Tag Archives: local stuff

aerial workshop this week.

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And the samples are finally done.

deep breath.

 

warm aerial architextures_carolyn friedlander

 

warm aerial architextures detail_carolyn friedlander

 

 

There are two other colorways to this gang.

Meet Mr. Cool.

 

cool aerial architextures_carolyn friedlander

 

cool aerial architextures detail_carolyn friedlander

 

And Mr. Grayscale.

 

grayscale aerial architextures_carolyn friedlander

 

grayscale aerial architextures detail_carolyn friedlander

 

Together, they are a group of samples for my workshop (this Thursday!) at the Original Sewing Expo in Lakeland, Florida. (I’m not sure, but there might be a couple spots left.) We’re going to be putting together my Aerial pattern with some architextures.

Everything’s all kitted up and ready to go.

 

I found myself really enjoying getting these guys together. I’d designed the pattern long before I had my own fabric to sew with, and it was a fun treat to see how it all played out.

 

 

 

 

shipping central.

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architextures quilt stack_carolyn friedlander

My packing tape got a serious workout today. I just sent lots of my babies into the world for some fun things that are coming up.

 

boxes to ship

 

First on the agenda is QuiltCon. Oh man. I know everyone is excited about that. And I am too. That’s where most of these quilts are going. A couple of them are hanging in the show itself, and then most of the others will be hanging out in some of the vendor booths. If you are going to be at the show, I’ve got my schedule and some of that info here. And for anyone who isn’t able to make it, I’ll be posting-a-plenty on here as well as on instagram and facebook so you can keep in touch.

 

Next up, is a special open house at one of my local shops, Heartfelt Quilting and Sewing in Lakeland, Florida on March 5.

 

carolyn friedlander_heartfelt sewing event poster

 

They should have their Architextures shipment by then, and I’ll be bringing as many of my quilts as I’ve got on hand. It’ll be good.

 

Hope to see you soon!

 

local shop love. (+ a giveaway)

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Supporting local and independent business is massively important to me, not only because I work as an independent designer myself, but also because it’s what I grew up with.

 

thread spools carolyn friedlander

(I love the needle rack from Friedlander’s that now holds my thread)

 

My grandfather immigrated to the US from Lithuania and opened his first store in Lake Wales, Florida sometime in the 1920s. He sold all kinds of stuff: clothes, fabric, housewares, toys. By the time I was born, my grandfather had already passed away and my dad and aunts were carrying the torch. Many of my earliest memories are of spending time in the store wrapping presents, pricing stuff, or helping people find what they were looking for.

 

friedlander's scissors

(another relic from the Friedlander archive that I use often and even at the last show)

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In a lot of ways,  it was a totally different way of doing business back then. Shelves were stocked with actual needs and quality products, merchants had an active relationship with their customer, and solid customer service came naturally and without anyone having to tell you to do it.

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While my family’s stores no longer exist, I LOVE that I can still find the same values and practices that I grew up with in the local quilt shops that I frequent. I love how each shop emits its own flavor–a product of the many hands and hearts that create and nurture them. They build community and offer us the chance to connect with each other over the things that mean so much to us. Plus, I love not knowing what fun thing I’ll find from one quilt shop to the next!

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And they just sell better stuff, which is a total testament to the industry itself and how much it supports the little guys.

 

Visit Your Local Shop Day is on January 24, 2013 and right around the corner. I’m very happy to support it, and I’m also gonna do a giveaway in its honor. (See below for details.)

Here’s my official promo for the campaign, the short and sweet version.

 

Carolyn-Friedlander_Local Quilt Shop Day

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And then I’ll give a shout-out to some of my favorite local shops and their nearby complements–I know I like some nourishment after a little fabric shopping. They’ve all supported me, and I’m very happy to support them.

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Heartfelt Quilting and Sewing . Winter Haven, Florida

This shop is filled with the sweetest staff ever, and they have totally nurtured me from having no skills at all, to the fully obsessed quilter that I am today. Make sure to check out my open house on March 5 at their Lakeland store.

… Andy’s Igloo. The sign says “best ice cream for 62 years.” Let’s just say they know what they are doing.

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Fabric Warehouse . Lakeland, Florida

Another great shop with lots of fun fabrics, and I think they might have been the first shop to pick up my patterns! In March, I’m teaching a class through them at the Sewing Expo for my Aerial quilt.

…Pelican’s shaved ice in Auburndale.  Perfectly positioned on my route home.

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Inspire Quilting and Sewing . Plant City, Florida

These guys are super new, but have already established themselves as one of my favorite quilt shops. The light-filled shop is full of great samples and beautiful fabrics. Located in an unfamiliar town to me, I’m excited to get to know it more in the future.

…There’s a candy shop and tea room across the street, and then a fabulously home-grown and rustic cafe around the corner. um, hello.

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The Dragonfly Quilt Shop . Vero Beach, Florida

This shop is about and hour and a half away, but I love getting over there when I’ve got the chance. It’s just a few miles from the beach and full of that warm, beachy vibe.

…Snowballs. the BEST shaved ice. Just down the street. You’re welcome.

(Sometimes I’m not sure which is more robust–my sweet tooth or my “fabric” tooth…)

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Of course there are tons of other great shops out there, these are just some of my nearest and dearest. For more ideas in your area, peruse my shop listings, and also fill me in on some of your favorites by leaving a comment.

All comments made by Thursday Jan 24 at 11am (EST) are eligible for the giveaway. You’ll have to stay tuned for the prize…it’s a surprise! But it’s good. Don’t worry.

Happy Weekend!

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And check out these other folks on the Local Quilt Shop Day tour!

- Abby Glassenberg (While She Naps)

- Alissa Haight Carlton (Handmade By Alissa)

- Allison Harris (Cluck Cluck Sew)

- Cara Wilson (Cara Quilts)

- Cheryl Arkison (Dining Room Empire)

- Christina Lane (The Sometimes Crafter)

- Debbie Grifka (Esch House Quilts)

- Diane Gilleland (CraftyPod)

- Pam Harris (Gingerbread Snowflakes)

- Jane Davidson (Quilt Jane)

- Jen Carlton-Bailly (Betty Crocker Ass)

- Krista Hennebury (Poppyprint)

- Laurie Wisbrun (Scarlet Fig)

- Michelle Freedman (Design Camp)

- Monica Solorio-Snow (Happy Zombie)

- Pat Sloan (Create with Pat Sloan)

- Penny Layman (Sew Take A Hike)

- Rachael Gander (Imagine Gnats)

- Rae Hoekstra (Made By Rae)

- Rita Hodge (Red Pepper Quilts)

- Victoria Gertenbach (The Silly BooDilly)

Small Business Saturday.

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Aerial quilt, carolyn friedlander

I do love local.

And of all the promotional holidays we have going on right now, this is one that I’m happy to partake of.

My mom, sister, and I will be venturing off to our local, independent kitchen shop, which is always a great time.  And I think we’ll also be able to catch the Lake Wales Farmers’ Market, which means a visit to my favorite–the Guacamole Guy.

Yummy.

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Here are some other great places to shop.

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Happy Small Business Saturday!

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great catch.

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I absolutely love this.

 

girl with her fish

 

I don’t normally follow the local freshwater fishing, but I do always flip to the back of the sports section for the business news, and this article caught my eye. The caption is great. How cool is it that this little 9 year old and her “Shakespeare Scooby-Doo combo” caught this big fish? Well done, sister.

 

Just goes to show that you can do great things working with what you’ve got.

 

 

let’s take this show to the beach.

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Vero Beach, here I come.

 

quilt label set of art quilt stamps by carolyn friedlander

 

Tomorrow, 10:00-3:00 I’m helping celebrate the grand opening of the Dragonfly Quilt Shop. They are all settled into their new location at 1561 Old Dixie Highway, and they’ve got lots of stuff planned. Designer Jill Wolfe and Checker rep Marsha Hicks will be there with some fun and exciting stuff. I’m bringing my patterns, sewing machine, and art quilt stamps–including my special, new quilt label set, which is shown above. And I’ve heard something about Blake bringing her delicious cheesecake…

 

Bring on the fabric, fun, and that warm, salty breeze.

 

 

 

 

love jill’s herringbone.

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Here’s a little eye candy from someone else.

 

love jill's herringbone runner

 

After swapping patterns recently, my friend Jill Wolfe made this Herringbone runner. Jill is a very talented designer out of Sebastian (Florida) who I met last summer in Vero Beach. She designs patterns, has an etsy shop, makes her own clothes, and is all around creative. We hit it off instantly.

 

It’s really fun for me to see what other people do with my patterns, and I think her version of the Herringbone is just fabulous.

 

Thanks Jill!