California dreaming

It is no secret that I originally hail from the greatest state in all of the land. Don't be jealous, don't be hating!

When I first moved to Texas, my viewpoint on it was that everyone was like this:

Or this:

(still kind of do, sorry! like I said, I don't stereotype, I recognize patterns!)


That being said, I'm sure your viewpoint on California is this:

(only seen it once in my life, not too exciting, I kid you not)

Or this:

(for the record, nobody in their right minds wears JUST a bikini to surf, and also for the record, I've only done it once and once was enough for me. Not EVERYTHING in California is next to the ocean!)

Welp, the California in my head that I see looks a little more like this:

(THIS IS WHAT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA LOOKS LIKE, YOU WEIRDO SURF OBSESSED PEOPLE!!!)



Or this:

(this is Tower Bridge in Sacramento. Tower Bridge, as in mom's pattern.....we're not proud at all, are we?!)

I can't help but feel this twinge inside me...I call it "waggly legs"....to get on a plane and get the heck over there! It's March, the blossoms are all out (hellllooooo allergies!), all the little baby calves and sheep are prancing around, the horses are all shedding their winter coats....I'm sure you're thinking right now Is she talking about Texas again? but no, no, I saw FAR more livestock in NorCal than here.

This is about the perfect time of year to visit. In the summertime, it gets to be about 100-110 degrees of dry heat. No humidity in the air. Your sweat turns to steam. Any 80s babies remember that episode of The Adventures of Pete and Pete when it's the hottest day of the year and all of the tires on the cars stick to the asphalt and one of the Petes' shoes stick to the ground? There's a phone booth in the middle of nowhere that rings and he picks it up? Anyone?!? Yep. California.

Originally, the plan was to get on a plane and be in California in 5 days. This was supposed to finally be over. The trial was supposed to start, and justice was supposed to be served.

If I lived my life based on what's supposed to happen, rather than what actually happens, then I'd be living a perpetual lie. I never thought it was going to be easy on me, emotionally or geographically, to see this trial thru to the end. I also never thought it would take four years just to start the trial.

I feel a twinge of guilt (not waggly legs, actual guilt) that I have started this business and cannot come back for the trial. This whole time I've been waiting for vindication; waiting for the moment that I can look my friend's murderer in the eyes, and say everything while saying nothing.

That being said, I know that the best thing that I can do is just live. Be the best Jessica I can be, and that is exactly the lesson I've learned from this whole experience.

I have to tell you how excited I am about the shop and everything that's been going on...

....today was the best day ever. We were super busy this morning! At one point we had several groups of guests intermingling, and that was a great feeling. I get really excited when my guests come in and show me finished projects using fabric they bought from my store. Heather paid me a visit today to show off this awesome quilt top she made using Parson Gray's new line Curious Nature, and also brought a good friend to show them my store! I believe she will be debuting the pattern pretty soon, and if she'll let me snag a good photo, I'd like to share it.

**30 SECOND COMING SOON ANNOUNCEMENT!!**

here is a brief tourette's of what I am planning for the summer.....

***Charity Sit and Sew- this will be two days a month, on a Friday midday and on a Saturday evening. That way all the mamas and working mamas and mamas mamas can all accomodate the time.

***CLASSES- OHHHH YEAHH BABY!!
-Introduction to Quilting
-Color is Key (a lesson in color theory)
-Lady and the Scrap (a lesson in utilizing what you already have in your stash, and beefing it up)
-I'm in Love with a Stripper (a humorous take on strip piecing)

***One Woman Art Show
-a month of featuring some of our area's best fiber artists, one talented lady at a time

***Sample Spree
-where if you want it, but don't want to quilt it yourself, or you aren't a quilter but want one of our babies....they are not free, but need to go to a good home. Some of our baby quilts start at $30 for a custom pieced, custom quilted baby blanket.


WHEW!! That was a lot to get out!!

REMNANTSFIBERCULTURE ONGOING CHARITY DRIVE

Ladies, I really need your help getting our charity off the ground. I am seeking your old ugly fabric from your stash. Why let it sit and gather dust? I'm sure if your husband saw how empty your sewing room was after you destashed, and that all your old fabric went to help children struggling because their parents are on drugs and they're in foster care, don't you think he'd be MORE than happy to buy you some more?!

For every yard you donate to our charity, I will discount one yard in the store 10%. If you donate 10 yards, I will give you a yard for free.  I have to approve the donation, so don't be thinking that you're going to give me Aunt Betty's boucle from the 1960s and come out like a bandit. The point is to give back, and I am giving something back to y'all in hopes that it's an incentive for you to help someone else. We are all so fortunate. The premise of charity is to give and expect nothing in return, and to give to those who can never repay you. We are the voice, we have the power, and yet we do nothing. So we're doing something. : )

Speaking of doing something....it's one of the first NICE days we've had in a while. Part of being the boss means sometimes doing things just because you can and you have the power to do it. So. That being said. I'm going to shut the store down an hour early today and go to the lake. That's right, I said it, I meant it!

I hear the waves calling my name....this is no Pacific Ocean, but it will do...

Sew long! May you have a bright, bright sunshiney day!
xoxo
Jess

We are who we are.

I don't believe in stereotypes, but I do believe in pattern recognition.

I have come to find that in the time that I have been quilting (ten years), one can truly define what it is to be a quilter. We may not all look alike, come from the same background, or buy the same fabric, but we have traits that are inherently the same.

Quilters have heart. They like to take care of others and feel a sense of pride when they do something nice for another person. A quilter will find out that a member of your family is having a baby, and three days later a finished quilt will end up on your doorstep. Often quilters belong to numerous charitable organizations so that they can donate their finished quilts, passing them on to people in greater need than themselves.

Quilters are curious. They like to know what's going on around them, and they are excited to share with you what is going on in their lives. They keep up with current trends- they may not participate in them, but they know what they are. They are print-conscious, color-conscious, and designer-conscious.

Quilters are loyal. Think about it- the amount of time and energy that quilters devote to a project that most likely they will be giving away. (I have unfinished projects in my stash that are older than my marriage and my child, combined!) A quilter will shop at a particular shop not because they have exactly everything that that quilter needs, but because they like the owner and feel good when they go to that store. Some quilters have particular designers that they love, and they patiently wait till each collection is made, and then excitedly snatch up the prints.

Quilters are generous. They donate their time, energy, and money towards charitable organizations that help people who desperately need a voice. My mom donated over 400 quilts in 2008 to various organizations such as CASA. We received a letter from a police officer who told us a unique story. He had the unfortunate task of seizing a child from a home and placing him in foster care. When the police officer asked the man to relinquish his son and let him go with the officer, the man told him that the clothes on his child's back belong to him, since he bought them, and if they are taking his son, they're not taking him with clothes on. The man stripped the child naked, (in November, in Northern California) and handed him to the police officer. If the officer hadn't had one of our quilts in his trunk, that child would have been not only traumatized, but freezing cold as well. The simple act of swaddling that child in a blanket and embracing him gave him the only comfort he knew in this terrifying situation.

Quilters are tenacious and always persevere. They rarely give up, but when they do, they know that they fought a valiant fight and that they held on till the bitter end. (This goes out to all those ladies who are finally donating 2002's fabric stash! hahaha) They often stick out a difficult task and find that the outcome is far greater than the effort that they had to give. Like when you are working on a difficult block-of-the-month and you finally nail it. Or, maybe you've been messing with EQ for a million years and finally, just finally, have you created your own one-of-a-kind pattern.


Because we have built this positive reputation and we have earned it by our kind deeds, it is important to me to uphold this creed.

I believe that quilting is the reason why I have the character that I do. I am fortunate that I spent so many years surrounded by large groups of women. It allowed me to really observe all different types of women, and to formulate a blueprint for myself for who I want to be. I was led by example.

I challenge you to observe yourself and your actions, and ask yourself if you're being a positive role model for somebody else. When you bash somebody else's quilt, or critique a particular designer because you really didn't like their colorway...I ask you, are you speaking life into the room, or death? Are you giving the rest of us a bad reputation, because you have a bad attitude?

I know that if it weren't for Mom and Grandma Pam, Lora Wheeler, Monique Crowell, Debi Salazar, and many others, I wouldn't have this heart. I give them so much credit for teaching me things beyond mitered borders and stitch regulating. I learned how to treat others, and how to show respect to everyone. I learned to be less critical and more optimistic. I learned that even if something is difficult, it still has to be done. I learned detail, precision, and common sense.

I am and always will be the girl who grew up in that shop.

Speaking of shops... want to know what's going on in mine?

*THIRTY SECOND UPDATE OF AWESOMENESS*

**Just received**
-Laura Gunn's Garden Wall
-Parson Gray's Curious Nature
-Cosmo Cricket's Salt Air
-Basic Grey's Hello Luscious

**Coming this week!**
-Valori Wells Karavan

**Coming Next Week!**
-Legacy Collection!! Heather Bailey's Fresh Cut

SO MUCH GOODNESS! Nom nom nom...all this fabric is just crunchy and sweet.

*WORKS IN PROGRESS*
-Cholo-tastic Mexican inspired quilt from Alexander Henry's Folklorico Collection, mixed with Kaffe and Parson Gray
-Sandi Henderson Secret Garden Sample
-Antique quilt that needs to be bound
-Another antique quilt that needs to be bound
-Baby quilt using Villa Rosa Designs' Gypsy pattern and Parson Gray's Curious Nature


So much to do, so little time left to sew...

may all of you be blessed with an abundance of fabric and friendship, and may you all learn something positive about yourselves this week...

xoxo,
Jess

Kickstarter

Let's try this again... If that kickstarter link doesn't work for you, please copy and paste this into your browser: http://kickstarter.com/projects/remnantsfiberculture/visual-delights-using-fabric Hopefully that can direct you to our awesome kickstarter site, where you can donate all your hard earned little dollars! : )

Me, I'm a creater, thrill is to make it up. -Santigold

A wise friend once told me that there are two types of people in this world: creaters and destroyers. He told me that no matter what, one can always break it down, on the most simplistic level, to creaters and destroyers. One can be irresponsible, but still be a creater. One can be a lover, but still be a destroyer.

I believe in this whole-heartedly. Just remembering this basic fact has helped me cope with uncertainty. At least I am still creating, still cultivating, still cutting and still quilting!

Speaking of cultivating, yesterday we had a visitor come to see us. Shopowners and readers of The American Quilt Retailer may recognize this face:

That's right-Moda's very own Jim Salinas!

I consider Jim one of the most influential retail gurus in the hobby/niche industries. He's like the quilt whisperer! Not only did I get great advice on how to (re)merchandise my store, I got a lot of valuable business insight as well. It is also always really nice to be complimented on all of your hard work. (brushes dirt off of shoulder) So all in all, a great time was had and I am feeling good!

I find it ironic that I was at the store till almost 2pm yesterday, and when I went to the bank and came back, there was a sign on the door from Fedex announcing that we missed a package. Le sigh. But that's ok! Today should feel like Christmas. I'm pretty sure that it's Cosmo Cricket's Salt Air!! I am very excited about that. we have had the precuts for a little less than a month and I have been patiently waiting for the arrival of the full bolts.

Speaking of arrivals...I may have gotten a LITTLE excited about another line we just received...

What can I say? I'm in the right industry.

Oh OH OH! I also need to announce to the world, that I am now officially a garment sewist.

Because I hemmed my own dress.

Pssssh. Don't judge me! It's a start. My sister is proud. I texted her immediately afterwards- a total "look mom! no hands!" moment, which is silly but I am still VERY triumphant about my victory over chiffon. Viva la revolucion!

Oh yeah, talk about Revolucion....Because we are on a low budget, we have started a kickstarter to help with some of our visual needs. We find inspiration from all places- our favorite designers, rock stars, my grandma Pam, our customers, the ladies I grew up working with in mom's California Quiltmakers shop...that being said, We are trying to pay homage to these wonderful ladies and gentleman by creating a photo-canvas wall in our quilt studio. We are hoping to raise about $2,000. So far, we have $470 raised by donators. The cool thing is, when you donate, you get a reward! We are handmaking rewards for our donators. If you are interested, or would like to raise awareness for our awesome shop, you can go here:



PLEASE help us achieve our goal! We are only 23% to our target, and kickstarter will only release the funds if you donate the full amount. Every little bit counts! A dollar, a dub, a Benny, they all add up to a SWEET studio!


If you haven't come by to see us yet, please pay us a visit, we would love to see you. 10435 Burnet Road, Suite 106, in Austin Texas...that's the place to be. If you come during the hours of 10-6 between Tuesday and Saturday, we'll be here!


These beautiful bolts of fabric are calling my name..."join us", they are saying....
until next time,
xoxo

Jess

did you ever listen to the sounds that your hands make? did you know that they can make sound?

I wrote the most intense, epically awesome blog. And then I accidentally erased it. Bear with me, my feathers are ruffled! But I will try to recreate some of the awesome.

It has been quite the journey.

I am learning to control the things that are within control, to not complain about the things I can't change or control, and to just be grateful for what is within reach rather than be forlorn over what is unrealistic. It's taken a lot of cursing the world and aggravation to come to this conclusion, but I am at peace with a lot of things.

We are here! We are open! It's finally all happening. 

Mike (employee of the month, and my husband) and I spent a week before we opened tirelessly assembling and decorating. Putting together a 3,500 square foot operation is no easy task; when you have a 2-person team, it proves to be more difficult. I used to manage a big-name retail store. On our store opening, we had a team of 20. The lesson we learned: one cannot rely on the kindness of others. I'd like to think that was the best possible obstacle, because it allowed me to spend quality time with my husband. I considered it a huge bonding opportunity. I'd like to think we are a spectacular team, and I think you will agree when you see my slideshow.

That's right!! I have prepared for you a delightful little photo show that displays our before and after pictures; a work in progress as it all came together. I am so proud to show off my studio. 

As I sit here by the cash register and just relish in this moment, I cannot help but feel a twinge of sadness. The store opening comes at a bittersweet time for me.

In order to explain why, I have to take you back in time 4 years. It was 2008, and life was in a transitional phase for me. (Isn't it always?!) I was living at my parent's ranch in Turlock, California, where I grew up. 

In high school I was involved in drama and theater. I completed the necessary volunteer hours to become a member of the International Thespian Society, a prestigious academic honor. In drama I met many of my closest friends; many are still close friends today. 

Mark was one of my favorite people in the entire world. He would cheer you up just by looking at you. He wore hawaiian shirts and plaid shorts- together. As in, one outfit.  It was like a golfer and a funny fat man all rolled into one. 

In the summer of 2008, Mark was brutally murdered by another man. It was singlehandedly the most tragic experience of my life, and I would be lying to you if I said that it doesn't affect me still today. I have learned to understand that life will not always turn out as you see fit, but instead by God's will. The journey that I have been on since his murder has been an emotional roller coaster. 

In April, almost 4 years after his death, the murder trial is finally happening. In the midst of my store opening in Texas, I have been subpoenaed to be a witness at his trial. I couldn't be more torn with emotion-anxiety, frustration, hope, pessimism, regret, desire for closure. This is what we, the living victims, have been waiting for for so long. Then why doesn't it feel vindicating?

We honor the ones we have loved and lost by living the life we truly were born to live. As sad as I am that he is not here to relish in my victory, I know that it's not a good excuse for me to not be successful. He would have wanted me to be happy and prosperous. He would have been there, every step of the way.

My best friend Alisa and I keep him alive in our thoughts and our memories, and we constantly remind ourselves of our goofy friend who taught us the meaning of unconditional friendship.

That being said, good things are happening all around us. Our friends at the Austin Modern Quilt Guild are having their monthly meeting at our shop tomorrow nite. I am so excited! I can't wait to meet everybody and for them to see our new home. 

Friday is FabricDay! We are FINALLY receiving our shipment of Parson Gray's Curious Nature! I have been biting my fingernails waiting to get my chubby little fingers on it. YESSSSSSS!! I promised my Dad I would make him a cool quilt, and I think I'm going to make good on that with Parson Gray. 

We should also be receiving Valori Wells' Caravan pretty soon. I love her greeting card sized patterns-cheap, cute, and easy to stitch up quickly!

I really can't wait till you see the store. You're going to love it! Our address is 10435, Burnet Road, Suite 106, here in Austin, Texas. If you get lost, call me, and I'll guide you. 512-821-1511. 

Without further adieu, introducing.......remnants:fiber[culture], a place to grow and sew with your friends.