Joy of Collaboration

Our

J O Y   S T U D I O

2017 Quilt Market

recap is one of collaboration.

At the end of summer last, my childhood friend Ann Regal and I finally had the opportunity to schedule a series of create play dates. After a decade of dreaming about such a time to collaborate, we decided to pay a visit to one of Ann’s first sewing loves appliqué and combine the technique with mine, art. Here are the results.

The

Joy Studio Maker’s Guide.

We chose three of our favorite She Who Sews characters and began the process of translating the art into life size raw-edge appliqué. We were delighted and challenged. A much larger endeavor than either of us anticipated however, the end results were worth the painstaking process. The detailed patterns themselves offer the maker a wealth of information. So we hope you will consider giving them a try.

Also as part of our quilt market follow up, I wanted to introduce you to a company with a wonderful story that we can all relate to.

Aunt Henri.

I began working with this mom/daughter duo, Victoria Naylor Passmore and Jesse Weber after they participated in one of our Handmaids challenges. As I followed them in pure delight I looked forward to seeing each of the beautiful items they created. Item after item began to sell out in quick order. Impeccable taste and skill are only two words that come to mind when I view their works. It is easy to see that an artistic sense is present and it’s a pleasure to watch their creativity with our fabrics. Victoria bravely took on three of our creative characters just in time for market. All are charming and display just how different these female figures can look by switching out fabrics. Victoria and Jesse did Press On in Sewing Seeds II (top) and my new collection “Hatter’s Tea Party” from Quilting Treasures. Seamstress was made using She Sews Sea Shells (below).

A third willing maker to agree that taking on one of these HANDMAIDS was well worth the effort is

Elizabeth Cecchittini of Dandelion Rose.

I have collaborated with Elizabeth on a number of projects. Soon after I found myself designing fabric Elizabeth, Ann and I worked on a series of books using my panels. Since then I’ve learned that one can have complete confidence in Beth’s skill on any sewing, decorative or quilting project. So, Machine Maid was presented to her and she executed beautifully.

Brooke Sellmann of Silly Mama Quilts

joined this year’s market team willing and ready no matter the task. She quilted, she stuffed and even stood post in our booth, all with a warm smile. And here’s what she made! Pillows, placemats, mug rugs and she even quilted our Sewing Seeds II piece.

Tuffet Source

Last but not least is Sharyn Cole, who needs no introduction because everyone knows her and loves her TUFFETS! What an amazing success story of passion to business. Sharyn graciously offered to make us not one but two tuffets using our

Hatter’s Tea Party

fabric for quilt market. And what tea party can do without a tuffet! Sharyn achieved a wonderful result using her 18″ pieced and tuffet mini patterns out of one piece of (tea ads text, multi) fabric.

Words cannot adequately express how appreciative I feel to have been able to collaborate with these talented and skilled makers. All share a passion for creating that reaches far beyond sewing and quilting, I’m sure it is plain to see.

A Pure

J O Y!

The Joy Studio Maker’s Guide is available at quilt shops (ask yours) and on line at

GreayJoyStudio.com

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New Product Announcement

We are sew very excited to announce a

NEW

“She Who Sews”

product line from

LANG!

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These beautifully made products were chosen for an exclusive program

&

will soon be delivering to select JoAnn’s stores.

It is a continued privilege to share the art and the positive messages that have come to be associated with the Handmaids® series. Absolutely loving these sewing inspired items!

The collection includes

Bob’s (nesting) Boxes . . ,

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boxed note cards, note pads, planners . ,

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journals and lots more!

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See them all in February 2017 at participating

JoAnn’s

stores. Comment with your state, for the location nearest to you.

Our LANG (mug) cup runneth over.

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Handmaids Pincushion Entries

Here is the first group of entries for the challenge

&

they are sooooo

F U N !

I love them all!

We have chics and dresdens,

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Handmaids figures,

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&

Hats!

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The numbers were given in the order we received the photos and will be used for casting votes. Please hold voting however, until all entries are posted over the next few days. And PLEASE, if you are still working on your cushions, keep going, keep sewing! There’s still time. We will post the next group late Saturday.

Thanks everyone, for sharing your talents.

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You can see these with some additional views, on the

Handmaids Facebook page and the challenge Pinterest board.