Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Lori Holt

All those days up at Rae Ann's cabin, I had the privilege of sitting next to Lori (Bee In My Bonnet) as we sewed away.

I don't even know where to begin to explain all the wonderful traits and abilities of this amazing woman.
Focused. Organized. Lori brought 5 projects to work on up to the cabin and yes, completed all 5.
I stand in awe.

Hilarious.
And can this girl sing! At night as we were doing the dishes after dinner, Lori and Rae Ann would grab a spoon and DO WAH the most entertaining melodies, complete with choreographed moves.

I think they should to take their show on the road.

Even Susann got in on the action!
I laughed so hard I had tears running down my cheeks.
It was wonderful to sit next to Lori as a designer and learn how she started her career, where she gains her inspiration and what is coming up next.
For this retreat she focused on pulling from her stash.

This quilt was made from snippets and turnovers.
You can read more details on Lori's blog HERE.

A new pattern will be coming out soon. I can't show you any more than this, so make sure to follow Lori's posts.

Lori also have us a tutorial on Dresden plates.
Lori loves vintage. These fabrics were pulled from the new Flower Sugar line by Lucien.

One of Lori's organizational tips is to use a design board by her machine. As she makes a block, the parts are assembled right then and there. The design board can be easily transported to the ironing board when needed.
*Lori makes her design boards in various sizes. They are made with a piece of foam core as base, with batting on top. (She uses warm and natural that has been hot-glued around the edges).

Part of another new pattern soon to be released.

Lori participated in a charm square swap, where she received 400 squares.
She cut 800 corners, and chain stitched an assembly line for hours and hours.
But, before we headed home, she had a completed quilt.
One of the fun things was this gave us time to share stories of our family and growing up years.
Lori was raised in the farming community of Herriman and is one of 10 children. Their family is very close, and they still spend most of their free time with their parents, grandparents and siblings.

Lori, it was a delight to be able to spend so much time together and to learn from you.
You are truly the dearest of friends.

14 comments:

Darlene said...

I'm in constant awe of Lori's talent. I'd love to be her next door neighbor - better yet it would be fun to just sit in a corner of her sewing room and just watch her sew and design. :-)

Jan Marie said...

awesome is definately the word.

Linda said...

This is my first time to your blog and I really enjoyed your posts. It looks like a wonderful retreat. I am new to quilting and blogging and I am amazed at how many talented ladies there are out there. Thanks for sharing!!

Carol said...

Lori is just amazing...I think I'll try to sneak in to your next retreat...I'll be very quiet and very good...I promise. OMG you are all so lucky to be such a wonderful group of friends!!!!!!!!!!

Rae Ann said...

Nedra ~ You are so right about Lori! I just love her and all that she is. She NEVER ceases to amaze me with all of her talent. I could be around her 24/7 and never tire of listening to her stories. We are so blessed to have her as our dear friend... for sure!
You're not so bad yourself! Hugs~

Material Girls said...

She is so amazing!! Every time she starts a new project, it becomes my new obsession! Looks like you guys had a blast!
Nadine

Dawn said...

There is nothing like fun, food and friends to sew with. Looks like a you had a fabulous time.

Nat Palaskas said...

Lori sounds like an Anget with thousand wings. I would have love to be there! Glad you had a great time and thanks for sharing - Hugs Nat

AnnieO said...

That was a nice introduction to a lovely woman and quilter. Will there be video of the singing and dancing maybe? LOL

Lori Holt said...

Hi Nedra...
You are just so sweet. A girl is only as good as those she is surrounded by and I am surrounded by wonderful friends like you. It was so much fun being together again at retreat!
We will plan another one soon...
x
lori

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Oh my Nedra, this is the perfect place for a retreat. Rae Ann's cabin is beautiful and you girls look like you had a blast. I have admired Lori's talent since I found her online, her work is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing and I'll be back to see it all.

Cardygirl said...

Thankyou for sharing a snapshot of the very clever Lori!

Mel said...

FUN. FUN. FUN.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nanette Merrill said...

I'm not jealous really. I am happy you girls got together. I'm glad for you. I'll have a turn. I was glad Lori texted me and it made me feel a little part. Then having everyone run into my sister made me feel like I had more of a part. I'm so glad you got great projects worked on. Lori inspires me too.