Much Overdue Blog Post

Hello friends...

Where shall I begin? My last blog post was exactly three years ago, today: December 3, 2013. It baffles me how things work out, as I did not plan this. I certainly was stunned, realizing how long it has been! I'll describe the past three years as an adventure full of change, many fruitful opportunities and, at times, an intense whirlwind.

Little Red Bird, McCall's Quick Quilts, Dec/Jan 2014, image compliments of McCall's Quilting. Photographer: Mellisa Mahoney, Stylist: Ashley Slupe

In 2012, I submitted a proposal for my first book and it was accepted. By this time, I was already designing and making quilts monthly for McCall's Quilting with a few extra, here and there. I had  established regular work with other magazines and fabric companies as a pattern writer, editor, illustrator, and designer (both quilts and graphic layout), among other things. My schedule was overflowing.

Project commissioned Spring 2013 by PFAFF. Click on image for pattern link. This quilt comes in 3 sizes.

Modern Diamonds ©SuzGuz Designs 2013 for PFAFF

Project commissioned Spring 2013 by Husqvarna Viking. Click on image for pattern link. This quilt comes in 3 sizes.

The Garden Patch ©SuzGuz Designs 2013 for Husqvarna Viking

Since that time, my best-selling book, All About Strips: Colorful Quilts from Strips of Many Sizes (see reviews on Amazon and Martingale), was published by Martingale, January 2015. In addition, I had the distinct honor of taking over McCall's Quilting as Content Director upon the retirement of Beth Hayes, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus. F+W Media purchased McCall's Quilting at the beginning of 2014, and I came on board to attend Spring Market, beginning to work in the office the 1st of July. At that time, I was in the throes of making quilts and writing patterns for a fabric and graphic designer whose book is slated to come out in 2016. While working at McCall's full time, I would come home and work several more hours into the night and all weekend on the book, wrapping up the last handful of projects. It was grueling, for sure, but I would not have had it any other way. And, wow, did I learn a lot!

Image compliments of Martingale 2015

At the end of August, 2015, I made the difficult decision to resign from my position of running the magazine; one I treasured and valued more than you can imagine. I would miss my highly talented staff and coworkers, working with the best quilt designers in the industry, the ability to work hard to meet our deadlines, the richly creative environment, and most especially, working on creating and molding content worthy of our readership. We all loved what we did and were passionate about maintaining the McCall's style.

We worked hard. I remember last December, as a blizzard was blowing through and the entire building was empty of people except myself, our art director, and graphic designer; how we had our nose-to-the-grindstone so that we could meet a deadline (we were short staffed at the time, and all had to pull together to get the work done). The entire staff worked straight that day and the three of us worked into the night. I remember getting punchy that evening and insisting how we all needed a break and to get a bite to eat. We piled into my SUV and, although the roads were dangerous to drive, we made it out and back safely. Looking back on my entire experience, I cannot tell you how proud I was of our entire staff. Their dedication and hard work at times brought tears to my eyes.

My first issue as Content Director for McCall's. Image compliments of McCall's Quilting. Photographer: Mellisa Mahoney, Stylist: Ashley Slupe

I'm glad I was able to accomplish these milestones: Work on the tail-end of McCall's last special issue (Heritage Quilts Made Modern, Fall 2014), and Beth Hayes' last issue (McCall's Quilting, Nov/Dec 2014). F+W Media changed the Editor-in-Chief title to a new title that encompassed video and digital media: Content Director. My first issue as Content Director was Quick Quilts, Dec/Jan 2015. I was able to work on the last perfect bound, larger-size magazine McCall's published; the Mar/Apr 2015 issue. I was so proud of that cover because it showcased a more casual elegance and playful feel, besides the fact that my dear friend, Amy Gibson/Stitchery Dickory Dock, made a mini quilt, Apple Blossom, for that issue and it topped off the stack of other lovely quilts that made the cover beautiful: Lilli's Pond, by sweet Bev Getschel, Shimmer by long-time contributor and prolific designer, Gerri Robinson, American Wildflowers by dear Audrey Hiers, Cross & Crown, by another sweet lady, Sandra Clemons, Keepsake Violets by the talented long-time contributor team of Sarah Maxwell and Dolores Smith. I believe Amy, Bev, and Audrey used fabrics from their stash, Gerri used her current collection at the time, Summer Cottage for Red Rooster, Sandra used Hadley by Denyse Schmidt for FreeSpirit, and Sarah and Dolores used Victoria's Violets by Molly B's Studio for Marcus Fabrics.

New HOME page for SuzGuz Designs

After leaving F+W/McCall's, my plan has been to revive my business: SuzGuz Designs. In October, my husband tore his labrum (shoulder) and had two tears in his bicep, all at once. And it all happened on his dominant, right side. He's been in a sling since then, and had surgery two weeks ago. This sort of injury is extremely painful and the surgery results in post-op pain for weeks. We look back on this experience and realize how it is all part of God's plan. If I were still working outside of the home, I would have had to take a leave of absence to care for him. As much as I get queasy around anything medical-related, I'm sure glad I've been able to help him; he's been my rock and biggest supporter since I started in the quilting industry.

Buying My Bottle of Pet Rocks

In my Concept Development class that I'm taking now, we're talking about point-of-purchase (POP) displays.  It is interesting to note how effective they can be.  Whether you're at the fabric store, in line to check out with your groceries, or stopping by a drug store, the cash registers are always laden with little extras to entice us.  And it works!  One nationally known retailer has taken it to an entirely new level, where they corral you down an aisle full of POP items.  Brilliant on their part; where you don't have a choice but to look all around you while you wait in line for your turn to check-out.  Pretty smelling candles, do-dads for the kitchen, decorative frames, books, movies, and even funky socks.  Most of the items are about $10 or less.  However, the enticing isn't over yet.  When you're called to be checked out, as you approach the register, you'll see other POP displays, calling out to your hunger pangs or luring you in, visually.

I was trying to remember what I bought last, while at the cash register.  I think it was my bottle of Mary Ellen's Best Press.  Lavender Fields.  If you haven't tried ME's line of pressing spray, you really ought to try a bottle.  My friend, Kari Ramsay, turned me onto it a few years ago, while attending my second International Quilt Market.  It truly is a marvelous product to buy on impulse!

Remember the pet rock? One of the one-hit-wonders of the retail world!  Do you have any "pet rock" ideas?  All it takes is one small, quirky idea that you may have, and then act upon it.  

Fashion:

...one of my passions that has taken a back seat to my business, but one I still thoroughly enjoy keeping up on!  I'm rather classic, when it comes to dressing, but I do like asymmetrical lines, zippers where they peak someone's attention, embellishments that should be framed and shown in an art gallery . . . I love clothing and accessories that are timeless, yet give you the excuse to smile at how clever they are.

If you love fashion, check out this fabulous blog to give you inspiration and insight as to what is happening in one of the fashion capitals of the world: NYC.

The Satorialist.

It speaks for itself.

Reflections of a Quilt Pattern Designer

Often times, I come in here and have so much I want to talk about but can't.  It can be very daunting, keeping things under wraps!  I'm so thankful for all of the work that has come my way.  Recently, I've taken on extra freelance work and am taking a class for a course I'm taking through The Art Institute of Pittsburgh's online division.  It is a program that will take me into late next summer, 2011 that I'm counting on to expand what I already do.

One thing I can mention is that I'll have a quilt in the upcoming November/December 2010 issue of McCall's Quilting.  It is a quilt I called: Highland's March.  I had the pattern for sale on my site, but decided to pull it with the upcoming issue to hit newsstands within the next month.  I'm so glad to be able to offer free patterns through the magazines that keep me busy!  The quilt has a subtle 3-D effect to it with one of the borders and when I was finished making it, a few years ago, it reminded me of a quilt that would have traveled across the states heading west in a covered wagon.  The fabrics used are from Quilting Treasures and are reproduction.  I hope you'll like it!

So, what do I do on a daily basis?  It changes daily, so I'll touch on today's work, which consists of some editing, prepping binding for two new upcoming quilt patterns (look for them in October!), responding to e-mails, working on future designs, and checking in with my online class.  I also have patterns to prep and mail for shops, a distributor, and a new customer.  What I'm working on today may not be seen for up to 8 months.  And although it is still very exciting to reveal projects coming out, I typically have my head in projects that are starting a new 8 month process.  It is a crazy business, yet so satisfying.

What I enjoy most about what I do is the variety.  I like that I'm able to work with the latest in fabric colors and designs, I'm able to keep my basic math skills up when writing patterns, and I'm able to see my designs come to life from a basic sketch.

New Discovery: Blue Rose Pottery

My husband, Erv, has been working in Mexico and living in El Paso, Texas, for the past 3 weeks. It's tough to be away from your spouse for that long, especially if he's your best friend and biggest fan. We enjoy spending time together, so there is a big void for both of us.

Bluebell Teapot Image compliments of Blue Rose Pottery

On Friday evening, I drove up to Charlotte to pick Erv up from the airport. On my way, I saw a couple of new billboards advertising a pottery store off Exit 85 of I-77 in South Carolina. The name of the store is Blue Rose Pottery. I thought it would be a fun shop to stop by when he flew out, a few days later, so that's what we did.

Indigo Place Setting Image compliments of Blue Rose Pottery 

Check out the beautiful patterns they sell on their website. While we were at the store, we also discovered a few Christmas patterns, too. I never knew there were so many unique Polish pottery shapes and designs available!

A Sentiment to my PC . . . Goodbye, dear friend . . .

I've been using my PC for almost 7 years, now. She had a great life, storing photos of my family, the dolls I used to create, random crafts I'd make, and the beginnings of my quilt designing career.

Like a comfortable pair of slippers that have seen their last day, I must replace her with a new model. The new kid on the block will have lots more storage to hold my Electric Quilt designs, fabric swatches to play with, and a brand new keyboard that doesn't show the shiny spots on the keys, from years of clicking away.

New kid: Arriving soon! (rah!)

A Lovely Young Lady

My quilter, Linda Barrett, of Threads and Traditions, is originally from England. However, Linda's father is from Estonia. Other than what Linda has shared with me, I knew nothing about this charming little country; the smallest of the Baltic countries that sits on the Baltic Sea.

You know how you start researching one thing, then it leads you to another? Well, through Lonely Planet, I stumbled upon a young lady's blog who wrote about a trip she took to Tallin, Estonia (town square pictured, above). I was drawn in by her experiences of travel, not only to Tallin, but to other spots across Europe. Go to her blog to learn interesting facts and tidbits about unique travel opportunities. She also just started a travel planning/consulting business that I hope to one day take advantage of. I bookmarked her site for the future. Near future, I hope!

Friday Sew Club

Good friendship and conversation is plentiful while they sew. Here is Mary, stitching her second block of Sue Garman's "Ladies of the Sea" applique quilt pattern . . .


. . . while "Fifi" (Gail) is in the kitchen, slicing up the most delectible quiche!


What a delightful group to spend some quality time with, sharing an art we all love: Quilting! I was so thrilled to find out from Roz that there are 4 ladies in the group that are making the Ladies of the Sea quilt (two of which could not attend, this past Friday). I belong to the online Yahoo Group and it is such a treat to make this quilt with new friends.


Above is Mary, Gail, Lynn, Roz, and Mary. Lynn Buske was our hostess and she is such a delightful, kind, and talented woman. Lynn is best known for her creative techniques and informative classes and teaches around the country. She has been quilting for 43 years.

I'm really enjoying my new friends and look forward to spending more time with them. They're fun to be with.

South Carolina Snow Surprise!

Last night, while enjoying a nice dinner at home, the snow kept falling. It started around 4 p.m. and didn't stop. I've been wishing and praying for snow . . . a very rare occurrence in South Carolina . . .


This morning, with blue skies and lots of sunshine, it began to melt . . .


And I really enjoyed the gift of seeing my beloved snow!

No it's not . . . . REALLY?!

I cannot believe it is already January 25. Really?! Wow . . .

We've been out of the studio for most of December and January, doing some freelance work, and are back with a bang! Lots and lots going on, so stay tuned. You should see more activity, here in the blog, with new designs coming out, as well.

Hope you all had a fabulous holiday and I wish each and every one of you a prosperous and memorable New Year!

A Lovely Day of Thanks

We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with our neighbors, yesterday. The turkey came out perfectly!


Our menu consisted of herb roasted turkey, spiral-cut smoked ham, cranberry orange salad (sister-in-law Debra's recipe), my mom's recipes for broccoli waldorf salad and peas with mushrooms, onions, and bacon, my mother-in-law's recipe for sweet potato casserole, and my recipe for garlic and fresh basil smashed potatoes.

Husband, Erv, made me a piece of salmon, since I do not eat meat. It was awesome! He marinated it in olive oil and spices, then gilled it. Oh, was it good! Our neighbor, Todd, made a delicious cabbage dish from his Cajun background that I've never heard of, and it was the perfect addition. Since we've deemed him "King of the Roux", he made our turkey gravy. We also tried frozen rolls for the first time, by a local entrepreneur: Sister Schubert's Clover Leaf style dinner rolls, and they were as good as homemade. My mom makes rolls similar to these, that was my grandmother's recipe (I really should try to make them one day!).

The broccoli waldorf salad never made it out of the refrigerator. There always seems to be something that doesn't make it to the table, each year. It's a flavorful salad made with broccoli florets, diced apple, raisins, pecans, and a dressing made from canola oil, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. I usually give it a quick swirl of olive oil, too, for a bit of extra flavor.

Dessert consisted of my grandmother's recipe for homemade pumpkin pie (I made 2 on Wednesday night), and a pecan pie, and an apple pie. We topped it all off with French roast coffee and Frangelico.

Hope you had a lovely day, too!

Halloween Riddle

What do you get when you cross a "Maisy" . . .

. . . with a cow?

Answer: A Maisy-Moo

The Hospitable Pineapple

The pineapple is best know as a symbol of hospitality. In colonial times, when sailors returned home from a long journey, a pineapple brought from distant voyages was placed at the front of the house. This indicated that the house was welcoming visitors.

We happened upon artist Scott Penegar while perusing vendors' wares in a downtown Charleston outdoor market. He was beginning to pack up his beautiful, limited edition plaques when we approached his booth. I was so taken with his work, that I bought a small plaque similar to this one in rectangle form.

Each piece is a signed, limited edition plaque cast from an original sculpture by Scott in his art studio.

He and his wife are both artists. Check out their website and interesting sculptures, plaques, and paintings, here.

A Delightful Day in Charleston

We recently took a day trip to Charleston, SC.

It is a city seeped in history and amazing stories from the past.


I have such a love for architectural details and often find inspiration for my designs from photos I take.

I took several photos of doorways and loved the simple lines and knobs of these doors. This home is for sale and had a mossy slate walkway to the back courtyard.


This antique stairway was so charming, with greenery popping from the cracks and a checkerboard entry, once you passed through the massive iron gate.



The homes are so beautifully taken care of, painted in cheerful colors . . . some dating back to the 17oo's.



We found cobblestone streets . . .

. . . and streets made of brick.


It was truly a delightful day!

Crazy, snowy weather . . . and Springtime in Colorado

Last week, the weather gurus were gearing up for a huge spring snow storm. A serious snow storm. Predictions of up to 24" on the front range (that's where we live). The mountains were predicted several feet.


The storm lasted from Friday morning through Saturday, early evening.



And after all was said and done and the rain began to shrink our snowy abundance, we ended up with about 18" of heavy, wet snow.





Within 3 days, the remnants of our storm were nowhere to be found. It is really quite amazing how being a mile high from sea level turns a winter wonderland into a sprouting, green terrain within a few days.

Spring Snow Storm Today

. . . and we're supposed to get an additional 8 inches through the night!

Coffee Mugs . . . How many do you have?

Erv and I are muggaholics. Yep. That's us! Whenever we're out at Starbucks, visiting somewhere out of town, stopping in at a local gift shop, at the airport, etc., etc., we look at coffee mugs. We have a multitude of mugs for almost every holiday. We can justify almost any mug purchase, too. We have so many Christmas mugs that we have to clear out our every-day mugs and pack them away during the holiday season. Next time you're in a store and you see a mug you like, buy it and enjoy it. It is one of our simple life's pleasures!

Life does go on . . . but I can still cry a few tears in the mean time

I found out last night that my girlfriend's mom passed away last year. Her brother told me so . . . I recently connected with him through the internet. I lost touch with the family several years ago. I sent an invitation to Erv's and my wedding but it came back without a forwarding address. I remember being very sad knowing they would not be there, even if in spirit.

Liz's mom was full of love, joy, and talent galore! She was compassionate and passionate. She was spunky! She had a lovely eye for the details, in life and in her art. I remember how profoundly her talent touched me. She could do anything! I particularly remember a quilt she made for her first grandchild, Katie. She hand appliqued the top with a story-book-like theme and it was stunning (she also wrote a story to go along with it). I also remember thinking at the time: how did she do that? and: gosh, how I'd love to be able to do that, too!

Paul wrote in his e-mail that his mom loved me like a daughter. He was so kind to say those words . . .

I loved her so very much . . . more than she'll ever know!

Being Thankful for What You Have

In the wide spectrum of things, I wonder how often people in America take the time to be thankful for what they have.  Just the other day, I was rinsing out the coffee pot and thought about how precious the water I used to swish around and dump down the sink really is.  I mean think about it . . . we have fresh water coming right out of the tap, and an option for Hot and Cold.  Can you imagine what it would be like to reach for the faucet that isn't there?  To have to wake up in the morning, walk down to the closest stream or river, and fill your jug of water to then heat to make your bowl of oatmeal?

Take a moment and sit down in a quiet room.  No matter how full your schedule is.  Sit and smile and say "Thank You".  Think of your family, your friends, the house you live in, the things you have that bring you joy.  Now go back to what you were doing.  I bet you'll have a terrific day.

Someone: Please nominate me . . .

Would someone pleeeze nominate me as the worst Blogger on Planet Earth?!  I think it's a time issue with me.  I actually love to write, but I have to keep my current priorities straight.  Perhaps one of these days, I'll be able to get into the groove of it.  I so admire those who do blog and do it well.

My schedule has been quite full, adding new club members to my 2008 Applique Block of the Month Club, through my website.  As of this moment, we are up to 517 sign-ups from around the globe.  It has become a very exciting process and one I'm so thrilled to have done.  The first block has received a great response, and I'm hoping it helps the club continue to grow.

Check it out on my website, here: http://www.SuzGuzDesigns.com/