I want to live inside my camera bag. Seriously.
May 03, 2011
Yes, you read that right. I want to live inside my camera bag right now. I'm in love. If you can be in love with a camera bag that is. It came in the mail today and I knew right away what it was! My kids thought I had lost my marbles just a little when I yelled "get out of my way unless you know where the scissors are!"
Of course, the weeks leading up to Market, they pretty much assume that I have already lost my mind, so I guess, if I think about it a bit more, they might not even have noticed my odd behavior!
I have to tell you that one of my very favorite things about working in the industry that I do is the people I have met along the way and those that I would now call friends. Kay is one of them. It just happens to be a nice perk that she is the most amazing and talented seamstress that there ever was. And she is so little and cute you just want to eat her up! Or in this case, her camera bag. O.M.G.
Made out of my favorite 3 fabrics right now. And I mean my absolute favorite, this bag is a new home for my DSLR that faithfully travels with me everywhere to chronicle my life and my work. I don't really know what I would do without it. Its never really had a proper home, just one hand me down bag after another. But now, its home is where I want to live. Inside every little outside and inside pocket.
... did you notice that the inside has a little shelf for the camera to sit on so the lens goes in the little space that is left. Are you freaking kidding me??
Thank you Kay, from the bottom of my heart.
Okay, I'm done now. I know one of my friends will email me soon to tell me that I have lost it for good now. But then again, what do they expect. It is the week before Market after all.
IN OTHER NEWS....
Just in case you were hoping for other information other than my desire to live in my new camera bag, I wanted to show you my first sneak peek of an upcoming quilt pattern. STEMS is currently my favorite and you will be seeing many more pics of it coming up and at Market. But for now I thought I would show you the version the lovely Sherri made from the goodies I showed a couple of posts ago.
Remember that little rainbow of fabrics spread out on the ground? Well that was for this. Its making me really happy right now. One of those patterns that has been in my head since I became infatuated with Orla Kiely [which has been for a really long time!] I've always wanted to create a pieced version of her signature stem look. Well, this is it. More on the pattern front soon.
And..... drumroll.... I have been cleared to share that I have signed a new contract with Wiley Books! I am so happy to share a new book home with some of my favorite friends and designers, Sandi, Patty & Paula. Here's to the journey ladies!
I am so excited for this project and will share more as I can. Working on the first portion of this book is the real reason that I have been MIA lately. My Market patterns have been written, edited, photo shot, press checked and sent off to the printer what seems like an eternity ago [probably just a couple of days ago but it sure feels like a long time at this point].
They are starting to arrive back at the studio, palette by palette, as we speak. Usually we stagger them a bit more, but to have them all arrive at once is a bit overwhelming for our fabulous office ladies and the man behind the fig! At least he sure is getting a work out!
But it is the book project I have been cranking away on for the last couple of weeks. Because of course, my first deadline is just right about the same time as Market.
Did we mention something about insanity. Okay, just checking. Thanks for listening to all my exciting news. More to come soon.
Talk to you soon my friends.
Congratulations all round: for book (can't wait), pattern (stash-bustingly beautiful) and camera bag (ve-e-ery jealous)....what is it they say about hard work being it's own reward? Camera bags aren't bad, either! x
Posted by: Nicola | May 03, 2011 at 06:20 AM
I cannot wait for the book, so exciting! I have been playing with those very fabrics in your camera bag and I have to agree, I'd want to live there too! My Mom is getting a Mothers Day quilt out of them - I can't wait to give it to her!
Posted by: Kathryn | May 03, 2011 at 06:23 AM
congratulations! can't wait for the book! Amazing camera bag!
Posted by: Lesley | May 03, 2011 at 06:42 AM
The camera bag is lovely and I'm very excited over the new book contract! Looking forward to seeing your book!
See you in SLC!
Posted by: pam | May 03, 2011 at 06:50 AM
I must admit, the camera bag does look like an adorably cozy home! Big congratulations on the book contract too!
Posted by: SarahB | May 03, 2011 at 06:59 AM
ummm i'm completely & utterly jealous over that camera bag.
like i want to stamp my foot and everything.
*sigh*
Posted by: rachel griffith | May 03, 2011 at 07:26 AM
I love that camera bag too!
Lovely quilt! Your home must look amazing.
Congratulations on the book.
Posted by: Alice S | May 03, 2011 at 07:32 AM
The camera bag is absolutely amazing! It's made with two of my favorite Strawberry Field fabrics also...love the large floral on taupe and the large floral on green! And Stems looks amazing...I can't wait to make another one! Diana did a wonderful job in quilting it--it's just gorgeous!!!
Posted by: sherri | May 03, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Congratulations!! Happy news all around. Is there space in that camera bag for me too? Can't wait for a new book!!!!
Posted by: Gretchen | May 03, 2011 at 08:16 AM
In, out, in, out...deep cleansing breath. MMMMMMMM...So much for you to be excited about! The camera bag is just amazing. I can make a quilt and if my corners match (or sorta match)I'm happy. But sewing like that is way over the moon! Two words - Scotch Guard. I love the pattern Stems and can't wait to get it. Also, congratulations on the new book. I can't wait!
All of your success is truly earned.
Posted by: Jean | May 03, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Wooohooo!!! Congratulations, Joanna! And the camera bag and quilt are both gorgeous! Can't wait to see them, and you, at Market!
Posted by: Heather | May 03, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Nice and delightfull quilt you have made - very inspiring for the ones of us who are fans :O)
And what a lucky camera you have - I would also love a weekend in your bag :O))))
Posted by: Annelise | May 03, 2011 at 08:47 AM
Beautiful Bag!!
Posted by: Linda | May 03, 2011 at 09:37 AM
Fabulous! I don't have a camera to go in, but it is very nice camera bag you've got there. I love the look of the quilt. Oh, how I love your work. : )
Posted by: Miwako | May 03, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Congratulations Joanna! What exciting news! Your stem quilt is just lovely too....and what a COOL camera bag!! LOL
Posted by: Dorian | May 03, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Loooove the camera bag!!! Does she have a pattern for it, or is it only custom jobs? Great quilt too! Can't wait to see everything after market.
Posted by: Anita | May 03, 2011 at 10:24 AM
I really really love that quilt! Dynamite camera bag! And congrats on the book deal!
Posted by: Vicky | May 03, 2011 at 11:33 AM
can i live insid your camera bag as well? so pretty!
Posted by: Keerthana | May 03, 2011 at 11:54 AM
All I can say is you are a busy talented lady and you deserve every thing that comes to you. Congratulations on it all and have so much fun at market. I love that camera bag , but I especially love the quilt.
Posted by: Sandra Davidson | May 03, 2011 at 03:59 PM
Oh that is so exciting Joanna! Congrats on your new book deal. I LOVE stems ~ it's simplicity and sweetness are lovely and I LOVE the camera bag. Is that a new pattern or was it just a gift to you? It's fabulous!! Can't wait to meet you soon!
~ Amber Johnson
Gigi's Thimble
Posted by: amber | May 03, 2011 at 04:40 PM
OMGoodness I see why you are so in love with that bag!! Its beautiful!
Posted by: Tammy | May 03, 2011 at 05:59 PM
I am soooo looking forward to your book! The camera bag designed by Kay is incredible and looks amazing in your fabrics! Congratulations! All the best, Stacey
Posted by: Stacey | May 04, 2011 at 01:31 AM
Congratulations on your book deal. So talenten - you certainly deserve it! And that camera bag!!!! Make room for me in there!
Posted by: Sandy Muir | May 04, 2011 at 06:01 AM
Love the new growth on Stems so simply effective. Isn't it wonderful to have functional items in glorious fabrics. So looking forward to your new book. Definitely more tempting than eating strawberries & cream. Looking forward to future delights. Susan
Posted by: Susan | May 04, 2011 at 08:11 AM
yep, you've lost it. at least you didn't talk about where you'd put your couch or dining table inside your camera bag! but seriously, that bag and quilt are both stunning! And a GIANT CONGRATULATIONS on your book deal!! woohoo! hope you're in the home stretch for all your prep. still kookoo here too and i can't find my scissors either! love u. xxoo
Posted by: kate spain | May 04, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Congratulations..
Is the Camera bag for sale? That is just to cute I love it..
Have a super week..
Terri E
Posted by: Terri Emmons | May 04, 2011 at 08:50 AM
lovely lovely as always :) I'd like to be a little mouse and live at your house! Was the bag a custom make or can you find more online? compared to my drabby gray camera bag your new treasure is creat8ing serious envy! Have a wonderful day... BREATHE! There is nothing like fresh spring air. I know you'll make it through. Love what you do! Janita
Posted by: janita | May 04, 2011 at 08:58 AM
I want to live inside that camera bag to its wonderful!!! Milly
Posted by: Milly Axling | May 04, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Beautiful! I can see why you want to live in it! She IS a talented seamstress. Your quilt is gorgeous, too.
gale
Posted by: Gale W. | May 04, 2011 at 03:23 PM
Oh, that bag is super!!! And the new pattern AND a new book deal!!! Congratulations!
Posted by: Marianne | May 04, 2011 at 04:13 PM
Love the camera bag, love the quilt, already love the book!
Posted by: Marja | May 05, 2011 at 01:11 AM
Move over dear one... I want to jump inside the bag with you. It is so pretty!! You DO have some wonderful and talented friends! Congratulations on the new book, the new pattern... and all that you have accomplished on top of getting ready for market. Have a super time!!
Posted by: Debbie Hays | May 05, 2011 at 07:47 AM
What exciting news! An absolutely amazing and gorgeous bag, a fantastic new pattern (also love the Orla), and a new book! I may need to get the new Kay book and make me a camera bag too. The poor thing just floats about homeless now.
Posted by: Vicki | May 06, 2011 at 06:02 AM
fab, fab, fab! love it. can hardly wait to make this quilt. will keep my eyes open for the pattern. am thinking of a 4th of July theme... hmmmmm...
Posted by: Karee | May 10, 2011 at 07:40 AM
I adore this camera bag!
Posted by: Kristy Life n Reflection Photography | May 10, 2011 at 11:13 AM