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Pretty in Pink: Meet Shabby Fabrics

Tuesday, April 28th, 2015

Did you happen to notice the very pink vendor booth at Road 2015?

Shabby Fabrics is all about family and fabric. An online, 8,500 square foot warehouse that carries hundreds of “the most beautiful fabrics on earth under one roof,” Shabby Fabrics is based in Coeur d Alene, Idaho. The Shabby Fabrics family includes owner Jennifer Bosworth, her husband Dave and their two children, twenty “amazing” full time employees, and three “loveable” dogs.

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]

Jennifer credits the beginning of Shabby Fabrics as “a result of God’s work.” Prior to September 11, 2001, both Jennifer and Dave were employed as commercial pilots for United Airlines. Following the events of 9/11, many of the major airlines began to furlough airline personnel – including the Bosworths — because people were reluctant to fly and the economy had taken a major downturn. Jennifer explained that a furlough is a temporary lay-off of unknown duration. During a furlough, employees are not paid and they lose their medical insurance. The Bosworths couldn’t just switch to another airline because they were furloughing pilots too. Their situation became very serious as they had no other source of income.

Jennifer prayed for guidance and God said “Do what you know and do what you love.” Growing up, she always loved to create and craft. In her early twenties, she supplemented her family’s income by selling her handmade crafts at holiday bazaars and other craft shows. So Jennifer decided to go back to what she knew and loved. Jennifer called her mother and asked for a $10,000 loan to start a new business and buy her first round of inventory. Shabby Fabrics began as an Ebay company in the basement of the Bosworth home in Spokane, Washington. When the business grew from the basement to include the living room, kitchen, and a specially built backyard building, it was time for Shabby Fabrics to move into first a commercial building in Spokane, and later to their current location in Idaho.

Why is Shabby Fabrics an online-only business? Says Jennifer, “We chose to be online only because we launched the company during one of the worst US economic downturns. We knew we needed a global customer base to balance the effects of a bad US economy or else we wouldn’t survive as a company.”

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]

Besides fabrics, the most popular item Shabby Fabrics sells are their pre-fused/laser-cut shapes and kits which are “quick, fun and easy.”

Road to California is the only show Shabby Fabrics leaves Idaho for. They have been coming since 2012 and appreciate the opportunity to meet their customers face to face. They also enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather (there’s rarely sun in Coeur d Alene) and getting an In-N-Out Burger!!

And about that pink…. Says Jennifer, “I just love pink. It’s a girly color and I think there’s at least a little “girly girl” in all of us! I love pink, glitter, rhinestones and ruffles. But I can also throw a football and fly a Boeing 767. Go figure!”

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]

Indeed, “quilting is sew fun” at Shabby Fabrics.

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Tags: Coeur d Alene, Idaho, In-N-Out Burger, Laser Cut Shapes, Online Quilt Store, Pink, Quilt Fabric, Shabby Fabrics
Posted in Road to California, Vendors | 4 Comments »

A Pet Friendly Place

Wednesday, April 15th, 2015

Everyone is welcome at Road to California: men, women, young, old — and even some dogs!!

Meet Narita and her owner, quilter Janie Bernstein of Santa Cruz. California. Narita is a 5 year old Labrador retriever. Trained by Dogs4Diabetics, Narita and Janie were brought together 2 years ago by Guide Dogs for the Blind. When Janie is quilting, Narita lays down at Janie’s feet. Narita enjoys going to quilt shows. The 20^th Anniversary Show was both Narita’s and Janie’s first time at Road. They loved coming and they look forward to returning next year.

Susan Butler and Coco live in Victorville, California. A Pomeranian, one year old Coco is a service dog that will sit on Susan’s lap when she quilts. Susan had gone to Road the past three years but 2015 was the first time for Coco. Susan loved seeing all of the quilts and visiting with the vendors. Coco seemed to like the show as well – but she didn’t particularly care for all the attention and fondling she received from the other guests.

And we can’t forget about Carolyn Reese’s dog, Harley. He is a familiar face at the Road office in Upland, California. He loves to greet visitors, especially the UPS man when he is delivering all the quilts accepted for judging for the showcase.

Do you have a pet that is “quilt friendly?”

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Tags: Dogs, Dogs4Diabetics, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Pets, Service Dog
Posted in Road to California | 1 Comment »

Quilt Ink

Friday, April 10th, 2015

One trend that we noticed at Road 2015 was the popularity of quilt tattoos.

Husband and wife Steve and Pam Dransfeldt own a longarm quilting business in Camarillo, California. They have attended Road for several years and appreciate the familiarity of Road. Says Steve, “I like seeing all the stuff at Road. The quilts are incredible. I work in a paper mill and I try to tell the guys how great quilting is but they have no idea.”

Both Pam and Steve sport several quilt inspired tattoos. Steve even has a tattoo design on the back of his leg that came from a Karen McTavish quilt. “Her quilt work is natural for tattoos,” says Steve.

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3046" align="alignright" width="426"]

Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]

Pam always asks permission from the quilters before they use their artwork for a tattoo

Linda M. Posle also asks permission before she uses a design from a book for a tattoo. She writes the author and has never been turned down.

Abbie Van Buskirk, teacher and advisor of the Quilt Club at Innovative Horizons Charter School, has an Eleanor Burns inspired Block of the Month design on her leg. Abbie showed Eleanor her tattoo when Eleanor helped out with the quilt tours for the elementary school students. Eleanor was speechless; that was a first for her!!

What do you think about quilt inspired tattoos?

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Tags: Eleanor Burns, Karen McTavish, Quilt Tattoos, Tattoos
Posted in Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show, Road to California | 3 Comments »

Let’s Get Organized With Bags

Thursday, March 19th, 2015

Annie Unrein, owner of ByAnnie.com, knows a lot about keeping things organized. For one, she used to be a Certified Public Accountant. Having order was her life then and continues today. She has a special interest in keeping her home organized, especially her sewing room.

Fifteen years ago, Annie’s passion for organizing led her to create patterns for bags that keep things organized not only around the house but when traveling too. Annie developed an online class on the web site, Craftsy, showcasing how to make her travel bags. It became apparent very quickly that other people saw the value of being an organized traveler, as over 9,000 people signed up for Annie’s Craftsy class in just the first six months!!

At her Road 2015 class, Let’s Get Organized, Annie offered 3 Top Tips for making useful, fashionable, and efficient handbags, purses, and organizer bags:

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]

1) Handbag Zippers are a must!! Clothing zippers are not wide enough, long enough, or sturdy enough to hold up to all the constant opening and closing.

2) Proper Zipper Form. Sewing a zipper in your project is not like how you did it in HomeEc. The best way to put a zipper in a project:

∙ Make sure the zipper is all the way shut

∙ Lay the zipper face down on top of the fabric, allowing it to hang over on both ends

∙ Stitch zipper down with a ¼” seam

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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]

∙ Turn zipper over and finger press the zipper tape so that it lies flat. Stitch again along zipper tape

3) Vinyl is Versatile. Vinyl is a great addition to handbags, purses, and organizer bags. Always use heavy, 16 gauge, premium weight vinyl, 50 weight polyester thread, and a 90-14 topstitch needle (the eye is twice as big). There is no need to change the stitch length on your machine. To avoid static when sewing vinyl, use the tissue paper that comes with the fabric as a backing between the fabric and the sewing machine. Simply tear away when you are done stitching.

Annie, along with Road to California, is sponsoring the Purse and Handbag Challenge. Using Road’s 20th Anniversary fabric as the foundation, participants are encouraged to use their imagination in embellishing their designs.

With spring just around the corner, there is no better time to get organized around the house and for upcoming trips. Sewing handbags, purses, and organizer bags – using Road to California Fabric – is a great way to start!!!

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Tags: Annie Unrein, ByAnnie.com, Craftsy, Handbags, Organizing Bags, Purses
Posted in Road 2016 Challenge, Road to California | No Comments »

Handbags Are So In!! Meet 2015 Vendor: StudioKat Designs

Thursday, March 5th, 2015

“When we started out, we thought we were going to start a Home Décor business.”

That’s what Kathy and Bubba Southern were thinking when Kathy retired in 2004. Thankfully, Kathy and Bubba decided to go down a different path: creating a home-based, handbag pattern studio/business known as StudioKat Designs.

After working 30 years doing lab work for a sewage plant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Kathy was looking for something different to do in retirement; something she could really enjoy and something she could do staying in her pajamas! “I have had a lifelong obsession with handbags and I knew what I liked,” remarked Kathy. “I found I could fill a niche that other people hadn’t been able to do: cater to people who want a real good alternative to an expensive bag.”

StudioKat Designs enjoys their online presence. In addition to their web site, they have a large following with their Facebook and Instagram accounts. On their web site, they sell handbag patterns as well as zippers and notions because they had a hard time finding good bag notions. Kathy says, “It was the best thing we did.”

What is their biggest seller? Their purse insert line. They began offering this pattern in 2007. Why does Kathy think it is so popular? “It’s a great way to organize ‘stuff’ and can be transferred between handbags.”

Road 2015 was StudioKat Designs first time as a vendor. In fact, it was Bubba’s first time in California!!! Kathy and Bubba said they were “excited” to be at Road to California. “We don’t do many shows. We had a great time, met a lot of friends, and loved the weather!!

Wouldn’t one of StudioKat Designs be great for Road to California’s Bag and Purse Challenge?

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Tags: Kathy Southern, Purses and bags, StudioKat Designs
Posted in Road to California, Vendors | No Comments »

For Your Shopping Pleasure: The Road To California Online Store Is Now Open!

Monday, March 2nd, 2015

We get lots of requests for Road to California merchandise, after the show has closed. Not wanting to disappoint our dedicated roadies, we’ve opened the Road to California Online Store

This is the only place to purchase one-of-a-kind Road to California souvenirs, show CD’s, and the specially commissioned Road to California 20^th Anniversary fabric.

The 20^th Anniversary heavy oxford fabric is the foundation for the Road to California Tote Bag & Purse Challenge, sponsored by Road to California and ByAnnie.com with $1,000 in cash prizes being offered. Purchase the fabric in our store and design a one-of-a-kind bag or one from a designer, adding other fabrics, embellishments, hardware or stablizers. Rules and entry blank will be available starting March 15, 2015 on the Road to California and ByAnnie.com web sites.

Shopping for the anniversary fabric and other Road items is easy. Simply go to the store website, click on the items you want to purchase, and fill up your shopping basket

Checking out is fast and hassle-free. Let us know if you will be picking up your order at our office (ready in 30 minutes for no extra charge Monday through Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or want us to send it to you for a flat $5.00 fee. Before checking out, you can also write us a note if you have any special requests.

There are two options to use when you pay. Either create a Square account to save time for future shopping trips or sign in as a guest for one time purchases.

We are so excited about our new store, that we are offering a special code for you to receive Free Shipping on any purchases made March 2^nd through March 7^th, 2015. Enter FREESHIP2015 at time of purchase and all items will be sent for no added cost.

Save and Shop for the items you’ve been wanting at Road to California’s online store. See you there!!

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Tags: 20th Anniversary Fabric, ByAnnie.com, Road to California CD's, Road to California Online Store, Road to California Souvenirs, Road to California Tote Bag & Purse Challenge, Shipping Savings Code
Posted in Road to California | No Comments »

Man Sewing With Rob Appell

Thursday, February 26th, 2015

Rob Appell brought his high energy, quilting expertise to Road 2015. He taught the class, Seascape/Landscape Extravaganza, and visited with guests at the World of Quilts Travel booth, talking about their quilt cruises, including the New England Fall Foliage Quilt Cruise being hosted by Road to California.

Rob was also anxious to talk about his latest project: Man Sewing with Rob Appell, a new You Tube Channel that debuted February 2nd.

Rob is collaborating with the Missouri Star Quilt Company to produce weekly quilt tutorials on line. This project was an answer to Rob’s prayers. It allows him to continue in an industry he loves from a new perspective: the business side of things. Rob helps decide what to film and puts together the weekly projects. “I’m not an actor — I am a quilt maker. My talents are in design, communication, and entertainment. Man Sewing gives me the ability to use all of these features.”

New tutorials will be posted every Monday, 52 weeks a year. The tutorials average around 10 minutes in length and feature Rob”s high energy and creativity. Rob spends one out of every six weeks in Missouri filming. When he is not filming, he is back at home “making stuff” (using current fabric and products) and working with the staff, planning the next episodes. In addition to the tutorials, Rob is also making “quick tip” videos for the Man Sewing channel.

Rob is “looking forward to deadlines; accomplishing things I wouldn’t have done before; and expanding my skills.”

How can you be a part of Man Sewing? Subscribe to the You Tube Channel and follow on Facebook so that you don’t miss out on any of the Man Sewing fun.

Road to California wishes Rob the best of luck as he embarks on this new adventure!!

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Tags: Man Sewing, Missouri Star Quilt Co., Rob Appell, You Tube Channel
Posted in Faculty, Road to California | No Comments »

Everyone Loves A Winner

Wednesday, February 11th, 2015

For the second year in a row, Road to California hosted a Daily Drawing.

Prospective winners filled out an entry form at the North Information Desk prior to the drawing at 3:00 p.m. each day of the conference.

All guests had the opportunity to win one of these great prizes donated by these great companies:

Babylock Rachel donated by Moore’s Sewing Center

Bernina Sew Pink Sewing Machine donated by Mel’s Sewing Center

Viking Sapphire 930 donated by OC Sewing

LaCresta Premiere Work Station donated by Martelli

Everyone was excited and nervous waiting for the anticipated announcement.

After giving the steel drum several spins, winners were selected and announced by Randy Graves.

And the lucky winners were:

Thursday: Agnes Wilkerson, Idylwild, California

Agnes came to Road by bus with her local guild, The Mountain Quilters. She was on the bus waiting to leave when her friend ran out to tell her she had won. A quilter for 11 years, Agnes thought it was “amazing” that she had won. “I’ve come to Road for several years and I love everything here.”

Friday: Lynn Grassel, Gillette, Wyoming

Lynn’s favorite color is pink. “I love pink blingy things.” So it was fitting that she won a pink Bernina sewing machine. It was Lynn’s first visit to Road. She came with six quilt buddies and they were having “a blast” taking classes, staying at the host hotel, and visiting the show. Lynn started quilting in 2001 when her youngest child graduated from high school. Going to Road inspired Lynn to want to become an art quilter.

Saturday: Susan Nowak, Thousand Oaks, California

Susan was inside the Exhibit Hall when she heard her name called. This was Susan’s 5^th time at Road. She came with friends who met at college at Cal Lutheran and are now all retired. What is she going to do now that she won her beautiful machine? “I plan to do lots and lots of sewing!!”

Sunday: Kristin McClary, Alta Loma, California

Kristin had attended the show earlier in the week and was just going to stop back by on Sunday “for one more item.” Little did she know that a last minute drop of her entry would win her a new electric work station valued at $3,250!!!

All of our winners remarked that they “never win anything.” Just goes to show that it pays to take a chance and enter the daily drawing. Because one day, the winner’s name being called out just might be yours!!

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Tags: Babylock, Bernina, Daily Drawing, Martelli Enterprises, Mel's Sewing Center, Moore's Sewing Center, OC Sewing, Viking, Work Station
Posted in Giveaways, Road 2015- 20th Anniversary Show, Road to California | No Comments »