Month: December 2012

Busy, busy…

There’s a new podcast just around the corner — actually there are several. I hoped to release them before Christmas but the rush got to me.

Here are a few things to make you smile til podcast 219 gets posted:


Here is Elder Smith, eating something he said he would never touch — fish. Namely, lobster. You can’t live/work in Acapulco for 6 months without eating fish. His tastes are changing!


Me, with my buddy, Mark! When I was teaching in NJ, we got to have dinner — not once but twice– while I was there. Doesn’t he look great? He’s still waiting for his transplant surgery, but we’re cooking up plans for something wonderful that will happen after his recovery period is over!

Piper, the Wonder dog, with a new toy — thanks to Miss Cambria. See the discarded shell of her previous toy next to her? She disembowels every squeaker and every vestige of stuffing from every toy and then just carries the carcass around. Ginger bread girl, this is your fate too…

Inspiration found on Pinterest —  gifts for these darling girls:

Aren’t they the sweetest things in the world?! No, I did not make their dresses ; ) (because I’m making them dresses for the wedding!)

“Hippo or piano? Piano or hippo? Hurry and pick!” -or- what caption do YOU think should be under this picture?

The joy of children!

Hurry and get all of those quilts finished that you wanted to make this year — you have just 5 days left! ; )

And I have T minus 14 until I get to see this beautiful face for the first time in 2 years:

Now, I better get busy — making that quilt that I promised him when he gets home!

©2012 Annie Smith   All Rights Reserved

Podcast 218 – A Quilter’s Gathering and a visit with Pepper Cory

(Right-Click or Ctrl-Click on the icon below and select “save link as…” to download the podcast to your computer)

podcast

Running time: 01:00:36 Size: 58.2 MB

Podcast 218 – A Quilter’s Gathering and a visit with Pepper Cory

I had a chance to meet Pepper, a warm and dynamic quilter, who I have admired ever since I began quilting. I actually met her for the first time at this most recent Quilt Market when I wandered into the Colonial Needles booth and was admiring some Sashiko samples. While I was looking at the beauty of the detailed stitching, I realized that the name “Pepper Cory” was stitched on one. As I acknowledged that, someone behind me said “that is a sample of my new Sashiko pattern” and I turned around to come face-to-face with Pepper! What a thrill it was for me!

 

She was in the booth, stitching and introducing shoppers to Colonial Needles – which she speaks about in the interview. (Colonials are fantastic quality needles, by the way ; ) We spoke briefly and she agreed to do an interview with me at A Quilter’s Gathering, where we were both headed to teach – if we could get out of Houston due to Hurricane Sandy.

The interview with Pepper is one of the most pleasurable that I have done so far. We did the interview over lunch at Piccola — a lovely restaurant just one block away from our hotel. I’ve always wanted to do a podcast interview over lunch ; )

Pepper’s blogs:

QuiltFlapper

Pepper at the Quilt Studio

I hope you will enjoy the interview with Pepper as much as I did!

I didn’t get a new picture with Diane Loomis but here is a link to her website and blog where you can find out more about her incredible quilt, Five Bar Blues.

Diane will be teaching at A Quilter’s Gathering in November 2013. Don’t forget to visit their website! They’ll be updating it soon so you’ll know who the teachers will be for their 25th Anniversary.

They also have A Quilter’s Sampler held in Nashua, NH in May.

Here I am with Gina Meigs, rock-n-roll mom…

 

 I hope to share Gina’s quilt from the Exploring Fabric Choices and the story behind it in a future podcast.

Robin’s original Applique design from the Designing Elements of Fine Machine Applique class:

Robin is also a podcast listener!

Here is a picture snapped of me, doing a pattern signing and giveaway in the Moda booth at Quilt Market:

and here is a picture of expectant mom, Kim, who thinks the Charming Patchwork Skirt is pretty cool:

Super comfy and hip for pregnant style!

 and here is my studio companion, Piper the wonder dog:

so cold she’s shivering!

I hope you’re staying warm and cozy! Now, I’m off to finish those last Charming Patchwork skirts that are going to be Christmas gifts. Stay tuned — I have a fun one to show you as soon as I get the elastic in ; )

©2012 Annie Smith   All Rights Reserved

Podcast #217 – Hangin’ Out with Andrea Johnson and Kelly Biscopink!

(Right-Click or Ctrl-Click on the icon below and select “save link as…” to download the podcast to your computer)

podcast

Running time: 00:59:21 Size: 57 MB

Podcast #217 – Hangin’ Out with Andrea Johnson and Kelly Biscopink!

In which, I do a Hangout via GooglePlus with Andrea and Kelly, authors of the stellar new book:

Their book is well-written, the quilt projects beautiful and inspiring, and their fun relationship and personalities bloom from the pages. I had a great time talking with these two talented quilters — I think you’ll really enjoy “hanging out” with them too, as you listen.

For a chance to win your very own copy of their book, leave a comment on my blog here, visit their blogs and leave a comment — and I will choose the winner on December 17th!

Andrea’s blog AndieJohnsonSews

Kelly’s blog StitchyQuiltStuff  (Remember to click on the highlighted link, not the name of their blogs!)

and don’t forget this:

 The pattern is in stock and ready to ship. It would be a great gift for any sewist and perfect for a beginner. Just add some charm packs or a Layer Cake, or cut 5″ squares from your own stash to create a gift kit of your own! I’ll ship USPS Priority two-day to keep the cost down and the shipping time short.

Order here.

Happy quilting and sewing!!

©2012 Annie Smith All Rights Reserved