an awesome support system to help you! Quilt Market will be fabulous. ;)

Vicky said...

And the best part of it all ... us watching you have SO much fun doing it! Congratulations, sweetie! You deserve everything and more!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

You are going to do fabulous! You have already done an amazing job. Enjoy this crazy ride!!
(btw - that dress will be so cool!)

Bernina Girl said...

Julie-bug, I'm so proud of you! I adore your patterns, shame on you for sneaking a peak of Kate's new fabric. I'm dying for sample spree. I am so happy for you and hope to make every one of your patterns. I have a show in October and I'm so excited. My hint for market--coomfortable shoes! Don't know about you, but I know all of that standing and walking wears me out. And, don't forget to eat and drink water. Paradise Bakery awaits!

holly k said...

Kyoko...I'm sure it will be awesome...I love the pattern! Hope to meet you at quilt market...it will be my first time attending - has been inspiring watching your business grow!

bethanndodd said...

Sweet post...you are one lucky girl!

mascanlon said...

Such a nice post Julie, its been a joy to watch you grab the ring with both hands but still keep your feet on the ground. Can't wait to see/hear all about market!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

This is such a wonderful journey to watch play out! I am so happy for you Julie! All your hard work is hopefully bringing you joy!
Waiting to see that next design with Kate's Terrain!

Ruth said...

Moving the new pattern already - and that PURPLE!

Sunnybec said...

Hi Julie, just wanted to say good luck at Quilt Market, though I don't think you will need it, you are where you are because of your hard work and determination. Enjoy it!!

Timolily said...

Rooting for you *Go team J!*

Tricia said...

I can't wait to see pictures of your booth! It's gonna be awesome! If there's anything I can do before you go, give me a call :)

Sinta Renee said...

Congratulations to you Julie! I am so excited for you... and to have a booth at Market is an amazing accomplishment! I was thrilled to see your patterns in Hancock of Paducah catalog the other night while flipping thru my new caltalog. Leaps & bounds in only 2 yrs.

Dresden Quilter said...

Congratulations! You have worked very hard and deserve all of your success.

Becky said...

Good luck at Market! I went with a friend to Fall Market 3 years ago to work her booth. You will love it! I'm impressed that you are able to do so much with 3 little ones. Take care!

✾Jamie Lee Cooley✾ said...

That was such a nice tribute to your brother! I saw your pattern in the new Hancocks catalog today...congrats!!!

VickiT said...

You sound just like me with the super organizing skills. If we're just going away for an overnight trip I make lists and we do not leave the driveway until every single thing has been checked off the list and then doublechecked. Nothing worse that getting somewhere and realizing you've left the charging cords for cell phone or computers.

OH ~ Did you have the chargers on your lists Julie? LOL Did you buy new comfy shoes to wear yet?

I LOVE the purple in that next quilt. Gorgeous as the pattern will be I am sure. And you wonder why that 3rd curtain never got done? HA! Because your creative mind is too busy creating all these awesome new quilts silly.

Have a blast at Market! And yes, as someone else said ~ BREATHE!

Unknown said...

It has been my pleasure to be both your friend and to offer support and advice when you needed it. You are very talented and will continue to go far in this great industry. Don't forget you have helped me too and your friendship is dear to me.
See you soon!

Evelene S said...

You are going to look so cute in that dress. I wish I could go and see your booth and your amazing quilts. I hope you have the best time ever!

The Rx quilter said...

Best wishes for your market 'debut' you have put in the work and can now reap the enjoyment in it all! Enjoy every moment of the fun, you will be fab! Lisa in Texas

PamKittyMorning said...

Congratulations on bringing your dream to life!