Have you been wondering where I've been hiding? Well brace yourselves because I am going to tell you whether you like it or not!!!!!!
The Monday before last Jan and I set out on an epic journey that ended up taking a whole lot longer than initially anticipated! 36 hours later, 4 times through Customs and 5 boarding passes later .... we landed in Minneapolis somewhat jaded but very excited to meet the infamous Thimbleanna ... and yes her post is going to be a whole lot more fun to read than mine so go read it right now!!!!
What brought the three of us to this very beautiful, stinking hot & sales tax free city I hear you all ask ... well the International Spring Quilt Market of course! The planning and anticipation that has been involved in this event has been responsible for many a sleepless night in the Don't Look Now household and the reason for such sporadic blog posts this year ...
So was it all worth it? Absolutely!!!!!
I had an absolute ball with Jan & Anna ... we laughed so much we cried ... over and over again!
... mind you we also worked bloody hard!
Oh and thank you yet again for the use of the Puppet Theatre Sue!!!!!! You saved my life yet again!!!
Anna was the design genius behind the entire stand ... gracing us with her beautiful chandelier ... that usually lives in her sewing room!!!!!!!! I wish!
This was our table at the highly anticipated Sample Spree
Other than all of this hard work it was terrific running into so many wonderful Australian designers at market!!!!
This is the lovely Sue Daley who was an enormous help to me with planing the set up of the stand! Thank you so much Sue!
I was also really pleased to catch up with Anni Downs ... who I don't have a photo of and who I can't even steal a photo from because she hasn't posted about the show yet ... thank you Anni I am so grateful for the help and advice you gave me in the months leading up to the market!
And of course the gorgeous Helen from Pattern Press & Hugs & Kisses . This picture has been stolen from Helen ... because I didn't manage to leave my stand to take photos of everyone else's stands because most of the time I felt so nervous I could have vomited right where I stood!!!
Apart from all of the Australians at market I had the pleasure of meeting quite a few American VIP's!
This is the lovely Anne from Bunnyhill who stopped by the Don't Look Now stand to say hello ... mostly to our Anna but I thought I would get a photo too!!!!!
And I bet you can't even guess who bought my patterns to sell in their stores ..... shall I tell you?
The beautiful Nancy & Linda from Possibilities .... I love these guys!!!!! This would have to have been the highlight of my show!!!!!!
And brace yourself ... last but not least ....Valori Wells!!!!!! You can now purchase my patterns from the Stitching Post! What I wouldn't give to go shopping there! Perhaps after Houston?
So now there are around 60 new retailers in the US that stock my patterns!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!
I will start work on listing all of these over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned.
Thank you so much Jan & Anna for working so hard over the week of market I could never have done this without you both. Thank you for putting up with me and for making the down time so much fun!!!!!!!!! Please make sure you stop over an check out Jan's posts ... I was wondering what she was doing frantically typing away over the past few evenings .... she has posted a few beautiful posts about market & Minneapolis.
And as for the Don't Look Now family all the way over on the other side of the world ... well they haven't been having such a fun time without their Mummy. Mr Don't Look Now resorted to sending the littlest of the little people off to bed with a piece of my fabric to help him sleep .... I'm just hoping that it wasn't my best fabric - just joking Josh ... I of all people know how much better you feel when you cuddle fabric!!! Jessie has also resorted to my cuddling fabric ... but poor Joshua has also been crying at school ... perhaps Mr DLN should have sent him off to school with my Bernina ... that would make anyone feel better!!!!
I released two new patterns at market ... which I had wanted to show you all first but I ran out of time before we left ... so we will have the official unveiling this week sometime :) ... but if you take a look at my stand you will see a couple of unfamillar ones I'm sure!
Enjoy your week guys!
Kellie
PS. I have just arrived home and I have rescued my fabric! Joshua chose a very nice Michael Miller spot ... my boy has terrific taste!!!!!!!!
PSS. Anna has added another post about the week which is well worth a read ... apparently Jan & I talk a little funny! And just so that you all know ... we don't always wear the same clothes!
Congratulations! Your stand looks amazing. Such an amazing effort!
Posted by: Kate | May 30, 2010 at 06:44 PM
Hi - love the post! Also, have tried looking for the pattern for the quilt with all the letters (3rd picture in your post) - the one with the letters on a blue background...can you let me know where I can find the pattern? Thanks. Kate
Posted by: Kate | May 30, 2010 at 06:46 PM
So good to see you back. I have been thinking of you a long way from home and thinking of those little ones who stayed behind.
We have bought flights for two weeks down your way in late September. Are you away again then?
Posted by: tracey petersen | May 30, 2010 at 06:46 PM
Welcome back Kellie; you've been missed here in blog land. I already have been reading about your adventures in Anne's and Jan's blog. What fun you all had. Apparently you've been a big hit "over there"! Today I got the weekly equilter newsletter and what do I see; some of your patterns and even one I didn't recognise. I can't believe you've made all those quilts in just a couple of month! Have a good rest now and enjoy your family.
Posted by: Vreni | May 30, 2010 at 06:53 PM
What a wonderful adventure.
Congratulations on entering the US market.
They're gonna LOVE you!!!!!
Posted by: Andi | May 30, 2010 at 07:17 PM
I just knew you would be a huge hit!!!
Congratulations!
I love your aprons and that chandelier is perfect!!!
Posted by: Miriam | May 30, 2010 at 07:26 PM
I have been SO looking forward to this post! Your stall looks just superb of course, and great to see those new completed quilts! Can't wait to chat in person about it all. Congratulations on what was obviously a very successful show. Enjoy some well-deserved time with your family now that you're back.
Posted by: Lara | May 30, 2010 at 07:38 PM
Kellie, I have been busting to hear your post from the show. I am thrilled that it went so well...
Can't wait to catch up! (after you have had a good rest)
Posted by: jodie | May 30, 2010 at 09:08 PM
Glad to see you had a great time - that letter quilt - yum!
Congratulations on you success!
Posted by: Jacqueline Warrick | May 30, 2010 at 09:15 PM
I really enjoyed reading Anna's posts and was happy to see the Puppet Theatre had arrived to you in time! It sounds as though everything went wonderfully well - didnt I tell you you would be very successful with all those gorgeous designs of yours. I think the next thing on your list is to publish a book!! I am very sure your children are happy to have you home too and vice versa. Congratulations on selling your patterns to so many stores too, how exciting!
Posted by: sue | May 30, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Hi Kellie! Welcome home! I loved reading your post and Anna's and Jan's too. You guys are a hoot! And of course they loved you over there, who wouldn't??!! Can't wait to see your new patterns. Danielle x
Posted by: Danielle | May 30, 2010 at 09:59 PM
I loved reading all the posts about the market - Anna's post had me chuckling too myself - I agree you should do a book and I think I spied the two new quilts - you are one very talented lady even if you do walk into revolving doors :-). Hope the kiddies are giving you many many cuddles ..
Posted by: periwinkle | May 30, 2010 at 10:44 PM
Booo to you too!! Welcome home and hope you can enjoy a little break with lots of cuddles from the family. Knew you would be a success - Anna's post was a crack up! Love and hugs.
Posted by: Sandy Gray | May 30, 2010 at 10:55 PM
kellie! i always said you would be famous, congratulations, alot of work, but good on you!!!!
Posted by: broderie | May 30, 2010 at 11:43 PM
So glad to read that your trip was a success. I was So happy for you when I got my Equilter newsletter today and there were your patterns! You deserve all the success.
Posted by: Kerry | May 30, 2010 at 11:58 PM
Your booth was awesome. I voted the Monster quilt (on the outside of your booth) best at market and blogged about it, myself.
Posted by: Jen Eskridge | May 31, 2010 at 01:02 AM
HAHAHA!!! You're SOOOO funny. And Dang It -- I need to go in for my bi-weekly moustache trim!!! Come Back! I Miss You Already!!!! Glad to hear the kids made it without you -- all with the help of your fabric, of course!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | May 31, 2010 at 01:26 AM
I know you just got home, but I am waiting for the day that you will actually come to California.. you know it is much more like your homeland down under. Do you ever teach in the States? That would be wonderful too. Your stand looked fantastic!!! keep up the amazing work you truly are an inspiration.
Posted by: mary | May 31, 2010 at 03:39 AM
Oh HURRAY! I'm so glad that your patterns are finally here...I'm going to have to start asking for them!!
Posted by: Jeanne | May 31, 2010 at 05:30 AM
HI Kellie,
I feel like Anna is a friend- she and I have corresponded for awhile before I started blogging- She would tease me and call me Anna No Blog - From both of your posts, I can tell you had a fantastic time together- It would have been fun to be a fly on the wall watching/ listening to all the stories you all shared together.
It is great when you meet other designers/ quilters/ bloggers and they are even better than you expected.
Congratulations on having some of your patterns being sold in the US- Hope they do very well- I am sure they will, the patterns are gorgeous.
Regards,
Anna
Posted by: Anna | May 31, 2010 at 11:33 AM
I'm so glad that you are selling in the US! I got to see your work when in Australia last year. And my favorite LQS just happens to be the one that Nancy and Linda own. I can't wait to buy your patterns!
Posted by: Kari | May 31, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Oh, and next time, will you stop in Denver at the Great American Quilt Factory (Linda and Nancy's shop) and give a class????
Posted by: Kari | May 31, 2010 at 01:14 PM
Congratulations Kellie!
It looks like the trip was a fabulous success.
I can imagine how much work went into it, and you deserve all the good things that come your way as a result of your talent and drive.
Good Luck with coming back down to earth here in Melbourne, and getting over the jetlag. I am sure the rest of the family will have you back in the swing of normal life in no time.
I will look forward to hearing more "backstage" Market goss, next time we catch up!
Posted by: Claire - Matching Pegs | May 31, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Hooray Kellie- success! Sounds like a great time and wow, what a lot of new stockists- hooray for you. And welcome home, nice to know you are back with the littlies!
Posted by: Tanya | May 31, 2010 at 09:32 PM
Looks like you had a ball and of coarse they loved your fantastic work....love the alphabet quilt.
Posted by: Leanne | May 31, 2010 at 10:32 PM
I have missed you, but I love this post, it must have been a great time over there. I am looking forward to your new patterns, saw one with letters that I think is a new one
Posted by: Mariƫlle | May 31, 2010 at 11:24 PM
It sounds like you had a wonderful time Kelly, How you survived on so little sleep is beyond me. oit a good laugh with Anna's comments about our Aussie accents.
Posted by: Linda | June 01, 2010 at 12:33 AM
Congratulations Kellie! 'Don't Look Now!' has gotten so big! Travelling all the way to the States now, huh! Good for you! Delighted for you on your success.
Posted by: Lisa | June 01, 2010 at 04:05 PM
I read Anna's post too and it sounds like you all had a great time! Your booth was beautiful! Congratulations on what sounds like a successful trip!
Can't wait to see the new patterns!
Posted by: Jessica | June 01, 2010 at 04:11 PM
That quilt with dolls or children on it is ADORABLE!!!! Will the pattern be coming out soon???? I CAN NOT WAIT!!! Warm wishes from Canada.
Posted by: Nancy | June 02, 2010 at 02:16 AM
Kellie, love the post, the booth, your dress, your quilts, everything!! You are absolutely adorable. Glad you enjoyed your stay in the states. Your quilts really are inspiring.
Posted by: Karen | June 02, 2010 at 07:03 AM
Does it all seem like a dream now that you are home and back into 'real' life? Is Josh still sleeping with the fabric - and are they pink or green spots?
PS My missing bag has made it to Melbourne today and is supposedly being delivered right now.....fingers crossed!
Posted by: Jan | June 02, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Wow Kellie, So nice to have you back - you have been missed! What a fantastic trip - your hard work and amazing creativity is like a speeding train without brakes! Congratulations - I love the new quilts on your stand. Cath
Posted by: Cath Roberts | June 02, 2010 at 12:35 PM
oh anna's post had us in hysterics! I was laughing and had to show my hubby! I've loved anna's blog for ages so it's kind of like I've met her now you have! hilarious!!!!!!!!
it all looks fabulous and 60 retailers!!!!!!!!!! you go girl!
glad to have you home and poor little joshua - hope you bought him home something from the states!
love all the pics!
Corrie:)
Posted by: corrie | June 02, 2010 at 07:37 PM
Wow! This is AWESOME news!!! So...sew glad to hear it! : ) Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your continued journey!!!
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