Whew….I don’t know about you, but it seems that I’m not the only one exhausted – grin. It’s been a busy season in The Quilt Rambler studio! Thought it was about time I rambled and shared a bit of what’s going on behind the scenes.
Where to begin! Well, how about this week. I’ve been glued to the computer writing a rough draft for my upcoming pattern release Not Your Grandmother’s Sampler. This quilt was introduced at Spring Market 2020, well sorta – as we all know that event was canceled due to the craziness of 2020! Regardless…the fabric line, Ohana from Island Batik, is soon shipping to stores, which means I’m almost late to the party – so the pattern writing has been on the front burner this week.
I find it kinda interesting, and I hope you will too, how far in advance fabric companies work! For example, Not Your Grandmother’s Sampler was submitted as a design to Island Batik back in the summer of 2019, it was pieced in September 2019 to be photographed for the Spring 2020 catalog, which once released, retailers can order the fabric collection (and patterns) to be shipped in the fall.
Needless to say, I had to take good notes on how I constructed this quilt so I can now write the instructions. Pretty much I take a lot of photos of my step-outs so I can then include them with the text for both my text editor and graphic artist – they are the true heroes who take my pattern to the professional level with The Quilt Rambler branding. So blessed.
As you may or may not know, I have my first Signature Collection (designed by Kathy Engle of Island Batik) coming out at “Fall Market 2020” – which again has been canceled due to these crazy times in which we find ourselves. Sigh.
This is the week I would have been preparing my booth and sharing my three new patterns that support this beautiful and bright collection with market attendees. Regardless, thanks to the fabulous reps with Island Batik, shop owners are viewing the fall collections and placing their orders now. It won’t be much longer before I can reveal my collection and give you a sneak peek of the upcoming patterns that will be released the first of the year when the fabrics ship.
Speaking of Signature Collections….my Spring 2021 fabrics have arrived…a little unnerving as half the collection arrived weeks before the remaining half. Trust me, there was a lot of praying going on behind the scenes concerning this delay! Again, I attribute it to the times in which we are living – I know that the postal and shipping companies have been overwhelmed with so many of us staying home and shopping online. Goodness, I don’t even want to think of the potential delays for the holidays!
Speaking of the holidays, I do hope to have time to slip in a little personal sewing. I’m all prepared with my fabrics cut and a few units already pieced for a Christmas Synchronized Swimming – I plan on making this as a tree skirt, with good intentions of quilting it then cutting a hole in the center…time will tell! This pattern was released this past summer with the pattern cover quilt made with the fabric collection Williams Garden, also from Island Batik, which is shipping soon. I have some on order so check back often in my new online store on the website. The pattern is available now in both PDF digital download as well as the print version.
Well, let’s see, what else has been going on…. our sweet granddaughter Reagan just celebrated her 2ndbirthday. We just love it when she can come to visit, melts my heart when she says, “Hi Oma!” We keep a little table and a basket of toys available for her visits. I love how she comes straight in and heads to the toys under the longarm with exclamations of “oh wow!” Needless to say, she’s at the top of the list when we think about celebrating life!
What’s Next
Oh my, where do I begin? So many plans percolating in my busy brain and finding their way to my to-do list.
Naturally, I have lots of secret sewing to do for the Spring 2021 collection – three new pattern designs with quilts due to Island Batik for catalog photography by mid-December.
Also, I have the three Fall 2020 collection patterns to write in preparation for the first of the year release (and of course my current project of Not Your Grandmother’s Sampler pattern which will release early to mid-November).
I plan to have a big announcement in a few weeks concerning my Spring Land Locked Quilting Cruise™event – I’m super excited about this and am eager to share.
In the meantime, let’s all take time to take a deep breath, pull up our bootstraps as we head into the fall holiday season with joy and anticipation…truly, life IS worth celebrating!
This is Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler
PS I hope you will take a moment to check out my updated website, not only have I added an online store but I have a dedicated page with links to my tutorial blogs, many with complimentary PDF downloads. Come visit!
Hi Karen! I cannot believe that little Reagan is two already!! How did that happen?! I shouldn’t be surprised as my sweet great-niece followed her arrival by just 3 months. Aren’t they just the best thing EVER?!! I am looking forward to all the reveals and your Signature Collection. We all definitely need to celebrate life! It’s not a guarantee from day to day. ~smile~ Roseanne
Yes I remember we were both eagerly awaiting new arrivals. Seems like yesterday! Certainly worth celebrating every day! ?
Your organizational skills continue to amaze! So many baskets…which eggs go into which basket…!!! ?
They just keep getting shuffled around. More interesting that way ?
Karen, I’m so thankful your shipment finally arrived!! Prayers answered, friend!! I can’t believe sweet Reagan is TWO!! Wow! Happy birthday, little one!
I am beyond excited to finally begin this journey with these beautiful fabrics! In true Overton fashion she celebrated multiple days. Such fun!