Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 47

Hello and Greetings from the Lakadaisies Farm. I realize that I cannot stop what I am doing to do a blog when I should, so I am going to hand off the ball to John.  He is making me do this one, so he can do the next.

So much has happened on the Lakadaisies Farm.  The most important, to me, was that my sweet beautiful angel, Quinnie, got bone cancer and we lost him.  For those of you that don’t know, He was a beautiful 185 pound St. Bernard.  He was my baby and I have been moping around the house for a while.  It is not my goal to bring you down or anything like that.  But, he will always have a special place in my heart and I sure do miss him.

We had a wonderful time at the Sewing and Stitchery Expo at Puyallup, Washington, and The A Mountain Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.  I taught some classes at Pigeon Forge and we had a blast.  I really enjoy sharing my knowledge and hope to do more classes and “Retreats” in the future. I hope that all of my students learned something and had fun too.  I have been thinking about having one in Fredricksburg, Texas this Summer.  Stay tuned.

Now, John has completed our schedule for at least the first part of 2015.  We are cleaning up around the house and working on new designs for a few weeks.  I had hoped to go to Quilt Market in May, but after several talks with our local County Clerk’s Office, it appears that it is either Jury Duty or Jail.  I hate having to make tough decisions like that, so, Jury Duty it is, on my birthday.  What a wonderful present.  In June, we go North for The annual Minnesota Quilters' Show and Conference. This year it will be held in Duluth and the show dates are June 11, 12 & 13th.  This will be the second
time that we have been to Duluth.  They put on a really great show and we really liked it there. Then we turn around and head South for the NQA (National Quilt Association) Show.  This year it will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas.  They also do a great job and the show dates are June 18, 19, and 20.In July we are going to Cape Cod for the Bayberry Quilter’s of Cape Cod Quilt Show.  It has been a few years but I really love it up there and I can hardly wait. Show dates are July 30, 31, and Aug. 1. Then we go even further North for the World Quilt Show New England XII.  The Mancuso Brothers are putting it on and I was very impressed with them this winter in Florida.  The show will be held in Manchester New Hampshire and the dates are Aug.  13, 14, & 15.  Then it is Out West for the San Diego Quilt Show.  Show dates are Sept. 10, 11, & 12.  John is still thinking about another Quilt Show or two and there is always the International Quilt Festival in Houston to look forward to.

Again, I would like to thank Carol and the crew at Quiltmania.  They put my design “The Curious Little Chicken” in the Spring 2015 issue of Simply Vintage. Here is a picture of it.

I nearly forgot, I just got through with a new quilt.  I named it “Washday Blues”.  I have a few kits and patterns are available.  Here is a picture of it. 

Just remember to, as always, enjoy life     ds.

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog 46

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog 46

Hello Everyone and Greetings from the Farm

It is amazing to me how quickly we have become so dependent on the internet.  It seems like it was yesterday when we first heard about it.  Now it is so everything. Ours went out about a month ago and it was horrible. Anyway, enough of that, I apologize for not blogging sooner-but...

My Thanksgiving was wonderful and I hope that everyone else had an equally nice day.  I am so thankful that we have plenty. I wish that the whole world had enough.  Don’t get me started.  I wish that hunger was eliminated and while I am at it...Peace on Earth....There I said it.  Also, I hope that you had a Merry Christmas and are enjoying a Happy New Year.

First, I would like to invite you to join Hannah and I for a weekend of fun and classes in Temple, Texas.  Valentines Day Weekend-$300 (housing, classes & meals included) Feb.  13, 14, & 15th. 2015.  Join us if you can.

We just got back from South Florida. I just feel like that I am home when I cross the state line and it was so nice and warm.  Highs in the 80s mostly.  It was a wonderful show-again thanks all.  And then Hannah and I and a few friends had a wonderful fews days on the Emerald Coast.
Got to relax and just take it easy.

Actually, right now, I am headed for Jefferson Texas for the 12th Annual Jefferson Quilt Show “Quilts on the Bayou. Show dates are January 23-25, 2015.  Also, we are hoping to “show off our stuff”(be vendors) at the The Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup, Washington. Show dates are
February 26 - March 1, 2015.  After that we go to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee where we have a booth and teach a class or two at the A Mountain Quiltfest. Show dates are March 18-21, 2015.  More show dates to be announced soon. Contact us for details.

Again, I would like to thank Carol and the crew at Quiltmania.  They put my design “Snowman” on the back cover of their Special Winter 2014 issue of Quiltmania.  They do such a good job.  It felt so different to see it on the magazine instead of in my booth. I did it several years ago and it is such a big hit at every show we do. Here is a picture

They also put my design “Vintage Christmas” in the Winter 2014 issue of Simply Vintage. Here is a picture of it.

Carol also picked out four new ones for upcoming editions.  I am so happy that they like my work enough to feature it in their magazines.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank them and you for all of the support.

As always Enjoy Life

Thanks again    Dolores Storm

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog #45

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 45

Hello and greetings from the Lakadaisies Farm.

It is so nice to be able to relax.  Nothing major on my plate until Thanksgiving, which is 4 days away. My nephew, Skip and his wife Janie have invited our family to their house. We are looking forward to having a wonderful time.

John and I just returned from Victoria, Texas. I gave a speech of sorts and taught some classes. They treated us just like family. We had such a wonderful time, we really hated to leave. Girls...I am sending you out a big hug and a huge thank you for making our stay so enjoyable.

Oh, and I want to thank everyone who came by our booth at The International Quilt Festival in Houston. I really appreciate your kind words and support. It was a wonderful show - we got to catch up with so many old friends and made so many new ones.

Carol (from Quilt Mania) came by and liked several of our new designs.  She wanted to visit my home and shop and maybe take a few pictures before the Houston show, but John wasn’t ready.  She said a few choice words to him in French and then gave us both a big hug.  John promised her that he would be ready next year. She picked out four designs to put in one of her magazines next year.  So, I am sending out a big thank you to Carol and all of her staff. You make my designs look so good and for that, I am thankful. Thank you for putting off our photo shoot..I will make sure John puts the Shop back together in time for the next one...

I decided to take the weekend off. I just sat around, sewed, cooked and watched football...John says I do that every day....but... I don’t. I hardly ever watch football. Today, it is back to the old grind. We have a long list of things to do. I am going to work on my workshop. Then, I will be able to give classes at home and work on my designs without taking over my entire house. John has to put the shop back together...He promised. So...he will do it...

Next up for the Road Warriors (Team Lakadaisies) - We are Southbound. South Florida to be specific. To be even more specific, Palm Beach in January. I haven’t been home in so long, I can hardly wait.  The Mancusco Brothers are hosting the World Quilt Show Florida VI, January 8-10 at the Palm Beach Convention Center. Here is a link for more info http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=36 . I should have enough time to design a few things before the show.

From there I have a few days to get to GRAYTON BEACH FLORIDA.  My good friend Hannah (Hannah’s Quilts) and I have rented a large beach house and we still have a little room for a few friends.  I told you about it in my last blog.  From there we go straight to Jefferson Texas to show off our stuff at the 12th Annual, Jefferson Quilt Show ‘Quilts on the Bayou’, January 23-25, 2015. I can’t wait to see what Edris and Vickie and the other girls have cooked up.  It is always a wonderful show and they really know how to take care of their vendors.  Here is a link to their website
http://www.jeffersonquiltshow.com/ .

Next up is our Retreat in Temple, Texas.  I know that I told you about it in my last blog, but again, I would like to invite you to come have some fun with us.

I am pretty sure that we will be at Puyallup, Washington-they wanted me to teach but I don’t think that John can handle the booth alone - it is always so busy there.  But, I am scheduled to give a few classes at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. I will tell you more about that in my next blog.  Right now I have to get back to just sitting around and having fun.

Just remember to (as always) enjoy life  
-ds

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 44

Hello everyone from the farm.

Whew, we just got home after three shows in a row.  I would like to give a big “Thank You” to all of you who supported me at all three shows.  I felt a lot of love and I really appreciate it.  All the shows were busy.  We got to visit with so many old friends and made so many new ones.  Again, a big “Thank You” to all who have supported me through the years.

My schedule just gets better and better.  First, I would like to invite you to join us at the International Quilt Festival in Houston.  The show starts Wed.  Night Oct.  29th with a preview night and concludes on Sunday Nov.  2.  For more information, here is a link to the website;  http://www.quilts.com/home/shows/viewer.php?page=FallFestival . Our booth number is 847.  I have several exciting new designs, and lots of vintage and hand-dyed wool.  As many of you may remember, last year, my index finger on my right hand was not functioning properly due to an untimely accident.  I am happy to report that all of fingers as of now, are OK.  Hopefully, John will not have to set up the booth like he did last year.  It was nice to see him work for a change, but I am keeping my fingers crossed.

After Houston, I will be giving workshops in Redwork Embroidery and Wool Applique for the members of the Victoria Texas Quilt Guild.  I think that the dates for that are Nov.  20 and 21st.  I am pretty sure that anyone can sign up, but I am not sure who is in charge.  I am sure that Janie can point you in the right direction.  Here is her email: cimrhanzl@gvec.net 

I am also very excited about the Retreats that my friend Hannah (Hannah’s Quilts) and I are planning to host in 2015.  I will give you a little info and you can contact Hannah or I for more.

Florida just sounds so warm in January.  I can almost feel the the sand beween my toes. We have a great big beach house all to ourselves for a whole week in the Seaside area. We will not be giving classes at this retreat. We will be working on our own projects and Hannah and I will be available to help you with yours.  If you have purchased a kit from me or Hannah and maybe you just need a little nudge-bring it. 

And then, we have a whole weekend in Temple, Texas in February-Valentine’s Day Weekend-John recommends it as the perfect Vday gift-he should know.  He says that “at least it should be warmer than most of the rest of the USA/Canada”.  We would love for you to join us for a lot of good food, fun, and classes. I am giving classes on Redwork Embroidery, Wool Applique, and Rug Hookng. Hannah is going to teach a class showing everyone how to make a Wedge Wheel Quilt using Kaffe fabric.  And, my daughter Ginny is going to give classes on her bookfolding.

I almost forgot to tell you about the Autumn 2014 edition of Quiltmania’s Simply Vintage magazine.  Two of my designs are featured in it. Again, another big “Thank You” to Caroline and the whole staff at Quiltmania. I hope to have a few copies at Houston.

just remember always---enjoy life-------- ds

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 43

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 43

I have several things to share with you this time.  Magazines, Block of the Month, and Farm News.

I will start with the Farm News.  Well, John’s Garden has finally “got it going on” at least the Tomato part.  I don’t know how he does it, but we are starting to bake (100̊ or close) and his tomato plants look like they love it.  They are truly delicious and we finally have enough to give some away.  He always has too many and, to me, it is about time.  Here is a picture I took.

Yes, they are as good as they look.  He says that his squash is taking off and we will be enjoying it real soon.

Oh, and I just finished Block #2 of my Block of the Month Quilt.  I know that I just barely got it done “under the wire”(the first of the month), but I have been so busy with my new Santa Quilt that I did not want to stop.  (I will have pictures of Santa soon-a few hints- he is big and he is “good looking”) I thought that the BOM turned out well and here is a picture of it.

I think that it will work well as a stand alone item, but that will be up to you. Patterns are available directly from me for $12.00 plus tax/shipping.  Call or email me at lakadaisies@hotmail.com.

One more thing.  Two of my designs (Simple Pleasures and my Miniature Dandelion Quilt) are featured in the latest edition of Quilt Mania’s “Simply Vintage” Magazine.  It is truly a high quality magazine and I am proud that they like my work well enough to put it in their magazine.  I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to everyone at Quilt Mania.  Here is a picture of it and they sent me a few extra copies, so if you cannot find one let me know.

Well, Santa and John are both calling me so GTG
---just remember always--- enjoy life--------ds

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog #42

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 42

Hello
Greetings from the Lakadaisies Farm. I have a lot to share with you this time.  A Retreat and a block of the month. Yes, I have decided to do a Block of the Month Quilt and have a Retreat.

Here is a picture of the first block.

Patterns are available now for $12.00 plus tax/shipping.  Email or call

My friend Hannah (of Hannah’s Quilts) and I are hosting a retreat, and we would like to invite you to attend. It will be on Valentine’s Day Weekend (Feb 12th – 15th, 2015 – sounds like a perfect Valentine’s Day Gift to me!). We are planning on having a few classes, a small merchant mall for your sewing needs, and mostly…a lot of FUN!

We found this wonderful venue that is all set up to handle 30 campers, and as many as 10 day-trippers. It is a little bit in the country, close to the city of Temple, Texas – not too far from the Lakadaisies Farm, and a few hours from Dallas, Austin, Houston, & San Antonio. It also has major airports nearby in Temple, Killeen, and Waco.

Hannah and I both love to cook, so we have decided to cook all of the meals We will only call in John if we really need him (he can flip a pretty mean Burger/BBQ etc.) Hannah’s store is in Chourdant, Louisiana, and she wears a chef’s apron that she got down in Lafayette, Louisiana (the Cajun capital of the world). I can smell that gumbo from here. I specialize in Tex-Mex, German, and Irish. So...come for the food if nothing else! But there is more...classes galore, and one-on-one advise/help from both Hannah and myself.

In my opinion, everyone needs more fun, so I will teach fun classes on Wool Applique, Redwork Embroidery, and Rug Hooking. Hannah will show you how to make a Wedge Wheel Quilt with a ruler using Kaffe Fabrics. These classes will be geared for everyone –from beginners to advanced level stitchers.

Oh, and my daughter Ginny has informed me that she will be available on Saturday to teach a book folding class. You may have seen some of her work in one of my booths or in Quiltmania’s Simply Vintage magazine. Here is a link to her website: www.ginstorm.net

We would like to host retreats all over the US and Canada; we’re looking for a really great place in your part of the world. If anyone else has any suggestions, please let me know, or if you already have a group, we would love to work with you. Please email us for more information and join our emailing list, in our booth or online. We promise not to overwhelm you with emails – only when we have something important to say.

John & I have visited with so many people at our recent Quilt Shows that had wonderful suggestions that we are absolutely overwhelmed the problem is that have misplaced most of our notes. We would really appreciate it if you would please submit ideas again.

More information soon, so, as always, enjoy life     ds.

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 41

Down on the Lakadaisies Farm Blog # 41

Hello again from the coolest spot on earth-the Lakadaisies Farm. A breezy 78 , we got that nice rain. It is amazing, nearly instantly, everything is so pretty and green. Right now it is too wet to work outside, so I thought I will write another blog. The bad thing is, we are still in a bad drought.

John brought it to my attention that I promised two pictures of the "tiny dancers" so here is another.

　

They are so beautiful. I can’t decide whether I like them best in the winter when they still have light tan leaves that really stand out or when they are blooming. More research is required.

And while I am at it -here are a few pics of my booth at the AQS Quilt Show at Paducah Kentucky.
　

 

Oh, and by the way, I told you about our friend Hannah. Well, she is putting on a "retreat" next weekend ( May 15-18) close to Dallas. I will be helping her, and I think she still has some openings so contact me if you need more information.

So, as always, enjoy life ds.