Valori Wells

Mystic Blue

Happy Friday!!!

It is a beautiful blue sky day here in Sisters...perfect day to share with you my Mystic Blue quilt that is made out of the blue palette in the Mystic collection and Kona Cottons.

This quilt is a mixture of design elements seen in the rugs and the variety of blues you experience while visiting Morocco.

I already love blue... and now I am completely enamored by blue....

I really enjoyed quilting this quilt... embracing the solid areas for Moroccan elements of design.

Mystic Blue will be a Sewing Card available late January.

And now for Moroccan blue inspiration....

The Riad Idra in Marrakesh.

The doors...

Amy and I....

Jardins Majorelle - this garden was incredible with the marjorelle blue everywhere.

How could you not fall in love with blue!??

The winner of the last blog post is Ann (you have been emailed)...

A bundle of blue Mystic up for a giveaway... Just leave a comment and the winner will be picked on Tuesday....

XOXO

Valori

Gypsum

Happy Friday!!!

I wanted to share with you my Gypsum Quilt made out of the black and white palette of Mystic, for Robert Kaufman.

Gypsum was inspired by the Berber Rugs in Morocco and the gep carvings throughout the architecture in Marrakesh. Geps are the carved plasterwork used for upper wall, ceilings, tops of pillars, arches, or peaks... they can be ribbons framing windows and doors. I first saw geps in the Riad Idra in Marrakesh.

I love the Berber rugs... and what is surprising to me is how few photos I have of them. They are very simple and usually geometric, two color designs. The rug designs mixed with the stenciling at the Peacock Pavilions, I was bound to be inspired to do a black and white color way of Mystic and a quilt.

My room at Peacock Pavilions was even neutral....

Once this quilt was done I decided to quilt the Hand of Fatima mixed with designs reminiscent of the geps.

Mayram has an amazing collection of Hands of Fatima at Peacock Pavilions.

I love how the quilting turned out....

So does Ollie....

I have to share a few more images from Morocco that inspired the black and white palette in Mystic.

I hope you enjoyed the inspirational journey of Gypsum. The pattern for Gypsum will be available through The Stitchin' Post this month. I will keep you updated.

The winner from the Kantha Stitching blog post is... Solange (you have been emailed).

As with each quilt and project I share of Mystic there will be a bundle of fabric to win. Leave a comment to be entered... I will announce winner on Tuesday.

Hope you have an Awesome weekend....

XOXO

Valori

OH... One more really important thing. My good friend Amy has her newest Blossom Magazine Live... If you want to be inspired...find some love....some meaning... go check it out. Our trip to Morocco is in there and the exciting announcement that there is a new Morocco Artist Retreat in November 2016... and I am going to be teaching with Amy.....

 

Flying Carpet

Happy Saturday....

This is Flying Carpet, one of the four quilts made out of Mystic Fabric, for Robert Kaufman.

Flying Carpet was inspired by the rugs and carpets in Morocco.

The variety of styles and colors were amazing....each style representing a tribe or area in Morocco.

 

No rug was exactly the same because they were usually made by one woman - their skills passed down from generation to generation and no pattern is used just their knowledge. I loved that you could see two rugs from the same village with similar patterns still be very different.

I had to include this cute little guy. Kitties are well revered in Morocco... they take care of the rodents since most of the markets and homes are open air. You will find them everywhere.... I was in heaven.

In honor of Flying Carpet I am giving away a fat 1/4 bundle of the "extract" palette....just leave a comment below and the winner will be chosen on Monday. My manor of choosing winners is not scientific, I collect the number of comments (say 35) and write them on little pieces of paper and let one of the kids draw. So it really is quite random. Don't worry this isn't your only chance to win....I will be giving away a bundle of fabric with each quilt.

Hope you have a great weekend!

xoxo

Valori

The flying carpet pattern will be available mid January from The Stitchin' Post.

Ashton Road Candy Picnic...

 

Ashton Road was released the end of July....for my collections to release complete I like to do a "look book" for the salesmen and women to show to shop owners when they show the fabric for the first time. The look book is full of inspirational photographs and projects. Some of the projects are free pattern downloads and others are recreated Sewing Cards. I try to come up with a theme for the photo-shoot that reflects what the fabric means to me. To get the look book to Robert Kaufman in time I receive sample yardage about 4 to 6 weeks before my deadline. That being said I try to be really prepared for the projects that need to be made and the photo-shoot. I received Ashton Road in the beginning of June. In the images below you will see all the work that goes into getting ready for a release. I have some of the most wonderful staff at the Stitchin' Post and friends that help me with all the sewing and pattern writing as well as the photo-shoots. I could not do it without them!

For Ashton Road the photos-hoot had to be with the kids....it had to be outside on a summer day. The colors in the fabric remind me of candy so we created a "candy picnic" for the kiddos. Two of my good friends helped me with the shoot. We each had cameras - perfect for three kids! It was the best day and one of the funnest photo-shoots I have ever done. The images are priceless and really express the happiness and love that created Ashton Road.

The Round-table...

 

My Tent...

Playtime Treehouse Quilt (free download).... made out of the flannel.

Vivi loves her Cruzin' Everyday Skirt....(new sewing card)

The Everyday Skirt pattern will be released at Fall Quilt Market.

Playtime Bikes.... out of the cotton sheeting. (free pattern download)

Urban Baby Quilt... (free pattern download) Flannel...

Three Times Around... (free pattern download) Cotton Sheeting...

This quilt is adapted from one of my patterns - The Zoey Throw.

That was our day.... lots of laughing... lots of sugar and LOTS of great photos!!!

This is my other new pattern coming out at Quilt Market, Diamond Lane.

I am doing the final touches for Quilt Market next weekend....My booth will be featuring Ashton Road... Photos to come....

Hope you have a great day!!!

Enjoy those little things in your life.... like laughing kids with lolipops!!!

XOXO

Valori

PS We are working on getting all of the Ashton Road free patterns up for download by the end of Ocotber.

 

 

 

Bridgette Lane projects...

As promised lots of great projects from Bridgette Lane. My sweet girl, Olivia, was my model for the photoshoot. Love that girl and her energy....

For the new sewing cards we have Colored Pencils and Boardwalk.

This is Colored Pencils...

Boardwalk...

I truly love this quilt.... it shows how well the little prints of Bridgette Lane cut up so well...

The kitties love it too. I honestly couldn't believe the two of them posing for me!

Both of these quilts are made out of the cotton. I did a free pattern out of the flannel....

You can download the free pattern here... Download BridgetteLanePattern_web

I love to recreate patterns with new fabric... here are a few that I came up with for Bridgette Lane.

Rosalie Quilt

Bridgette's Rosalie uses the smaller template in the Sewing Card.

Lion Around Sewing card is the PERFECT baby gift...or to cuddle under when your 8 and your mom is making you do a photoshoot on a cold fall afternoon in a sundress!

Leonardo the Lion and Elsa the Elephant were a no brianer to make out of the soft yummy flannel.

At the last minute Vivi decided she wanted to be a part of the photoshoot....

She loves her animals...

If you at the International Quilt Market this weekend come by my booth - 804, if not I will be posting on my Valori Wells Designs facebook page and Instagram @valoriwells.

Have a great weekend!

XO

Valori

Portland Market....

Back from market and finally feeling like I have caught up....well, at least on the market stuff now onto the next deadlines. I am reminded that I don't like to be bored so new projects are always good. Keeps the creative juices flowing.

Before the new projects how about some photos from my booth at market?! WISH!

I love a corner booth...it is open and very inviting...

I wrapped twigs with Wish fabric and hung little wish birds and the lyrics of Jena's song on the branches. The old (working) typewriter was available for folks to type their wishes...

Here is the little wish bird pattern for you to make your own birdie! Download Little Birdback

A jar of wishes from my friends at market...

I also had all the wishes from my friends and family that make up the Wishing Tree print.

The new Jillie Wrap skirt and Amelia Shawl...

My Wish chairs and knitted pillows.....

Close-up of the other pillow.... pattern to come soon!!

Trinity.....

Wish Bird....

I love my birdie vase...perfect for a peony....

Can't end without some beautiful Peony photos.... I could take photos of these flowers forever and ever and ever!!!!

Thanks to all the great peeps that visited me at market! Makes me feel great to see all the wonderful smiles and get all of the great hugs!

Have a great day!!!

XO

Valori

 

Wish Patterns...

Happy Saturday....

We have a huge lacrosse tournament in town this weekend and my oldest has two games today. It is amazing to me that she is 7 and we are already this busy with sports....can't imagine what is going to happen when all three are in sports. Before I head out I thought I would share some Wish projects...

When I have  new collection of fabric released I always make patterns - sewing cards or clothing - to give you ideas on ways to use the fabric. One of the most important things is that what I create can also be translated into other fabrics.... making the pattern useful for shops and customers alike for a longer period of time than just the life of the fabric. It is sad that a fabrics lifespan on average is 6 to 9 months. There are times that if it is really popular it will last a year.

Several years ago when I introduced my Wrenly collection I made a twin size quilt out of the voile called Betsy. It uses big pieces of fabrics that in turn make a quick quilt to piece. I thought it was a perfect "off to college quilt" and out of voile it is so soft and cuddly. I re-created Betsy out of Wish voile...

The original...

Wish version....

One of the other patterns that I recreated was the Lanie Dress....LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress. Originally I made it out of Novella rayon...which flows beautifuly.

For Wish I made it out of the Knit...talk about comfortable...

The knit is so amazing to work with I had to take the two Girlfriend patterns that I had done out of Karavan knit and make them out of Wish....

The Original Sondy...

The New Sondy...

The Original Isabelle....

The new Isabelle...

Since Wish is such a special collection to me and it connects me to my favorite people I had to make Wish Birds for my booth and for my friends....

I do love re-creating patterns but I also have lots of ideas for new patterns....

I did four new patterns for this season. First is the Jillie wrap skirt...

This skirt is so quick and easy to make and is very flattering. I LOVE maxi skirts and dresses so this skirt is long. I have made it out of knit, voile and rayon. They all have different qualities of drape and coziness.

The next is the Amelia Shawl...

This awesome shawl is a big rectangle that has buttons along both edges to create sleeves....I love to knit so I included a knit version in the pattern. When the Amelia Shawl is made out of the voile it is the perfect summer cover up.

Pockets of Wishes is a small wall hanging created with pockets for "wishes" or dreams, kids drawings, etc.

All of the pieces are top stitched onto a background rather than pieced.

The last pattern is my favorite by far....Trinity spent a lot if time in my head before I was able to create what I saw. I just love how the variety of creams and whites in the background create a great texture as well as the different substrates that I used; linen, cotton and embossed fabrics.

This card is not a beginner sewing card it is more of an intermediate technique card. I show you how to make the strips and cut them into triangles free form so your quit will be your own not exactly like mine.  I enjoyed it so much I am going to be doing more of these technique cards to go with the beginner cards.

I am being called to head to the lacrosse game.... Have a great day! More Wish projects and inspiration to come....

XO

Valori

Novella Indigo...

AAAHHH Monday! I love my Monday's...I tend to spend the day in the studio working on the latest obsession.

But alas....I must share my Indigo palette with you. The photo shoot that we did with Indigo was my Favorite. My assistant and I planned a dinner party late in the summer with all of our peeps. I knew I had to use my peeps others may not wear the clothes I ask to match the palette. The entire party was based around Indigo and the colors. I planned the food to match, and cooked it all.... I love cooking! Especially for friends.

We sent out invitations to the party indicating what they would wear. Then all they had to do was arrive be willing to let me take their pics and enjoy a lovely dinner.

But first the fabric....

this is in cotton sateen

this is in cotton sateen... yummy!!

Rayon...

Rayon...

Cotton Sateen and cotton

I have to warn you I have a lot of photos from the Indigo Nights Dinner Party.....it was just so fun. I can't tell you how exciting it was to pull it off. There are times when you have ideas that really are not going to work. This one did and it was perfect!!!! 

This pic was done by my lovely assistant, Sondy! She is getting good at catching a moment. So proud!!

Didn't really have any Indigo food but all of the accent colors were perfect for cooking!

Wine infused pear over peaches with a little marscapone cheese....all I have to say is OMG YUMMY!!

Without planning it we had a full moon! It was a beautiful night!

In the cool of the evening the girls ended up cuddled in Novella quilts. Made my heart fill with love and gratitude for these amazing people in my life.

Novella Indigo free pattern.... Download NovellaFreePattern-web

Finnelopy sewing card....

Tomorrow....Booth shots....I love how my booth turned out and am excited to show you. If you happen to be local...we are going to put the booth up in the  shop after our annual PJ sale on Saturday. The crate should be arriving on Wednesday.

Have a great day!!

XO

Valori

 

Novella Spice...

Happy Sunday! Today I am going to introduce you to Novella Spice.... A Marketplace full of Indulgence.

This was a fun photo shoot with two of my closest friends. They are such good sports helping me by modeling and dealing with my ideas...

But first what we all love THE FABRIC....

Finnelopy... Spice

Heart de flur..... Gypsy

Peony... Gypsy

Peony... Scarlet

 

Peony...StoneScarlet this is in rayon. Makes a beautiful dress or skirt....

Rain... Cinnamon

Rain... Gypsy

Rain....Raspberry in Rayon....

Zigzag....Gypsy

Novella Spice photo shoot was based at our local farmers market. Late summer when it is packed with yummy goods....

Some of my favorite shots from the day with my girls...

Sondy's dad has this amazing Ford that was eggplant - I mean of all colors...it was meant to be photographed with Novella Spice quilt...

Finnelopy quilt in Spice.

Novella free pattern in Spice..... Download NovellaFreePattern-web

Tomorrow.... Indigo...

Have a great Sunday!!

XO

Valori

Hello Novella....

College game day....the Oregon Ducks are playing at 4p.m. we are gathering to watch the game at my parents. Ross is out showing houses and the kids and I are in the studio....a great Saturday!

While the monsters are occupied I thought I would introduce you to Novella. My newest collection of fabric that I am truly in LOVE with. Novella has three color palettes with some pieces that cross over to other palettes.

The introduction will start with Driftwood.....Where Earth Meets Elegance...

This is Finnelopy....in aqua

in Curry...this print is cotton sateen. Cotton sateen is a heavier weight than quilting cotton but not as heavy as a traditional home decorator fabric.

Heart de flur.....charcoal

Heart de flur.....Gypsy

Peony.... Aquastone...this fabric is a yummy rayon. Like butter to sew with, I think it is my new favorite substrate.

Peony... Gold...this comes in the cotton sateen and rayon.

Peony... Gypsy

Rain...Aqua...this comes in cotton and rayon.

Rain...Gypsy

ZigZag.. aqua

Zigzag... Stone....this comes in the cotton sateen.

For the photo shoot of this color story I had a beautiful couple that is truly in love and I took them to a lake... Here are some of my FAVS from the shoot...

I have this vision of creating an canopy over a boat with a quilt....this is a start but my quilt was not big enough or my boat was too big. Someday I am going to get it to work.....

And now for some quilts...

This is a new Sewing Card called Finnelopy...

The Novella quilt is a free pattern... Download NovellaFreePattern-web

I created Annie several years ago...I felt it would make a great sewing card.

The Greenwich bag is so easy and versitale....fits all my needs - sketchbook, pens, camera, wallet, phone, and all those other random things the get in your purse.

My favroite picture of Lanie and Jordan...they were amazing!

I am being beckoned to play legos and barbies.....Have a great day!

XO

Valori