Inside the Studio

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just wanted to share that my daughter Arrin

is having a Valentine giveaway on her

blog Little Figs.

Be sure to stop by and see her

wonderful infant and toddler wear

created with Arrin's own artwork.

You will also see my adorable

grandsons celebrating

Valentine's Day!

Hope your Valentine's Day is a special one!

Always,

Deb

Congratulations!

2012-02-07T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments about

Tend the Earth!"

Your kind words are so encouraging.

Just wanted to let you know the names of the 3 winners.

Each will receive a box of random

"cuttings" from this new group.

The winners are:

Susan from Georgia

MaryBeth from Maryland

and

Barb from Washington.

I've e-mailed all of you, please make sure you send me your

addresses.

Thanks again and Congratulations!

Always,

Deb

Intoducing "Tend the Earth!"

2012-02-03T05:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Hope that 2012 has started well for you. I can't believe it is already February!

I am so excited by my newest fabric group "Tend the Earth," available

in stores this month!

It is filled with the things that I love; bluebirds, butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds and flowers.

The colors are beautiful....reminding me of spring, which is just around the corner!

Last spring, when I was painting this group, I took a walk to find

color inspiration. New grass was just starting to

pop through the ground and crocuses were just beginning to peak out!

Thought you might enjoy seeing pictures of my color ideas

and the resulting wonderful fabric colors.

I love the green...it reminds me of the newest spring

grass that was brave enough to

emerge at the beginning of spring.

Soft purples were inspired by that first glimpse of crocuses,

peaking through, letting us know that winter is almost

over.

The blue and white were inspired by other gardening items that I saw on my

walk......

"Tend the Earth" also has a lovely panel, with 6 blocks filled with

some of my favorite painting of nature!

Barb, from "Coach House Designs" has created 2 beautiful patterns using

the group. Be sure to stop by coachhousedesigns and see what this creative

seamstress has come up with.

Beautiful!

Would you like to win some of "Tend the Earth?"

Moda sent me a huge box of cuttings from

this brand new group and I

would love to share it with you.

The cuttings are all different sizes....mostly strips less than

a couple inches wide. I'm sure you creative

quilters can come up with wonderful ideas!

So......

Leave a comment between now and 10:00pm Monday, February 7th

and I will use random.org to choose 3 winners

of boxes filled with "Tend the Earth" cuttings like the one above!

Legacy Publishing has also created a beautiful, nature filled

2013 calendar using all of the paintings in the panel, as well

as 6 others.

It is called "In My Garden" and will be in stores this summer and fall.

Good Luck Dear Friends!

Always,

Deb

From Our Hearts to Yours!

2012-01-04T12:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Last year, my two daughters (Arrin and Katie) and I were invited to create a

Moda fabric line for a group very close to our hearts.....

toddlers!

Arrin's twin boys,

Finnigan

and Graham, are now 2 1/2 and were the

highlight of Christmas for all of us (especially in their

new Christmas jammies!)

Arrin has designed wonderful fabric for Moda before

(Arrin Turnmire) and Katie is a textile major in college.

What a wonderful opportunity to work together on such an exciting project!

We started by brainstorming any and all ideas for the patterns.

After a lot of e-mailing and phone calls, we decided

on the ones we all liked best and painted them up.

Afterwards, the girls and I decided we loved working together

and could see it happening on other projects in the

future!

Who knows? The sky is the limit!

"Grow With Me" is available in your favorite quilt store this month

from Moda.

Although I don't have all of my samples, I thought you might like

to see a little of it......

It is filled with monkeys and trucks and birds and trees...in cotton and

brushed!

You can see all of "Grow With Me" at Moda's

website, www.unitednotions.com.

Arrin, Katie and I genuinely appreciated and enjoyed this

opportunity from Moda to work together.

We love how the group turned out!

From Our Heart to Yours, we hope that you

like it too!

Always,

Deb

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T18:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends...

It is that time of year again, when we can look back over 2011 and count our blessings of the past 12 months. A loving family, dear friends, good health and a truly joyous year are some of the things that I am grateful for!

I am also grateful for kind people like Lorry Kirschener, of Indiana, who share their incredible talents with others in such a caring and generous way! Lorry used "Coming Home" panels to create this beautiful quilt in memory of Donna Thacker.

It was given to Donna's daughter and, I'm told,

will be cherished always.

For me, seeing my fabric designs used in such special ways,

is a blessing that I am continually grateful for and

never take for granted.

Another truly inspiring quilt, made with a past fall fabric

"Nature's Harvest" is shared below. These two ladies

are friends from

"In Stitches" Quilt Shop in Rushville, Indiana.

Talk about creative!!

Thank you all for your support and encouragement throughout

the year!

Be sure to stop by the first of next week, to see

"Grow With Me."

It is a toddler line that my two daughters,

Arrin and Katie, designed with me,

available in stores in January 2012.

Very, very cute! and very, very

special to all three of us!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Always,

Deb

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Our stockings are hung!

The decorations are up....

and the presents are wrapped! (My twin grandsons helped!)

We took the twins to see Santa again this year...

Finnigan jumped right up on Santa's lap and asked for a

REALLY BIG motorcycle.

This is as close as Graham would get to Santa!

Everyone is home and our house if full of love and laughter!

From all of us at the Strain home,

we wish you Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

Always,

Deb

Christmas Gifts Early to....

2011-12-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are upon us!

What a wonderful time of year.

Thank you all so much for visiting my blog during Moda's Merry Christmas Blog Hop and sharing your favorite traditions. It was heartwarming to read your loving responses.

So many traditions center around family and those we love...sharing this

special time with them and remembering

special times together.

Now to announce the winners:

Gift package #1 "Tend the Earth"

goes to

Angbart, who left her comment at 9:30am

on the Dec. 5th.

Gift package #2 "Coffee Anyone?"

goes to

Tiffanee who left her comment at 5:41pm

on Dec. 5th.

Gift package #3 "The Warmth of Home"

goes to

Becky who shared her favorite tradition at

12:55pm on Dec. 5th.

Congratulations to all.

I have e-mailed the winners.

Please make sure you send your addresses, so that

I can send your "goodies" right out.

Thank you all again for supporting Moda and all of its designers

throughout the year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Dear Friends,

from all of us in the Strain family.

Merry Christmas Blog Hop!

2011-12-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Dear Friends!

Welcome to Moda's Christmas blog hop!

Each day, several designers will be sending you holiday greetings and give-aways

as our way of thanking you for your support and kindess throughout

the year.

I've been so excited about this...the blog hops are always such fun! So, first thing this morning, I started

looking at the designers to see who was blogging on this first day of the hop.

Surprise!!! One of them was me!

Somehow, during the craziness of the last few weeks, I have missed the

e-mail with the schedule. (So sorry! I am notorious for being
technology challenged!)

Rather than freaking out (too much), I decided "honesty was the best policy" and I am

doing this on the fly....

Please let me explain the "craziness!"

We had our annual Open House at our house

this past weekend...sent out over 400 invitations..

It is a lot of fun to have so many friends visit our home and see

what we have been up to the past year.

I wish I could have had all of you come!

The Moda designers have provided a special quilt block and their

favorite holiday recipe as a gift for you.

Please click below for a PDF of my Holiday Basket block

and recipe for Incredible Carmel Corn (truly incredible and quick!)

Click Here!

And now for the Give-aways!

Leave a comment telling me your favorite Christmas tradition and you

will be entered in a drawing to win one of these gift packages!

Gift Package #1- Tend the Earth

Gift Package #2 - Coffee Anyone?

Gift Package #3 - The Warmth of Home

I will use random.com this Friday evening (Dec. 9th) to choose the three winners.

Good Luck!

Be sure to visit all of the other designers to see what they have for you

this holiday season!

December 5th

Minick & Simpson
Bunny Hill
Me & My Sister
Deb Strain

December 6th

Kansas Troubles
Fig Tree
Cosmo Cricket
Lucie Summers
Liz Scott

December 7th:

Cotton Way
French General
Oliver + S
Sweetwater
Ellen Luckett Baker

December 8th

Thimbleblossoms
Kathy Schmitz Studios Laundry Basket Quilts
Kate Spain
Primitive Gatherings

December 9th

Basic Grey
Jan Patek
American Jane Sandy Gervais

and

from the Strain family...

Happiest of Holidays

Always,

Deb

2011 International Quilt Market

2011-11-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Scott and I just finished our 22 hour return trip drive from the International Quilt Market in Houston, Texas. We are glad to be home but had a great time, visiting friends, introducing my new fabric line and being a part of the Moda block of exhibitors.

Thought you might like to see a few pictures from the big event that lasted from Saturday through Monday.

The night before the wholesale show starts is sample spree...A crazy event that you have to experience to believe!

This is 1/2 of the line to get in!

Moda has stacks of the new fabric samples for stores to take home.

Here is my stack of "Tend the Earth!"

Everyone rushes in at once and the whole floor shakes!!

On Monday, the actual wholesale show begins where many of the Moda designers have set up booths around the beautiful Moda sales block.

Thought you might like to meet a few of the Moda designers.

They are a talented, kind, group of ladies.

I feel very fortunate to work with the entire Moda family...

the wonderful people at Moda and the other designers!

This is Anne from Bunny Hill.

I have been a fan (stalker?) of hers for a long time!

Lisa from Primitive Gatherings.

Their booth was sooo busy!

Kathy of Kathy Schmitz Studios.

She is an incredible painter and can quilt, embroider,

do it all!

Jen and the gang from Basic Grey.

I have always loved their scrapbooking products and Moda fabric too.

Alma from Blackbird Designs.

Their blog is addicting and their fabric, booth, patterns, books, etc. are truly inspiring.

Karla of Sweetwater.

Talent and creativity (as well as kindnes!) run in the family, as

she and her two daughters design incredible fabrics for Moda.

Sandy of American Jane.

Her fabrics and quilts are so much fun and so is she!

I am always amazed at the detail and care she

puts into all that she does.

Laurie and Polly from Minnick and Simpson.

The more that I get to know these two women, the more

I admire them and their talent!

Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister.

These two ladies are so much fun! It comes through in their fabrics and

patterns. Fun to sew, fun to use, fun to have!

Jan of Brannock and Patek.

A good friend and very talented designer.

One day, I would love to hang something of

hers in our Saltbox home!

Lynne of Kansas Troubles.

I always look forward to seeing Lynne at Market!

She is so easy to talk to and her work is

followed by many, many , many!

Edtya and Michael of Laundry Basket Quilts.

Yes, they are as sweet as they look and their fabric and patterns are gorgeous!!

This is our booth. Scott is showing it off with two of our dear friends,

Shari and Carol who own Sulphur Grove Quilt Shop in Huber Heights, Ohio.

Several designers were unable to have a booth at Market, but many dropped in for a

day or two. Of course, on those days, my camera battery was dead!

Hmmmmm...so much for that plan!

Have a wonderful day dear friends!

Always,

Deb

And the winner is....

2011-10-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving your inspiring comments. I've added many of your bucket list items to mine!

Just wanted to announce the winner of the "Nature's Gift" package......

It is Kris Gray!

Please make sure you send me your address Kris,

so that I can send your prize right out.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always,

Deb

The Big Jump!

2011-10-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

During Moda's Country Fair Blog Hop, we were asked what was on our bucket lists. I have always wanted to sky-dive and with this being a big birthday year (Can I say 29 again?), I decided it was time to start working on that list!
Yes! I jumped!

My 18 year old son who was leaving for college, wanted to take the

BIG JUMP

with me and how could I refuse that face?

Can you tell who was more nervous?

We both jumped tandem, which means an experiened sky-diver was attached to us and

basically did all the work.

Taylor wanted to go first.....

Then my turn....

(That's Trev, my tandem partner. He must have sensed

my hesitation, because about when this picture was taken,

he whispered, I've done 3500 of these. Talk about

being reassured!)

The free-fall only lasted a few moments, but wow! it was incredible!

Once the parachute opened, it was amazing!

It was so peaceful and beautiful up there....

The sensation must feel just like a bird does when flying.

I even got to steer!

Taylor and I both had a perfect landing....

(Did I grow antennae?)

A successful check off the bucket list!

Thanks to everyone who left a comment on my blog about taking the plunge. You encouraged

me and genuinely made me feel that I had alot of support!

Now for the drawing!

Leave a comment by the end of the week, telling me what is on your

bucket list and

one winner will win this Holiday package!

It includes a panel and layer cake from "Nature's Gift",

as well as a matching photo binder and box of Christmas

cards.

I will use random.org Friday evening (Oct. 14th) to choose the

lucky winner!

Good Luck and thanks again for visiting

my blog.

Always,

Deb

An Inspiring Weekend

2011-10-03T05:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

A couple of weekends ago, my dear friends, Anne McKinney and Rochelle Cooper and I

exhibited at the Country Living Fair! It is put on by Country Living magazine and

held annually at the Ohio Historic Village in Columbus, Ohio.

What a inspiring weekend!

The weather was beautiful and it was a wonderful way to get in the

mood for fall. This is part of our booth.

Unique items from antiques to olive oil were on display and

being sold. Each booth provided inspiration

for soooo many ideas!

And if you wanted ideas for a Fall display,

they were everywhere! Country Living does a

beautiful job of decorating the Village.

Especially their annual

"Great Pumpkin Patch",

which I look forward to seeing every year.

If you get a chance to visit Ohio in

September sometime, be sure to

stop by!

Happy Fall!

Always,

Deb

Winners of Country Fair Drawing!

2011-10-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

Has fall arrived where you live? It certainly has here in Ohio! The days are chilly and our leaves are beginning to turn. They really are beautiful in autumn. I'll post a picture of the trees around our home when they are at their best.

The Moda Country Fair blog hop has been so much fun! Lissa Alexander, from Moda, certainly comes up with the most creative ideas. I've learned a lot about all the designers and collected some delicious recipes. The projects have all been so creative and fun... can't wait to try a few!

I just want to thank everyone who stopped by my blog. Your kind words and encouragement have meant more than I can say. What a wonderful group of people you are!! Be sure to stop back on Oct. 10th to see if I "take the big jump!" (Do I sound nervous???)

And now for the winners of the prizes I mentioned on my blog day! Thank you to Moda for generously providing these......

Prize #1 Boy and Girl Fat Quarter Bundles

from "Meadow Friends"

Congratulations Chiska! who commented on September 22 at 6:31am.

You are the winner of prize #1. Please make sure you e-mail me your address and I

will get your prize right out.

Prize #2 Fat Quarter Bundle of "Coming Home" fabric

and my 2012 "Coming Home" calendar

Congratulations Sharrieboberry, who commented on Sept. 22 at 7:42am,

you are the winner of Prize #2! Again, please make sure you e-mail

your address, so that I can send your prize right out.

(Winners were randomly chosen, using Random.org.)

The Blog Hop still continues! Be sure to visit Kathy Schmitz today and

Liz Scott, tomorrow.

Happy Fall Everyone,

Always,

Deb Strain

A Day At The Fair

2011-09-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Today, September 22nd, is my day for Moda's Country Fair blog hop!

Have you enjoyed all of the designers stories and projects this month?

I have! It is the first thing that I look at each morning.

Country Fairs are so much fun...

From the sewing projects,

to the agricultural projects,

the fair brings back wonderful memories of sewing for Mrs. Prosser, in

the Busy Bees 4-H Club of Clark County, Ohio, when I was growing up.

And of course, there is the fair food!

Lissa Alexander, our creative leader in Marketing at Moda,

asked us, "What is your favorite fair food?"

Without a doubt, apple dumplin's and ice cream!

We look forward to it every year.

Since our family loves them so much, I thought that I would try to make apple dumplins' for

a family gathering.

The recipe I was given from veteran Apple Dumplin' cooks, follows:

Use your favorite pie dough recipe,

Roll out,

Cut into 5 inch squares,

slice a half apple and center it in square.

Top apple half with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar,

Wrap sides of pie dough around apple.

Put 6-8 of these into a glass 9x12 pan,

add 1/2 cup water, more butter, cinnamon and brown sugar,

Bake at 375 for 45 to 50 minutes.

Needless to say, they are delicious (and totally non-fattening of course!)

COUNTY FAIR TIME!

2011-09-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

The end of every summer means one thing, here in Darke County, Ohio.......

THE GREAT DARKE COUNTY FAIR!

What a wonderful time,

to celebrate the bounty of the summer,

eat,

see local farm judging,

eat,

meet up with friends,

eat,

and see the life of a rural community.

I have such happy memories of the County Fair.

Growing up, sewing with the Busy Bees 4-H club was a major part of my summer every year. Now, that I am a Grandmother, it is such a blessing to share the tradition of the fair with my grandsons!

Many of my paintings are inspired by life in the country

and The Fair is the place to see country life all in one place!

From the cows in the Cow Palace.....

to the pigs waiting to be judged.....

to the goats being shown by young 4-Hers....

to the bunnies in the Hare House,

The Fair is filled with country life!

Of course, all our grandsons wanted to see were......

THE TRACTORS!

Red ones and

green ones.....

Our main draw was

THE FOOD!

I think the mouth-watering smells at the fair are

almost as good as actually EATING the food.....

almost!

And what is a fair without the quilts?

All are blue ribbons winners in my eyes!

The County Fair encompasses so much of what inspires me....

The simple life, centered around what we love to do

and those we love.

Do you see why I look forward to it each year?

Moda is having a "Country Fair" blog hop during the month of September!

27 designers will each take a day and blog about a project they have created especially with

the "Country Fair" theme in mind.

That means 27 FREE, fun projects and many, many give aways!

It starts tomorrow with Sandy Gervais at Pieces From My Heart.

Following is a schedule of designers to visit each day:

September 6th Sandy Gervais of Pieces from My Heart

September 7th Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs

September 8th Barb and Mary from Me and My Sister Designs

September 9th Camille Roskelley of Thimbleblossoms

September 10th Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts

September 11th Basic Grey
September 12th Polly and Laurie from Minick and Simpson

September 13th Sandy Klop from American Jane (Post will be featured on Moda's blog)

September 14th Liesl from Oliver + S

September 15th Joanna from Fig Tree and Co.

September 16th Lynne from Kansas Troubles

September 17th Barb and Alma from Blackbird Designs

September 18th Aneela Hoey from Comfortstitching.com

September 19th Barbara Brackman from Barbara Brackman, of course.

September 20th Bonnie from Cotton Way

September 21st Christina from Cabbages and Roses

September 22nd Deb Strain

September 23rd Jan Patek of Brannock and Patek

September 24th Lauren and Jessi Jung

September 25th Stephanie from Lily Ashbury

September 26th Julie from Cosmo Cricket

September 27th Kate Spain

September 28th Karla, Susan and Lisa from Sweetwater

September 29th Kaari from French General

September 30th Lisa from Primitive Gatherings

and the fun continues into October

October 1st Kathy from Kathy Schmitz Studio

October 2nd Liz from Liz Scott Designs

Be sure to visit us all and spend some time at Moda's Country Fair.

I'll see you on the 22nd!

Always,

Deb

What a trip!

2011-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

One of the happiest times of the year for Scott and I is when we take our annual family vacation.

This year it was a fun filled week in the beautiful state of West Virginia!

The scenery was BEAUTIFUL!

There was so much to do.....

Hiking,

antiquing,

(This sign hung outside of an antique store that we visited.

Ahhhh...the good ole' days!)

zip-lining, white-water rafting,

and enjoying the wonderful talent in this lovely state.

Scott and I feel so blessed to be able to spend a week with our wonderful,

loving family.

Hope that you have enjoyed your summer too!

Next week starts our local Fair. It is an event the entire county looks forward to, filled with fun, food and happy times.

Starting September 6th, Moda is having a blog hop called

Moda's Country Fair. Be sure to stop by for fun, prizes and all kinds of

information about your favorite designers!

A Plate is Worth A Thousand Words

2011-08-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Hope that you are having a wonderful summer. We have genuinely enjoyed ours!

I have been working on my next fabric line and thought you might be interested in how I mix the colors for my designs. It isn't very fancy, just a styrofoam plate (hate to use styrofoam, but the paint doesn't soak in!) acrylic or gouache paints, plastic wrap and a lot of trial and error!

Most painters know about the plastic wrap trick...If you are new to painting with acrylics and want to save a color that you have mixed, just lay a piece of plastic wrap over it. It will usually not dry out for a couple weeks.

For the last few years, I have had this odd "hoarding" quirk of keeping all of my mixing plates from my fabric lines, paintings and other projects. I laid them out today and WOW, there are quite a few!

Each plate represents a project that I fell in love with while working on! Recognize the colors on any of these plates?

I thought that I would share one of the plates from my group of fabric that will be presented at Fall Quilt Market this year. The quilt underneath it is one that I found AFTER I painted the group and was still in that color "world."

It is from the 1940's or 50's. Isn't it beautiful?

I also wanted to share a quilt that one of my blog friends shared with me!

Mary Jo Spinelli of http://craftersnotebook.blogspot.com

created this fun quilt for her grandchildren out of my "Love U" fabric.

Thanks for sharing Mary Jo!

Have a wonderful August everyone and try to keep cool!

Always,

Deb

Panel Winners!

2011-07-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Congratulations to Janet, who won the black "Welcome to Amish Country" panel and Debbie, who won the blue one! I will send them right out.

Thank you to everyone who left a comment and for the kind words that you sent. It means so much
to me that you liked the panel. I think the black colorway had more preferences, but the blue
wasn't too far behind!

Thanks again also to Yoder's Department Store in Shipshewana, Indiana for the opportunity!
What a wonderful group of people you are.

Always,
Deb

Panel Giveaway!

2011-07-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Hope that you have a wonderful week. If you read my blog earlier, I mentioned that I would be giving away 2 of the panels that I designed for Yoder's Department Store to help celebrate their anniversary. The panel was produced in both blue and black colorways...I really like them both!

Blue Colorway

Black Colorway

This weekend, please leave me a comment letting me know which one you like best. On Monday, I will draw two names to win the panel of their choice.

Thanks for checking back!

Have a wonderful weekend,

Always,

Deb

Where did June go?

2011-07-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Is your summer going as fast as mine? I have posted so many blogs in my head since the last one, but unfortunately, they never made it to the computer! What a busy month it has been! It seems like each week was busier than the one before. So, to catch up with my blogging, I am going to "Speed Blog" (like speed dating without the discomfort) and post them all at once....... really fast. Enjoy!

Our youngest son graduated...We are so proud of him!

Off to Ohio State!

Katie and I flew out to California for a college internship visit.

Ahhhhh.....palm trees!

And wonderful, beautiful food!

Yes, that is the Hollywood sign!

Our little twin grandsons turned two!

What a party we had to celebrate!

Earlier, this year, Yoder's Department Store in Shipshewana, Indiana, invited me to create a panel fabric that would celebrate their anniversary. I was delighted!

Last month, they received the panel and invited employees to come up with

creative projects that incorporated the fabric. I was asked to visit and judge the winning project as well as help unveil their beautiful display.

It was incredible! The projects that these talented ladies came up with were amazing!

There were quilts and tablerunners, bags and aprons.

How truly gratifying to see my designs on the

creations that Yoder's fabric artists came up with.

This is the winning quilt. It was made by hand and had a little clothesline at the bottom, with quilt blocks clothes pinned to it. Sooo creative!

Thank you, to all of the talented women who contributed to this wonderful day.

If you get a chance to visit Yoder's in Shipshewana, it is a rare treat!

Please stop by my blog later this week.

I'll be giving away two of the panels that I designed for Yoder's to someone visiting my blog!

Always,

Deb

Our part of the Country

2011-06-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Summer is finally off and running here in Ohio. The crops are planted and the flowers are blooming.
We live in an area that is unique in several ways. It is very rural and everyone knows each other!
We also have a wonderful, talented Old German Baptist community here. Most mornings we see
at least one horse and buggy on the road and sometimes a whole row of them parked beside a home
or church!

My daughters and I visited "Smith's Antiques" in Arcanum, Ohio last week and viewed where many local residents purchase a lot of their clothes and fabric.

Going into this lovely store is like a step back into time. They carry a little of everything...from hats to antiques to fabric and notions. They even carry Moda fabric (hurray!) and had several samples made up with my fabric.

I remember going to dry goods stores like this when growing up and have wonderful memories of the rows of clothes, the high ceilings and polished hardwood floors.

Visiting "Smith's" brought all of those memories back and I was able to share them with my daughters. They also have a restaurant attached, where we had a delicious lunch!

If you are ever in the area, make sure you stop by. It is a special way to spend an afternoon!

Happy Summer!

Always,

Deb

Incredible Creations!

2011-06-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Hope you have all been surviving this crazy spring weather! We had a tornado touch down about a half mile from our house last week and lots of hail. Considering what others have been through this spring, we are very fortunate.

I would like to introduce you to an incredibly talented young artist named Amanda Stanley. She has a wonderful blog thatssewmandy.blogspot.com

She also started a flickr group where other fabric artists could share their creations made out of MY
FABRIC!!! Isn't that something? I can't believe it!

Please take a moment to visit it and become inspired. flickr.com/debstrainfabrics

I am truly humbled and amazed at the wonderful creations that have been lovingly made! Every time that I check it, more have been added! Thank you again Amanda, for sharing your kindness and talent.

Always,
Deb

Getting Ready.....

2011-05-23T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

We have been busy getting ready for my son Taylor's graduation and have had a lot of help from our little twin grandsons. Of course, I had to share a few pictures with you!

At the nursery, the twins discovered there WERE fish in the fishpond!

Helping Grandpa with the mulch.

REALLY helping Grandpa with the mulch!

After helping outside, Finnigan decided to go to Nana's studio and draw with

her pencils.

Graham decided to draw with ALL the markers!

Hope these little snapshots of our life give you a smile:)

Later the weather turned and we went to the basement. Tornado sirens blaring, my thoughts went to those in Joplin, Missouri, who lost so much last night because of a terrible tornado. Ours was a false alarm, but it certainly makes you realize the importance of the ones we love, doesn't it?

Our prayers are with you, Missouri.

Always,

Deb

Inroducing "Coming Home" Fabric collection

2011-05-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

If like me, you are unable to attend the International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City Utah, this weekend, I would like to introduce you to "Coming Home," my newest fabric group that Moda will be showing!

"Coming Home" is my tribute to the amazing trend of Barn Quilts that is popping up all over the country. One cannot travel far (especially here in the Midwest), without seeing a Quilt Lovers display of their favorite quilt block on the family barn.

The panel of this new group is created from 6 recent paintings of Barn Quilts and homes with quilts in the landscape.

Roosters, sheep, barn siding and colorful patterns are all included in the coordinates. Everything that you could think of as you "come home" to your favorite familiar setting.

The group will arrive in your favorite local Quilt Store in September of 2011.

Barb Cherniwchan, of Coach House Designs has created 3 wonderful patterns using "Coming Home."

This one uses the entire panel and is called "Country Roads." Be sure to visit her website,

Coach House Designs

to see the other two!

Barn Quilts, express the lifestyle of the person living there. A statement of creativity, passion and fun.

For all Quilt lovers out there, with or without a barn,

this group is for you!

The Wonderful Ladies of Shelbyville!

2011-05-05T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

Last week, I was honored to be invited to speak at the "30th Annual Quilt Show" in Shelbyville, Indiana. The event was held at the Grover Museum, complete with a luncheon and a room full of friendly and very talented quilters.

They had a beautiful quilt being raffled off (which I really hope that I win!)

And some of the ladies surprised me by exhibiting their creations made with my fabrics!

In the display case was a beautiful quilt created by Debra Bassett (shown), using "Cherish Nature."

Rita Hellmich, a dear friend and VERY talented quilter, created several projects using "Fresh Flowers."

Rita really is one of the most creative people I know! She uses every bit of the fabric in some beautiful way. Above, she has created a still life using the blooms from the fabric.

Inspiring!

An incredible "Heritage Quilts" display will be at the Grover Museum, in Shelbyville until May 28th. It has some of the most beautiful vintage quilts that I have seen....all created with love and care.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Happy Quilting!

Always,

Deb

A Visit To Moda

2011-04-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

Hope that you have all been well and are survivng this challenging spring weather!

Since I won't be attending The International Quilt Market this spring in Salt Lake City, my younger daughter, Katie and I visited Moda in Dallas, Texas. What a wonderful trip we had! I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the Moda facilities and where all of the "Magic" happens. It really is impressive! It was a very quick trip but we really enjoyed it.

Katie is a textile major in college and everyone at Moda was so generous in showing her around and answering any questions that she might have about the industry.

In one of the warehouses, Moda employees measure out the bolts of fabric that you see in your favorite Quilt store from larger rolls of fabric.

Fabric orders are shipped from here in one of the warehouses.

The warehouses are so big, employees get around on bicycles!

Searching for my fabric lines in the Moda archives.....

Found them!

Thanks for all of your kindness on our visit Moda!

Have a great weekend, dear friends,

Always,

Deb

Sharing Your Wonderful Creations!

2011-04-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends,

Don't you love looking outside and seeing spring bloom a little more each day?
Our woods are filled with the delicate green lace of new leaves in the trees. In just a few days, little white flowers will cover the creek bank with patches of purple wildflowers woven in. What a sweet time of year!

A few of my new blog friends have sent me photos of their beautiful creations made with my fabric and I wanted to share them. Thank you again ladies for allowing me to showcase your talent!

This lovely quilt was created by Melinda, a busy mom from Michigan. I love the way she has recreated the flowers of the "Fresh Flowers" fabric collection within the quilt blocks! Melinda has a wonderful blog 28 Peppermint Grove

where she shares her talent and creativity. It is certainly one

you will want to visit!

Sarah sent this sweet quilt made for her son, using my Love U group. It is just what I envisioned when creating the line! Sarah's mom ( a wonderful grandmother, Sarah shares) made this and did an exceptional job.

Sarah even sent a picture of the quilt with her cute little son. I'm not sure which is cuter...the little boy or the quilt! What a terrific smile!

It is certainly rewarding for me to see these beautiful creations, made with love and the fabric that I have designed. Hope that you have enjoyed them too!

Always,

Deb

Quilt Festival Visit

2011-04-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Spring has come to Ohio and we are all so glad! The daffodils are blooming and a beautiful green is starting to replace the brown that was everywhere.

I decided that to celebrate this wonderful time of year, I would take a day to become inspired! Lucky for me, the International Quilt Festival was held in Cincinnati this past weekend!

If you ever have the chance to attend, you really should try to....it was wonderful! There were 375 booths filled with great projects, ideas and fabric, fabric, fabric! 18 Special Quilt Exhibits displayed amazing quilts and fabric art from Baltimore Quilts to Quilts with Words As Design.
My favorite part of the show, however, was one of the special exhibits, entitled "Celebrate Spring!" It was a collection of the most beautiful quilts that did just that...celebrate spring.

Aren't they beautiful?

My daughter saw the pictures on my camera and asked where I had seen the incredible flower paintings. What talented people created these works of art in fabric! I apologize that I didn't get the names of the artists, but did want to share them with you.

Hope that they inspire you as much as they did me. I can't wait to get out in my flower garden!

Have a good week!

Always,

Deb

Cookie Drawing Winner(s)!

2011-04-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

I have to apologize for not posting the winner for my cookie drawing on April 1st. I just put the finishing touches on my new fabric line today and shipped it out! Hurray!! Can't wait for you all to see it. I will post hints about its content in the future. ( It is a nature group...filled with birds, dragonflies and butterflies...just a little hint to get started!)

Because of my lateness, I had RANDOM. ORG choose two winners, instead of one! The first place winner is Dorian who posted her comment on March 12 at 4:50 am. She has won this garden mug, recipe box and coaster. Congratulations Dorian!

Because I was late to post the winner, I had RANDOM.ORG choose a second place winner too. The second place winner is Amy, who posted her comment on March 11, 2011 at 6:53 PM. Congratulations Amy! Your prize is a coffee mug with one of my coffee fabric designs on it and a Coffee Panel and matching back fabric. I would post a picture of the prize, but my camera is out of commission right now.

My apologies!

I have e-mailed Dorian and Amy. Please make sure you send me addresses.

Thanks to everyone who participated! For those of you who baked the cookies, hope you and your families enjoyed them.

Happy Spring!

Always,

Deb

Springtime Palette

2011-03-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Friends!

So sorry that I haven't written in a while. Like many, I am working on a new fabric line and getting ready for Surtex. What a busy time of year!

I did take the time to go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having in Ohio. Spring is definitely in the air! As I was walking, I began noticing that the colors popping out of the ground, budding from the trees, were the same colors that I am using in my next spring fabric group!

Do you do this when you are creating? I surround myself with the colors that I am working with and begin noticing them everywhere. I even looked down at church Sunday and was WEARING the colors from the line! I am totally immersed in the colors and even dream about them when I sleep!

So, I grabbed my camera and thought I would give you a little hint at what to expect next spring. You might have to look hard to find some of them! I was sneaking into backyards when I caught a glimpse of a certain color, just to take a picture. What an adventure!

I love these colors and love working with them. Can't wait for you to see the group! (next year!)

Happy Spring Everyone,

Always,

Deb

Cookie Drawing!

2011-03-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends,

At the end of my last blog, I mentioned that if you baked the cookies that I gave the recipe for, and left a comment, I would put your name in a drawing. Well....how about we make this drawing last all month?
If you read the "Super Easy, Super Good Peanut Butter Cookies" any time this month, please leave a comment. If you actually bake the cookies, please leave up to five comments! (You and your family will be glad that you baked them, even if you don't win!) On March 31st, I will draw a name to win this recipe box, mug and coaster!

It is one of my designs, manufactured by Legacy Publishing and certainly reminds me of spring.

Happy Baking!

Always,

Deb

Quotes and Cookies!!

2011-03-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

At 9:00 tonight, as I was winding up my day of drawing.....

working on taxes (not very creative!).......

and watching our little sweeties for a couple hours.....

my 18-year-old son mentioned the cookies that I had promised to bake him today. I LOVE cookies and was pleased to have an excuse to whip up his favorite, super easy, super good peanut butter cookies!

I also love quotes....one of my favorites is:

"A Recipe not shared, is soon forgotten."

So, I thought that as I was baking, I would share this great recipe with you (for when you are craving cookies at 9:00pm.) They really are wonderful and soooooo easy.

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 large eggs

1/3 cup milk

1 (18.25 oz.) package yellow cake mix

1/3 cup granulated sugar

(That's it! These are all the ingredients! I just pick up a yellow cake mix whenever they are on sale.)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Position oven rack in the middle of your oven and spray cookie sheet

with cooking spray.

Mix peanut butter, eggs, milk and 1/2 of cake mix in large mixing bowl. (Don't add the sugar!)

Mix in remaining cake mix until blended. Dough will be very stiff.

Place sugar in shallow dish. Drop dough by tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheet.

Dip fork into sugar and gently press crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.

Bake 10-12 minutes until set and edges are barely golden brown. Don't overbake though! Our family loves soft cookies and everyone makes sure that I don't get distracted when the cookies are in the oven!

They are definitely best when still warm!

Let me know if you try this recipe! We will have a drawing next Wednesday for anyone

who trys it and leaves me a comment about what they think.

I'll let you know what the prize is tomorrow.....

It's late and I'm ready for a cookie!

Always,

Deb

Quilts with "Meadow Friends"

2011-03-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Hope that signs of spring are coming your way! The sun is shining here in Ohio and it even smells like spring is on its way!

I just wanted to share a couple of incredible quilt patterns featuring my July introduction fabric line, "Meadow Friends!" Coming soon to Coach House Designs, is this whimsical creation featuring the little girls coordinates of the group. Barb Cherniwchan, owner and designer of Coach House Designs has titled this "Butterflies in the Meadow" and has certainly captured the whimsey and fun that little girls have chasing butterflies!

"Butterflies in the Meadow"
by Coach House Designs

For little boys, Barb has created "Turtles in the Meadow." This reminds me of the turtles and other little friends that my son would bring home from our creek.

"Turtles in the Meadow"
by Coach House Designs

I love both of these!! The patterns will be available soon at Coach House Designs. Barb designs patterns for several of Moda's designs and we all appreciate her talent and kindness so much! Thanks Barb!

Have a wonderful day!

Always,

Deb

Introducing "Meadow Friends!"

2011-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

"Meadow Friends" Boys' Coordinates

Hello Friends,

Just wanted to give you a "sneak peak" at my newest fabric line that will be in stores this July!!! I love it!
"Meadow Friends" is a fun childrens group with coordinates for boys and coordinates for girls. It is filled with bright colors and whimsical characters you might encounter in a meadow or along a stream.

"Meadow Friends" Girls' Coordinates

When my children were young, they spent many summer days playing in the creek, near our home. My daughters were amazed by the flowers, butterflies, ladybugs and hummingbirds that they saw. My son, however, leaned towards (and sometimes brought home..) frogs, turtles, salamanders and bugs.

"Meadow Friends" brings all of these "critters" to life in bright, cheerful, colors. I've used bugs, birds and other creatures from nature, that children are drawn to, in the patterns of this group. Many of the designs are available in flannel too!

Be sure to look for "Meadow Friends" in your favorite Quilt Shop this summer!

Of course....I needed two models to "show-off" the new group. So I grabbed my little grandsons and tried to wrap them up in the fabric. Graham, didn't want anything to do with Grandma's little fashion show....

Finnigan, took to the whole idea and flashed one of his sweet smiles! (Graham has a wonderful smile too!)

I would love to see any pictures that you have of your cherished little ones in anything with my fabric!

What fun! Will share them here, if that is OK.

Hope that you like "Meadow Friends". I certainly had fun working on it. When the originals return, I'll share them here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Always,

Deb

And the Winners Are.....

2011-02-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Thank you all so much for the wonderful comments that you left on my blog! It was like Christmas morning, reading them all day as they came in. What kind things you had to say and of course, as a Grandma, I loved hearing how cute you think my grandsons are!

I used the website random.org to select my drawing winners. Congratulations to you all!
I've sent you an e-mail notifying you and asking for your mailing address.

Please be sure and stop by tomorrow, when I will give you a sneak peak of my juvenile line that will be coming to your favorite Quilt Shop this spring. It is called "Meadow Friends" and I will have two Very sweet models "wrapped up" in the group.

1st prize winner: Deborah (posted at 6:06 am, Feb.18th)

2nd prize winner: Karenfae (posted at 12:09 pm. Feb. 18th)

3rd prize winner: Linda (posted at 2:49 pm, Feb. 18th)

4th prize winner: Vicki@DottyJane (posted at 4:33am, Feb. 18th)

Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone for visiting.

Drawing at end of day!

2011-02-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends!
Just wanted to let you know that I will be drawing the winners for the four prizes offered in my Moda Pillow Talk Blog Hop at 8:00pm est tonight.

In the mean time, stop by Burgundy Buttons to see (and join!) a wonderful challenge using my JAVA fabric. Leah, an extremely (and very helpful) new friend, has invited you creative folks to design a "Mug Rug" using JAVA fabric... Wow! The ones she is showing so far are incredible!

Looking forward to the drawing!
Always,
Deb

Pillow Talk Blog Day!

2011-02-18T04:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. I'm new to this blogging adventure and I must say, I LOVE it!! The first thing that I do each morning is wake up and look at my comments. Thank you for taking time out of your day to leave a little message!

As you know, if you have been following the Blog Hop, Lissa from Moda (a genius to be sure...and very kind too!) asked the Moda designers to create a pillow that told a little about our journey as a designer. We shared it in a schoolhouse session at Market and now are sharing it here.

I decided to draw most of my design since I don't design quilts or patterns (not without the help of Moda anyway!).
   The images are all favorites from some of my past fabric collections. There is an urn from "Harvest Bouquet", a bird from "Cherish Nature", a shock of wheat from Fabulous Fall, a dragonfly from "Summer Fun", a flower from "Fresh Flowers" and a butterfly from "Daydreams." Can you find them all? I also added the word "Create" because that is a very special word to me. I try to "create" something every day. It might be a painting, a fabric pattern, a special memory or just a mess in the kitchen! But somehow, I try to be creative each day.
   The fabric used on the pillow is from "Cherish Nature." I love the gentle feel of the patterns and the colors. One of my favorite groups!
   I've been a Moda fabric designer since 1996 (15 years!) and have always felt so fortunate to be with such a wonderful company. Previously, I was an art teacher for 9 years and in 1995, my husband and I started a small greeting card company, Saltbox Illustrations. After attending a trade show in Charlotte, I was approached by Moda to design fabric. What an incredible relationship it has been!
   We have three wonderful children and two very dear grandsons (twins) that light up our lives.

Now for the questions that Lissa asked us to answer....(I've learned so much about the other designers from these questions. What amazing, talented people to work with!)

What is a little known fact about yourself?  I hand paint all of my fabric, every colorway, every coordinate! These are some of the more challenging ones from "Pumpkin and Spice."

I haven't had to use a magnifying glass yet...but may in the future!

How do you relax? I really enjoy a good book. I'm also an old movie buff..... love to watch old movies when I paint!

What do you sleep in? Warm, soft pj pants, an old t-shirt and 2-3 pair of socks depending on the season. (Not too glamorous is it?)

What kind of pillow do you like? I can sleep anywhere, on anything! It is a gift. Once, during a very busy time in our lives, I fell asleep in my supper. You can ask my husband, it is the truth!

When you were young did you sleep with a stuffed animal? I can't remember sleeping with a special stuffed animal, but always had the family cat next to me when I went to sleep.

Do you sew in bed? Read? Watch TV? Eat? Sometimes read or watch the news, but usually fall asleep as soon as I hit the bed.

Have you or your spouse spent nights on the couch? Only when our grandsons spend the night!

Nighttime toddy? Does hot chocolate count?

Early to bed or all-nighter? I used to stay up really late or even all night. Now, I work so much better in the morning. I think it is an age thing!

Who would you most like to have a pillow fight with? My two grandsons when they are a little older!

Thanks again for visiting my blog! Please be sure to stop by next week when I show my newest line of fabric. My samples just arrived!

Now for the give-a-way!

Since I am new to blogging, I would really like to know what you would like to hear about in my blog: inspiration, family, new projects, etc? Just leave a comment letting me know and on Feb. 23rd, I'll be giving away these 4 gifts.

Collection of Figurines, Stationery Products and 5x5" fabric squares from
"Cherish Nature"

Jelly Roll from "Fresh Flowers"

10 Fat Quarters of Valentine's Fabric
(Because it IS February!)

2 Scripture Quilts and a Fat Quarter Package

Be sure to visit Sandy Klop from American Jane tomorrow to see her amazing pillow! She always creates the most wonderful....everything!

Thanks again for visiting,

Always,

Deb

Be sure to visit Barbara Brackman today!

2011-02-17T05:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

If you are keeping up with the Moda Pillow Talk Blog Hop, I'm sure that you enjoyed Sweetwater's pillow and questions yesterday. What a talented, kind family! Be sure to visit Barbara Brackman today. She has some interesting facts about pillows and a wonderful pillow herself! We are getting ready for our big day tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 18th! Hope to see you then!
Always,
Deb

Spring is in the Air!

2011-02-15T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Have you been keeping up with the Moda Pillow Talk Blog Hop? It has been so much fun to learn more about Moda's designers and see the incredible pillows that they have created! Be sure to visit Sweetwater tomorrow to see what those talented, sweet ladies are up to. Their pillow is wonderful to say the least!

The thaw has finally started in Ohio and everyone is talking about spring. Is it really coming? As the ice begins to melt, we have had 5 people stuck in our loooooooong lane in one day! After pushing out cars, dragging out cars, and calling for help, I decided to pull out a few pictures from warmer days.

These are all photos that I took in our garden last summer. They help me remember the beauty that is just around the corner.

Hope they remind you of sunny days to come! Please be sure to stop by on Friday, the 18th when I share my pillow and what we are giving away in our first blog drawing!

Always,

Deb

Icy Days and Exciting Delivery

2011-02-04T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends,

Are you having crazy winter weather where you live? We have had ice, sleet, rain, and snow. Our front yard now looks like some of the beautiful winter scenes in Dr. Zhavargo! Our trees look like they are made out of glass or spun sugar. It is truly breath-taking!

Before this picturesque weather came (and delivery trucks could still get down our lane!), a stack of boxes were delivered.

Blossom Bucket Samples! I had designed a line of Spring Birds with sayings about Friends and Family for Blossom Bucket. In addition, this wonderful company invited me to create a collection of Quilt Barns and quilts with scripture and sentiments. I had seen the prototypes and couldn't wait to see the final products. I Love them! Blossom Bucket really captured the sweetness and charm that I had hoped for.

Some of the Quilt Group.....

Hope that you like them. How fun to see my paintings in 3-D! They should be available in your favorite stores this spring.

Have you been following the MODA Pillow Talk Blog Hop? It is so much fun to visit a different Moda designer each day and see their pillows! I've learned something new about each of these wonderful, creative ladies and appreciate their kindness and talent more than ever! Please be sure to visit my blog on Feb. 18th to see the pillow that I created. I'll be sending a gift to someone leaving a comment that day...maybe one of my new creations from Blossom Bucket??? Tomorrow, be sure to visit Joanna, at Fig Tree Quilts to see her lovely pillow!

Always,

Deb Strain

Moda's First Pillow Talk Blog Hop

2011-01-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!

Last October, when we were at the International Quilt Market, Lissa Alexander, Moda's marketing genius, asked the designers at the show, to design a pillow that told about ourselves. Each of them was so creative, approaching the "autobiography in fabric" very differently! Some were in applique, others used quilt blocks to tell the journey of their lives and careers. Each one of us shared a part of our story in our own way.

Starting Feb. 1st, there will be a blog hop, where you can see each one of our pillows, find out more
about the Moda designers, and pick up some ideas and freebies along the way! Each day, you are
invited to visit a different designers' blog and view answers to such questions as:
   What is a little know fact about yourself?
   What do you sleep in?
   Who would you most like to have a pillow fight with?
Should be a lot of fun! I've listed the schedule below. Hope to see you there!

Feb. 1st.....Aneely Hoey (comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk)

Feb. 2nd....blackbird-designs.blogspot.com

Feb. 3rd....janpatek.blogspot.com

Feb. 4th.....bunnyhillblog.com

Feb. 5th.....cottonway.blogspot.com

Feb. 6th......figtreequilts.typepad.com

Feb. 7th......http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/

Feb. 8th.....katespaindesigns.blogspot.com

Feb. 9th.....kathyschmitzstudio.blogspot.com

Feb. 10th.....Thimbleblossoms (camilleroskelley.typepad.com)

Feb. 11th.....meandmysisterdesigns.com

Feb. 12th.....minickandsimpson.blogspot.com

Feb. 13th.....oliverands.com/blog/

Feb. 14th.....piecesfrommyheart-sgervais.blogspot.com

Feb. 15th.....laurenandjessiblog.com

Feb. 16th.....sweetwater.typepad.com

Feb. 17th.....barbarabrackman.blogspot.com

Feb. 18th.....debstrain.blogspot.com

Feb. 19th.....americanjane.com

Feb. 20th......Primitive Gatherings (lisabongean.wordpress.com)

Inspirations and Timing

2011-01-26T18:31:00.001-08:00

Hello dear friends!

Thank you so much for the wonderful welcome to the world of blogging. Your kind
words have got me really excited about this new (to me!) form of communicating with friends.
Thanks especially to the other Moda designers for your gracious encouragement! What a
sweet group of talented ladies you are!

Many of my fabric groups in the past have had Saltbox themes in them...Saltbox Harvest, for

example. Thought you might like to see our "real-life" Saltbox. Of course the picture above was taken in the fall.

Right now, our surroundings look a little different! This view off our deck and into our woods,
is a little more true to life today. Last week we saw 8 deer walking along the ridge that you see
here. What a beautiful scene that was!
My garden is waiting for the snow to melt, just like all of us. I thought this picture captured

that feeling. I can see this snow covered watering can on a Christmas card with a "Charlie Brown
Christmas Tree" growing out of it and a cardinal in the top. Maybe a little rabbit sitting beside it?
   That is how my inspiration starts. One image or picture and then building from that.
   Of course, it really helps when I am designing a line in the correct season. Sometimes, I work
on Christmas in July and play Christmas carols to get me in the mood. Visitors think I am crazy
listening to "Jingle Bells" while the air-conditioner is blasting and the kids are playing in the water
from the hose!
   Fortunately, the fabric line that I am designing right now IS in the correct season. Can you guess
what holiday it is for? I'll give you a hint...it is due Feb. 14th and I hope you LOVE it next year
when it comes out!
Until next time, HUGS and KISSES (another hint!),
Always,
Deb

My first Blog!!

2011-01-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Dear Friends!
I'm so excited to introduce my first blog...ever! Yes, I am a little behind in getting it out..
but what a wonderful way to stay connected.

I will use this forum to keep you up to date with what I am working on and what is being
introduced by the quality companies that I am fortunate enough to work with. In addition,

I will share my inspirations and a little of what life is like as an illustrator/designer.

From my newest collections with Moda fabrics, calendars and greeting cards with Legacy,
figurines with Blossom Bucket and many other products, what an inspiring and creative
journey we will have.

First, let me introduce you to my sweet family! You will see our lives are filled with love
and laughter!

Our 3 children, parents and 2 grandsons are the center of our world. You'll meet them all in blogs to
come, I'm sure.

Thanks for visiting dear friends....more to come soon!
Always,
Deb