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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Vintage

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I should title this post, “. . . Another man’s (woman’s) treasure?”

If you have been following our art journey then you know that over the past year we have been . . .

Cleaning up,

expanding,

and setting up SHOP! Our latest,

JOY STUDIO VINTAGE on Etsy.

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All summer (and a bit longer) we have been diligently sorting, cataloging, and prying out of my tight grip, the many collectibles in the studio. Some are very difficult to part with however, it’s time. I suppose many artists are also collectors and I cannot deny, that I am a passionate one. I acquired my first antique furniture piece at age 16, my grandmother’s dresser and have admired vintage items and antiques ever since. Not sure why, perhaps it is the detail of the workmanship? Or maybe the history of a piece that I find intriguing.

H o w e v . .

. . . my great weakness of all time, is vintage (& antique) illustration!

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Yes, OLD paper. Not sure why but I get lost in an illustrated image, sigh.

I have always been fascinated by illustrations, especially pre-1960s, ever since pouring over my dad’s childhood books as a kid.

Yes, I would say fascinated!

verb (used with object), fascinated, fascinating.

1.

to attract and hold attentively by a unique power, personal charm, unusual nature, or some other special quality; enthrall:

&

I am certain, that being exposed to these interesting and sometimes charming images has inspired, shaped and contributed to my illustrative endeavors.

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Anyway . . .

My collections have now become somewhat vast, I hate to admit.

&

Much of the ephemera I have collected was solely for inspiration and reference so, truly it has served it’s purpose,
although I still adore and never tire of viewing it.
So.
I am opening the file drawers and am in the beginning stages, of offering some of my favorite pieces to be shared with other collector’s and admirers who share my passion. We have a long way to go so there is sure to be (LOTS) more in the coming months so please check back often. To date, we have a variety of vintage post cards and antique trade cards in the old paper category. Still listing and haven’t even started on the children’s books yet! Those will be tough.
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So, I invite interested parties to take a look at
There are also vintage art supplies, paperdolls, pincushions and prints.
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As well as sewing related trade cards!
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Surprisingly, many of these treasures are selling as soon as we list, and before we could get anywhere close to completing this daunting process. For instance, we started with approx. twenty rocking chair sewing caddies which were intended for a She Who Sews (Rocks) challenge. Before we could organize it, the cute rockers began to disappear. Four are left.
We thought it might be a good time to share with our like minded/kindred spirits.
If you can find something you like, please enjoy.
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Thanks for the visit!
Also,