MODKIDBOUTIQUE: Sew Many Things

WDT, Part 4: Iowa
Sew Many Things, Clinton, Iowa
(scroll down to see my "Hemming Techniques for Knits" videos!)

I've spent this whole week recovering from last week's tour of the Midwestern "I" states of Indiana, Iowa and Illinois. It's funny how much work accumulates and how many emails pile up when you're gone for just a few days. Well, you already saw how we got Barbified in Indianapolis. Next, we headed West to a quaint little town in Eastern Iowa, called Clinton, where I continued my World Domination Tour. Clinton is the home of Sew Many Things, a wonderful independent quilt shop owned by Stephanie Nickles, who I met at Quilt Market back in May.

As soon as I arrived I came to the realization that I should've brought the kids along on all my WDT appearances. It was one of those "A-HA!" and "DUH!" moments. They completely stole the show (in a good way) and took the pressure off poor ol' tired mama.

Sydney sported her new Maya dress that I made as her "back to school" outfit...

And, Sophie wore a tunic version of a new pattern coming out in the Fall, called Penny (more on that later). The girls helped me pick out door prize winners...

Yes, I know I get a little too excited when other people win stuff...

So glad to see others do too! :)

The lovely Stephanie Nickles had a wonderful display of sewn items made with my fabric by her students and customers. Everyone was so warm and welcoming.

While I chatted away with the lovely attendees after the presentation, Jon took a few shots around the store....

Thanks Stephanie and everyone at Sew Many Things for making us feel right at home! :)

During the presentation, Jon showed the "Hemming Techniques for Knits" videos that we showed at Quilt Market last May. And guess what? He has also uploaded them to YouTube for your viewing pleasure (awww, ain't he nice?!) :) Here ya go:

COVERSTITCH:

ROLLED HEM:

LETTUCE EDGE:

FAUX COVERSTITCH:

ZIG-ZAG:

Happy sewing!!

World Domination Tour
Spreading laughter and MODKID style one fabric store at a time

(I know, I know, just roll with it... this is probably the closest I'll ever get to feeling like a rockstar on tour.)

Our girls left this morning for a 2-week vacation in FL with the grandparents. So, you'd think now that the kids are gone it would all be fun & games around here... but noooo. It just wouldn't be me if I planned for rest and relaxation. Ever. Let's just see... on Thursday afternoon, our Realtor is coming over to take a look at the house and take some photos for the listing. This means that in less than 48 hrs. we have to get this house in tip-top shape... steam clean the carpets, polish the wood floors, touch up the paint. And I should probably put away the piles of laundry and toys that seem to have a life of their own. Ideally I would've liked to plant a few flowers out back and spruce up the landscaping but who's got that kind of time? Kids or not.

Two days after the Realtor comes, we are headed to Chicago to spend 4th of July with Jon's family. Then 2 days after that, we're driving all the way down to Atlanta, GA for some fun, fun stuff which I'll get to in a second and 2 days after that, we'll be driving down to Orlando, where I'll be exhibiting at the Bernina University for 4 days, culminating in a Fashion Show on the 12th! Then we pick up the kiddos and drive all the way back to Central Illinois. Doesn't that sound relaxing?!?

So, what about this trip to Atlanta? Lemme tell ya... I am super excited to be going there because on Wednesday, July 7th, I'll be stopping by WHIPSTITCH in the early afternoon for a quick visit and then heading over to INTOWN QUILTERS that evening for a lecture where there will be goodie bags, door prizes and laughs galore! Check out the write up they did about it on their blog. Here are the details:

An Evening with Patty Young
Wednesday, July 7th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
1058 Mistletoe Road
Decatur, Georgia 30033
404-634-6924

You can purchase a ticket here or try your luck at winning one on Mary's blog.

Then, here are the details for Bernina University in Orlando, FL.

Bernina University 2010

Merchant Mall -- MODKID Booth #15
July 9th - 12, 2010 (Friday - Monday)
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
One Grand Cypress Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32836

This is a wholesale only show so if you are a retailer and will be attending this year's exhibits, please stop by Booth #15 and say hi! Also, please don't forget to come to the Fashion Show on Monday, July 12th at 12:30 p.m. Sydney will be modeling 3 different MODKID designs so we want to show her as much support as possible. :)

When we get back from our Tour of the South, I have to begin preparing for my next super fun appearance... and if you live in the Midwest, you must not miss this:

SEW MANY THINGS
is pleased to present PATTY YOUNG
Trunk Show/Lecture – Friday, August 6th, 6 pm - 8 pm
Hands-on Class (Abigail pattern) – Saturday, August 7th, 9 am - 4 pm
For more details, or to purchase a ticket, contact:
Sew Many Things
1015 13th Ave N Suite E,
Clinton, IA
563-242-6135
www.iasews.com

So, I guess I'll start with the Southeast, then work my way through the Midwest and will conquer the rest of the World another time... ;)

And since I hate to do a blog post without photos (and I'm missing my sweet girlies already!) here ya go:

Sophie, Grandma and Sydney at the airport fountain. This photo was taken literally 5 seconds after I yanked Sophie's bottom tooth right out of her mouth. It was dangling by a string and beginning to bleed to I pretended to be wiping off the blood with a tissue and just pulled it before she could say anything. She didn't even notice until I showed it to her.